
Celebrate Kansas Day on January 29 with the Montgomery County Economic Outlook Event
January 13, 2025
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 29, for the annual Montgomery County Economic Outlook Event. Celebrate Kansas Day at the Coffeyville Community College Spencer Rounds Theatre from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. with a lively discussion about the local economy, projects on the horizon, and the future of our workforce. Any business professionals who are interested in the future of Montgomery County, as well as community members who want to see this region grow, are welcome to attend.
“We schedule this event for Kansas Day because we are so passionate about living here,” says Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC). “The event is an opportunity to discuss how Montgomery County is changing for the better and brainstorm solutions to any current challenges.”
Participants are asked to register in advance online. A light breakfast will be provided.
Take a State, Regional, and Local Look at the Economy
The County Economic Outlook is led by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR). After the opening remarks, the event will be divided into three parts: a state and regional update, a local update, and a panel discussion. This year's panel is Society in Balance: Navigating the Intersection of Labor, Well-being, and Economic Challenges of Households.
The two-hour event is designed to maximize the value provided to business owners who are concerned about economic trends affecting their organizations.
“While MCAC frequently updates its members on local changes and opportunities, regional and state trends can also have an impact on their operations,” says Johnson. “This event is designed to foster open conversations about pain points and economic futures.”

Get to Know the Speakers and Panelists
The local update will be led by MCAC’s own Melissa Johnson, who has lived in Montgomery County for 14 years. Johnson has more than 20 years of experience in workforce development, education, and sales. As the executive director of MCAC, her job is to carefully follow local economic trends and create opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Craig Compton, Research Economist at the CEDBR, will lead the regional and state discussions. He is a Wichita-area native who earned his B.S. in Economics from Oklahoma State University. He has been working with the Center for two years, facilitating various projects, including economic impact analysis, market research, and data reporting. As project manager for the Center, he serves as a point of contact for stakeholders as they engage CEDBR as a key resource for their missions.
Johnson and Compton will then be joined by three panelists who are eager to share their expertise with attendees. CEDBR is happy to welcome them to the stage.
- Bettina Sparkes is the manager of Justice-Involved Programs for the Kansas Department of Commerce. She serves as the liaison between her agency and the Kansas Department of Corrections to increase opportunities for individuals involved in the justice system to return to work in sustainable living-wage jobs.
- Steve Denny is the Deputy Director at Four County Mental Health. He has worked professionally in the field of behavioral health since 2002 and has supervised special projects serving targeted populations in geriatric mental health, early childhood mental health services, and at-risk dual diagnosis populations.
- Jim Jenkins is the Director of Operations and Business Services at Southeast KANSASWORKS. Jenkins has a passion for connecting businesses with the skilled workforce they need to thrive through workforce training programs, recruitment initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
Each of these panelists brings unique backgrounds and career experience to the discussion on the well-being of Montgomery County households. Attendees will be able to ask questions in between each of the presentations and speak to the presenters directly after the event.
Reserve Your Tickets Today
Individuals can attend the Montgomery County Economic Outlook Event for $56.50 (which includes service fees) and CEDBR members can attend for $41.50. There is also a special student price of $26.50. Prices will increase after January 20, so reserve your spot early and save. Buying your tickets early can also help the event planners get an accurate headcount ahead of time.