Scott County: Investing in Our Community

Scott City and Scott County have a history of being focused on progress. Founded by a woman in 1886, they are a community that gets things done. For example, they have been working aggressively to expand housing opportunities to accommodate the needs of current and new residents. “We are willing to invest in ourselves so that when a business or family wants to come here, they can do so because we have done more to make it possible.  It takes time to understand why Scott City does things so well, but it’s because we don’t like mediocrity at all. We may not always achieve #1 status, but because we shoot for the top, we often achieve superior results” said Katie Eisenhour, Executive Director of The Scott County Development Committee, Inc.

Investing in Our Community

The people of Scott County take an active approach to community investments. Eisenhour said, “The mindset of the community was, and is yet today: How can we expect others to make an investment in Scott City if we don’t invest in our beloved community first?” This philosophy has led to the creation of a $24 million state-of-the-art hospital in 2012, now the area’s largest employer. Through the support of an active community foundation and generous community members, they have also built a new field-house at the football field, expanded the local library, created a Veteran’s Memorial park, and built the best flight training and educational center between Kansas City and Denver, where small-plane pilots can train, and youth can be educated. The public and private capital investment of $92 million in recent years is extraordinary for a town Scott City’s size.

All-America City

Scott City is one of two communities in Western Kansas that has earned the prestigious honor of being named an “All-America City”. This is evident in the small-town, friendly atmosphere you encounter when enjoying a fabulous meal in a local restaurant, purchasing gifts in town, or watching a Friday night football game. The whole town turned out to watch the girls’ basketball team play at state. Living in an All-America City is like stepping back in time when neighbors knew each other, and the community would come together to meet a need. This philosophy is alive and well today in Scott City.

Reasons People Move to Scott County

With beautiful wide-open spaces, Scott County is an excellent place to live, work, and raise a family. A low-cost of living combined with a high-quality of life make this an ideal destination for young people, families and retirees. Some of the additional benefits of living here are –

• #2 in agriculture production in the state and #32 in the Nation
• Growing economy causes good companies to consistently have unfilled positions for incoming residents
• Student loan debt forgiveness program that pays up to $15,000 in student loans for those living in Scott County
• Highly accredited schools
• Excellent healthcare system
• Close proximity to Historic Lake Scott State Park and Garden City

We embrace our cultural differences and provide opportunity for those who possess the entrepreneurial spark to engage in a new venture.

Business Assistance

The Scott County Development Committee, Inc. (SCDC), led by Executive Director Katie Eisenhour, is here to help local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the community as a whole to grow. You can contact Katie with questions or if you have a business challenge that you need to overcome. There are specific programs designed to help with business growth and development, such as Neighborhood Revitalization and tax incentives along with loan programs offered through the SCDC and community banks. This makes it possible for businesses to obtain the funding they need which may be unavailable through traditional means.

Thriving and Growing

Scott County has experienced steady and continuous growth as demonstrated by the increased housing demand year over year. New businesses including Best Western, ShopKo Hometown, and Love’s Travel Stop have come to town along with new residents working in the healthcare system, and entrepreneurs creating new businesses like Tate’s restaurant. They keep coming because Scott County offers a high quality of life and support from local organizations like SCDC.

For more information on Scott County, business incentives, or relocating here, contact Katie Eisenhour of the SCDC at 620-872-3525 Ext. 2.