Kansas communities will share more than $13 million in Community Development Block Grant funding

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that 49 Kansas communities will share a total of $13,049,583 in federal grants for residential handicapped accessibility modifications, micro-loans, park and sidewalk improvements, and the construction of st...Read on...

Community Service Tax Credit Program awards announced

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that 23 nonprofit organizations will share $4.13 million in tax credits under the Kansas Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP). Since 1994, CSP has helped nonprofit organizations undertake major capit...Read on...

Cereal Ingredients announces expansion in Leavenworth

Cereal Ingredients Inc. has announced that it will expand its manufacturing operations in Leavenworth. The company plans to add at least 32 new jobs and invest $12 million in a major expansion of its facilities at the Gary Carlson Business Park.

The Le...Read on...

2015 Business Appreciation Month winners announced

The Kansas Department of Commerce has named 23 Regional Business Excellence Award winners and 52 Merit Award winners as part of Business Appreciation Month, the Department’s annual celebration of Kansas businesses and their contributions to their communit...Read on...

Registration opens for the Rural Opportunities Conference

Registration is now open for the Rural Opportunities Conference, which will be held April 14-15 in Newton. The deadline to register to attend the conference is April 6.

WHAT: The Rural Opportunities Conference will highlight rural business and communit...Read on...

$4 million awarded to 15 Kansas cities and counties for community improvement projects

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that 15 Kansas communities will share a total of $3,984,134 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The grants will support community improvement projects.

“CDBG fu...Read on...

Gates Corporation announces expansion of Iola facility

Gates Corporation, a global, diversified manufacturer of industrial and automotive products, has announced that it will expand its Iola manufacturing facility to accommodate a new line of oil and gas hose products. The 82,000 square foot expansion will in...Read on...

Business Appreciation Month Awards nominations now open

Nominations for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2015 Business Appreciation Month awards are now open. The awards recognize successful Kansas companies that create jobs, support their local communities and enhance the quality of life in Kansas.

Regi...Read on...

Housing rehabilitation grants awarded to two Kansas communities

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that two Kansas communities will share $599,996 in federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for housing rehabilitation. These housing grants will rehabilitate 17 propertie...Read on...

Community Development Block Grants awarded to 12 Kansas communities for water and sewer projects

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that 12 Kansas communities will share a total of $5,638,901 in federal grants for water and sewer projects through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“We are excited to announce the awa...Read on...

Commerce announces more than $550,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that three communities have received grants through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The funds, which total $554,649, have been awarded under the commercial rehabilitation category of ...Read on...

Simmons Pet Food announces expansion in Emporia

Simmons Pet Food Inc. has announced that it will expand its Emporia pet food processing complex and have a new canning line operating in the fourth quarter of 2014. The expansion will initially create more than 50 new jobs, with the possibility of reachin...Read on...

Florence Manufacturing announces $7 million capital investment

Florence Manufacturing Company, a division of Gibraltar Industries, has announced a $7 million capital investment and plans to create more than 100 new jobs in Manhattan. The company will expand its production capabilities and add capacity to support sign...Read on...

Commerce announces nearly $900,000 in KAN STEP grants

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that three communities have received grants through the Kansas Small Towns Environment Program (KAN STEP). The funds, which total $899,992, will be used in conjunction with volunteer labor and donated equi...Read on...

Tallgrass announces new $5 million brewing facility in Manhattan

Tallgrass Brewing Company will acquire an existing 60,000 square foot building in Manhattan and convert it into a brewery, tripling the company’s brewing capacity. Tallgrass expects to begin production at the new location in late 2014. At full capacity th...Read on...

Registration for Rural Opportunities Conference closes April 2

Less than one week remains to register to attend the Rural Opportunities Conference, which will be held April 9-10 in Dodge City. The registration deadline for the conference is April 2.

WHAT: The Rural Opportunities Conference will highlight rural bus...Read on...

Midwest Cabinet Company receives Kansas Industrial Retraining funds

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that Midwest Cabinet Company, a Franklin County and Neosho County manufacturing company, has received $36,720 in Kansas Industrial Retraining program funds for the implementation of a modern enterprise resou...Read on...

Business Appreciation Month Awards nominations due March 21

The Kansas Department of Commerce will continue to accept nominations for the 20th annual Business Appreciation Month awards through March 21. The awards recognize successful Kansas companies that create jobs, support their local communities and enhance t...Read on...

Rural Opportunity Zones employer sponsorship applications online

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that applications for the Rural Opportunity Zones employer sponsorship program can now be filed online. The Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ) program allows qualified new residents of designated counties to rece...Read on...

Business Appreciation Month award nominations now open

Nominations for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 20th annual Business Appreciation Month awards are now open. The awards recognize successful Kansas companies that create jobs, support their local communities and enhance the quality of life in Kansas. ...Read on...

Kansas communities awarded $4.4 million in federal grants

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that 10 Kansas communities will share a total of $4,484,000 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“These grants will help fund several important projects in commu...Read on...

Registration for Rural Opportunities Conference now open

Registration is now open for the Rural Opportunities Conference, which will be held April 9-10 in Dodge City. The deadline to register to attend the conference is April 2.

WHAT: The Rural Opportunities Conference will highlight rural business and commu...Read on...

Community Service Tax Credit Program awards announced

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that 28 nonprofit organizations will share $4.13 million in tax credits under the Kansas Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP). Since 1994, CSP has helped nonprofit organizations undertake major capit...Read on...

Triumph Aerospace Systems – Wichita will expand in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition (GWEDC) announced today that Triumph Aerospace Systems – Wichita, a subsidiary of Triumph Group Inc., plans to expand in Wichita, creating 100 new jobs and investing ...Read on...

B&W Trailer Hitches, Excel Industries win top BAM Honors

Gov. Sam Brownback recognized B&W Trailer Hitches of Humboldt with the Governor’s Award of Excellence and Excel Industries Inc. of Hesston with the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award at the annual Team Kansas/Kansas Cavalry Awards Banquet at the Em...Read on...

Kasa Companies announces expansion in Salina

Kasa Companies Inc. has announced plans to expand and automate the company’s paint line at Kasa Fab in Salina. The company will make a $700,000 capital investment in its facility at 304 East Avenue B and plans to add 13 new jobs over the next 10 years.
...Read on...

2013 Business Appreciation Month winners announced

The Kansas Department of Commerce has named 20 Regional Business Excellence Award winners and 79 Merit Award winners as part of Business Appreciation Month, the Department’s annual celebration of Kansas businesses and their contributions to their communit...Read on...

Minority Enterprise Development Week nominations now open

The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Minority and Women Business Development is accepting nominations for Kansas minority and/or women owned businesses, advocates, young entrepreneurs and corporations. These nominations celebrate Minority Enterpris...Read on...

Three cities receive Community Development Block Grant funds

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced this week that Beloit, Concordia and Junction City will share a total of $662,193 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for downtown commercial rehabilitation projects. The grant funds will b...Read on...

Annual Business Appreciation Month Awards nominations still open

The Kansas Department of Commerce continues to accept nominations for the annual Business Appreciation Month awards. The awards serve as a statewide tribute to businesses for their contributions to Kansas and their local communities. April 3 is the deadli...Read on...

Annual Business Appreciation Month Awards nominations now open

Nominations for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Business Appreciation Month awards are now open. The awards serve as a statewide tribute to businesses for their contributions to Kansas and their local communities.

The awards are announced ea...Read on...

CDBG funds awarded to 27 Kansas communities

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced this week that 27 Kansas communities will share a total of $9,732,596 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“We are happy to announce the awarding of these funds to s...Read on...

Shamrock Trading Corp. announces purchase of 'Shamrock Towers' in Overland Park

Shamrock Trading Corp. announces the purchase of the Glenwood Place office buildings in a transaction that closed earlier this week. Soon to be named the “Shamrock Towers,” the two buildings totaling 270,000 square feet will undergo extensive renovations ...Read on...

Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors will meet on Nov. 13

The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors will be meeting on Nov. 13 in Wichita. The focus of the agenda will be the aviation industry and ways to make the Kansas aviation sector more competitive globally.

WHEN/WHERE: 3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the...Read on...

Registration for Oil and Gas Small Business Opportunities Conference has been extended

Registration for the Kansas Oil and Gas Small Business Opportunities Conference has been extended until Nov. 19.

Gov. Sam Brownback, other state leaders and industry representatives will gather in Hutchinson on Nov. 27 to get an update on current acti...Read on...

Kansas Rural Opportunities Conference set for Nov. 7-8

The Rural Opportunities Conference, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is set for Nov. 7-8 in Junction City. This year’s conference will offer participants the opportunity to learn about the latest in broadband development, as well as discuss...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce announces 2012 Community Service Tax Credit recipients

The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $4.13 million in Community Service Tax Credits to 27 nonprofit organizations around the state.

These future Kansas income tax credits are a major fundraising tool for community organizations engaged in serv...Read on...

Oil and Gas Small Business Opportunities Conference set for Nov. 27 in Hutchinson

State leaders and industry representatives will gather in Hutchinson on Nov. 27 to discuss how Kansas small businesses can benefit from the oil and gas activity underway in the Mississippian Lime Play (MLP) in Kansas.

WHAT: The Oil and Gas Small Busine...Read on...

Epiq Systems breaks ground on expansion to KCK headquarters

Epiq Systems of Kansas City, Kan., has initiated construction on a 20,000-square-foot expansion to its 45,000- square-foot corporate headquarters office at 501 Kansas Ave., the Kansas Department of Commerce announced today. The estimated completion of the...Read on...

Software company LockPath expands operations

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Overland Park Chamber Economic Development Council announce today the expansion of LockPath, an Overland Park software company that provides governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) applications. LockPath expects to...Read on...

Commerce Department, Kansas Main Street communities cooperate to transition program to local control

The Kansas Department of Commerce announces today a plan that will transition the Kansas Main Street program to local control. The Department announced on Sept. 20 that it was ending the Main Street program at the state level because of expected smaller s...Read on...

Energy Conference promotes drive to make Kansas ‘the renewable state’

The Kansas Energy Conference, held Sept. 25-26 in Manhattan, was an opportunity for Kansas officials and leaders in the renewable energy sector to strategize on the best ways to make Kansas “the renewable state.” More than 200 participated in the day-and-...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce to host Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development will host its 28th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon at noon, Oct. 9, in the Emerald Ballroom, Capitol Plaza Hotel, 1717 Southwest Topeka Boulevard, Top...Read on...

Distribution firm Hantover moves to Overland Park

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that Hantover Inc., a distributor to the food processing and general manufacturing industries, will bring 81 jobs to Overland Park and add 39 jobs over the next five years. The company’s wholly-owned subsi...Read on...

NetWork Kansas expands Economic Gardening program

NetWork Kansas invites Kansas communities to apply for a new economic gardening program that would allow them to offer high-growth businesses in their area targeted economic gardening engagements as part of the Kansas Economic Gardening Network. The NetWo...Read on...

Kansas Energy Conference to highlight latest developments in renewable energy industry

The Kansas Energy Conference will be held Sept. 25-26 in Manhattan, with more than 400 people expected to attend. The conference highlights the latest developments in the renewable energy industry. The day-and-half event will feature three general session...Read on...

Labor, Revenue and Commerce leaders tout tax cuts, rural opportunity zones and efficiencies

Kansas’ new tax law will help small business owners of all types keep more of their money to invest in growing their businesses but it is just one component of the state’s efforts to grow the state’s economy and private sector jobs.

Tuesday and Wednes...Read on...

Gov. Brownback to visit Pittsburg firm Pitsco on Sept. 10

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will tour Pitsco Education, which won the Governor’s Exporter of the Year award earlier this summer, on Sept. 10.

Pitsco started in 1971 and exports education products related to science, technology, engineering and math to m...Read on...

Early registration for 2012 Kansas Energy Conference ends Aug. 31

Early registration for the 2012 Kansas Energy Conference will end Aug. 31. The conference will be held Sept. 25-26 in Manhattan.

WHAT: The Kansas Energy Conference, highlighting the latest developments in the renewable energy industry. The day-and-half...Read on...

Kansas Small Business Empowerment Tour ready to highlight state’s new business environment

The Kansas Small Business Empowerment Tour will take place Sept. 11 and 12 as state officials reach out to small business owners and individual Kansans about changes to the state’s business and tax environment over the past 18 months.

“There has been ...Read on...

Kansas named top 10 ‘Pro-Business State’ by Pollina Corporate

Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc. announced that Kansas has been named a top 10 “Pro-Business State” for 2012. The annual ranking is compiled by Pollina, a global real estate brokerage and consulting firm, and the American Economic Development Institute....Read on...

NetApp to nearly double Wichita employment

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition (GWEDC) announced today that NetApp, a leading provider of innovative storage and data management solutions will significantly expand its Wichita facility.

The co...Read on...

Metal Panels Inc. builds Kansas manufacturing facility, retains jobs

Metal Panels Inc., a Tulsa, Okla., based manufacturer of metal panels and trim for metal roofing, buildings and post frame construction has announced it will construct a 34,450 square foot manufacturing facility at Kaw Drive and Ruby Avenue in the West Hi...Read on...

International Paper subsidiary Xpedx relocates to Edwardsville

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that Xpedx will relocate to Edwardsville and bring 180 employees to a new facility. The Edwardsville City Council voted yesterday to approve an application for industrial revenue bonds paving the way for X...Read on...

Department of Commerce creates Kansas Minority and Women Business Directory

The Kansas Department of Commerce has started the Kansas Minority and Women Business Directory as a resource guide for purchasing agents, contractors and others involved in procurement and contracting of goods and services.

“Our intention is to encoura...Read on...

NIC Inc. will grow its workforce in Olathe

Olathe-based employer, NIC Inc., anticipates expanding its business and growing its local workforce by more than 23 jobs in 2013 with more job growth forecasted in the next five years, in line with the healthy growth trends it has experienced over the pas...Read on...

Commercial real estate firm RED Development moves to Overland Park

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that RED Development has moved to Overland Park. A full-service commercial real estate firm, RED Development will bring 18 jobs to Overland Park over the next five years. The company will locate at 7500 Co...Read on...

Alexander Open Systems will expand Overland Park headquarters

Alexander Open Systems (AOS) today announced an expansion of its corporate headquarters in Overland Park. AOS is a leading technology consultant in the Midwest.

Located in Southcreek Office Park, AOS will move into a larger 32,000-square- foot space wi...Read on...

‘Project 17’ initiative receives nearly $1 million federal grant

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that an initiative to spur investment, economic development and job growth in a 17-county region in southeast Kansas has received a $715,000 matching federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture R...Read on...

Registration opens for 2012 Kansas Energy Conference

Registration is now open for the 2012 Kansas Energy Conference, which will be held Sept. 25-26 in Manhattan.

WHAT: The Kansas Energy Conference, highlighting the latest developments in the renewable energy industry. The day-and-half conference will fea...Read on...

GE Capital Bank to begin operations in Merriam

GE Capital Bank, Member FDIC, is creating a call center in Merriam in northeast Johnson County. The call center will lease 25,000 square feet in a building occupied by a separate GE Capital business, GE Capital Retail Bank, which has been in Merriam since...Read on...

Overland Park named newest Kansas Main Street city

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today the selection of Overland Park as the newest Kansas Main Street city, bringing the total number of designated Kansas Main Street cities in the state to 25.

“I congratulate Overland Park on their selecti...Read on...

Gov. Brownback hosts second Kansas Hispanic Business Forum

More than 100 Kansas business owners from across the state joined Gov. Sam Brownback today for the second Kansas Hispanic Business Forum at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park. The Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas Hispanic and Lati...Read on...

Intellectual property litigation firm Erise IP relocates to Overland Park

Intellectual property litigation firm Erise IP announced today that it has moved its practice to Overland Park, creating 15 full-time, new positions. The firm will make a significant capital investment and lease 7,000 square feet at 6201 College Blvd.

...Read on...

Gov. Brownback, Commerce Secretary George conduct trade mission in Germany

Hamburg, Germany – Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George conducted a three day, three city tour of Germany to promote business development and investment in Kansas. While in Germany, Brownback met with representatives from sev...Read on...

National Cancer Institute designation for KU Cancer Center is remarkable achievement

On behalf of the citizens of Kansas, Gov. Sam Brownback and Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer offered their congratulations today to The University of Kansas Cancer Center and all those involved in attaining the National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation.

“What a ...Read on...

Wholesale tire distributor chooses Lawrence for newest location

Wholesale tire distributor K&M Tire Inc. is coming to Kansas. The company purchased an 81,640-square-foot warehouse at 3801 Greenway Circle in Lawrence and plans to open for business in early August.

K&M Tire will deliver passenger, light truc...Read on...

Reinke Manufacturing to expand facility in Belleville

Reinke Manufacturing Company Inc. announced today that it will expand its manufacturing facility in Belleville, Kan., more than doubling its workforce over the next 18 months.

The expanded facility will be around 20,000 square feet and will make many o...Read on...

Gov. Brownback leads Kansas delegation to Farnborough Air Show

Farnborough, England – Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback attended the Farnborough International Air Show in Farnborough, England, on Monday and Tuesday to highlight the improved business climate in Kansas, as well as the numerous initiatives to train aerospace wo...Read on...

Registration still open for second Hispanic Business Forum on July 23

The Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission (KHLAAC) and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City will sponsor the second Hispanic Business Forum on July 23 in Overland Park. This forum foll...Read on...

Data Locker expanding operations in Overland Park

Data Locker Inc. announced today that it will add 29 new jobs in Overland Park over the next five years. Data Locker, an international data security provider, is expanding at its current location in Lighton Tower at 7500 College Blvd.

Founded in 2007,...Read on...

Mortgage loan company ServiceLink expands presence in Kansas

Mortgage loan processing company ServiceLink is set to expand operations to Overland Park and will bring 130 jobs with it and make a $2.85 million capital investment.

The company, based in Coraopolis, Pa., near Pittsburgh, will lease 30,000-square-feet...Read on...

Second Hispanic Business Forum set for Overland Park on July 23

The Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission (KHLAAC) and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City will sponsor the second Hispanic Business Forum on July 23 in Overland Park. This forum foll...Read on...

Kansas awarded Silver Shovel for economic development, job creation efforts

Area Development, the leading publication covering site selection and facility planning, announced the winners of its 2012 Gold and Silver Shovel Awards, with Kansas winning a Silver Shovel. The award recognizes a significant number of high-value-added ne...Read on...

State officials celebrate McCarty Family Farms, Dannon partnership

McCarty Family Farms in Rexford, Kan., and the Dannon Co. announced on June 12 a new and unique collaboration between the companies. Milk from the McCarty Family Farms’ dairy cows will be used to make Dannon yogurts at Dannon’s Fort Worth, Texas, plant. I...Read on...

Airbus marks 10 years of growth in Wichita

Ten years ago, Airbus appeared on the Wichita aviation scene with the opening of its first U.S. engineering center in a beautiful location in the city’s Old Town section. A decade later, Airbus’ operation in Wichita has grown by more than 600 percent, an...Read on...

Commerce now accepting nominations for outstanding minority and women owned businesses

The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Minority and Women Business Development is accepting nominations for Kansas minority and/or women owned businesses, advocates and young entrepreneurs. These nominations celebrate Minority Enterprise Development ...Read on...

Regional oil and gas symposium set for June 19 in Dodge City

The Dodge City/Ford County Development Corp. will host a day-long conference on June 19 on current and future oil and gas activity in the Mississippian Lime Play (MLP), covering parts of western and south central Kansas. The region was considered tapped o...Read on...

Kansas among top 10 easiest states for starting a small business

Thumbtack.com, in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, has released new data showing that small business owners ranked Kansas among the top 10 easiest states nationwide for starting a small business. Thumbtack.com, a website that links freelancers an...Read on...

Valent Aerostructures officially opens state-of-the-art Fredonia facility

Valent Aerostructures, which manufactures and supplies complex structural components and major sub-assemblies for leading airframe manufacturers throughout various aviation industries, officially opened its 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building wi...Read on...

2012 Business Appreciation Month winners announced

The Kansas Department of Commerce has named 22 Regional Business Excellence Award winners and 97 Merit Award winners as part of Business Appreciation Month, the Department’s annual celebration of Kansas businesses and their contributions to their communit...Read on...

Gov. Brownback signs pro-growth tax legislation

Joined by small business owners, state legislators, the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, the Governor’s Cabinet and Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed one of the largest tax relief measures in Kansas history into law at the Sta...Read on...

Harveyville receives $245K Urgent Need Grant

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that Harveyville, a community of almost 300 people in Wabaunsee County, has received a $245, 747 Urgent Need Grant, which is funding available within the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
...Read on...

Rubbermaid celebrates its renewed investment in Winfield, Kan.

Federal, state and local officials were on hand today to celebrate the coming groundbreaking on Newell Rubbermaid’s $26.6 million investment and expansion to its Winfield facility.

“Today we are celebrating our investment in new jobs and new production...Read on...

Bombardier Learjet celebrates ground breaking ceremony for Wichita site expansion

Representatives from four levels of government joined Bombardier Learjet executives and other stakeholders, today, to highlight the official ground breaking ceremony marking the expansion of Wichita’s Learjet site.

“This is an exciting day for the fu...Read on...

Software company CivicPlus to expand operations in Manhattan

The Kansas Department of Commerce, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Manhattan announced today that software company CivicPlus will expand its operations and build a new facility in the downtown area. Ten-year plans call for more than 250...Read on...

Montgomery County awarded $365,000 in CDBG funds

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that Montgomery County will receive $365,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the economic development category.

The funds will be used by the county to make an equipment loan...Read on...

RedStone Logistics to start operations in Overland Park

RedStone Logistics, a third-party logistics provider specializing in logistics management services to small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide, will bring more than 100 jobs to Overland Park in the next three years and invest more than $1 million in ...Read on...

Applications for Kansas Main Street Inside Track program due by May 4

Communities interested in applying for the Kansas Main Street Inside Track program need to have applications submitted by May 4. The Kansas Main Street program helps communities improve the appearance and image of their traditional business districts usin...Read on...

Brownback: Transparent competition needed for light air support

Transparency is a must when it comes to the use of taxpayer dollars. That is why I am troubled by all of the twists and turns associated with the U.S. Air Force’s procurement competition for 20 light-support aircraft for the Afghan air force.

Top Air F...Read on...

New dairy and cheese plant to break ground in Hugoton, Kan.

Kansas Dairy Ingredients today announced its plans to build a dairy ingredient and cheese plant in Hugoton, Kan. The company will start construction on the facility next month and begin phase I operation at the middle of the fourth quarter in 2012. The f...Read on...

Cargill to open regional office in Overland Park

Four Cargill agricultural businesses spread out in the Kansas City metro area will share a common address starting in May when the company opens a regional office in Overland Park.

A total of 65 employees will be based in the office at 5200 Metcalf Ave...Read on...

Redwood Technology Solutions expands in Overland Park

Redwood Technology Solutions will expand operations to 6811 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Overland Park, where the company plans to add nearly 40 employees over the next five years. The company is a leading technology solutions provider of network management...Read on...

Teva relocates and expands to Overland Park

Teva announced on April 7 that it would relocate its headquarters and operations to Overland Park. The subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries will invest $71 million overall to build a new 154,000-square-foot facility at the corner of Nall Avenue an...Read on...

Governor, Commerce Secretary congratulate Spirit AeroSystems on new facility in Chanute, Kan.

A new a 55,000-square-foot manufacturing facility owned by Spirit AeroSystems Inc. formally opened today in Chanute. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and Commerce Secretary Pat George joined company leaders, workers and other special guests at a ribbon cutting ...Read on...

All American Pet Company selects Shawnee for operational HQ

All American Pet Company Inc. announced on April 2 its new operational headquarters, manufacturing and warehouse facility in Shawnee. The animal health and wellness company plans to add more than 80 new employees over the next five years.

Beverly Hill...Read on...

Brancato Event Service and its affiliates moving to KCK

Brancato Event Service announced today that it will move operations to Kansas City, Kan., and add 193 jobs. The company’s two affiliates – Brancato’s Catering Co. and All Seasons Party Rental – are included in the expansion and new job creation. Brancato ...Read on...

Pittsburg to host international trade networking event

Pittsburg will host an international trade networking event on April 18. This event is open to company owners and economic development officials who are interested in conducting international business. The event will give such participants an opportunity ...Read on...

Annual Business Appreciation Month Awards nominations still open until March 30

Nominations for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Business Appreciation Month awards are still open until March 30. The awards serve as a statewide tribute to businesses for their contributions to Kansas and their local communities.

The awards...Read on...

Governor’s Exporter of the Year finalists announced

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council have released the names of five finalists for the 2012 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, which is presented to a single Kanas company for outstanding internatio...Read on...

Strengthening our nation’s domestic energy supply

The increasing cost of conducting business in the United States threatens innovation and investment in new technologies. In today’s unstable business environment, American industries are understandably reluctant to invest the time and resources necessary ...Read on...

Mobile Application Development Company Selects Overland Park for its Headquarters

Automotive Technology Services Inc., an automotive mobile application development company, announced today that it has selected Overland Park for its headquarters, creating 26 high-paying executive jobs.

“The Kansas City area offered Automotive Technol...Read on...

Incentives Without Walls awards almost $86K to seven business, community improvement projects

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that it will award almost $86,000 in Incentives Without Walls funding for business and community improvement projects in El Dorado, Holton, Hutchinson, McPherson, Peabody, Phillipsburg and Winfield.

Fun...Read on...

Kansas exports increased to $11.57 billion in 2011

Exporting in Kansas reached the second highest level on record in 2011, rising to $11.57 billion, according to data released today by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Exports increased by more than 16 percent from 2010. Since 1999, the state’s export ac...Read on...

Zell-Metall USA expands operations to Lenexa

Zell-Metall USA announced today that it will expand operations to Lenexa, building a plastic extrusion manufacturing facility and eventually creating 15 new jobs in the community.

The company will build a 10,000-square-foot building at 10902 Strang Lin...Read on...

Universal Forest Products expands to Salina

Universal Forest Products announced today that it would expand to Salina, leasing 15,000 square feet of space at the city’s airport.

"We are pleased to have Universal Forest Products as a new business," said Dr. Randy Hassler, airport author...Read on...

Annual Business Appreciation Month Awards nominations now open

Nominations for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Business Appreciation Month awards are now open. The awards serve as a statewide tribute to businesses for their contributions to Kansas and their local communities.

The awards are announced ea...Read on...

Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors adopts key economic indicators

The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors has adopted three systems to monitor key economic indicators in the state.

“It is important we have a better way to understand and to benchmark what is happening in our state’s economy and ultimately set spec...Read on...

Exide Technologies expands operations in Salina

Exide Technologies, a global leader in stored electrical energy solutions, will add 100 to 130 additional jobs at its Salina battery assembly and electrical charging facility and invest millions of dollars in expanding capacity. The growth is expected to...Read on...

Seneca to host international trade networking event

Seneca in Nemaha County in northeast Kansas will host an international trade networking event on March 14. This event is open to company owners and economic development officials who are interested in conducting international business. The event will give...Read on...

Kuckelman, Torline, Kirkland & Lewis establish law firm in Overland Park

Michael Kuckelman, Stephen Torline, James Kirkland and Kathryn Lewis have formed a new civil litigation firm in Overland Park. The firm, which formed in January, has leased office space at 10740 Nall Ave. and will create 14 new jobs.

“We are very pleas...Read on...

Suture Express adding distribution space in Lenexa, office space in Overland Park

Rapidly growing medical distribution company Suture Express announced today that it will be expanding its operations to Lenexa and Overland Park.

The company, current based at 11691 West 85th Street in Lenexa, will be moving its distribution operations...Read on...

Netsmart Technologies picks Overland Park for headquarters

Netsmart Technologies will establish its permanent headquarters in Overland Park after an extensive site search. Netsmart, a health care IT company, has plans to grow its employee count from the current 40 to 120 by the time it moves into its new headquar...Read on...

YRC Freight to relocate 120 positions to Kansas

YRC Freight announced today that by the end of the year it will relocate 120 positions to its headquarters in Overland Park. The move will consolidate operations within its YRC Freight division from a number of facilities outside of Kansas.

“This is gr...Read on...

Zumiez Inc. relocating e-commerce operations from Washington state to Edwardsville

Zumiez Inc., a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories, announced today that the company will move its e-commerce fulfillment operations from its headquarters in Everett, Wash., to Edwardsville. The...Read on...

Kansas Energy Conference set for Sept. 25-26 in Manhattan

The next Kansas Energy Conference is set for Sept. 25-26 in Manhattan. The conference will highlight the latest developments in the renewable energy industry, including wind, solar, energy efficiency and biofuels.

“We are planning the best energy confe...Read on...

McLane Foodservice to buy current facility in Shawnee

McLane Foodservice announced recently that it will buy and renovate its Shawnee facility, keeping 186 jobs in the community and adding 25 new positions in the future.

The company will invest more than $17.5 million to purchase and renovate a 244,000-sq...Read on...

Kansas recruiting exhibitors for Farnborough Airshow in July

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition will sponsor the “Kansas Pavilion” during the Farnborough International Airshow, which is set for July 9-15 in Farnborough, England. The pavilion will give Kansas avi...Read on...

Thirteen communities, three counties share in more than $4.3 million in CDBG funds

Sixteen Kansas communities will share a total of $4,350,044 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced today.

“From downtown revitalization efforts to purchasing needed eq...Read on...

CoSentry selects Lenexa for new $32 million data center

Technology service provider CoSentry will build a new $31.6 million data center in Lenexa, creating more than 60 jobs. CoSentry is a one source provider of data center, cloud computing and managed technical services.

“CoSentry performed an extensive m...Read on...

Nineteen communities, two counties share in more than $7.7 million in CDBG funds

Nineteen Kansas communities and two counties will share a total of $7,773,083 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced this week.

“We are pleased to announce these funds...Read on...

IMMI to open new operation in Burrton, Kan.

IMMI, an industry leader in the design, testing and manufacturing of advanced safety systems for commercial vehicles, today announced its plans to begin manufacturing school bus components at its newest location in Burrton. Located at 302 East Dean Road, ...Read on...

Southwest Airlines is coming to Kansas

Southwest Airlines has committed to serve Wichita according to local and state leaders who met with the airline late last week.

“We are pleased to announce that Southwest Airlines has agreed to serve Mid-Continent Airport,” stated Wichita Mayor Carl Br...Read on...

Bombardier Learjet announces expansion of the Learjet Wichita site and workforce

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and Steve Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, today announced the details of the further expansion of Bombardier’s Learjet site in Wichita.

The growth of the site includes the expansion of the Bombardier Flight...Read on...

Department of Commerce awards housing rehabilitation funds

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that four Kansas communities – Clyde, Concordia, Glen Elder and Wilson – will share more than $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal funds for housing rehabilitation. These housi...Read on...

Gov. Brownback statement on Boeing decision

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback issued the following statement regarding the Boeing Co.'s decision to phase out its presence in the state:

“No one worked harder for the success of the Boeing Company than Team Kansas -- whose membership included the outstandi...Read on...

API Foils headquarters plans move to Lawrence

API Foils announced today that its Americas headquarters will relocate from New Jersey to Lawrence. The move, which will be complete by June 2012, reinforces API’s presence in Lawrence with the creation of 17 new jobs.

API is a leading manufacturer of...Read on...

Bioscience firm Prathista Industries Limited to open operation in Manhattan

The Kansas Department of Commerce, along with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Kansas State University, the city of Manhattan, and the Kansas State University Institute for Commercialization, announced that an international fertilizer and animal he...Read on...

Rubbermaid set to expand facility with major investment in Winfield

State and local officials welcomed news today that Newell Rubbermaid will expand its presence in Winfield by relocating 200 jobs from a facility in Texas to the south central Kansas community. Rubbermaid also will invest $26.6 million to expand its operat...Read on...

Chautauqua, Gove, Pawnee counties join Rural Opportunity Zones partnership

Chautauqua, Gove and Pawnee counties have joined the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs) student loan reimbursement partnership in the past month, bringing to 43 the number of counties participating.

“I’m pleased to have Chautauqua, Gove and Pawnee counties...Read on...

OptumRx announces job growth for Overland Park facility

OptumRx has announced an expansion of operations at its Overland Park customer and mail service facility, which translates to more 600 new jobs for the area. OptumRx, formerly known as Prescription Solutions, is a leading pharmacy benefits management (PBM...Read on...

Associated Wholesale Grocers relocates headquarters to KCK

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) will construct a new office complex in Kansas City, Kan., as part of its plan for major expansion.

The 35,000-square-foot facility will be the new home for AWG’s corporate headquarters and 92 employees that will rel...Read on...

Keeping Kansas Competitive engineering initiative receives first $1 million in funding

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and the Kansas Board of Regents announced today the first $1 million investment in the Keeping Kansas Competitive engineering expansion initiative. The funding will be used by the state’s professional engineering programs at Kans...Read on...

Governor Brownback, Kansas Regents to announce funding for engineering grants

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, Commerce Secretary Pat George and the Kansas Board of Regents have scheduled a brief news conference on Wednesday, Dec. 14, to announce the initial funding for the Keeping Kansas Competitive engineering expansion, which was pass...Read on...

MGP Ingredients announces Atchison expansion, new jobs

In a joint statement, executives with MGP Ingredients Inc. (MGPI) and Atchison city officials announce the expansion of plant operations to add 25 new jobs at its Atchison location over the
next five years. The median wage of the new jobs will be $60,00...Read on...

Brownback signs ‘Small Business Saturday’ proclamation

Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 26 as “Small Business Saturday” in Kansas and encourages holiday shoppers to support small businesses in their communities on that day and throughout the holiday season.

“Small businesses are ...Read on...

Economic development coalition works to secure Bombardier Learjet expansion and hundreds of new jobs

The economic development coalition of private business, Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce, City of Wichita and Sedgwick County that forms the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition (GWEDC) is working to secure a total $52.7 million expansion of Bo...Read on...

Forty Kansas counties join Rural Opportunity Zones partnership

Forty of the 50 eligible Kansas counties have joined the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs) partnership, and 127 applicants from across the country have applied to the student loan forgiveness program, according to the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“We ar...Read on...

NetWork Kansas announces job creation and capital investment figures for fiscal year 2011

NetWork Kansas released on Nov. 10 its fiscal year 2011 annual report. The report is available to the public as a download on www.networkkansas.com. NetWork Kansas, also known as The Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship, released information about the organ...Read on...

Fostering rural entrepreneurs, expanding broadband access focus of Rural Opportunities Conference

The Rural Opportunities Conference, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is set for Nov. 16-17 in Salina. The conference is an educational event for rural entrepreneurs and telecommunications professionals.

The conference will capitalize on ...Read on...

Mariner Holdings to expand presence in Leawood

Mariner Holdings announced today that it will expand its operations in Leawood, adding additional space at its current location at 4200 W. 115th St., while leasing almost 16,000 square feet of new space in the city at 1130 Tomahawk Parkway. In addition, t...Read on...

Siemens opens U.S. wind power distribution center in Wichita

As Siemens Energy’s wind power business continues its focus on regionalization and providing increased efficiency to its customers, the company today announced it has opened a new wind power distribution facility in Wichita. The 73,000-square-foot warehou...Read on...

Archer Foundation selects site for headquarters, business incubator

The Archer Foundation announced today the permanent location for its headquarters in Leawood’s Park Place development. In partnership with Clockwork Architecture + Design and Spaces Inc., the Archer Foundation and its affiliate Archer Capital will develop...Read on...

Incentives Without Walls funding awarded to eight community improvement projects

The Kansas Department of Commerce will award more than $70,000 in Incentives Without Walls funding for community improvement projects in Belleville, Coffeyville, Hoisington, Hutchinson, Peabody, Phillipsburg, Seneca and Winfield, officials announced today...Read on...

Registration opens for Rural Opportunities Conference

Registration has opened for the Rural Opportunities Conference, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce, to be held Nov. 16-17 in Salina. The conference is an educational event for rural entrepreneurs and telecommunications professionals.

The co...Read on...

Kansas one of seven states selected to develop strategies to grow advanced manufacturing industries

The National Governors Association (NGA) announced today that Kansas is one of seven states selected to participate in the organization’s Policy Academy on developing strategies to expand advanced manufacturing industries.

The initiative is called “Mak...Read on...

Energy Summit focuses on responsible industry growth

More than 220 energy industry leaders and stakeholders joined Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback for the Governor’s Economic Summit on Energy today at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita. The summit is the ninth in a series of summits the Brownback Administration is hol...Read on...

BP Wind Energy will build wind farm in south central Kansas

BP Wind Energy announced today that it plans to build the 419 megawatt Flat Ridge 2 wind farm in Barber, Harper, Kingman and Sumner counties. The company also announced that it has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement totaling 314 megawatts f...Read on...

Valent Aerostructures announces expansion in Fredonia

Valent Aerostructures announced today that it will expand its operations in Fredonia, Kan. The company, which currently employs 55 associates will break ground immediately on a new 50,000-square-foot building scheduled to be completed by March 2012. Valen...Read on...

Kansas Energy Conference to highlight latest developments in renewable energy industry

The Kansas Energy Conference will be held Oct. 4-5 at the Century II Convention Center in Wichita. More than 330 people are expected to attend. The conference highlights the latest developments in the renewable energy industry. The day-and-half event will...Read on...

Gov. Brownback Announces Economic Summit on Energy

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback announced today his administration will host the Governor’s Economic Summit on Energy on Oct. 4 at the Hyatt Regencyin Wichita. The summit will be the eighth in a series of summits the Governor’s administration is holding focused...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce to host Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development will host its 27th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon at noon, Oct. 11, in the Emerald Ballroom, Capitol Plaza Hotel, 1717 Southwest Topeka Boulevard, To...Read on...

Spirit AeroSystems will establish manufacturing facility in Chanute

Spirit AeroSystems Inc. today announced it will establish a manufacturing facility in Chanute to support sub-assembly work on underwing aircraft components as part of a multi-phased project. Establishment of the Chanute site will help address capacity nee...Read on...

Johnson Controls to relocate work and add jobs in Wichita

The UPG division of Johnson Controls announced its plans to relocate work from its Norman, Okla., plant to its facilities in Wichita. The move would involve moving three existing assembly lines that produce packaged residential air conditioning and heatin...Read on...

Jack Stack Barbecue to move corporate headquarters to Overland Park

In an effort to nearly double its space and centralize corporate and technical operations closer to its four Kansas City-area restaurants, Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue is moving its corporate headquarters from Martin City, Mo., to Overland Park, Kan., i...Read on...

Last chance to register for Kansas Energy Conference

Registration for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Kansas Energy Conference ends on Sept. 29. The conference is set for Oct. 4-5 in Wichita.

WHAT: The Kansas Energy Conference highlights the latest developments in the renewable energy industry...Read on...

AMC Theatres chooses new home office location

AMC Theatres (AMC), a leading theatrical exhibition and entertainment company, announced today the location of its new company headquarters, which will remain in the Kansas City metro area at the Park Place development in Leawood.

AMC's world headquart...Read on...

Kansas Downtown Symposium set for Oct. 12-14 in Independence

The Kansas Downtown Symposium will be held Oct. 12-14 in Independence. The event features information and success stories about the Kansas Main Street program, which provides management training, consultation visits, local program evaluation, design assis...Read on...

Department of Commerce announces energy projects for Kansas

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that it will oversee $20.5 million to be invested in two projects intended to increase energy efficiency and spur economic development in the state. The projects – one to increase biomethane production, an...Read on...

Premier Beverage chooses Overland Park as regional HQ

Premier Beverage Inc. announced today that it will consolidate two offices into a new Overland Park-based regional headquarters. Premier Beverage is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glazer’s Distributors, one of the country’s largest distributors of alcoholic...Read on...

Wind energy offers clean path to economic growth

By Gov. Sam Brownback
Published by Bloomberg Government, Sept. 8, 2011

The moment is approaching when our nation must decide how it’s going to power the future. The importance of renewable energy to the nation becomes clear as Congress turns its atten...Read on...

Early registration for Kansas Energy Conference ends on Sept. 9

Early bird registration ends on Sept. 9 for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Kansas Energy Conference, which will be Oct. 4-5 in Wichita.

WHAT: Kansas Energy Conference, highlighting the latest developments in the renewable energy industry. T...Read on...

New wind energy supplier opens for business in Kansas

Wurth Service Supply announced it has opened a logistics and distribution center in Wichita, joining a growing number of companies in the wind energy sector that have selected sites in the Sunflower State for new facilities. Wurth joins Siemens Energy, AH...Read on...

Argenta selects KC Animal Health Corridor to grow its global animal health business

Argenta, a global provider of drug development services and contract product manufacturing for the animal health industry, announced today it will locate a new lab facility and office in the KC Animal Health Corridor.

“The KC Animal Health Corridor lo...Read on...

Early registration deadline for Kansas Energy Conference extended to Sept. 9

Early bird registration has been extended to Sept. 9 for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Kansas Energy Conference on Oct. 4-5 in Wichita.

WHAT: Kansas Energy Conference, highlighting the latest developments in the renewable energy industry. ...Read on...

Governor applauds state, local groups for work in bringing Caterpillar expansion to Wamego

Gov. Sam Brownback said today he was pleased with the efforts of two state agencies, as well as local and county officials, in working together to successfully bring an expansion of the Caterpillar facility in Wamego. The company announced Thursday it wil...Read on...

Midland Loan Services to expand in Overland Park

PNC Bank’s regional headquarters for Midland Loan Services announced today that it plans to expand in Overland Park. Midland, a PNC Real Estate business and division of PNC Bank, National Association, plans to add more than 140 jobs during the next five y...Read on...

Kansas named as top 10 pro-business state

A nationally-recognized real estate company has named Kansas to its “Top 10 Pro-Business States” list. Pollina Corporate released its 2011 list today, ranking Kansas sixth.

“Our administration is committed to making Kansas the top place in the country ...Read on...

Registration now open for Kansas Energy Conference on Oct. 4-5

Registration is now open for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Kansas Energy Conference on Oct. 4-5 in Wichita.

WHAT: Kansas Energy Conference, highlighting the latest developments in the renewable energy industry. The day-and-half conference ...Read on...

Douglas County, Nemaha County, Moundridge to benefit from almost $1.4 million in CDBG funds

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the award of $1,386,725 in economic development assistance to Douglas County, Nemaha County, and the city of Moundridge. Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will be matched with $19...Read on...

Nine new counties join Rural Opportunity Zone partnership

Over the past month, nine new counties have joined the effort to help revitalize rural Kansas through the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs) student loan forgiveness program.

Cheyenne, Clark, Decatur, Harper, Norton, Sherman, Smith, Stafford and Thomas ar...Read on...

Gov. Brownback establishes Council of Economic Advisors

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed an executive order today establishing the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors.

“The economic future of Kansas depends on the growth of existing businesses and the development of new industries. Economic competitiven...Read on...

Anthony, Medicine Lodge selected as Inside Track communities

The Kansas Main Street program of the Department of Commerce announced today that Anthony and Medicine Lodge have been selected for the Inside Track program for Fiscal Year 2012.

To be eligible for the program, the communities need to have a population...Read on...

Wind energy manufacturer selects Kansas for new facility

Colorado-based New Millennium Wind Energy has chosen the Kansas Logistics Park in Newton for its first manufacturing facility, state and local officials announced today.

In a special visit to Newton, Gov. Sam Brownback said New Millennium’s new facilit...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce announces 2011 Community Service Tax Credit recipients

The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $4.13 million in Community Service Tax Credits to 22 nonprofit organizations around the state.

These future Kansas income tax credits are a major fundraising tool for community organizations engaged in serv...Read on...

Ten new counties join effort to help revitalize rural Kansas

Ten new counties have joined the effort to help revitalize rural Kansas through the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs) student loan forgiveness program. Barber, Graham, Hamilton, Kearny, Mitchell, Morton, Ness, Stanton, Trego and Wichita became the latest cou...Read on...

Gov. Brownback reports that Kansas moving in right direction on jobs, fiscal discipline

In a report of progress to Kansans, Gov. Sam Brownback said the state is moving in the right direction.

“The last decade was a lost decade for jobs in Kansas," Brownback said. "Fewer Kansans were working in private sector jobs in January 2011...Read on...

Gov. Brownback welcomes FishNet Security to Overland Park

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback welcomed FishNet Security to Kansas after the company announced today that its headquarters and 175 employees are moving to the Sprint World Headquarters Campus in Overland Park.

“I am pleased to welcome FishNet Security to ...Read on...

AuBurn Pharmacy, Bio-Microbics recognized as top businesses of the year by Gov. Brownback

Gov. Sam Brownback recognized AuBurn Pharmacy of Garnett with the Governor’s Award of Excellence and Bio-Microbics of Shawnee with the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award at the annual Kansas Cavalry Encampment at Butler County Community College in El D...Read on...

Sweet Success! Mars North America to open manufacturing facility in Topeka

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George congratulated Mars Chocolate North America after it announced today that it will locate a new manufacturing facility in Topeka, and expects to hire 200 full-time employees during the first phase of the expansion.

“T...Read on...

Governor’s Award of Excellence, Exporter of the Year Award to be announced June 29 in El Dorado

The winners of the Governor’s Award of Excellence and Exporter of the Year Award will be revealed on June 29 in El Dorado. The awards are part of the Business Appreciation Month, the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual celebration of Kansas businesses ...Read on...

Gov. Brownback, Treasury Department announce $13.2 million to help small business

Gov. Sam Brownback and the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced today $13.2 million in State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding to help create new, private sector jobs. The SSBCI program, which supports state-level, small business lendi...Read on...

Four additional counties adopt Rural Opportunity Zones resolutions

Four additional counties have signed resolutions this week joining the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs) program. Greeley, Hodgeman, Pratt and Wallace counties have become full partners in the state’s effort to spur economic growth and revitalization in rura...Read on...

VT Hackney expands facility, creates jobs in Independence

VT Hackney of Independence announced today that it will expand its operations in the southeastern Kansas community, adding 70,000 square feet and creating 70 new jobs. The company will expand its Kidron product line to Independence and will build refriger...Read on...

Five more counties adopt Rural Opportunity Zones resolutions

Lane, Rooks, Russell, Scott and Woodson counties adopted Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs) resolutions this week becoming full partners in the state’s effort to revitalize rural areas of Kansas.

“I congratulate the county commissions and economic developm...Read on...

Business Appreciation Month winners announced

The Kansas Department of Commerce has named 27 Regional Business Excellence Award winners and 104 Merit Award winners as part of Business Appreciation Month, the Department’s annual celebration of Kansas businesses and their contributions to their communi...Complete list of winners

Kiewit Power expands in Johnson County

Kiewit Power announced that it will expand its headquarters operations in Lenexa and add high-paying positions within its two entities, Kiewit Power Constructors Co. and Kiewit Power Engineers Co.

Kiewit Power will make a significant capital investment...Read on...

Kingman County becomes the first county to participate in Rural Opportunity Zones program

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George released the following statement today in regards to the Kingman County Commission adopting a resolution opting in to the student loan repayment portion of the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs) program:

“Today is an ex...Read on...

New automotive manufacturing company Van-Rob will bring 75 jobs to Shawnee

Kansas will welcome a new automotive parts manufacturing company, Van-Rob, to Shawnee. The company, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is occupying 75,000-square-feet in the Switzer II Building at 10601 W. 79th Street in the Nieman Business Park area. With...Read on...

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George applauds signing of expensing legislation

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George released the following statement today in response to Gov. Sam Brownback signing into law SB 196, more commonly known as expensing legislation:

“The top priority for Governor Brownback is to expand the Kansas econom...Read on...

Six Kansas communities receive $2.1 million in CDBG funding

Six Kansas communities will share $2,100,354 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced today.

“This funding has a positive impact on our communities, from making needed i...Read on...

Nominations now open for outstanding minority and women owned business awards

The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Minority and Women Business Development is accepting nominations for Kansas minority and/or women owned businesses, advocates and young entrepreneurs. These nominations celebrate Minority Enterprise Development ...Read on...

Fifteen Simply Kansas companies to exhibit at Kansas Sampler Festival

Fifteen companies involved in the Simply Kansas program will display products at the 22nd annual Kansas Sampler Festival on May 7-8 in Leavenworth. The festival highlights and promotes Kansas products, communities and events. Around 150 cities and towns a...Read on...

Four Kansas communities awarded $58,000 in CCB grants

Columbus, Kechi, Bel Aire, and South Hutchinson have been awarded a share of $58,000 in funding from the Community Capacity Building (CCB) Grant Program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The program is designed to support collaborative...Read on...

Mid-Continent Instruments expanding Wichita location, adding jobs

Mid-Continent Instruments will build additional space onto its existing facility in Wichita, as well as hire at least 24 new employees over the next five years. The company, which was started in Wichita in 1964 as a small repair station, has become an ind...Read on...

New animal health institute at K-State Olathe campus will greatly expand research in state

Gov. Sam Brownback and Commerce Secretary Pat George praised the opening of the International Animal Health and Food Safety Institute on the Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus as a new chapter in the efforts to make Kansas a global center fo...Read on...

Favorable tax policy, ending unnecessary regulations needed to spur aviation growth in Kansas

Kansas needs to adopt a more favorable tax policy and end unnecessary or non-essential regulations to grow the aviation industry in the state. That was one of the main messages delivered to state officials on Monday in Wichita by representatives from avia...Read on...

Gov. Brownback to lead major aviation industry summit

Gov. Sam Brownback will hold his first Economic Summit focused on the aviation industry on April 25 in Wichita. This major summit will bring together in one place more than 160 representatives from the aviation manufacturing and aerospace industries, as w...Read on...

Promotional services company, shipper to expand operations

The Sunflower Group, a promotional services company, and Midwest Project Services, which provides shipping services to Sunflower, have announced they are expanding operations in Johnson County and hiring an additional 66 workers over five years.

“I c...Read on...

Convergys hiring home-based agents in rural Kansas

Convergys Corp., a global leader in relationship management, announced today it plans to hire home-based customer service agents in rural Kansas.

New home agents will provide customer service support for a Convergys client in the satellite/cable ind...Read on...

The Golf Warehouse expands operations at its Wichita facility

Online golf retailer TGW.com—The Golf Warehouse announced today that the company will expand its operations in Wichita. The company, a division of Redcats, plans to hire an additional 24 full-time employees during 2011 and anticipates hiring 105 full-time...Read on...

Gov. Brownback signs Rural Opportunity Zones program into law

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George released the following statement today in response to Gov. Sam Brownback’s signing into law of the Rural Opportunity Zones program.

“Rural Opportunity Zones will jump start economic growth in many areas in Kansas ...Read on...

Lenexa’s Laird Technologies to expand, add workers

Laird Technologies, headquartered in St. Louis, announced today that it will expand its plant in Lenexa and add employees over the coming year. The company designs and supplies components for advanced electronics and wireless products, and will begin manu...Read on...

George: This is a great win for Kansas City, Kansas

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George released the following statement today in response to Google selecting Kansas City, Kan., as the first Google Fiber Community, which was announced at Wyandotte County High School:

“This is a great win for Kansas C...Read on...

Nominations still being accepted for Annual Business Appreciation Month Awards

The Kansas Department of Commerce continues to accept nominations for its annual Kansas Business Appreciation Month Awards. The Department will again designate June as Kansas Business Appreciation Month and will accept nominations through 5 p.m., April 1....Read on...

BuildMyMove relocates headquarters from PA to Overland Park

BuildMyMove, the country’s first provider of instant, binding online moving quotes for full service interstate moves, today announced plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters from Akron, Pa., to Overland Park, Kan., creating up to 50 new jobs in the state ...Read on...

American Maplan Corp. awarded training funds for new employees

The Kansas Department of Commerce has provided plastic extrusion equipment manufacturer American Maplan Corp. (AMC) with $8,400 in Kansas Industrial Training (KIT) Program funds to help the company hire and train 14 new employees at its McPherson location...Read on...

Nominations now open for annual Business Appreciation Month Awards

The Kansas Department of Commerce will celebrate 150 years of statehood and 150 years of doing business in Kansas through the annual Kansas Business Appreciation program. The Department will again designate June as Kansas Business Appreciation Month and i...Read on...

Five Kansas Communities Award $440,000 in SCIP Grants

Five Kansas communities have been awarded a share of $440,000 in funding from the Small Communities Improvement Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“This grant funding will have a significant and tangible impact on the quality o...Read on...

Kansas Main Street announces workshops for new city applicants

The Kansas Main Street Program has scheduled two workshops for those interested in learning more about this unique program. Kansas Main Street, sponsored by the Department of Commerce, encourages the development and revitalization of downtown commercial d...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce accepting nominations for 2011 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award

The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2011 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, which is presented to a single Kansas business for excellence in international trade and marketing.

Nominated companies will be evaluated o...Read on...

Draka to locate its first U.S. cable assembly venture for wind in Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Draka, a global manufacturer of wire and cable, announced plans today to locate its first U.S. cable assembly venture for wind in Hutchinson, Kan., where the company will supply the Siemens nacelle facility there. The announcement makes...Read on...

Secretary Thornton to lead animal health trade mission to China

Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary Bill Thornton will lead a delegation of Kansas animal health companies and veterinary science experts to China from Oct. 23-31 to promote Kansas’ animal health interests, including a recently created animal science ...Read on...

Plastikon to locate new facility in Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Plastikon, a California-based contract manufacturer for the medical and healthcare industry, announced today that it will locate a new production facility in Lawrence, Kan., creating 126 jobs.

Plastikon will purchase a 40,000-square...Read on...

Kansas ranks 10th on Forbes magazine’s “Best States for Business” report

Kansas ranked 10th on Forbes’ new “Best States for Business” list, up from last year’s rank of 15th.

The state scored particularly well for its regulatory environment and economic climate, finishing 11th and 13th, respectively, in those categories. K...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce to host Kansas Downtown Symposium in Hutchinson

Community developers and business leaders throughout Kansas are invited to share successes, compare challenges and plan for the future at the 2010 Kansas Downtown Symposium in Hutchinson on Oct. 20-22.

Sponsored by the Department of Commerce’s Kansas...Read on...

Kansas receives additional $4.4 million for Connect Kansas broadband initiative

TOPEKA - Nine months after receiving a $2 million federal grant for the state’s Connect Kansas broadband initiative, the State of Kansas today was awarded an additional $4.4 million to extend and expand the initiative.

The funding - which comes from...Read on...

Department to lead mission trip to Russia to market Kansas purebred cattle

The Kansas Department of Commerce will team up with the Colorado and Montana departments of agriculture to lead a mission trip to Russia to market U.S. livestock genetics Oct. 2-12, officials announced today.

The Kansas contingency includes Kansas ra...Read on...

Parkinson names chair, vice-chair of Kansas Broadband Advisory Task Force

TOPEKA - Governor Mark Parkinson has named Brad Williams and Randall Allen as chair and vice-chair, respectively, of the Kansas Broadband Advisory Task Force, a group of industry and policy leaders who will help develop the state’s long-term broadband str...Read on...

Kansas grabs No. 3 ranking in “Top Deals and Hot Markets” report

Kansas has been ranked No. 3 in Southern Business & Development magazine’s annual “Top Deals and Hot Markets” report, the state’s highest-ever finish in the survey, officials announced this week.

The annual ranking examines 17 Southern states on ...Read on...

Kansas ranked No. 7 in annual Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States report

For the second straight year, Kansas has been ranked the nation’s No. 7 most business-friendly state in the Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States report, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced today.

The No. 7 finish also marks the state’...Read on...

Twenty-nine Kansas communities to share more than $9.2 million in CDBG funds

Twenty-nine Kansas communities will share a total of $9,261,370 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant program, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced this week.

The announcement follows awarding of more than $12 million...Read on...

Bombardier Aerospace to expand Learjet site in Wichita

WICHITA - Bombardier Aerospace today announced the expansion of its Learjet production site in Wichita to include the new Learjet 85 jet, creating at least 300 jobs and $600 million in total investment in Kansas.

The expanded Learjet site will be res...Read on...

Kansas ranks No. 11 in CNBC’s annual Top States for Business report

Kansas has been ranked No. 11 in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business report.

The CNBC report analyzes all 50 states by examining 40 different measures of competitiveness, which are then grouped into 10 broad categories: cost of doing busi...Read on...

Dodge City named newest designated Kansas Main Street city

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced Dodge City as the newest member of the Kansas Main Street program, bringing the total number of Kansas Main Street cities to 26.

The Kansas Main Street Program is a self-help technical assistance prog...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce announces Community Service Tax Credits

The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $4.13 million in Community Service Tax Credits to 21 nonprofit organizations around the state, officials announced today.

These future Kansas income tax credits are a major fundraising tool for community ...Read on...

Kansas awarded Silver Shovel Award by Area Development for job creation, investment

For the fourth time in five years, Area Development magazine has named Kansas a winner of the Silver Shovel Award for excellence in job creation and capital investment.

The award is part of the magazine’s 2010 Golden & Silver Shovel Awards, which...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce to host Kansas Pavilion at Summer Fancy Food Show in New York

Eight Kansas specialty food companies will market their products and connect with industry members from around the world June 27-29 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.

The eight companies - Original Juan Specialty Foods (Kansas City), New...Read on...

Site Selection magazine names Kansas a Top 10 state in Competiveness Award

Kansas has been named one of the nation’s 10 most competitive states for capital investment and new facility development by Site Selection magazine, a leading publication for site location consultants.

The announcement was part of Site Selection's an...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce names Business Appreciation Month winners

The Kansas Department of Commerce has named 26 Regional Business Excellence Award winners and 105 Merit Award winners as part of Business Appreciation Month, the Department’s annual celebration of Kansas businesses and their contributions to their communi...Read on...

Royal Farms Dairy of Garden City selected to give virtual farm tour at World Dairy Expo

Royal Farms Dairy of Garden City has been named one of only eight dairies to give a virtual farm tour presentation at the 2010 World Dairy Expo, the world’s premier dairy conference, Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 in Madison, Wis.

As a virtual tour presenter, Ro...Read on...

Allen Foods to build Topeka facility

Allen Foods has confirmed its decision to build a new manufacturing facility in Topeka, Kansas on a 20-acre site in the Central Crossing Commerce Park in south Topeka. The Company, which produces fresh baked goods, will build a state of the art commercial...Read on...

Jupiter Group to establish wind turbine component production facility in Junction City

Jupiter Group, a Denmark-based producer of wind turbine components, will open a new manufacturing facility in Junction City, creating 120 jobs and $2.4 million in capital investment.

Located at 2618 Mid America Drive, the new facility will comprise two...Read on...

Three Kansas companies awarded $18.9 million to expand broadband service

South Central Telephone Association, Inc. (Medicine Lodge), Madison Telephone, LLC (Madison), and J.B.N. Telephone Company, Inc. (Holton), have been awarded a combined $18,889,200 in federal Recovery Act funds for broadband Internet infrastructure project...Read on...

Regent Asset Management Solutions to Expand in Overland Park

Regent Asset Management Solutions (RAMS), a customized collection agency, will expand its call center in Overland Park and add as many as 1,200 jobs, officials announced today.

The company will lease space previously occupied by the IRS at 7720 W. 11...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce to host Southwest Kansas Dairy Tour

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (wKREDA) are inviting dairymen, business leaders and journalists to participate in the Southwest Kansas Dairy Tour, which is designed to showcase Kansas as a prim...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce accepting nominations for Business Appreciation Month Awards

The Kansas Department of Commerce has again designated June as Kansas Business Appreciation Month and is accepting nominations for the annual Kansas Business Appreciation Awards, which serve as a statewide tribute to Kansas businesses for their contributi...Read on...

Second round of grants, loans for rural broadband Internet projects opens today

Internet service providers and other organizations throughout Kansas are encouraged to apply for the second round of federal funding for rural broadband Internet projects beginning today through March 15.

The Recovery Act funding is available through...Read on...

Department awards $500,000 in Small Communities Improvement Program grants

Six rural Kansas communities will share $500,000 in Small Communities Improvement Program funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce, officials announced today.

The cities of Phillipsburg, Rossville, St. Mary’s, Tribune, Udall and White City were...Read on...

Rural Telephone Service Co. awarded $101 million for broadband infrastructure project

Rural Telephone Service Co. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Nex-Tech, has been awarded more than $101 million in Recovery Act funding for broadband Internet infrastructure improvements in central and western Kansas, officials announced this week.

Th...Read on...

Fourteen Kansas communities to share more than $3.5 million in CDBG funds

Fourteen Kansas communities will share a total of $3,515,026 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant program, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced this week.

“We’re pleased to announce the awarding of these funds to som...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce awards Water and Sewer funds to 18 communities

Eighteen Kansas communities will share $6,955,094 in Water and Sewer grants through the federally funded Community Development Block Grant program, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced today.

This year’s recipients are the cities of Belleville...Read on...

Kansas Wind Energy Supply Chain Survey results now available

Results of the Kansas Wind Energy Supply Chain Survey, which was designed to measure the state’s wind energy capabilities and guide future wind initiatives, are now available at www.kansaswindindustry.com, officials announced today.

Initiated in Augu...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce awards CDBG Housing Rehabilitation funds to three communities

Three Kansas communities will share $1.2 million in Housing Rehabilitation grants through the federally funded Community Development Block Grant program, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced today.

This year’s recipients are Eureka, Fort Scott...Read on...

Kansas Department of Commerce to host Kansas Wind Supply Chain Workshop

The Kansas Department of Commerce will host the second Kansas Wind Supply Chain Workshop on Jan. 14 from 1–5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita.

The workshop will provide manufacturers an orientation to the supply chain needs of the wind energy ind...Read on...