News Archive

Kansas Tourism has announced that applications for the Attraction Development Grants program will open August 17. The program is designed to provide funding support for the development of new tourism attractions or the enhancement of existing attractions that encourage travel to and throughout Kansas. A total of $1 million will...Continue Reading

What could be simpler than water? Or more complex? For many industrial and advanced manufacturing projects, water is becoming a first-tier site selection variable alongside power, labor, and transportation infrastructure. Evaluating a site’s water readiness now goes beyond asking whether water service exists. Corporate users increasingly need to understand available...Continue Reading

Signed into law last month by President Trump, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act aims to cut away some of the red tape currently driving the shortage of affordable homes in the U.S. In a new report, Realtor.com took a look at how some of those changes are poised...Continue Reading

There is a housing shortage across the United States, with an estimated deficit of 4.7 million homes. This crunch is felt in major metropolitan areas and rural communities alike, but the cities that comprise Montgomery County, Kansas, are taking action. Each municipality is taking steps to increase housing inventory through...Continue Reading

I remember the exact moment I knew something had to change. I was answering emails at midnight, physically present but mentally checked out, running on caffeine and the vague promise of a weekend that never felt restful. I wasn’t alone.According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report, declining engagement...Continue Reading

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship today announced the recipients of the 2026 Kansas Apprenticeship Awards, recognizing the outstanding leaders, organizations and programs that are driving innovation and expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across the state.“Our apprenticeship partners have played a tremendous role growing our workforce over the last several years,”...Continue Reading

As the retail real estate industry enters 2026, one conclusion is no longer debatable: reports of brick-and-mortar retail’s demise were not only premature—they were fundamentally wrong. Physical retail has not vanished; it has recalibrated. Today’s retail market is leaner, more data-driven, and far more selective about where and how it...Continue Reading

SBDC April Highlight: MPAC Aviation ServicesFounded in 2018, MPAC Aviation Services is a locally owned aviation business based in Independence, Kansas, specializing in engine accessory overhaul management for turbine aircraft. Serving customers across the aviation industry—including corporate, agricultural, public-use, and military sectors—MPAC helps clients navigate the complex and costly process of...Continue Reading

At Strengthening America’s Economy through Rural Investment: A Working Forum, Washington, D.C. with Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr.It is great to be here with you today.1 During my career, I've had the opportunity to work on issues affecting rural communities, especially access to capital. My time at the Federal...Continue Reading

Shovel-ready. Development-ready. Certified. Investment-ready. The vocabulary of site readiness has expanded even as its meaning has remained stubbornly contested. Ask a company executive, a construction manager, a lender, or a state economic development official what “site readiness” means, and you’ll get a different answer from each. The one thing they...Continue Reading

Small Business Highlight: El Charro of Coffeyville, KSSince opening its doors in 2011, El Charro has been serving the Coffeyville community with authentic flavors and a strong commitment to customer care. Owned by Salvador Bermudez, this locally loved restaurant has grown into more than just a place to eat—it’s a...Continue Reading

There are many opportunities for residents and employers in Montgomery County to get involved in workforce development by identifying upskilling opportunities and exploring new ideas. There are a few upcoming events that make it easy to connect with professional groups in the community while investing in Montgomery County in the...Continue Reading

There’s plenty to do in Montgomery County, Kansas, throughout the year, from exploring its race tracks to visiting local zoos. However, March is a particularly fun time in the region, with each town celebrating Spring with events, festivals, and other activities.“One of the benefits of living in a rural community...Continue Reading

Nordic Turbine Services of Independence, KSSince launching in November 2020 and transitioning to full-time operations in February 2023, Nordic Turbine Service has steadily built its presence at 3848 West Main as a specialized jet engine overhaul facility serving the aviation industry. Founded by Daniel Thorenson under Thorenson Enterprise LLC, the company...Continue Reading

The City of Coffeyville is actively investing in economic development by offering two certified sites to potential businesses. While communities across Kansas (and the entire United States) have land parcels for sale, certified sites demonstrate that specific properties are ready for development. Certification makes these parcels a low-risk choice, increasing...Continue Reading

You're in a meeting about childcare.Not business attraction, not incentives, not site selection. Childcare. Three employers told you the same thing last quarter: they can't fill the second shift because parents can't find care after 6:00 p.m. So now you're at a table with the United Way, a hospital HR...Continue Reading

For nearly 40 years, American migration patterns centered around people moving from rural communities to major metropolitan areas. Since 1980, 80% of the country’s growth in the under-45 population has been found in cities with more than a million residents.Then a global pandemic happened, and this decades-long migration pattern was...Continue Reading