wKREDA News

The Biggest Economic Engine You Haven't Heard of

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

The Grain Belt Express transmission line, an approximately 800-mile high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line being developed by Invenergy Transmission, was announced on September 30th by Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary for Business Development Bill Murphy and Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Invenergy Kris Zadlo. It will deliver up to 4,000 megawatts (MW) of low-cost, homegrown clean energy from western Kansas to millions of Americans in the Midwest and other regions. “Kansas is uniquely positioned to be a regional and national leader in the development and expansion of clean and renewable energy,” said Governo...

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Receives National Recognition for Wind Energy Production, Capacity

Monday, January 11, 2021

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that the state of Kansas has once again been recognized as a national leader in wind energy, with Business Facilities Magazine noting lofty rankings for Kansas when compared to all other states, and awarding an Honorable Mention to the Grain Belt Express project in the magazine’s Deal of the Year competition. According to Business Facilities’ 2020 State Rankings, Kansas was: 1. No. 1 in percentage of energy generated by wind 2. No. 4 in Aerospace 3. No. 4 in installed wind power capacity “I’m pleased that these national accolades have confirmed what Kansans have known to be true – our stat...

Year in Review: Despite Pandemic, Kelly Administration Reaches Historic Accomplishments

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

TOPEKA – As 2020 ends, the Kelly Administration highlights progress made in Kansas despite unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we enter 2021, it’s important that we do not let the events of the last year be exclusively defined by hardship,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Due to good public policymaking and fiscally responsible decisions my administration has made from day one, our state has been able to weather the worst of COVID and protect the foundation that will keep Kansas on the path forward.” Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced 2020 is officially the most successful year for new capital investment i...

E2 In-Depth: Is Your Community A Jedi Hometown?

Monday, December 21, 2020

The United States has grown and developed in large part by waves of new residents bringing their histories, values, customs, foods, religions, and so much more. While America has been a land of opportunity for new residents, each new wave has challenged the status quo creating ugly chapters in our history with discrimination, racism, and violence. At e2 we believe that diversity is an asset both culturally and economically. In this paper we explore what diversity means in growing an entrepreneurial economy and community. Read full article.

Poels Honored With NREDA President’s Award

Monday, December 21, 2020

Kansas City, Missouri – Nick Poels, received the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) President’s Award for outstanding support and commitment to rural economic development. The NREDA President’s Award recognizes outstanding service to NREDA board, members and mission. “Nick’s efforts on the Sponsorship Committee as well as his support for me makes him the most deserving of this award” stated Nikki Pfannenstiel, NREDA president. “This year’s Annual Conference would not have been the success that it was without Nick’s help.” Pfannenstiel presented the award at the association’s 2020 NREDA Annual Conference with more than 130 members in attendance. Read full article.

City approves housing developments, infrastructure

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Dodge City Commissioners approved a Rural Housing Incentive District ordinance for housing development with Volz Builders LLC, which will provide 39 single-family residences with a market value of no less than $180,000. The housing development, Candletree No. 6, is located near the southwest corner of the subdivision at the Gary Avenue and Vail Street intersection in Dodge City. "Back in April we had the public hearing and you approved this development plan," housing district coordinator Mollea Wainscott said. "We have built over 400 units with the RHID. We update the housing assessment every three years. The last one we had showed ...

Hays Community Theatre back in action for Christmas

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Hays Community Theatre director Cheryl Glassman earlier this fall was asked to assemble a local ensemble to perform a song for a virtual Christmas variety show out of New York City. Glassman’s instinctive reply reflected the universal desire for relief from COVID-19 and everything else that’s happened this year. “We need a little Christmas,” Glassman on Tuesday evening recalled saying. “I did, I actually said that.” Coincidentally, the annual New York-based show this year is titled “We Need A Little Christmas.” Produced by the musical theater production company HiGlass Productions, it will showcase talent across the country in more than 20 pre-recorded songs...

Women Managing the Farm conference slated for February

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Organizers of the annual Women Managing the Farm conference announced Dec. 4 that the 2021 event will be held virtually from Feb. 10-12. Organizers said the virtual format is like many other events that have been altered by the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite that, the event will continue to offer a supportive setting for women to develop the skills, resources and knowledge needed for success in the competitive agricultural industry. Women Managing the Farm has been held each year since 2005, attracting female farmers, rural business leaders and landowners. About 300 women attended the most recent in-person conference in early 2020. Rea...

Hemp takes one step closer to commercial growth in Kansas

Monday, December 07, 2020

The state conducted a public hearing for allowing industrial hemp to be grown commercially in Kansas. Last year, the crop was grown for research purposes. Unless there are substantial objections to the proposed plan, the ruling should go into effect on or near Jan. 1, 2021. This would mean farmers in Kansas can grow commercial industrial hemp starting next year. Due to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act, and because the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act passed in Kansas in 2019, the Kansas Department of Agriculture is proposing rules and regulations K.A.R. 4-34-2...

Governor Laura Kelly Introduces Program to Provide Broadband Access to Rural and Underserved Communities

Monday, November 30, 2020

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced the introduction of the new Broadband Acceleration Grant Program to expand broadband access to rural and underserved communities across the state. This year marks the first time in Kansas history that there has been a concerted, statewide, bipartisan effort to fund increased broadband access. Over the next ten years, the program seeks to invest $85 million toward bridging the digital divide in Kansas thanks to broadband modernization funding provided through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). As the result of swift legislative action, $5 million will be available annually over the next thre...

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Three New Openings in Program to Revitalize Downtown Corridors, Strengthen Economic Development

Monday, November 23, 2020

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Main Street program will be accepting applications for up to three new communities in the state interested in joining. The Main Street program – designed to develop and strengthen downtown corridors – has been a proven success for rural communities throughout the state. “My administration re-implemented Main Street in 2019 because we are committed to providing Kansas communities with the tools and resources they need to prosper,” Governor Kelly said. “Through the program, businesses can access essential technical services, networking, and other training opportunities that will assist their efforts to recruit and retain businesses, an...

Network Kansas Sponsors 2020-2021 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Series

Monday, November 23, 2020

Wichita, KS – NetWork Kansas’ Entrepreneurship (E-) Community Partnership announces the 2020-2021 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series. The YEC Series consists of local-level youth entrepreneurship competitions hosted by volunteers. The goal of the competition is to expose Kansas middle school and high school students to entrepreneurship. Forty-eight local events in Kansas cities and counties will culminate in a state championship hosted by Kansas State University, date TBD. “YEC has been a great program for our kids in Northwest Kansas. I see kids who normally don't enjoy school actually get excited about developing and presenting their own business! All of a sudden, writing...

Garden City keeps moving forward

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

2020 was nothing like anyone imagined it would be due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it didn’t stop life from continuing in Garden City. This was the takeaway from Garden City Mayor Troy Unruh’s State of the City Address at the October Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast Wednesday. Unruh said 2020 was not the year anyone expected and was full of uncertainty, but it did teach that “we are better together when we work together.” The city pulled together with the Finney County Commission and the Finney County Health Department and they were able to work together to keep everything running...

Gov. Laura Kelly signals new wave of broadband development in Kansas

Thursday, October 08, 2020

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly elevated the administration’s commitment to improving access to quality internet service in Kansas by establishing Thursday an office of broadband development in the state Department of Commerce. “Achieving universal broadband coverage will make communities more competitive economically, make them healthier and improve educational access,” Kelly said. “If we are serious about competing in today’s global economy and recruiting the best talent to come to our state and keeping our children where they grew up, then we must do everything in our power to end the digital divide.” The Democratic governor appointed Stanley Adams as director of broadban...

Gov. Kelly announces project to expand sustainable energy across Kansas, creating hundreds of jobs

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – Governor Laura Kelly announced a new project to expand sustainable energy across Kansas. Kelly was joined by Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers, Deputy Secretary Bill Murphy and Kris Zadlo of Invenergy. The new project with Invenergy, called the Grain Belt Express, will send electricity 800 miles across Kansas through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. It will create up to 22,525 jobs during construction and 968 permanent jobs. Read full article.

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nearly 1,000 Permanent Jobs and $8 billion of Total Investment to Kansas

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Governor Laura Kelly today joined Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary for Business Development Bill Murphy and Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Invenergy Kris Zadlo to announce Inevergy’s new Grain Belt Express transmission line. “Kansas is uniquely positioned to be a regional and national leader in the development and expansion of clean and renewable energy,” Governor Kelly said. “The Grain Belt Express will be instrumental in helping to power Kansas and other states, and will bring nearly 1,000 jobs and billions in economic investment and energy savings to our state. My administration is committed to rebuilding our foundation and supporting ke...

Governor Laura Kelly Applauds Department of Commerce State Trade Expansion Program Grant Award

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly applauded the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on its announcement of a $127,400 award being presented to the Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Division through SBA’s competitive State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). “International business is a major economic driver for Kansas, and the work done by the Department of Commerce has created a significant advantage for our state in markets across the world,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m very pleased that the Small Business Administration has awarded our state this grant, which will support our ongoing efforts to recruit new businesses and bring good paying jobs to Kansas.” Rea...

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Personal Protective Equipment Program for Kansas Businesses

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) has launched a new Business PPE Stopgap program, which provides personal protective equipment (PPE) to businesses experiencing delays in purchased equipment. “Businesses in our state have experienced immense challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and they need our support,” Governor Kelly said. “By making sure Kansas business owners have access to the necessary protective equipment when they need it, they can not only protect their employees and customers but also make sure they can stay open for business.” Read full article.

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Community Development Block Grant Recipients

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that three Kansas cities will receive Community Development Block Grants from the Department of Commerce to assist with commercial redevelopment efforts. Clay Center, Eudora and Lincoln each will receive $250,000 in CDBG funds for redevelopment projects, with each city providing matching funds of $88,000, $87,400 and $125,714, respectively. Read full article.

Governor Laura Kelly Celebrates Third KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly celebrated the success of this year’s third KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair, which involved 189 employers and 1,182 jobseekers. “COVID-19 has presented major challenges for workforce services in our state, but we must continue to do all we can to help people find employment opportunities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These virtual fairs are a great system to connect employers and jobseekers across the state so that we can get Kansas back to work, safely.” Read full article.