Kansas Economic Development Guide 2011

kansas
economic development guide

kansaseconomicdevelopment.com
Business at
Jet Speed
Investments lift
aviation industry
Wide Open
Possibilities
New initiatives feed
rural economy
Fueling
Innovation
State sets the pace in renewable energy
Sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce | 2011

38
Workstyle
Staying Power 26
Kansas economic development efforts
draw millions in new investment
Speed Merchants 32
Kansas broadband initiative transforms rural economies
Business at Jet Speed 38

32 26
Incentives give lift to the state’s aviation industry
Driven by the Wind 44

Suppliers flock to Kansas to serve growing energy sector
Job Well Done 52

KANSASWORKS connects employers to skilled workers
Wide Open With Possibilities 58

Bumper crop of initiatives feeds rural Kansas economy
No Place Like Kansas 64

State is stocked with natural beauty, history and culture
Known Around the World 72

Kansas is a global player in exports, foreign investment
72
Table of Contents Continued on Page 11
On the Cover The AGC Flat Glass manufacturing operation in Spring Hill, Kan.
Photo by jeff adkins
k a n s a s e co n o m ic d e v e l op m e n t . co m 9

Insight
Overview 19
Almanac 20
Energy/Technology 80
Transportation 86
Health 92
92 100 Education 100

Livability 108
Gallery 116
108 Economic Profile 122
Through the Lens 127
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kansas
Business at
Jet Speed
Investments lift
aviation industry
Wide Open
Possibilities
New initiatives feed
rural economy
Fueling
Innovation
Lifestyle State sets the pace in renewable energy
SPOnSOred By the KanSaS dePartment OF COmmerCe | 2011
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A spotlight on innovative companies breeds success >>
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Digital Edition
Known Around
the World
Story by Katie Kuehner-Hebert
E MAJOR EXPORT CATEGORIES

ven in a sluggish global
economy, Kansas has remained
an export powerhouse and an
attractive locale for foreign direct Animal Feed
investment. $494.3 million
The state’s export volume for 2010 Vehicles & Parts
was $9.9 billion, surpassing 2009’s
total by more than 11 percent. Kansas
$554.6 million
exports to markets around the world,
sending everything from aircraft ($2.1 Electric Machinery
billion) to industrial machinery
($955.9 million) to meat ($756.2 $640.1 million
million) to cereals ($643.2 million) to
countries in Europe, Asia, South
America and North America.
Wichita was the fastest-growing Cereals Aircraft
export market among the top 100 U.S.
$643.2 million $2.1 billion
metropolitan areas, with 22.3 percent
growth from 2003 to 2008, according
to a July report by the Brookings
Institution. Wichita’s explosive
growth has been fueled by aviation Meat Industrial
manufacturers such as Cessna and $756.2 million Machinery
$956 million
JEFF ADKINS
Ceva Santé Animale in Lenexa is one of

Kansas’ major foreign-owned employers.
72 KANSAS K A N S A S E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T. C O M 73
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kansas
201 1 Edition , volum e 2
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Overview
A Roadmap for Jobs, Investment in Kansas

A letter from kansas governor sam brownback
My No. 1 broader range of businesses Kansas Economic Development

priority as currently operating in Kansas to Guide, you’ll discover what makes
Governor of invest more for expansions and add Kansas a great state to live and do
Kansas is to workers while at the same time business.
restore making the Sunflower State even You’ll learn more about the wide
economic more attractive to companies from range of companies that call Kansas
growth and outside our borders. home, from Cerner Corp., a global
spur private- Kansas continues to focus on supplier of technology solutions, to
sector job our core strengths of aviation airplane maker Hawker Beechcraft to
creation. manufacturing, life sciences, Denmark-based Jupiter Group, a
To that end, we have laid out our agriculture, services, wind energy manufacturer of wind turbines.
Road Map for Kansas that details and biofuels, and the Animal Health They make Kansas a great state
our plans to grow the Kansas Science Corridor. for business. Find out how you can
economy, excel in education, reform We have not forgotten, however, make it even better.
state government and protect the rural areas of our state.
Kansas families. We have created Rural Opportunity Sincerely,
We have proposed a number of Zones to spark business creation and
initiatives in our Strategic Economic economic growth in exchange for
Development Plan that refocuses our no state taxes and student loan
state’s economic incentives and forgiveness for those who make
reforms our state tax code. the move.
Our plan will allow for a much In this second edition of the Gov. Sam Brownback
Almanac
Liquid Assets
When your favorite beverage is
delivered to a store or restaurant,
there’s a good chance it got there
from the work of a manufacturer
in Kansas.
Hackney is the world’s largest
producer of side-loader, overhead
door truck bodies and trailers. Many
of the company’s trucks and trailers,
used to haul products for beer
distributors, soft drink companies,
bottled water providers and
others, are built by Hackney in
Independence, where the company
has been since 1972, and where
it operates one of its two North
American manufacturing
operations.
calling on kansas The company also

manufactures
One of the globe’s telecom giants calls Overland Park its home base. emergency
Sprint Nextel offers a range of wireless and wireline communications response
services, serving more than 48.8 million customers. vehicles and
With 10,000 employees in Kansas, it is among the state’s largest contractor service
employers. The first wireless 4G carrier in the United States, Sprint vehicles. For
Nextel offers a number of mobile data services, prepaid brands more, go to www.
including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile hackneyusa.com.
and Assurance Wireless, and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone.
Newsweek ranked the company No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings of the
nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications
provider. For more, go to www.sprint.com.
Shining a Light on Wichita

Coleman Co. Inc., the iconic camping and outdoors-gear giant, is
based in Wichita. Founded more than 100 years ago, the company
produces a range of products, from its legendary lanterns and
stoves to coolers, tents, sleeping bags, airbeds, backpacks,
furniture and grills, that are sold under its Coleman and
Exponent brands.
The “greatest name in the great outdoors” got its
start in what is now downtown Wichita’s Old Town
neighborhood. Coleman operates a factory
outlet there and a museum detailing the
company’s history. For more, go to
www.coleman.com.
20 Kansas
Hot Prospects
They carry a torch for natural gas
products at Flame Engineering
Inc. in LaCrosse.
From a single torch used to clear
brush on the founder’s family
farm, Flame Engineering Inc.
has grown into a company with
a product line numbering more
than 100 items, including hand-
held torch kits, outdoor patio
lights, portable heaters and
torches for agricultural and
construction uses.
The company’s engine pre-
heaters, for example, are used
by pilots. contractors, farmers,
oil field operators and others
who need to keep the engines
in their equipment warm.
Type A Personalities The company, whose roots date

to the 1950s, produces its Red
Hutchinson is home to Collins Bus Corp., North America’s largest Dragon product lines under eight
producer of small, Type-A school and activity buses used by school patents at its manufacturing
districts, childcare providers and others. operation in LaCrosse. Go to
www.flameengineering.com
The company (www.collinsbus.com) sells its products under the Collins,
for more.
Mid Bus and Corbeil brand names and employs more than 220 people
in Hutchinson. It has more than 70 dealers in North America, the largest
distribution network for any Type-A bus manufacturer.
The company, a subsidiary of Allied Specialty Vehicles Inc., was
recognized in December 2010 with Safety and Health Achievement
Recognition Program (SHARP) certification. The award, administered
by the Kansas Department of Labor in conjunction with the federal
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, recognized Collins
as a national model for workplace safety and health. The company
was just one of 157 employers in Kansas to receive the designation.
at the top of google’s search

Google has selected Kansas City, Kan., as its first Google Fiber
community, an initiative designed to bring Internet connections at
speeds 100 times higher than what most Americans have today.
Kansas City was selected from among more than 1,100 communities
that applied for the service, which Google plans to offer beginning in
2012. Google said the initiative represents the future of how people will
connect to the web.
“The availability of ultra-high-speed bandwidth will be another tool for
the community to use to drive more economic growth in the region,”
said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George.

Almanac
Built Brick by Brick

Cloud Ceramics has been a manufacturing fixture in
Concordia since 1945, when the company began mining
Dakota clay deposits found in the area and producing bricks
in its kilns. From those beginnings, Cloud Ceramics has built
a reputation for its high-quality brick products – still made
from the five different colors of clay from the same Dakota
clay field used when the company began.
Today, Cloud Ceramics manufactures more than 30 different
colors of brick in a variety of sizes and textures, and boasts a
46-state distributor network. Known as the “Cadillac of brick
lines” for their consistency and color uniformity, Cloud
Ceramics bricks are a staple of office buildings, schools,
private residences, churches and universities.
The company's bricks can be found in places such as
American National Bank in Wichita, Asbury Methodist
Church in Tulsa and Duke University in North Carolina.
For more, go to www.cloudceramics.com.
They’re Great With Freight A Power Play

If you ship product, there’s a good chance a Kansas company helps in Hays
get it where it needs to go. YRC Worldwide Inc. in Overland Park is a
Hays in Ellis County is one of 27
Fortune 500 company and one of the world’s largest transportation
global manufacturing operations for
service providers.
EnerSys, the world’s largest industrial
YRC, with 2,200 employees in Kansas, is a holding company for a battery manufacturer.
roster of successful brands, including YRC, YRC Reimer, YRC Glen
The company’s line of batteries and
Moore, New Penn, Holland and Reddaway.
chargers are used for electric lift
YRC offers expertise in heavyweight shipments and flexible supply trucks, mining, railroad and airport
chain solutions on a local, regional, national and international basis. ground support equipment.
For more on the company, go to www.yrcw.com.
The company’s 375,000-square-foot
operation in Hays employs about
200 and specializes in batteries
that serve as the main emergency
back-up power sources for nuclear
reactor controls. The Hays operation
also produces a battery line utilized
in telecommunications,
uninterruptible power systems,
and utility switchgear and
control applications.
In 2009, the Hays operation was
Pho t o c o u r t e s t y of Y R C W or l d wi d e I n c .
named to Quality magazine’s Quality

Leadership 100, which surveyed
5,000 manufacturing companies
across the country on various quality
assurance criteria. For more on the
company, go to www.enersys.com.

Almanac
Get Your Shopping on

Among the most popular visitor destinations in the
state, Village West is a $573 million, 400-acre retail,
dining and entertainment mecca in Kansas City, Kan.
The complex includes a 1.2 million-square-foot, open-air
shopping and entertainment center that features 101
stores and restaurants, including 27 outlets. A signature
restaurant is T-Rex Cafe, a 20,000-square-foot
destination eatery where dinosaurs “come to life”
among theatrical settings including waterfalls and ice
caves. The 150-foot-tall Smokestack Tower is designed
with the theme of a historic warehouse district. The two-
tiered Civic Courtyard Fountain rises 60 feet in the air.
In June 2011, LIVESTRONG Sporting Park opened at
Village West and serves as home field for the Sporting
Kansas City pro soccer franchise. The venue seats
18,457 for soccer and 25,000 for concerts.
A key feature of Village West is Kansas Legends –
statues, paintings and plaques dedicated to more
than 80 Kansas sports figures, entrepreneurs,
explorers, artists, scientists, writers, poets and
politicians. Go to www.legendsshopping.com for more.
Sounds Great
If you can hear your favorite song or
the sound on your DVD sounds like
the local cineplex, it may be because
of the work of MartinLogan.
Founded in 1983, the company
designs and manufactures
electrostatic speakers for stereo
and home theater use. The company,
based in Lawrence, produces a range
of high-quality, high-end speakers
that are not only renowned for their
technologically advanced sound
reproduction, but also their cutting-
edge design.
They Stretch Innovation The company’s LS Series and Design
A Wichita company is woven into the fabric of hundreds of products, from Series loudspeakers and subwoofers,
clothing and carpet to cars and computers. and Custom Installation in-wall and
in-ceiling speakers products are sold
Invista, an integrated fibers and polymers company, is a subsidiary of
through specialty retailers in the
Kansas-based Koch Industries. The company is an innovator in fibers,
United States and internationally.
fabrics, polymers and intermediate chemicals used in nylon, spandex
For more on the company, go to
and polyester applications. Among the company's signature brands are
www.martinlogan.com.
Lycra, Cordura and Solarmax fabrics, Stainmaster carpeting and Dacron
fiberfill used in products such as pillows and bedding.
One of the company's most recent innovations is its line of Coolmax eco-
made socks, produced with fiber containing 97 percent recycled resources
such as plastic water bottles. For more, go to www.invista.com.
Business Climate
26 Kansas
Staying
Power
Kansas economic development
efforts generate jobs, investment
Story by Betsy Williams
D
uring a year in which most Cerner Brings 4,500 Jobs
states were chalking up lost Leading the pack was Cerner Corp.,
jobs, Kansas was breaking a global supplier of technology
records with new capital investment, solutions that help hospitals and other
job creation and retention, and some health-care organization manage and
impressive national accolades. integrate electronic medical records,
The Kansas Department of computer physician order entry and
Commerce facilitated 110 successful financial information. The company is
relocations or expansions, creating and investing $170 million in a
retaining nearly 19,500 jobs – 6,806 headquarters facility in Kansas City,
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of S t e v e F ec h t for G e n e ra l Mo t ors
more than 2009 – and a whopping $1.3 Kan., creating 4,500 jobs.
billion in capital investment. J.P. Morgan is moving its retirement
“It was the best year we’ve ever plan services headquarters to
had for business recruitment,” says Overland Park in a $30 million, 650-
Barbara Hake, business recruitment job investment, while Tindall Corp.
manager for Commerce. “We had some will build a $66 million facility in
major companies with large projects Newton to manufacture precast
choose to locate to Kansas.” concrete wind towers, bringing 400
General Motors employs more than 3,800 workers at its Fairfax Assembly Plant in
Kansas City, Kan., where the automaker is adding a third shift.

J e ff A d kins
General Motors is investing $136 million in its Kansas City plant to build the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu.
jobs to the region. advanced manufacturing, distribution, Major New

alternative energy and bioscience.
GM Invests in Kansas Billed as the aviation capital of the world, Investments
“GM will invest new capital in its Kansas Kansas produces more than 40 percent of the in 2010:
City, Kan., plant to build its next-generation world’s general aviation aircraft. The state Cerner Corp., Kansas City
Chevrolet Malibu, which will add a third shift confirmed its reputation in December 2010 by (4,500 jobs, $170 million
to this plant,” Hake says. “J.P. Morgan was completing an agreement to keep Hawker capital investment)
another great win for us with the relocation of Beechcraft and 4,000 jobs in Wichita. Regent Asset Management,
their headquarters to Kansas.” Alternative energy is growing with rural Overland Park (1,250 jobs,
biofuels projects, a value-added target that $2 million capital
Four Industry Sectors Targeted builds upon the state’s extensive agribusiness investment)
Based on its highly skilled workforce, the sector. In addition, the state is ranked No. 2 General Motors, Kansas
nucleus of research universities and its central nationally for wind energy potential. City (1,000 jobs, $88
location, the Kansas Department of Commerce Distribution makes sense for the state, Hake million capital investment)
team has targeted four industry sectors: maintains, as Kansas is located in the center
J.P. Morgan, Overland Park
(650 jobs, $30 million
capital investment)
In Good Company kansas ranks well on several prestigious lists Tindall Corp., Newton
(400 jobs, $66 million
• Kansas ranked 10th on Forbes’ new Best States for Business and Careers list
capital investment)
in 2010. The state scored particularly well for its regulatory environment and
economic climate, finishing 11th and 13th, respectively, in those categories.
• Kansas was listed in the top 10 in eight of 20 categories in Business Facilities
magazine’s 2010 Rankings Report, the state’s best-ever finish.
• Kansas ranked third in Southern Business & Development magazine’s
Top Deals and Hot Markets report, the state’s best-ever finish and second
straight top 5 ranking.
• Kansas ranked No. 6 on Site Selection magazine’s Competitiveness Awards, moving
up from No. 10 the previous year.
• Kansas was ranked No. 11 in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business 2010
report for the second time in three years.
• Area Development magazine named Kansas the winner of the Silver Shovel Award
for excellence in job creation and capital investment, the fourth Silver Shovel in
five years.
of the continental United States and
boasts the nation’s top-ranked
transportation system. New rail
intermodal facilities being built in
Kansas will spur more companies
considering the state for their next
distribution operation.
On the retention front, the Sugar
Creek Packing Co. will create 150 new
jobs in Frontenac, while retaining 145
jobs, and General Motors is investing
$136 million in its Kansas City plant.
Animal Science Corridor
Draws Investment
Kansas is one of the nation’s fastest-
growing bioscience hubs and is located
in the middle of the Global Animal
Health Corridor, a stretch of real estate
that runs through the Kansas City
metropolitan area and comprises more
than 40 percent of the world’s animal
science assets.
In January 2011, Ceva Santé Animale,
a global leader in the animal health
industry, selected Lenexa to maintain
and expand its North American
corporate location, building upon a
$15 million expansion that created 80
new jobs in 2010. The value of being
located within the Animal Health
Corridor was key to the company’s
decision to stay in the region and add 20
new corporate level positions.
“Ceva’s decision to maintain and
expand its Lenexa campus is a
testament to the support we’ve
received from the Animal Health
J e ff A d kins
Corridor,” says Dr. Arnaud Bourgeois,

vice president of Ceva Santé Animale.
“Thanks to Animal Health Corridor’s
extended networking opportunities,
Major retention/expansions in 2010 resources in the state of Kansas and
• Sugar Creek Packing Co., Frontenac (150 new jobs, 145 retained support from officials in Lenexa,
jobs, $7.9 million capital investment) we will continue to invest in
breakthrough technologies that
• RTS International, Lenexa (165 new jobs, $5.2 million capital support our future growth.”
investment)
• PTMW Inc., Topeka (135 jobs, $9 million capital investment)
• LDF Cos. Inc., Wichita (5 new jobs, 146 retained jobs, $11.9 million
capital investment)
• Watco Cos., Pittsburg (304 retained jobs, $1.9 million capital
investment) Kansas has become a destination for
corporate headquarters location.
30 Kansas
Business Friendly
Pro-business legislation aids Kansas job creation
To attract new business, a state’s food supply. 2009, the Legislature approved the
leadership has to think like a In 2011, the Legislature also Wind and Solar Bond Financing
business, and that is exactly what approved “expensing,” which will Incentive, making up to $5 million
the Kansas Legislature has been allow businesses to immediately available for eligible wind/solar
doing in recent years. deduct the entire cost of certain projects, which proved to be helpful
Key among reasons for the state’s purchases for tax purposes, rather in Siemens Energy’s spring 2009
economic success is a series of than requiring a set schedule of selection of Hutchinson, Kan., for its
pro-business legislation passed by smaller deductions over multiple first North American wind turbine
Kansas lawmakers, starting with the years. The law is expected to pump nacelle production plant.
Kansas Economic Growth Act of at least $47 million per year back Another program aimed at job
2004 that created the Kansas into the Kansas economy. creation is Promoting Employment
Bioscience Authority. Kansas will Legislators also eliminated Across Kansas (PEAK), which allows
be named the future home of the property tax on new business qualified for-profit new and existing
National Bio and Agro-Defense machinery and equipment, phased expanding companies to retain 95
Facility, a $650 million laboratory out the Kansas franchise tax and percent of the payroll withholding tax
that will work to research diseases reduced unemployment insurance of the relocated jobs over a period of
that can affect the public health and and corporate income tax rates. In five or more years. – Betsy Williams
Speed
Merchants
Broadband initiative transforms rural economies
Story by Bill Lewis

Photography by Jeff Adkins
T
he jobs of the future, new Adams, broadband manager for the
educational opportunities,
health-care services never
Kansas Department of Commerce.
“High-speed Internet makes a By the numbers
before available in rural areas, and tremendous difference in people’s
a higher quality of life are coming to
communities across Kansas thanks to
the Internet.
everyday lives, in ways barely
imaginable just 10 years ago. The
information superhighway has
$6.4 million
Amount Kansas has received
The Kansas Department of rapidly become integral in federal stimulus funds for
Commerce’s Connect Kansas infrastructure to fostering a strong, planning, data collection and
initiative is working to make sure vibrant economy.” mapping of broadband capacity
they are ready. “Broadband is the type of thing
“The initiative’s goal is to make
sure more homes, businesses,
that makes a huge difference in
people’s lives. I think it’s like the $136 million
schools, medical facilities and other advent of the telephone, electricity Amount Kansas businesses and
institutions have access to the and color TV. It could be imagined as organizations have been awarded
Internet through a high-speed a luxury, but it isn’t. Without it you’ll from the BIP and BTOP programs.
broadband connection,” says Stanley be left out,” Adams says.
The higher connectivity speeds offered by broadband could unlock new services and enterprise in rural parts of Kansas.
32 Kansas
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of Ch e l s e y Gross m an
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of Ch e l s e y Gross m an
34 Kansas
program boosts rural kansas incentives promote growth in counties A Big Incentive
Kansas is committed to boosting rural development. The new Rural
Opportunity Zones (ROZs) program covers 50 counties in the state and
for Rural
offers incentives such as a rebate on all state income taxes for up to five
years to individuals who move into an ROZs county from outside Kansas.
Development
The program also offers up to $3,000 a year ($15,000 maximum benefit) ROZs program aims to jumpstart
in student loan forgiveness for students who graduate from an accredited growth in 50 counties
post-secondary institution and move into an ROZs county.
Gov. Sam
Cheyenne Rawlins Decatur Norton Phillips Smith Jewell Republic Washington Marshall Nemaha Brown Brownback has
made growing the
Doniphan
Sherman Thomas Sheridan Graham Rooks Osborne Mitchell

Cloud
Clay Riley Pottawatomie Jackson
Atchison
Kansas economy a
Jefferson
top priority. He
Leavenworth
Ottawa
Wallace Logan Gove Trego Ellis Russell
Lincoln
Dickinson
Shawnee
Wyandotte made good on one
Geary Douglas
of his first major
Wabaunsee
Johnson
Ellsworth
Saline
Morris Osage Pat George
Greeley Wichita Scott Lane Ness Rush Barton
Lyon
Franklin Miami efforts to fulfill
Rice
McPherson Marion
Chase that pledge by signing into law the
Coffey Linn
Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs)
Anderson
Pawnee
Hamilton Kearny Finney Hodgeman
Stafford
Gray
Reno Harvey
Butler Greenwood Woodson Allen Bourbon
program in April 2011.
Edwards
Ford
Pratt
Sedgwick The ROZs program covers 50 rural
Stanton
counties in Kansas: Barber,
Grant Haskell Neosho
Kiowa Wilson
Kingman Crawford
Elk
Morton Stevens Seward

Meade Clark Barber Sumner Cowley
Montgomery Labette
Chautauqua, Cheyenne, Clark, Cloud,
Comanche Harper Cherokee
Chautauqua
Comanche, Decatur, Edwards, Elk,
Gove, Graham, Greeley, Greenwood,
Hamilton, Harper, Hodgeman, Jewell,
Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Lane,
Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Mitchell,
Morton, Ness, Norton, Osborne,
Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rawlins,
Republic, Rooks, Rush, Russell,
The Department of Commerce is in its rural service areas. Steve Davis,
Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith,
leveraging new federal funding to the company’s general manager, is a Stafford, Stanton, Trego, Thomas,
gather data and assess the gaps in member of Gov. Sam Brownback’s Wallace, Washington, Wichita, Wilson
Kansas so that no one is left behind broadband task force. and Woodson.
in the digital dust. The Broadband “Back in the 1970s, every home Kansas will offer a rebate on all
Initiatives Program makes loans had a phone. Broadband will provide state income taxes for up to five
and grants primarily to private your phone, television, security, a years to individuals who move to an
enterprises expanding or improving storefront for your business, all ROZs county from outside the state. In
infrastructure exclusively in remote, through that fiber optic connection,” addition, the program offers up to
rural areas. Meanwhile, the Allen says. $3,000 per year ($15,000 maximum
Broadband Technology Opportunities SCTelecom is connecting many benefit) in student loan forgiveness
Program focuses on the expansion of customers with fiber optic lines. for students who graduate from an
publicly accessible computer centers In isolated places, the company is accredited post-secondary institution
and sustainable broadband adoption turning to an even more modern and move to an ROZs county.
programs within the state. solution – wireless broadband. Wide “Rural Opportunity Zones will jump
swaths of rural Kansas could be start economic growth in many areas
Public-Private Partnerships turned into Wi-Fi hotspots, in Kansas that have experienced
Broadband access has the power to Allen says. dramatic population declines,” says
transform rural economies, says Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat
Steve Allen, marketing manager for Connecting E-commerce George. “We need people to move to
SCTelecom. The company is one of The effort has already had these areas, and the ROZs program
several providers participating in the measurable results. A ranch that provides the state with a powerful
broadband initiative. SCTelecom is provides horseback riding incentive to do just that. This is a
working to bring high-speed experiences for tourists is using its partnership between the state and
connectivity to thousands of Kansans broadband connection to reach new counties to help them promote the
state and bring back individuals to
these areas. This is just the start of
Clockwise from top: SCTelecom is working to bring high-speed connectivity to thousands
of Kansans in its rural service areas. Kansas sees the development of high-speed the Brownback Administration’s
broadband networks bringing new jobs and economic opportunity to rural communities. efforts to revive rural Kansas.”
More than 72 percent of Kansans households
have access to broadband technology.
36 Kansas
customers. A number of cattle infrastructure is better than read in real time. Broadband means
auction houses are broadening their dial-up, but not always fast enough higher quality care, close to home,”
reach by conducting e-auctions. A to support life-changing services Adams says.
dial-up connection would be far too such as distance medicine or Once enhanced broadband is
slow to keep up with the fast-paced encourage e-commerce. For that, available, the Kansas Department of
action, Allen says. the highest speeds are needed, Commerce wants to ensure that
“I know of several businesses that Adams says. Kansans subscribe. Currently, only
were going to have to relocate but “We have doctors in rural areas about half of Kansans who have
didn’t have to once broadband that need to consult with specialists service available are actually using it,
became available,” Allen says. in major medical centers. A small Adams says. “The more people using
More than 90 percent of Kansans town may not have a radiologist. But the Internet, the better it is for our
have access to some form of a doctor there can send an X-ray economy. It’s a commerce engine,”
broadband. That existing image on the Internet and have it Adams says.
Kansas Technology Benchmarks
72%
Households in Kansas with broadband service
67%
U.S. average of households with broadband service
83%
Kansas households with a computer
88%
Kansas residents who access the Internet from home
28%
Residents who subscribe
to mobile wireless via
laptop or cell phone/
mobile device Source: Connect Kansas
38 Kansas
Business
at Jet
Speed
Incentives give lift to Kansas
aviation industry
Story by Bill Lewis
W
ith an economy connected to Independence, where Cessna
the world at the speed of assembles the Citation Mustang
Learjet, Cessna, Hawker business jet and single-engine piston
Beechcraft, Airbus, Boeing, Spirit aircraft.
AeroSystems and other aircraft Wichita has six major aircraft
companies, Kansas is taking steps to companies, including Airbus
nurture the industry that makes it the Americas Engineering; Boeing
world’s aviation leader. Defense, Space & Security;
“We’ve built over a quarter-million Bombardier Aerospace/Learjet;
aircraft in Kansas,” says Randi Hawker Beechcraft; Spirit
Tveitaraas Jack, international business AeroSystems; and Cessna, which
recruitment manager for the Kansas manufactures and services its Citation
Department of Commerce. business jet line in the city.
The state is taking steps to ensure
that aircraft keep coming off the line Kansas Aviation Innovation
in Wichita, long known as the Air Additional aviation industry
Capital of the World, and in companies with large Kansas
J e ff A d kins
Bombardier Aerospace has announced the expansion of its Learjet production in Wichita,
creating at least 300 jobs and $600 million in total investment in Kansas.
40 Kansas
From left: A technology lab at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University; Bombardier Learjet
operations include: these together, you’d be hard pressed Incentives Create

• Garmin International, navigation to find any place in the United States Jobs in Kansas
systems with the depth and breadth of Kansas Facing competition from other
• Honeywell Aerospace, avionics in the aviation industry,” she says. states and even other countries that
• GE Engine Services, aircraft engine A major contract for Boeing will would like to lure those jobs away,
overhaul have enormous impact for the Kansas the state is making targeted use of
• Triumph Group, aircraft components aerospace and aviation industry. economic incentives to ensure that the
• Goodrich Cabin Systems, aircraft Boeing, in early 2011, was awarded industry has an unmatched business
interiors a $35 billion contract to build a new climate in Kansas. Two of the largest
• TECT Aerospace, aircraft fleet of air refueling tankers for the aviation companies responded with
components Air Force based on its 767 jetliner major investments in the state.
• B/E Aerospace, aircraft interiors platform. The company has estimated Bombardier Aerospace announced
• Senior Aerospace, aircraft the project, which will deliver some the expansion of its Learjet production
components 200 of the tankers, will create 50,000 in Wichita to include the advanced new
At least 30,000 people are employed jobs at its U.S. operations. Learjet 85. The company is creating at
in the aviation industry and a Initial estimates put the number of least 300 jobs and $600 million in total
significant number, over 40 percent jobs in Kansas directly and indirectly investment in Kansas. Approximately
globally, of general aviation aircraft are tied to that contract at 7,500, with an 600 jobs will be associated with the
built in Kansas,” says Tveitaraas Jack. economic impact of $388 million. new production line.
Approximately 200 suppliers and Boeing’s Wichita operations will be The expanded Learjet site will
“innovation companies” do business the finishing center for converting handle final assembly, interior
in Kansas, says Suzie Ahlstrand, the jets into tankers, and Spirit completion, paint and final delivery
interim president of the Greater AeroSystems, which builds the of the Learjet 85, the largest, fastest
To d d B e nn e t t
Wichita Economic Development forward section for the 767, is also and longest-range Learjet ever. The
Coalition. “They are the rest of the expected to see work from the announcement came after a meeting
foundational pieces. When you put all contract. between state and company officials at

42
J e ff A d kins J e ff A d kins
Kansas

To d d B e nn e t t

Top left and bottom: Workers assemble new Learjet aircraft at Bombardier’s
manufacturing facility in Wichita. Top middle and top right: NIAR is the nation’s
largest aerospace research and development academic institution.
the Farnborough Air Show in England. equipment. NCAT also incorporates

Bombardier Learjet has about 2,250 major new facilities for the National
employees in the state. Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).
Hawker Beechcraft, a world-leading Located at Wichita State University,
manufacturer of business, special NIAR is the nation’s largest aerospace
mission and trainer aircraft, inked research and development academic
an agreement with the state that institution. It provides applied
guarantees the company will maintain research into advanced materials
its current production lines in Wichita and composites, 3-D prototyping,
and retain at least 4,000 jobs over aerodynamics, aircraft aging and
the next 10 years. The company’s other fields critical to aircraft design
headquarters and major facilities and manufacturing. An Industry
are located in the city. Advisory Council, composed of
Kansas’ commitment to the industry senior managers from several
includes research and training facilities aviation companies, communicates
that help its aviation businesses the industry’s needs to NIAR.
maintain their lead. The National NIAR “plays a key role in attracting
Center for Aviation Training, a world- and retaining aviation manufacturing
class facility in Wichita, provides businesses,” says Tracee Friess,
realistic hands-on technical training on NIAR’s spokeswoman and coordinator
the latest aircraft manufacturing of special projects.
Creating a Climate for Investment

Important recent legislation and incentives have bolstered Kansas’
manufacturing sector, including its aviation industry:
• 2011: The Legislature passes legislation allowing businesses to
immediately “expense” certain purchases for tax purposes, putting at
least $47 million back into the Kansas economy.
• 2008: The Legislature passed HB 2006, which makes up to $33 million
in state incentives available for eligible large-scale aviation projects.
• 2006: The Kansas Legislature eliminated the property tax on new
business and machinery, meaning major savings for large-scale
manufacturers, including aviation companies.
• Qualified companies relocating or bringing new operations to Kansas
can retain their payroll withholding tax for five to 10 years, depending
on wages and number of jobs brought to the state.
• Financial assistance is available to train a new workforce or to retrain
existing workers on new technology.
• Financial assistance is available for construction, remodeling, furnishings
and equipment.
• 10 percent corporate income tax credit for new capital investment.
• 100 percent sales tax exemption on purchases to construct, remodel,
furnish and equip a facility.
• 100 percent sales tax exemption on items that become part of a
manufactured product or items consumed in production.
• 100 percent personal property tax exemption on commercial machinery
and equipment new to Kansas.
• Property tax abatement on real property for up to 10 years subject to
community approval.
• No inventory tax or franchise tax.
44 Kansas
Driven by
the Wind
Suppliers flock to Kansas to
serve growing energy sector
Story by Pamela Coyle

W
hen Draka, a global This will be the large steel
manufacturer of wire and fabricator’s first venture in the wind
cable, announced its first sector, and it will use its existing plant
U.S. wind industry cable assembly in Ottawa to create the next generation
venture would be in Hutchinson, Kan., of wind towers – ones that can be
it cited Siemens Energy’s nearby broken down into smaller pieces and
nacelle plant as a big reason. assembled on site, rather than huge
The Siemens project is drawing tubular structures that are more
companies at all ends of the wind difficult to transport. At full capacity,
supply chain to the state. Schuff Steel Schuff will have up to 250 workers and
in January 2011 said it will build a produce 300 towers a year.
200,000-square-foot wind tower Additionally, South Carolina-based
manufacturing plant in Ottawa, Kan., Tindall Corp. is building a facility in
rather than North Dakota as planned. Newton, Kan., to make the massive
Kansas is ranked second in the nation for wind-energy potential, according to the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Kansas wind farms the heart of the wind corridor
Meridian Way Wind Farm

Cloud County
Central Plains Wind Farm Smoky Hills Wind Farm

Wichita County Lincoln/Ellsworth Counties
Elk River Wind Project

Gray County Wind Farm Butler County
Flat Ridge Wind Farm,
Gray County Barber County
Spearville Wind Energy Facility
Ford County Greensburg Wind Project, Kiowa County
concrete bases for wind towers, a installation of new wind projects in Hutchinson in December 2010.
capital investment of $66 million that 2010 was half the level of 2009, several The nacelle is a large, heavy box that
will create 400 jobs. Kansas projects with more than 500 sits on top of the wind tower and
total megawatts were announced. contains the components that run the
Wind Corridor Kansas has long been a big oil and turbine, including the gear box, rotor
Draws Suppliers natural gas player, and now wind is and hundreds if not thousands of
Kansas makes sense – seven nacelle attracting international investment to components that control the blades,
plants in addition to the Siemens collect the energy and convert it
the Sunflower State. Draka, which
facility are in operation or under into usable power. Moving them is
announced its project in December
construction within 500 miles. Kansas expensive, and Kansas’ central location
is in the heart of the Wind Corridor, 2010, is based in Holland and is the
eighth-largest cable manufacturer in helps manufacturers and their
with great access to interstates, Class I suppliers control transportation costs.
railroads and even water transport out the world and the third largest in
“To get closer to the customer
of nearby Tulsa, Okla. Wind is strong Europe. It is the main cable supplier
because of freight costs is a big
in Kansas, literally as well as for Siemens Wind in Denmark.
concern,” says Dennis Anweiler,
economically. The state is ranked Jupiter Group, a Denmark-based business unit director for Draka.
second in the nation for wind energy producer of wind turbine components,
potential, according to the National opened a new facility in Junction City International Flavor,
Renewable Energy Laboratory. from which it will serve clients Local Opportunities
At the end of 2010, Kansas had throughout the Midwest. Siemens, a But the wind isn’t blowing past
1,026 megawatts of wind generating German powerhouse, started existing Kansas manufacturers.
capacity. And though total U.S. producing 90-ton nacelles in Dozens of companies, including many
Siemens Energy’s wind turbine nacelle manufacturing plant in Hutchinson is drawing many wind-industry companies to Kansas.
46 Kansas
HUTCHINSON
KANSAS Come see why Siemens Wind Power
chose Hutchinson for their
North American nacelle plant.
Shovel-ready
land
1 Siemens Energy
Available Hutchinson, KS
buildings 2 Mitsubishi
Power Systems
Fort Chaffee, AR
3 Nordex USA
Jonesboro, AR
Central
4 Suzion Blades
location Photo supplied by Siemens press Pipestone, MN
Excellent
transportation
access
Motivated
and educated
workforce
Value-driven
community 5 Clipper Windpower
Cedar Rapids, IA
6 Acciona Energy
West Branch, IA
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
7 Vestas Nacelles
620.662.3391 Brighton, CO
www.hutchchamber.com
8 Vestas Blades
Windsor, CO
An employee makes wind turbine blade kits at Jupiter Group, a Denmark-based company that opened a new facility in Junction City.
that have long supplied the state’s huge it is looking like 2011 is going to be supply chain, make recommendations
aerospace industry, are retooling or exciting,” says owner Pam Koehler. on possible components to be supplied
studying the feasibility of working in Companies such as JR Custom can and review the production systems.
the wind sector. JR Custom Metal get help from the Advanced The institute also works with regions
Products in Wichita is one of them. Manufacturing Institute (AMI) at and their governmental entities on the
The job shop has started supplying big Kansas State University. AMI has economic development planning.
wind manufacturers with walkways, partnered with the Great Lakes Wind “The biggest challenge is
platforms and material handling Network (GLWN) to provide site materials,” says Jeff Tucker, AMI’s
equipment for nacelle components. assessments for manufacturers associate director. “A lot of aviation
“Last year we added 30 people, and wishing to enter the wind industry work is in aluminum, and the wind
An Incentive Generating Results siemens energy takes advantage of bond financing

Alternative Energy Bond Financing incentives make up in luring Siemens Energy to Hutchinson, Kan., the site
to $5 million available for eligible renewable energy of the company’s first U.S.-based nacelle production
projects in Kansas. To qualify, a project must have a facility, which created 400 jobs. The Kansas Legislature
capital investment of at least $30 million, create at least approved the incentive, which applies to solar projects
200 jobs within five years and pay an average salary of as well as wind, in 2009. Siemens was the first wind
$32,500. The bonds are paid off from the withholding venture to take advantage of the bond financing, though
tax of the new jobs. This legislation was a major draw other eligible projects are in the pipeline.
50 Kansas
industry uses steel and others. The
business relationships have a different
structure, and the return on
investment is usually longer. The
question is more whether it is
economically viable than technically
feasible.”
Renewable Energy Goals
Kansas first enacted Renewable
Energy Standards for 2010 (10 percent)
and 2020 (20 percent), a strong signal
to alternative energy producers of
Kansas’ commitment to renewable
energy. The state is on target to hit a
20 percent threshold by 2020 and has a
portfolio of economic incentives to
also pave the way for manufacturers.
“The economy has impacted the
wind industry like everything else,
and some investment decisions have
been delayed,” says Randi Tveitaraas
Jack, international business
recruitment manager for the Kansas
Department of Commerce. “We are
patient, and we are in this for the
long haul.”
Wind in Kansas
2
U.S. rank in potential
capacity
14
U.S. rank in existing
capacity
8
Wind farms in Kansas
producing 100 or more
megawatts
1,026
Megawatts online at the
end of 2010
SOURCE: American Wind
Energy Association
Employees assemble nacelles at the

Siemens Energy plant in Hutchinson.
Kansas training programs help ensure that
employers have workers with the right skills.
52 Kansas
Job Well Done
KANSASWORKS connects employers to skilled workers
Story by Heather Johnston Johnson

O
nline matchmakers are job seekers in their area, and an Area Development magazine survey
churning out hundreds of integrates Kansas universities, of site location consultants.
successful matches in Kansas – community colleges and technical
at least when it comes to the state’s schools so they can tailor their Kansas Workforce Program
workforce system. curriculum to the needs of new and Targets Industry Needs
The Kansas Department of expanding businesses. And as workforce and employer
Commerce administers the The result is a seamless network in needs evolve, the program is evolving
KANSASWORKS system, which links which Kansas workers receive job- with them and keeping pace with
businesses, job seekers and specific training and Kansas industry innovations.
educational institutions to ensure that businesses can find well-trained Biosciences are seeing tremendous
Kansas employers can find skilled employees. Those efforts are paying off growth in Kansas, especially in
workers. The system includes various on a number of fronts: Kansas has the animal and human health.
workforce centers, which are located No. 3-ranked workforce development Energy is expanding beyond its
statewide to connect businesses with programs in the nation, according to base in oil, gas and coal to include a
Industrial strength Training KIT Program preps workers before and after they’re hired
The Kansas Industrial Training (KIT) program assists instruction on the company’s own production equipment
firms in pre-employment and on-the-job training. Pre- on the plant floor or on similar machinery in a classroom
employment training may be used to allow the company setting.
and prospective employees an opportunity to evaluate To be eligible, a company must add at least one net
one another before making employment commitments. new position at an average wage of at least $11 per
Prospective employees are given the knowledge hour in Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Sedgwick,
and specific skills necessary for job entry. On-the-job Shawnee and Wyandotte counties, or $9.50 per hour
training is conducted after hiring. Trainees may receive in the rest of the state.
High Impact burgeoning wind energy sector and biofuels. KANSASWORKS’ continues to seek
Kansas is ranked No. 2 in wind potential, additional funding to enhance its training
The Investments in
Major Projects and
according to National Renewable Energy capacity. The Department of Commerce and
Comprehensive Training Laboratory data. And companies such as other partners collaborated on eight successful
(IMPACT) program is Siemens Energy, which has a new nacelle grant applications, which will amount to more
designed to respond to manufacturing facility in Hutchinson, along than $23 million over the next few years, giving
training and capital
requirements of major
with suppliers such as Denmark-based Jupiter the program stability and the ability to help
business expansions and Group and Holland-based Draka, are creating more people and leverage current resources.
locations in Kansas. Under new job opportunities and, with them, new A federal Health & Human Services grant
certain circumstances, training needs. for $15 million over five years, for example, is
IMPACT may also be used
for job-retention projects.
designed to increase the health care workforce
IMPACT has two major
Skills Training Helps by helping low-income individuals find
components: SKILL (State Kansas Employers employment in health care-related fields.
of Kansas Investments in A critical component to building a strong
Lifelong Learning) and MPI economy is the availability of a highly trained
(Major Project Investment).
SKILL funds may be used to
and qualified workforce, and Kansas has
pay for expenses related to launched efforts on a number of fronts to
training a new, and in ensure that employers have a deep pool of
certain instances, an skilled talent from which to draw.
existing workforce. MPI
funds may be used for other
One of the keys to those efforts is the
expenses related to the Kansas WORKReady! Initiative, which uses
project, such as the the WorkKeys® assessment tool to award
purchase or relocation Career Readiness Certificates to individuals to
of equipment, labor
recruitment or building
document their skills in mathematics, reading
costs. IMPACT is typically for information and locating information.
reserved for projects Applicants can receive a bronze-, silver-, gold-
involving at least 100 or platinum-level certificate based on their score,
new jobs at a higher-than-
average wage. The IMPACT
which indicates the percentage of core skills they
program may also be used possess for the jobs profiled by WorkKeys®.
for job retention projects Keith Meyers, director of training services
that have compelling for the Kansas Department of Commerce, sees
economic benefit for
Kansas.
a strong future for the training component.
“A lot of our employers find the skills
assessment to be a valuable tool, especially in
the manufacturing arena. If candidates don’t
have a previous manufacturing background,
but they can demonstrate a skills background,
employers can see that they have a certain
level of aptitude,” Meyers says.
When Siemens began hiring for its new
facility in Hutchinson, the workforce program
provided a job fair at Hutchinson Community
College and listed open jobs on the state website.
Roger Brown, human resources manager for
Siemens, says the state program provided
important services the company couldn’t handle
on its own. The plant hired around 150
employees in 2010 and plans to add more in 2011.
“Instead of having people constantly walk
in and disrupt our small workforce, the job
site listings allowed control of applications for
a given time,” he says.
Clockwise from top left: Kansas Workforce Centers,

like this one in Topeka, assist job seekers and
employers; KANSASWORKS provides a range of
training programs that assist businesses.
54 Kansas
To d d B e nn e t t
Kansas Workforce Center Locations
Kansas Workforce Centers provide a range of services for
people seeking careers and businesses looking for qualified
employees. More on services Kansas offers to job seekers
and employers can be found at www.KANSASWORKS.com.
1. Atchison 10. Hutchinson 19. Overland Park
2. Chanute 11. Independence 20. Paola
3. Colby 12. Junction City 21. Pittsburg
4. Dodge City 13. Kansas City 22. Salina
5. El Dorado 14. Lawrence 23. Topeka
6. Emporia 15. Leavenworth 24. Wellington
7. Garden City 16. Liberal 25. Wichita
8. Great Bend 17. Manhattan 26. Winfield
9. Hays 18. Newton
1
3
15
17 13
12 23 14 19
9 22
20
8 6
10 18
7
5
4 25 2
26 21
24 11
16
56 Kansas
High-Voltage Training
Workforce initiative targets energy sector
Kansas is giving its energy expensive equipment – such as Fort Hays State will work with the
workers an edge over those in climbing poles – that teach skills state’s 26 independent community
surrounding states by providing necessary for line workers. and technical colleges to enhance
a new education program with “Industry needs are front and existing programs.
targeted skills training. center,” Hund said. “Industry drives Participation by colleges is
EnergyNET, also known as the EnergyNET.” voluntary. Hund hopes EnergyNET
Energy Network of Education and EnergyNET organizers have met will result in more efficient use of
Training, delivers the education with energy leaders to determine limited public funds and increase
and training needed by the energy what skills are needed. As the training opportunities to Kansans.
industry and ties a statewide coordinating entity, – Heather Johnston Johnson
network of community and
technical colleges together to
provide specialized training for
energy employees.
Fort Hays State

university Coordinates
EnergyNET Program
y
With an initial $1.6 million
investment from the Kansas
Department of Commerce and the
Kansas Board of Regents, the
Russell Coun t
program is coordinated by Fort
Hays State University.
Culture
Dr. Chris Crawford, assistant
provost for quality management at
FHSU, says partnering colleges will
focus on occupational skills, such
Alive with …
as line worker training, as well as
the more advanced skills needed
for smart grid technology. History
Fort Hays State is drawing on
its experience with distance Grassroots Art Capital
learning to help partnering
of Kansas
colleges build their own online
courses. History of oil in this
area comes alive!
Industry Needs
o m m e rce
C
Shape EnergyNET
Kathy Hund, director of
workforce education and training
for the Kansas Department of
Commerce and Kansas Board of
Regents, says the education
initiative offers a hybrid delivery Wish You
model for education.
Potential workers who don’t Were Here!
want to travel out of their region
can take advantage of distance- Russell County Economic
learning courses at local schools. Development & CVB
Cooperation between colleges rced@russellks.org
saves money for new programs by (877) 830-3737
providing students broader access www.russellcoks.org
to established courses with Russell Kansas or GetRussell
Wide Open With
58 Kansas
Possibilities
Bumper crop of initiatives feeds rural Kansas economy
Agritourism and other programs are

making a real difference in the
economic outlook of rural Kansas.
photo b y J eff A dkins

60
Kansas

J e ff A d kins
J e ff A d kins

Story by Betsy Williams
T 2009 KANSAS
he rural communities of farm expansion assistance – these
Kansas are developing and other programs are making a
creative ways to diversify and
strengthen their economies, and
real difference in the economic
outlook of rural Kansas. AGRICULTURE
efforts by the Rural Development
Division of the Kansas Department
“Our agriculture marketing piece
is state-funded and is impacting OVERVIEW
of Commerce are ensuring these rural businesses and agribusiness,”
communities will play a major role
in the state’s future.
Jordan says. “Our Value-Added Loan
Program adds value to agricultural
commodities. For example, ethanol
65,500
“Kansas has a wide geography Number of farms
that is very rural, and our is a value-added commodity, where
department has developed programs
that provide funding and technical
assistance to regions, communities
corn or sorghum is turned into a
secondary product. Or we might help
someone purchase the equipment
46.2 million
Number of acres
and individuals,” says Carole Jordan, necessary to turn organic wheat into
$12 billion
rural development director at the organic flour, which is valued higher
Kansas Department of Commerce. than regular flour.”
“Rural is our sole focus.” Simply Kansas, a trademark Amount of cash receipts in 2009
Utilizing federal dollars, the Rural program that highlights and
$4.9 billion
Development Division assists markets Kansas products, has been
communities with infrastructure extremely successful, Jordan says.
and housing stabilization, and state- And the state’s Main Street program
Agricultural export values
funded community development continues its community capacity-
building, self-sustaining effort. Just
705
programs provide funding
opportunities and hands-on developed over the past year is the
technical assistance from Rural Kansas Downtown Network for
smaller and non-Main Street Average farm size in acres
Opportunity field representatives.
communities. This network
Value-added Programs
Make a Difference
utilizes the national program’s
successful four-point approach to 6 million
Agritourism, renewable energy, downtown redevelopment. Number of cattle and calves
value-added loan programs, dairy The state’s successful agricultural
Clockwise from top: Guests at Grandview Ranch in Emporia; Longhorn cattle at

1.8 million
Longhorn Park in Dodge City; Jan Jantzen, on his Grandview Ranch property, is Number of hogs and pigs
helping other rural entrepreneurs design their own agritourism experience.
S taff Pho t o
Rural entrepreneur initiatives in Kansas are helping farmers and ranchers diversify their operations and unlock other uses for their
land, such as for hunting, camping and agritourism experiences.
marketing programs will be housed in Emporia, is now helping other deer-hunting states in the nation. I had
in the Kansas Department of rural entrepreneurs design their own a father and son who walked into a
Agriculture, effective July 1, 2011. agritourism experience. class, saying the son wants to take over
In the top tier of the rural Kansas The 20-hour “Agritourism: the farming operation but can’t without
success story is agritourism, and one of Your Next Cash Crop?” interactive further diversifying the income. We’re
the pioneers in the state’s movement is business course, sponsored by the looking at how he can utilize rural
now devoting his extensive knowledge Kansas Department of Commerce, assets that were going untapped. That
to spreading the word through seminars covers targeted client demographics, farm has a great habitat and a good deer
and workshops. marketing, cash flow and accounting, population, ideal for hunting. All of a
Jan Jantzen, who has great success liability and idea development. sudden, that farm has additional value.”
with marketing and hosting the “I think the rural economy has a lot Hunting trips that can cost upward of
authentic ranch experience to eager of unrealized potential,” Jantzen says. $1,500 per person and can extend into
urban dwellers at his Grandview Ranch “For instance, Kansas is one of the great fishing, camping, chuck wagon dinners,
working and moving cattle, tours of
local historic assets, horseshoe art – all
falling into the broad definition of rural
tourism, Jantzen says.
All About ag kansas ranks in many agriculture categories For him, it also means he’s been able
to parlay the successful trail-riding,
Kansas ranks first in wheat, first in grain sorghum, second in cropland range-burning business at Grandview
and third in sunflowers produced. The state ranks fourth in summer into something he sold to a fellow
potatoes, sixth in hay produced, seventh in corn for grain and ninth in rancher, while still retaining his
soybean production. More than 19 percent of all U.S. beef originates from property ownership.
Kansas beef-processing facilities. The state ranks third in cattle and calves “That is an amazing stamp of the
on farms and third in cattle and calves on grain feed, 10th in hogs on farms maturing of this industry,” he says.
and 11th in market sheep and lambs. “The agritourism business has value.”
62 Kansas
Grass-Roots
Approach
Office of Rural Opportunity
plants seed for growth
Rural Opportunity representatives
within the Kansas Department of
Commerce are building bridges
between what is and what can be by
spurring meaningful development in
communities of 5,000 or less. These
rural-based representatives serve as
contacts for rural communities
seeking assistance in the development
of strategic plans to attract
businesses, workers and investment.
“We have four individuals who
have offices in four regions of the
state, and they are our bridge
between the community and
available assistance,” says Carole
Jordan, rural development director
at the Kansas Department of
Commerce. “We work with cities,
counties and not-for-profit groups
to build foundations that can help
initiate and sustain economic
development by helping them go
through a strategic planning process.
When opportunity comes their way,
they know what to do to optimize it.”
The definition of “rural” is “all over
the map,” Jordan says. “For the Rural
Opportunity program, we set the
number at 5,000 and fewer when
we started our program in 2007.
In Kansas we have about 600
municipalities that fit that category.”
By working with hundreds of these
communities, the program has helped
communities generate projects that
created economic benefit or simply
restored community pride.
Sometimes it’s as simple as
providing information.
“We had one very small community
that didn’t have the financial capacity
to do much, but they had a cemetery
in the middle of town that had
become an eyesore,” Jordan says.
Living green
“They were at a loss as to what to do
to restore the tombstones. We got
them that information, they did the
work. It increased their community
pride and prompted volunteer
starts from the ground up.
Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test
involvement.” – Betsy Williams
your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. That's living healthy and green.
Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon

64
Kansas

Pho t o Co u r t e s y of K ansas Cos m os p h e r e & S pa c e C e n t e r

Pho t o Co u r t e s y of Mar c i P e nn e r
No Place
Like
Kansas
State is stocked with natural
beauty, history and culture
Story by Kevin Litwin
O
ne of every nine Kansas our pace of life and friendliness of the
citizens today owes his or her people – no matter where they go,”
job to tourism. says Richard Smalley, tourism
In fact, the state’s tourism industry marketing manager for the state’s
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of M e r e d i t h Cor p orat ion / Mi c ha e l C . S n e l l
directly supports approximately Travel & Tourism Division. “Visitors

125,000 individuals, and if tourism are also often surprised by the
didn’t exist, each Kansas household landscape of the state. We aren’t just
would pay $875 more in annual taxes flat land. Kansas has wooded hills,
to maintain the current level of state rolling hills, high plains and more.”
and local tax receipts. One famous and well-visited scenic
“When I hear from visitors and area is the Flint Hills National Scenic
travel writers who visit Kansas for the Byway, which stretches 48 miles and
first time, most are impressed with offers travelers an unchanged view of
Clockwise from top left: An Apollo spacecraft on display at the Kansas Cosmosphere &
Space Center in Hutchinson; Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum in
Abilene; Hikers stop on a trail to take in the views of the Flint Hills of Kansas.
P hoto C o u rtesy of K ansas C osmosphere & S pace C enter
66 Kansas
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of B arbara S h e lt on
grasslands in the Great Plains. The

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is
another popular destination, home to
the last remaining stand of native
tallgrass prairie in North America.
Smalley says visits to those two
sites and the many other Kansas
attractions help the tourism industry
surpass $5 billion annually in total
economic impact. “More than $2.5
billion of that tourism money goes to
employee wages and salaries,” he says.
“We are lucky that there are so many
interesting places to see in the
Sunflower State.”
Kansas and the Space Race
For history buffs, the Kansas
Cosmosphere & Space Center
showcases an important chapter
in U.S. history – the Space Race.
The center includes a large collection
of U.S. space artifacts along with the
Clockwise from far left: Kansas

Cosmosphere & Space Center; Castle Rock
S taff Pho t o
features unique limestone outcroppings

and fossils left behind from thousands of
years ago; Oldtown in downtown Wichita
largest collection of Russian aerospace
artifacts outside Moscow.
“The Cosmosphere attracts 150,000
tourists annually, including 30,000
school children,” Smalley says. “One
side of the hall is the timeline from the
1950s and 1960s of the Soviet Union
and their space race agenda, and the
other side has the corresponding
timeline of the U.S. during those
same years. It is an interesting
tourism destination in Hutchinson.”
History, Culture, Old West
History fans can also visit the
federally designated Freedom’s
Frontier National Heritage Area, which
commemorates sites and events that
helped shape the nation, such as
“Bleeding Kansas,” the precursor to
the Civil War, and the Brown v. Board
of Education National Historic Site.
Cattle drives, cowboys and the Old
West’s wilder days are also a big part
of the Kansas experience in historic
Dodge City, with attractions such as
Kansas Tourism
Industry By the
Numbers
$5.4 billion
Economic impact in 2009
125,000
Direct employment in the state
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of M e r e d i t h Cor p orat ion /J ohn N o lt n e r
by tourism-related enterprises
$2.56 billion
Wages paid by tourism-
related businesses
$238
Average expenditure Kansas offers ample water
by each Kansas visitor opportunities for anglers and boaters.
68 Kansas
From top: Cattle drives are still part of the
Kansas landscape; Kansas Underground
Salt Museum in Hutchinson
Boot Hill Museum and the Dodge City

Trail of Fame.
Kansas attractions include the
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential
Library & Museum in Abilene,
Oldtown in downtown Wichita,
geological formations such as
Monument Rocks, Castle Rock and
Gypsum Hills, and the Kansas
Underground Salt Museum in
Hutchinson that take visitors 650 feet
below the Earth’s surface.
“For outdoor enthusiasts, pheasant
hunting is fantastic in Kansas,
whitetail deer are abundant, and mule
deer is prominent in the western part
of the state,” Smalley says. “There are
also plenty of lakes and reservoirs for
fishing, and a number of state parks
have cabins right on the water.
Information on things to do, places
to see and great Kansas events can be
found on TravelKS.com and in the
Official Kansas Visitors Guide.
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of M e r e d i t h Cor p orat ion /J ohn N o lt n e r
(The state’s tourism programs will

be housed in the Kansas Department
of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism,
effective July 1, 2011.)
for more information

Kansas Cosmosphere & Space
Center www.cosmo.org
Freedom’s Frontier
National Heritage Area
www.freedomsfrontier.org
Boot Hill Museum boothill.org
Dodge City Trail of Fame

www.dodgecitytrailoffame.org
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential

Library & Museum
www.eisenhower.archives.gov
Kansas Underground Salt Museum

www.undergroundmuseum.org
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of B rian Lin g l e
Oldtown
www.oldtownwichita.com
Monument Rocks
www.naturalkansas.org/
monument.htm
70 Kansas
That’s a lot Rice County
of Candles
Kansas celebrates 150 years
KANSAS
of statehood in 2011 Located in the center of Kansas!
Kansas looks really good for 150
years old.
The Sunflower State turns 150 in
2011, as Kansas celebrates its 1861
admission into the Union as the 34th
state. Festivals, concerts, theatrical
performances, quilt shows and a host
of other events will take place across
the state throughout the year.
The Kansas sesquicentennial is
being marketed as a grassroots
effort, meaning that residents from
all parts of the state are invited to
plan and participate in a year’s worth
of special events.
We’re growing …
Festivities officially began Jan. 29,
2011, on Kansas Day, which
right now!
commemorated the day in 1861 that
the state became an official part of Strong, Established Industry • Active Lending Institutions
the United States. Progressive, Growing Community • Aggressive Government
Recognizing the We have buildings and space –
Sesquicentennial and our people make the difference.
Members of the Kansas 150 Rice County Economic Development
Steering Committee compiled a P.O. Box 171 • Lyons, KS 67554
long list of activity suggestions for (620) 257-5166 • (620) 257-3039 Fax
individuals and communities to
put into action to recognize the visit us online at
sesquicentennial. www.ricecounty.us to learn more.
As part of the celebration, the
Kansas Museum of History’s special
exhibit, 150 Things I Love About
Kansas, features 150 objects,
images, and documents about the
Sunflower State.
The year-long exhibit, which runs
through 2011, “presents Kansas
symbols and stereotypes while also
turning them inside out and inviting
public reaction,” the museum says.
The state’s history, culture, and
traditions will be examined through
these common themes. The list
includes everything from the Wizard
of Oz to the Wild West to sunflowers
to the state’s reputation for
friendliness.
For more on the Kansas
sesquicentennial, go to KS150.org.
– Kevin Litwin
72 Kansas
Known Around
the World
Story by Katie Kuehner-Hebert
E Major export categories

ven in a sluggish global
economy, Kansas has remained
an export powerhouse and an
attractive locale for foreign direct Animal Feed
investment. $494.3 million
The state’s export volume for 2010 Vehicles & Parts
was $9.9 billion, surpassing 2009’s
total by more than 11 percent. Kansas
$554.6 million
exports to markets around the world,
sending everything from aircraft ($2.1 Electric Machinery
billion) to industrial machinery
($955.9 million) to meat ($756.2 $640.1 million
million) to cereals ($643.2 million) to
countries in Europe, Asia, South
America and North America.
Wichita was the fastest-growing Cereals Aircraft
export market among the top 100 U.S.
$643.2 million $2.1 billion
metropolitan areas, with 22.3 percent
growth from 2003 to 2008, according
to a July report by the Brookings
Institution. Wichita’s explosive
growth has been fueled by aviation Meat Industrial
manufacturers such as Cessna and $756.2 million Machinery
$956 million
J e ff A d kins
Ceva Santé Animale in Lenexa is one of

Kansas’ major foreign-owned employers.
Hawker Beechcraft, and a host of
Aircraft is Kansas’ top export category. suppliers.
the world Comes Calling
The state has also attracted more
foreign direct investment, with a spate
of companies building major facilities
in the state. Nearly 53,000 Kansans are
employed by foreign-owned
companies. In 2009 alone, foreign-
owned companies made $367 million
in capital investments in the state,
creating 1,420 jobs.
In December 2010, Denmark-based
Jupiter Group opened a wind turbine
component manufacturing facility in
Junction City. Siemens Energy, a unit
of Germany-based Siemens AG, cut the
ribbon on its first U.S.-based nacelle
production facility in Hutchinson.
Because of Siemens’ investment,
Dutch wire and cable manufacturer
Draka in November announced it
would build an assembly facility in
Hutchinson to supply Siemens and
74 Kansas
other key customers in the region.
In the animal health industry, France-based
companies increase their export business
through a variety of marketing efforts and
Foreign Direct
Ceva Santé Animale in January 2011 networking with foreign contacts, says John Investment
recommitted to keeping its North American Watson, trade director. The division targets Foreign-controlled
headquarters in Lenexa. Ceva is increasing industries that already have a strong base in companies employ nearly
53,000 Kansas workers.
production capacity at its existing Lenexa the state, including wind energy, aviation, Major sources of foreign
facility with construction of a new bioscience, agriculture and animal health. investment in Kansas
53,000-square-foot, two-story building. The division maintains offices in Mexico include Canada, the United
City and Beijing, staffed by local business Kingdom and Germany.
A Breed Apart in Livestock Projects involving
advisers contracted by the division to international investment in
Osborne Industries was named the 2010 introduce foreign prospects to Kansas. 2009 resulted in a total of
Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year. The “These two markets are important to us,” $367 million in capital
company is an innovator in solutions for Watson says. “Our strategy is to try to do the investment and 1,420 jobs
livestock production, including feeders and created. The primary
most good for the most number of Kansas project was the $30 million
management systems, and has exported companies, so we have offices where there are Siemens Energy wind
livestock products to 44 countries. Osborne significant amounts of business to capture.” turbine plant in
also provides custom plastic molding Hutchinson, expected to
The division also works closely with create 400 jobs.
technology solutions to other industries. business consultants in other parts of Asia,
“One of our core values is providing jobs India, Latin America and Europe to conduct
for people in Osborne County, and if we market research for Kansas companies.
didn’t have an export business, we would not
be able to employ as many people,” says Steve Promoting Kansas globally
Langley, president. Through the Kansas International Trade
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Show Assistance Program, or KITSAP, the
Trade Development Division helps Kansas division will pay some of the direct costs of
Ceva Santé Animale is nearly doubling
its existing Lenexa manufacturing
facility to 55,000 square feet.
76 Kansas
eligible Kansas companies attending
international trade shows in foreign
locales.
The division also participates in
such shows, including the China
Veterinary Medicine Association
conference in Beijing last October.
Five Kansas companies in the animal
health sector joined the division, as
well as Kansas State University’s
College of Veterinary Medicine.
“They were also promoting
educational opportunities for Chinese
veterinarians, which is another form
of export,” Watson says.
Other trade missions included a
visit with wind energy investors in
Denmark and Germany; a trip to an
international aviation trade show in
Farnborough, England; and two joint
missions with the states of Colorado
and Montana to Russia to promote the
animal genetics industry.
2010 Kansas
export markets
$2.5 billion
Canada
$1.3 billion
Mexico
$585 million
Japan
$527 million
China
$456 million
United Kingdom
$9.9 billion
Kansas total export value 2010
$8.9 billion
J e ff A d kins
Total export value in 2009
Progressive Higher Education
Pratt Community College provides business and industry training,
as well as general and technical education.
Our Future Economy
Agriculture, energy and industry come together to make Pratt a community
of opportunities.
Excellence in Education
We have two school districts offering innovative education to prepare
our youth for the 21st Century.
Sports/Recreation Facilities
Sports complex and a new 44,000-square-foot fitness facility.
Thriving Downtown Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Education Center

Pratt offers a robust mix of unique shops, eateries and professional This showcase for outdoor Kansas houses numerous displays, dioramas, aquariums
offices in the downtown area. and exhibits.
Where Agriculture
Pratt Area Economic Development Corporation
Great Hutchinson
Bend 60 mi.
45 mi.
Lemon Park
Pratt has 19 parks comprising approximately 270 acres of “green space.”
Union
Kansas & Wichita
Pacific
Oklahoma Railroad 70 mi.
Railroad
Pratt
Pratt Regional Airport
Our C-II GA airport boasts a 5,500-foot concrete runway and is also
home to one of our industrial parks.
Regional
Medical Center
Pratt Regional Medical
Center is a progressive
medical center providing
the region with
outstanding patient care.
Meets Industry
(888) 886-1164 • www.prattkansas.org
80 Kansas
Energy/Technology
Plenty of Energy
Kansas sets the pace in biofuels, solar, traditional sources
Story by Pamela Coyle
I Oil and Gas

nvesting in Kansas energy is easy – the operations in Kansas.
tough part may be deciding which sector, Ethanol, biodiesel and cellulosic
Kansas consistently ranks
because the state is making moves in all technologies are also part of the portfolio. among the top 10 states in
of them. crude oil production.
Kansas is a longtime leader in traditional Standards, Incentives fuel growth The Anadarko Shelf in
energy, including natural gas and oil Kansas is an active partner in developing southwestern Kansas
new technologies and creating markets for contains the Hugoton Gas
production, consistently ranking among the Area, one of the top
top 10 U.S. states in crude oil production. sustainable fuel sources. The state producing natural gas
The Sunflower State is a hub for wind demonstrated its commitment to renewables fields in the United States.
power, with 1,026 megawatts on line at the end with a Renewable Energy Standard – 10 The Mid-Continent Center,
percent for 2011 (which was met almost located in Wichita, is a key
of 2010, and the industry’s growing U.S. supply natural gas supply hub that
chain. exclusively with wind generation), 15 merges production from
Solar energy’s future is bright, too. The percent for 2016 and 20 percent for 2020. In several states in the region
state has a high solar rating, and industry 2009, the state bumped up its commitment before piping it east toward
major consumption
powerhouses such as AGC Flat Glass, a global and elevated the benchmarks from “goals” markets.
leader in solar glass production, have to “mandatory requirements,” making
Source: U.S. Energy
Information
J e ff A d kins
Administration
Kansas is a leader in energy production on several fronts, including oil and natural gas, and agricultural-
based renewables, such as ethanol and biofuels made from such things as switchgrass and wheat stover.
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of I CM , I n c .
ICM, based in Colwich, is a leader in building and retrofitting ethanol plants. Kansas has 12 operating ethanol production facilities.
82 Kansas
stats
Kansas an attractive investment
option because companies have
Kansas Natural Gas Production (in mcf)
Kansas Natural Gas Production (in mcf)
evidence of the state’s commitment.
State incentives include special
400000000 bond financing, which make up to
$5 million available for eligible
projects. Renewable energy incentive
377,299
374,310
350000000
371,044
365,877
grants from the Kansas Energy
354,440
300000000 Office provide up to $250,000 to help
state agencies, local governments
250000000 and educational institutions finance
25 percent of alternative energy
200000000 projects. In addition, Kansas has a
$34 million revolving loan program
150000000 for small commercial and residential
energy efficiency projects.
100000000
Ethanol, Biofuels Flowing
Kansas has 12 operating biofuel
50000000
facilities with a combined permitted
capacity of 519.5 million gallons
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
per year.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
More projects are in the permit
or construction phase. Abengoa
Bioenergy, an industry leader,
picked Kansas for its first
Kansas Oil Production
Kansas (in(inbarrels)
Oil Production barrels) commercial-scale hybrid biomass
50000000
plant, in part because the state has
no shortage of feedstock.
“We are a big agricultural state
and produce corn and sorghum,
40000000 feedstocks for ethanol plants,” says
40,420,000
39,582,000
39,464,000
Carole Jordan, rural development

36,490,000
director at the Kansas Department

35,651,000
30000000 of Commerce. “Those can be

interchanged in plants depending on
what the market is doing. We have
20000000 the source of those inputs very near
to production.”
Companies are working with
10000000 wheat stover, switchgrass and other
potential sources of biomass.
Researchers are trying to figure out
how to break apart corn kernels to
0 get all the material for potential
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
energy conversion. Both the
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration University of Kansas and Kansas
more at kansaseconomicdevelopment.com State University have dedicated

biomass working groups, including biorefinery companies selected by the transportation infrastructure and
one that is developing algae as a U.S. Department of Energy to lead market access, Jordan says, “it makes
biofuel, Jordan says. biomass-to-ethanol research efforts for a really great combination.”
with innovative technologies. Projects
The Location Advantage include developing a demonstration
The state already is home to major
industry players. In addition to
plant at the Harvey County landfill for a
biomass gasifier, says Monique Garcia, What’s Online
Abengoa, ICM, a leader in building and ICM’s director of government affairs. For more information about energy
retrofitting ethanol plants, is based in With innovative companies, in Kansas, visit the website at
kansaseconomicdevelopment.com.
Colwich, Kan. ICM is one of four existing production, solid
S taff Pho t o
Cleaner Fuels on tap SOURCE: Kansas Department of Commerce, December 2010 figures
Wind Biofuels Biodiesel

The state has eight operating wind 12 operating biofuel facilities with Three plants in operation, with a
farms and 1,026 megawatts of wind a combined permitted capacity of combined output of 7.4 million
power online as of the end of 2010. 519.5 million gallons per year. gallons per year, and one plant with
the capacity to produce 72 million
gallons per year under construction
or permitted.
86 Kansas
Transportation
Paved With
Good Intentions
Highway, rail, air systems give Kansas a logistical advantage

A
key component of the Kansas but Kansas has only 2 to 3 percent that
economic development success
story is its sophisticated
currently need attention. That is a
very low and manageable number.” By the Numbers
and integrated transportation
infrastructure that includes major
interstate highways, Class I rail
service and a network of commercial
Good Connections
Good highways are a key reason
why many companies set up logistics
10,607
Highway miles in Kansas
airports. and distribution operations in Kansas.
4,776
Kansas has the best highways in the The major east-west route of Interstate
United States, according to a 2010 70 and the north-south route of I-35
survey compiled by Reader’s Digest. cross in Kansas and connect with I-29, Miles of rail in Kansas, including 2,790
“More than 10,000 miles of roads in which is part of the NAFTA highway miles served by Class I carriers
Kansas are either interstates, U.S. corridor linking the United States to
9,691
highways or state roads, and all are in Mexico and Canada.
excellent shape,” says Jerry Younger, “The state underwent two robust
deputy secretary of engineering with highway improvement programs in Kansas-based motor carriers with
the Kansas Department of the 1980s and 1990s, and now has intrastate or interstate operating
Transportation. “Also, many states embarked on a new 10-year project,” authority licensed to operate in Kansas
today are wrestling with poor bridges, Younger says. “The transportation
88 Kansas
Kansas Commercial Airports
Dodge City Regional Airport Hays Regional Airport
www.dodgecity.org/index. www.haysusa.com/html/
aspx?nid=60 airport.html
Forbes Field (Topeka) Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport

www.mtaa-topeka.org www.cityofliberal.com/
c_airport.htm
Garden City Regional Airport
Manhattan Regional Airport
www.fly2gck.com
www.flymhk.com
Goodland Municipal Airport Salina Municipal Airport

www.goodlandks.us www.salinaairport.com
Great Bend Municipal Airport Wichita Mid-Continent Airport

www.greatbendks.net/?nid=190 www.flywichita.org
system in this state is impressive.” A Logistical Advantage a key factor in their decision to
Kansas Secretary of Transportation Miller adds that a slew of establish a wind turbine production
Deb Miller says that in the past manufacturers – from aircraft makers facility in Hutchinson.
decade, Kansas completed 5,700 road to wind-energy component Rail carrier BNSF Railway Co.
projects, replaced or repaired 900 manufacturers – have cited the overall announced in 2010 that it was adding
bridges and rehabilitated more than transportation infrastructure and to the state’s transportation
1,000 miles of rail. accessibility to markets among the infrastructure by constructing a $750
“New airport runways have also state’s major attributes. Some key million intermodal rail facility in
been built across the state. In fact, 209 companies that utilize the logistical Edgerton, just outside of Kansas City.
airport improvement projects were distribution advantages in Kansas The Logistics Park KC is tentatively
completed over the past 10 years,” she include Coleman, Foot Locker, Home scheduled to open in 2011. The project
says. “Tens of thousands of Depot, JCPenney, Target and Walmart was aided by a $35 million grant from
transportation jobs were created or Stores. In 2009, Siemens Energy the state’s Rail Assistance Program.
sustained as a result.” officials noted that infrastructure was The 443-acre facility will feature wide-
Top left: Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is one the largest commercial airports serving Kansas. Top right: A FedEx aircraft at the Wichita
Mid-Continent Airport Bottom left: BNSF is constructing a $750 million intermodal rail facility in Edgerton, just outside Kansas City.

To d d B e nn e t t
The major east-west route of Interstate 70 and the north-south route of I-35 cross in Kansas and connect with I-29.
span electric cranes that produce zero

emissions on site and automatic gate systems
to ship goods quickly and efficiently by rail and
truck to their final destinations,” says Matthew
Markets Within
to speed the movement of traffic entering and Rose, BNSF chairman, president and CEO. “It 500 Miles
departing the facility. The facility will also will also help the Kansas City region’s economy of Kansas
incorporate a 60-acre conservation corridor grow in a more energy-efficient and
for water quality benefits to the area. Officials environmentally friendly way, by expanding 89.3 million
expect the project will create some 8,700 jobs that market’s capacity to shift even more freight Population (30.2% of U.S.)
when complete. traffic from an all-highway move to rail.”
“The facility will offer companies the ability
Kansas’ Goal: 45 Minutes to Airport 33.7 million
While the BNSF facility will ultimately add Households (30.4%)
upgrade on track to the Class I rail service that Kansas already
enjoys, transportation officials also tout the
The Kansas Department of state’s strong airport system. Kansas City $1.6 trillion
Transportation was awarded a Buying Power (29.5%)
International Airport and Wichita Mid-
$10.2 million federal Transportation Continent Airport are the largest airports
Investments Generating Economic serving the state; in all there are eight 3.9 million
Recovery II (TIGER II) grant in fall 2010 commercial airports and 132 general aviation Businesses (30.7%)
to help fund its Great Plains Freight facilities in Kansas.
Rail Service Improvement Project. The “One of the big goals in this state is to
grant will provide for infrastructure eventually grow our airport system in such a $5.3 trillion
and facility rail improvements to the way that every resident will be within 45 Total Sales
South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad minutes of an airport,” Younger says. “And, of
(SKOL) owned and operated by Watco course, large companies all want to be located
Transportation Services Inc. near airports, which can often happen in
Kansas.”
92 Kansas
Health
Lab Partners
Investment in bioscience pays dividends in innovation
Story by Heather Johnston Johnson

W
hat once seemed like science
fiction is bioscience fact in
Kansas.
The state’s bioscience corridor
stretches from Kansas City to Hays,
Manhattan to Wichita, and Atchison
to Garden City. Along the way it
sustains and attracts global businesses
such as Bayer and Hill’s Pet Nutrition
and promotes innovation in human
and animal health as well as in plant
science, bioenergy, biomaterials and
biomanufacturing.
Kansas ramped up its bioscience
investments in 2004 with the Kansas
Economic Growth Act, and state
funding is estimated to reach more
than $580 million in the next decade.
“The Brownback Administration is
focused on growing the Kansas
economy and creating jobs, and a key
part of that effort will focus on
pursuing new economic
opportunities,” says Kansas Commerce
Secretary Pat George. “We expect
many of those opportunities to come
in the bioscience area, from animal
health science to cancer research.”
Gov. Brownback announced earlier
this year his plan to host several
economic summits focusing on
Left: Kansas will invest an estimated $580

million over a 15-year period to promote
bioscience investment in the state.
Biocience is a growing sector of the Kansas economy and numbers more than 16,000 workers. Right: Animal health leader Hill’s Pet
Nutrition opened a new 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Emporia.
94 Kansas
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of H i l l s P e t N u t ri t ion
specific industry sectors critical to the other uses, such as airline applications. 500,000-square-foot manufacturing
Kansas economy, including bioscience. 3. Plant biology, which researches plant in Emporia in December 2010.
“The administration wants to and develops genetic modifications to The $200 million facility, which
gather all the industry stakeholders in yield better crops. produces Hill’s Prescription Diet and
one place, so they can openly share Science Diet pet food, employs more
ideas and thoughts on the future of Companies Invest in Kansas than 100 and is a state-of-the-art
bioscience over the next several years,” Cargill, the international producer bioscience production facility.
George says. “From those ideas, we of food and agricultural products,
will develop an action plan to move plans to build a $14.7 million facility Promoting Food Safety and
the industry forward in Kansas.” in Wichita that will be used for Cancer-Fighting Cures
research and development, as well as a In April, Kansas State University
Bioscience Yields culinary laboratory, pilot plant and opened the International Animal
Financial Returns distribution center. The center, which Health and Food Safety Institute on
Economic returns on state- will focus on food safety and quality, the Olathe Innovation Campus. The
supported bioscience programs will add 65 jobs to the 50-person institute is a $28-million,
continue to fuel innovation in the workforce over the next few years. 108,000-square-foot facility that opens
industry. The sector’s workforce is More jobs are on tap for the sector. a new chapter in the efforts to make
more than 16,000 strong. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which has its global the state a global center for research.
Animal health and human health are headquarters in Topeka, opened a new The Innovation Campus will serve
the state’s two major bioscience sectors,
receiving the most funding. The
Animal Health Corridor, which runs
through the heart of Kansas, has the in good company kansas makes the grade in state rankings
world’s largest concentration of animal
health interests. In fact, it accounts for Kansas was named a top 10 state in eight of 20 categories in
nearly 32 percent of total sales in the Business Facilities magazine’s 2010 Rankings Report, an annual report
$19 billion global animal health that rates the 50 states on their economic development efforts.
market. The state’s human health Economic Growth Potential (No. 10)
activities include clinical research,
pharmaceutical drug development, Biotechnology Strength (No. 5)
medical devices and diagnostics. Biofuels Manufacturing Research Leaders (No. 10)
In addition to animal and human Alternative Energy Industry Leaders (No 10)
health, three other key areas have a
growing presence in the state: Wind Energy Manufacturing (No. 3)
1. Bioenergy, which includes Quality of Life (No. 3)
technology development associated Employment Leaders (No. 5)
with alternative fuels.
2. Biomaterials, which repurposes Best Education Climate (No. 3)
materials used for biomedical devices for Source: Business Facilities magazine
96 Kansas
as a center for research, education and
commercialization. Students earning
master’s and doctorate degrees in
biosciences and biotechnology will work
alongside scientists conducting research.
The campus is part of the Johnson
County Education and Research
Triangle, or JCERT, initiative. It’s a
cooperative effort with the University
of Kansas, involving KU’s Edwards
Campus and the KU Medical Center.
K-State also will house the
Department of Homeland Security’s
National Bio and Agro-Defense
Facility, which is charged with
protecting the nation’s food supply,
among other duties. Once completed,
the $650 million, 500,000-square-foot
facility in Manhattan, Kan., will
provide integrated research, response
and diagnostic capabilities to protect
animal and public health.
Meanwhile, the KU Cancer Center is
working to achieve designation from
the National Cancer Institute. Once
completed, the designation will bring
millions more in research dollars along
with the ability to provide widespread,
cutting-edge cancer treatment
throughout the region and local economic
growth through job creation.
Key Kansas Bio Contacts

Kansas Department
of Commerce
1000 S.W. Jackson St., Ste. 100
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-3481
busdev@kansascommerce.com
Kansas Bioscience Authority

25501 W. Valley Pkwy., Ste. 100
Olathe, KS 66061
(913) 397-8300
info@kansasbioauthority.org
Kansas Bioscience
Organization
8527 Bluejacket St.
Lenexa, KS 66214
(913) 495-4334
info@kansasbio.org

Kansas Programs Encourage
Bioscience Industry
state offers a Wealth of Resources to aid sector’s growth
Bringing talented people to with high-potential but high-risk innovation over the next 10 years,
Kansas is important to the state. innovations. Meanwhile, the Kansas centers that will provide innovative
The Sunflower State’s Eminent Bioscience Matching Fund matches a research along with profitable
Scholars Program recruits portion of research grants for large- commercial applications.
distinguished bioscience researchers scale research and development Animal health and human health –
to Kansas institutions. Another projects at academic institutions. the state’s core bioscience sectors
effort, the Kansas Bioscience Rising The Kansas Bioscience Expansion – also have special initiatives. The
Stars Program, enlists world-class & Attraction Program focuses on Collaborative Biosecurity Research
bioscience scholars to the state and high-tech jobs, a program partially
Initiative is a $2.5 million effort to
encourages the state’s best scholars administered by the Kansas
promote products that will protect
to stay. Department of Commerce to provide
Americans from a terrorist attack
funds to growing bioscience
Recruiting High-Potential that spreads animal-borne disease.
companies.
Companies Meanwhile, the Collaborative Cancer
The Kansas R&D Voucher Program Building Research Centers Research Initiative will promote all
gives early-stage financing and Kansas has committed to build areas of cancer research in the state.
support to bioscience companies several world-class centers of – Heather Johnston Johnson
facts and figures Kansas and the burgeoning bio sector

National site selection magazine Business Facilities Animal Health and Food Safety Institute on the Olathe
highlighted Kansas’ success by ranking the state Innovation Campus in April 2011.
#5 in the nation for biotechnology, placing Kansas is generating new investment in its
Kansas alongside powerhouses such as California, bioscience industry.
Massachusetts and Illinois. Cargill, the international producer of food and
Kansas ranked #1 in the nation in growth of critical agricultural products, plans a $14.7 million facility in
research funding from the National Institutes of Health Wichita that will be used for research and development,
from 2004 to 2009. as well as a culinary, laboratory, pilot plant and
The federal government chose Kansas for a new distribution center.
$650 million national research facility and a Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which has its global headquarters
research center of excellence that will be housed at in Topeka, opened a new 500,000-square-foot,
Kansas State University to protect the American food $200 million manufacturing plant in Emporia in
supply. December 2010 that will produce Hill’s Prescription Diet
K-State opened the $28 million International and Science Diet pet food.
Education
Big Ideas Born Here

High-powered research fuels innovation at Kansas universities

I
t’s no coincidence that Kansas’ attend one of the state’s regional or big
reputation as a center of
innovation in life sciences, animal
universities,” says Hund, director of
workforce education and training with Educational Facts
health, advanced manufacturing, the Kansas Department of Commerce
aviation and agriculture mirrors the
rise in research prominence of the
state’s major universities.
and Kansas Board of Regents. “There’s
a need right now for additional highly 30,000+
skilled technicians in Kansas.” Number of students enrolled at KU
Kathy Hund says that for every
250+
scientist who introduces a research Millions for Research
project at a Kansas university, 20 to The number of research projects at
100 research technicians will assist the state’s major universities continues Number of undergraduate majors
that scientist with the project. to grow in Kansas each year, especially available at Kansas State
“Many of those technicians can in fields such as life sciences, animal
actually receive their education and
training from a community or
technical college, while others will
health, advanced manufacturing,
aviation and agriculture. Kansas State
University, the University of Kansas
12
Wichita State University’s rank in
U.S. for international students
University of Kansas in Lawrence
100 K a n s a s

Fort Hays State University
photo b y T odd Bennett
“Today, there is $500 million a year being spent on overall

research at Kansas universities, and much of the money is
coming from federal grants. The federal government believes
in what is happening research-wise at Kansas universities.”
and Wichita State University all school of pharmacy research complex. additional funding for four major
developed major centers of research “One of the pharmacists who taught research facilities at Kansas
that attract millions of dollars in here at KU helped develop timed- universities: a food safety and security
public and private grants and bring release capsules, and alum helped research facility at KSU, a biomedical
new products and companies to develop insulin,” says Lynn Bretz, research facility at the KU Medical
market. KU’s director of communications. “We Center, equipment for a biosciences
In fact, Kansas State is among the certainly have a legacy of being at the research building at KU and
forefront of life-changing discoveries.”
top animal health/ag science schools expansion of the Aviation Engineering
in the country, while Wichita State is Funds for Four Facilities Complex at WSU.
home to the renowned National Research is so important in the “Wichita State is such a leader in
Institute for Aviation Research. The state that in 2010, the Kansas aviation research and composite
University of Kansas has a Top 3 Legislature approved $130 million in materials that the university has
104 K a n s a s
expanded its research into studying
composites for joint replacement parts
in the human body,” says Gary
Sherrer, chairman of the Kansas Board
of Regents. “There appears to be a
tremendous advantage in using
composite-based artificial knees and
hips because the composites are not
made of metal.”
Sherrer points out that since Kansas
State is so involved with animal
health and agriculture research, the
university is building a large research
center in Kansas City, a hub for the
industry.
“Kansas City’s animal health
industry is huge, and a significant
portion of animal health products for
the world are produced in the Kansas
City metro area,” he says. “So KSU is
expanding into the Kansas City area
and will be opening an animal health
research facility in 2011.”
Sherrer adds that researchers at the
A n t on y B oshi e r
Left: Kansas State University

Right: Wichita State University
Public universities in Kansas
Washburn University*
Topeka, KS
www.washburn.edu
Enrollment: 7,876
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
Fort Hays State University www.k-state.edu
Hays, KS Enrollment: 23,588
www.fhsu.edu
Enrollment: 11,883
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS
University of Kansas
www.emporia.edu
Lawrence, KS
Enrollment: 6,262
www.ku.edu
Enrollment: 29,462
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS Pittsburg State University
www.wichita.edu Pittsburg, KS
Enrollment: 14,806 www.pittstate.edu
Enrollment: 7,131
*Municipal university

University of Kansas are making large
strides these days in cancer research,
and KU’s medical center is expected to
kansas educational attainment
be designated a National Cancer high school or higher associate degree
Institute sometime in 2011 or 2012.
“When KU is given this designation,
it will mean $1.5 billion annually in
5.8%
economic impact for the Kansas bachelor’s degree
economy because of all the research
related to it,” he says. “Today, there is
$500 million a year being spent on
overall research at Kansas
universities, and much of the money is
17%
coming from federal grants. The graduate degree
federal government believes in what is
happening research-wise in Kansas.” 89.5% 8.7%

108 K a n s a s
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of S t e v e Cr ec e l i u s

Livability
Home is Where
the Heartland Is
Kansans form strong ties to the Sunflower State

T Kansas Cost
hat famous Kansan, Dorothy, knew Overland Park and Shawnee were ranked No. 7
why she wanted to get home so badly. and 17, respectively, on CNNmoney.com’s Best
Beyond its highly advantageous Places to Live list for 2010. of Living
cost of living and nationally ranked schools, RelocateAmerica.com named Overland Park Dodge City, 89.8
Kansas is the true heartland, offering an among its Top 100 Places to Live for 2010. The Garden City, 87.6
authentic American experience, from the community excelled in categories such as Hays, 89.2
hometown feel of small communities to the employment opportunities, quality of K-12 Hutchinson, 94.3
cosmopolitan amenities of urban areas that education, crime rates, median housing costs Lawrence MSA, 98.9
rival those in any large city. and real estate appreciation. Topeka made Manhattan, 96.3
The state’s quality of life is gaining national Kiplinger magazine’s Top 10 Cities for the Next Salina, 88.1
notice. Forbes named Johnson County the Decade list for 2010. The report cited quality Topeka, 90.7
third-best place in the nation to raise a family, schools and hospitals, a stable job market,
Wichita, 91.0
citing its affordability and accessibility. municipal university and low housing costs.
U.S. Average=100
Source: ACCRA Cost
Clockwise from top: Commercial Street in downtown Emporia; Oldtown Wichita; Outdoor dining in Lawrence of Living Index

110
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of M e r e d i t h Cor p orat ion / Larr y F l e m in g
Kansas

To d d B e nn e t t
Clockwise from top left: Newly renovated buildings in downtown Junction City; Bartlett
Arboretum in Belle Plaine; Diners at Cafe Tempo at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary
Art on the campus of Johnson County Community College; Biking in the Gypsum Hills
good medicine Extra Credit

The state is a leader in quality One of the state’s major quality of
health care, offering a variety of life attributes is its highly rated
services that typically cost below education system. Kansas boasts an
national averages. The state boasts 4.9 impressive roster of higher education
community hospitals per 100,000 institutions that include seven major
residents, which is nearly three times universities, 19 community colleges
the national average. and 11 technical schools.
“The only way we know that people The state devotes 37 percent of its
get truly healthy is by having more annual budget allocation to education,
family physicians, and Kansas is really a and nearly 90 percent of Kansas adults
leader in that area” says Dr. Robyn Liu, a have earned at least a high school
family physician in Tribune. “I just found diploma. ACT scores for Kansas
the perfect practice opportunity here.” students are above the national
Western Kansas …
Where life works!
What you know about us …
Western Kansas, there is space to breathe and freedom to thrive here.
It’s a great place to grow up or raise a family, to be a part of a neighborhood.
Children receive personalized education through some of the best schools in the
nation, and they are raised in safe, affordable surroundings. Find peace in the
beautiful, clear, star-filled skies.
What you may not know about us is …

Western Kansas, even today, is full of unique and plentiful job opportunities.
In addition to the traditional industries, there are a host of new businesses that
will surprise you. New technologies and ideas have transformed your possibilities.
What you will find in Western Kansas …

The quality of life is better than ever, even with the sagging national economy.
There is a lot to do, short commutes, the cost of living is lower than many other
places, housing is affordable, the entrepreneurial environment is inspiring, and
the workplace needs you and appreciates you!
Visit WesternKSjobs.com to learn more about

the jobs and lifestyle of Western Kansas.

From top: Keeper of the Plains statue
in Wichita; Nerman Museum of
Contemporary Art at Johnson County
Community College in Overland Park
average and pupil-teacher ratios at

Kansas schools are in the top 10
among states.
Pretty As a Picture
It is a hometown flavor that gives
Kansas such appeal, but it is also a
state that offers cosmopolitan cultural
amenities in abundance.
Wichita is a center of art that
includes the recently refurbished
Wichita Art Museum with its highly
regarded collection of American works
and the breathtaking Dale Chihuly
Persian Seafoam Installation hanging
in its lobby.
In Lawrence, the Spencer Art
Museum at the University of Kansas,
which counts among its collection
works by Chihuly, Claude Monet, Jean
Fragonard, Georgia O’Keeffe and
Ansel Adams, is considered one of the
Kansas Living
By the Numbers
2.8 million
Population of Kansas
8.5%
The cost of living in Kansas
is 8.5 percent lower than
the national average
35%
Kansas housing costs are
35 percent lower than the
national average
18 minutes
Average commute time in Kansas,
fourth lowest among states
56.4
Average daily temperature
best university art museums in the
country. The Prairie Museum of Art and
History in Colby includes an
international collection of porcelain,
rare dolls, antique furniture and textiles.
And Kansas is a state with of
unspoiled natural beauty and
boundless outdoor possibilities, from
hiking, camping and wildlife watching
to horseback riding and hunting. The
Sunflower State includes 14 state
parks, 24 major reservoirs and 40
public fishing lakes.
David Toland, an outdoor
enthusiast and executive director for
Thrive Allen County-Iola, used to live
in Washington, D.C.
“The best things in Kansas are
access to the outdoors and the ability
to experience small-town life, but yet
be close to larger cities,” he says. “I’m
interested in having the chance to live
my life and thrive – not spend my
time pushing onto the last subway car
at midnight after a 14-hour day.”
Cottage House Hotel, built in 1867, in downtown Council Grove
It’s Home to … You! Calling all site selectors!

Andover is situated just
outside Wichita with quick
access to the Kansas Turnpike,
Business US-54 and K-96. Check out
the Andover Industrial Park!*
City of Andover
With 72 acres and fiber optic
1609 E. Central
Andover, KS 67002 lines already installed, this
(316) 733-1303, Ext. 412 location offers your business
a competitive edge. Your
Recreation employees will be delighted
to relocate to this community
of choice!
*
All issues related to Industrial Park land cost,
development fees, and property tax abatements
Community are negotiable depending on the client and their

financial commitment.
Involvement Visit us at:

www.andoverks.com
First-Rate Schools
114 Kansas
Pho t o Co u r t e s y of M e r e d i t h Cor p orat ion / R o y I n m an
Visitors share a bottle of wine and a relaxing evening on the deck at Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery in Basehor.
Grape Days Ahead

Raise a glass to Kansas’ growing winery business
While Kansas is rightfully known and other wines. The Mulvane-based competition, and looks to further
for its beef and wheat production, winery has won more than 400 drive wine-related tourism with a
there’s a lot more “growing on” international awards for its wines. growing roster of activities around
around the state. And some of these Kansas wineries are an important that event. The association sponsors
crops are raising eyebrows – and part of the state’s agritourism the annual Grape Stomp and wine
wine glasses. efforts, and many of the wineries tasting at the Kansas State Fair.
Kansas is home to 19 wineries, feature tasting rooms, tours and As a measure of how serious
producing around 50,000 gallons visitor-related events, from mystery winemaking is becoming in the
of wine annually with locally grown dinner theater to jazz in the vines. state, the association requested and
grapes, berries and fruits. And the The Kansas Grape Growers and received a USDA value-added grant to
wines produced in Kansas are Winemakers Association works to help develop a wine-quality program.
gaining a reputation beyond the give the wineries and vineyards a Called Kansas Quality Certified, the
state’s border to the tune of more unified voice, and also spread the program is open to any winery in the
than 300 international awards just word out about tours, tastings, party state that can meet certain criteria,
in the last few years alone. rentals, special events and other and provides each member winery
The family-owned and -operated features of the facilities. with feedback on their wines, while
Wyldewood Cellars, which opened The association, which was formed also helping to boost consumer
in 1994, produces more than 40 in 1987, also sponsors a conference confidence in the wines that are
different varieties of grape, elderberry every January as well as a produced here. – Joe Morris
50,000 1987 19
Gallons of wine produced Year the The Kansas Grape Number of wineries
annually in Kansas Growers and Winemakers in Kansas
Association was formed
Gallery
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve once stretched 140 million acres;
now only 4 percent remains, mostly in the Flint Hills of Kansas.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Sink
116 Kansas
The Kansas State Capitol in Topeka
Photo courtesy of Meredith Corp./
Michael C. Snell
Gallery
The fan in a wind tunnel at the National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita
Photo by Todd Bennett
118 Kansas
Kayaking at Wilson State Park
Photo courtesy of Meredith Corp./
Michael C. Snell
Gallery
A sunflower field in full bloom near Wichita

Photo by Jeff Adkins
120 K a n s a s
economic profile
Business snapshot
Wichita is the aviation capital of the world, with 50 percent of domestic income
commercial aircraft and 40 percent of global aircraft produced in the city.
Northeast Kansas is home to a burgeoning animal health corridor, with 40 Per capita personal income (2008)
percent of global animal health and veterinary science interests converged $38,820
in the region.
Median household income (2009)
$47,709
Population Labor Force
2010: 2,853,818
2000: 2,688,816
2009: 1,503,300
What’s Online
2008: 1,496,900 For more in-depth demographic,
Change: 6.1% statistical and community
2007: 1,478,800
information on Kansas go to
Major Population Change: 1.7% kansaseconomicdevelopment.com.
Centers (2010)
Major Employers
Wichita: 382,368
(MSA – 623,061) Spirit AeroSystems 13,000
Overland Park: 173,721 Fort Riley 12,500

(MSA – 2 million) Sprint/Nextel 12,500
Kansas City, KS: 145,786 Cessna Aircraft 9,000
(MSA – 2 million)
Hawker Beechcraft 6,700
Topeka: 127,473 (MSA – 233,870)
Black & Veatch 3,800
Housing Market ExamOne Worldwide 3,000
Median house or condo value Boeing 3,000

(2009) Koch Industries 3,000
Topeka: $95,400 Tyson Fresh Meats (Holcomb) 3,000
Kansas City: $96,700 Farmers Insurance 2,900
Wichita: $115,800
General Motors (Fairfax) 2,850
Overland Park: $226,900
Embarq 2,800
Kansas: $125,500
Cargill Meat Solutions 2,700
Tyson Fresh Meats (Emporia) 2,700

COST OF DOING
BUSINESS INDEX United Parcel Service 2,650
Bombardier Aerospace 2,500

Kansas: 94
National Beef Packing (Dodge City) 2,500
California: 117
National Beef Packing (Liberal) 2,500
Illinois: 99
YRC Worldwide 2,400
Missouri: 92
Garmin International 2,370
Oklahoma: 90
BNSF Railway 2,300
New York: 111
Premier Blue 2,050
U.S. average: 100
122 K a n s a s
Transportation Location & Transportation
Center of the United States
US Hwys. 183, 50 & 56 intersect here
Commercial Service
BNSF Rail, Airport
Airports
Incentives
Dodge City Regional Airport Enhanced enterprise zone
www.dodgecity.org/ Neighborhood revitalization
index.aspx?nid=60 Community highly motivated to
recruit new business
Forbes Field (Topeka)
www.mtaa-topeka.org We’re in the middle of eVerything.
Garden City Regional Airport A Great Place to Live
www.fly2gck.com Small-town living
30 miles from entertainment
Hays Regional Airport hub of Southwest Kansas
www.haysusa.com/ Low crime rate
Great schools
html/airport.html
Stand-alone medical community
Liberal Mid-America Regional Low-cost property
Airport Midwest work ethic
www.cityofliberal.com/ Thriving agriculture,
manufacturing and retail
c_airport.htm
Manhattan Regional Airport •y•

www.flymhk.com Edwards County Economic Development
108 E. 6th St. • Kinsley, KS 67547
Salina Municipal Airport Toll-free: (877) 464-3929
salinaairport.com E-mail: ecedc@sbcglobal.net
Visit us online at:
www.edwardscounty.org
Wichita Mid-Continent Airport
www.flywichita.org
AIR CARRIERS IN KANSAS

Air Canada
AirTran
Allegiant
American
Continental
Delta
Delta/Atlantic Southeast
Frontier
Great Lakes
Midwest
Sea Port
Southwest
United
United Express/Sky West
US Airways
Highways Norfolk Southern Water
www.nscorp.com Access 122 miles of the Missouri
Interstate 70 provides east-west
River along the northeast corner
access to major markets on both Union Pacific
of the state. Kansas ports are at
coasts. Interstate 35 runs north www.up.com
Atchison, Leavenworth and Kansas
and northeast to the Kansas/
City. The shipping season generally
Missouri border. I-35 connects In-Transit Rail Shipping
lasts between eight and nine months.
with I-135 in Wichita and runs Times to Major Cities
south to north connecting Atlanta: 5 days
Oklahoma with Nebraska. I-29, Boston: 6 days
income
heads north from Kansas City, and Chicago: 2 days
I-44 offers east-west, four-lane Cleveland: 5 days
Median hourly wages
access close to communities in for manufacturing,
Dallas: 3 days
southeast Kansas. There are 65 distribution and
Denver: 2 days service occupations
intrastate contract carriers, more
than 2,400 intrastate common Detroit: 5 days
Kansas City: 1 day Engineering managers: $50.74
carriers, 1,600 Kansas-based and
Los Angeles: 5 days Computer & information
nearly 2,900 interstate exempt
systems managers: $45.26
carriers licensed in Kansas. Memphis: 3 days
Industrial production managers:
New York: 7 days
Railroad (Class I) $34.53
Omaha: 2 days
Computer programmers: $32.47
Burlington Northern Oklahoma City: 2 days
Computer systems analysts:
Santa Fe Corporation Philadelphia: 6 days $31.72
www.bnsf.com
Phoenix: 3 days Aircraft mechanics & service
Kansas City Southern St. Louis: 2 days technicians: $25.33
www.kcsouthern.com Seattle: 5 days Tool & die makers: $23.95
124 K a n s a s
visit our
First-line supervisors/managers of
production & operating workers:
$23.23
advertisers
Avionics Technicians: $23.07 City of Andover Kansas Bioscience Authority
Numerical tool & process control www.andoverks.com www.kansasbioauthority.org
programmers: $22.72 City of Chanute Kansas Department of Commerce
First-line supervisors/managers www.chanute.org www.thinkbigks.com
of helpers, laborers & material
City of Derby Kansas Gas Service
movers, hand: $20.02
www.derbyweb.com www.kansasgasservice.com
Assemblers & fabricators,
all other: $19.95 City of Iola Kansas State University
Industrial machinery mechanics:
www.iolaks.com www.ksu.edu
$18.50 City of Kinsley Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
Truck drivers, heavy & tractor- www.edwardscounty.org www.lawrencechamber.com
trailer: $17.15 City of Liberal Leavenworth County
Welding, soldering & brazing www.chooseliberal.com Development Corporation
machine setters, operators www.lvcountyed.org
& tenders: $16.25 City of Osborne
www.discoverosborne.com Manhattan Area Chamber
Computer-controlled machine tool
operators, metal & plastic: $15.90 City of Parsons of Commerce
www.growparsons.com www.pickmanhattan.org
Machinists: $15.89
City of Pratt Montgomery County
www.prattkansas.org Action Council
Major industry www.actioncouncil.com
sectors (2009) El Dorado Inc.
Olathe Chamber of Commerce
www.360eldorado.com
www.olathe.org
Emporia Regional
4.7% 3.6% Development Association Osborne Industries Inc.
5.4% 21.4% www.emporiarda.org www.osborne-ind.com
6.2% Emporia State University Ottawa Area
www.emporia.edu Chamber of Commerce
www.thinkottawa.org
Fort Hays State University
12.4% www.fhsu.edu Overland Park Economic
18.2% Development Council
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce www.opedc.org
& Economic Development
12.5% www.greatbend.org Phillips County
Economic Development
15.6% Greater Topeka Chamber www.discoverpced.com
of Commerce/Go Topeka
Services: 21.4% www.gotopeka.com Pottawatomie County
Economic Development Corporation
Government: 18.2% Greater Wichita Economic www.ecodevo.com
Wholesale & retail trade: 15.6% Development Coalition
www.gwedc.org Rice County Economic Development
Manufacturing: 12.5% www.ricecounty.us
All Other: 12.4% Harvey County Economic
Development Council Inc. Russell County Economic Development
Mining: 6.2% www.harveycoedc.org & Convention & Visitors Bureau
Finance, insurance and real www.russellcoks.org
Hiawatha Foundation for
estate: 5.4% Shawnee Economic
Construction: 4.7% www.cityofhiawatha.org Development Council
Transportation & utilities: 3.6% www.goodstartshere.com
Hutchinson/Reno County
Chamber of Commerce The University of Kansas
Sources: www.hutchchamber.com www.rgs.ku.edu
www.city-data.com Iola Industries WKREDA
thinkbigks.com www.iolaindustries.com www.discoverwesternkansas.com
Kansas Data Book 2011
Kansas Association of Community Wyandotte Economic
Kansas Department of Commerce Development Council
College Trustees
quickfacts.census.gov www.kacct.org www.wyedc.org
An entrepreneurial-driven county on
Hwy. 183, halfway between I-70
in Kansas and I-80 in Nebraska; highly
dedicated and educated workforce;
multiple, rural bedroom communities
with great living environments; short
and scenic commutes for workforce;
designated as an e-community in
2010; special article presented in
Entrepreneur magazine – Feb. 2011
for the county’s development incentive
programs and its businesses proactive
approaches for growth. A destination
for business start-ups.
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Home of the many niche businesses

and generational businesses. Phillips
County offers Kansas and central
United States, the only fiber mill,
The Shepherd’s Mill. Manufacturing
employers in our area include:
TAMKO Building Products, Goddard
Manufacturing, Odor-Z-Way, Mineral
Right Inc., Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy.
LOCAL INCENTIVES
★ Fiber optics to locations in county

★ Entrepreneurial business
enhancement program –
“Local Grant Assistance”
★ Entrepreneurial training center;
business incubation facility
workforce training lab
★ E-Community RLF;
“enhanced” enterprise zone;
Phillips Co. revolving loan fund
ENTERTAINMENT
Dane G. Hansen Museum &

Foundation; Huck Boyd Center; longest
continuous operation entertainment
venue in the state of Kansas; Majestic
Theatre; Kansas’ biggest rodeo; the
Kirwin Wildlife Federal Reserve.
TRANSPORTATION
US Hwy. 183 & 36 intersect at county

seat in Phillipsburg; Kyle Railroad;
Municipal Airport; 60 miles to
regional airport.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jeff Hofaker – Executive Director

Phillips County Economic Development
pced@ruraltel.net
www.DiscoverPCED.com
126 K a n s a s
Through the Lens
Get the Story Behind the Photo

Now that you’ve experienced Kansas through our photos, see it through the eyes of our
photographers. Visit kansaseconomicdevelopment.com to view our exclusive photographers’
blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
From Our Photo Blog:

Kansas
Hutchinson, Kan., is the most
unlikely place to find a museum
dedicated solely to space exploration.
Though Kansas is the home state of
three astronauts – Joe Engle, Ron
Evans and Steve Hawley – it’s never
been a launchpad of space exploration.
Not even close. It’s 651 miles from
Johnson Space Center in Houston,
Texas, and 1,446 miles from Kennedy
Space Center on Merritt Island, Fla.
But, Hutchinson is where you will
find the Kansas Cosmosphere and
Space Center. The museum boasts
the largest collection of U.S. space
artifacts outside the Smithsonian’s
National Air and Space Museum, and
the largest collection of Russian Space
artifacts outside of Moscow.
Posted by todd bennett
More Online
See more favorite photos and read
the stories behind the shots at
kansaseconomicdevelopment.com.
Boot Hill Museum’s Putting the Squeeze on

Long Branch Saloon the Grapes in Kansas
Ad Index
114 City of Andover 121 Great Bend Chamber
of Commerce
128 City of Chanute & Economic Development
31 City of Derby C2 Greater Topeka Chamber

of Commerce/Go Topeka
16 City of Iola
2 Greater Wichita Economic
123 City of Kinsley Development Coalition
84 City of Liberal 6 Harvey County Economic

Development Council Inc.
63 City of Parsons
126 Hiawatha Foundation for
78 City of Pratt Economic Development
15 El Dorado Inc. 48 Hutchinson/Reno County

Chamber of Commerce
8 Emporia Regional
Development Association 17 Kansas Association of
Community College Trustees
106 Emporia State University
98 Kansas
102 Fort Hays State University Bioscience Authority
Ad Index (cont.)
28, C4 Kansas Department
of Commerce
123 Kansas Gas Service
4 Kansas State University
1 Lawrence Chamber
of Commerce
124 Leavenworth County

Development Corporation
12, 13 Manhattan Area Chamber

of Commerce
C3 Montgomery County
Action Council
18 Olathe Chamber
of Commerce
74 Osborne Industries Inc.
90 Ottawa Area Chamber

of Commerce
126 Overland Park Economic

Development Council
126 Phillips County

22 Pottawatomie County
Corporation
71 Rice County
57 Russell County Economic

Development & Convention
& Visitors Bureau
10 Shawnee Economic
Development Council
107 The University of Kansas
112 WKREDA
14 Wyandotte Economic
Development Council

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kansas

economic development guide

Sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce | 2011

Business at Jet Speed 38

Driven by the Wind 44

Job Well Done 52

Wide Open With Possibilities 58

No Place Like Kansas 64

Known Around the World 72

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E MAJOR EXPORT CATEGORIES

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Chairman Greg Thurman

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A Roadmap for Jobs, Investment in Kansas

My No. 1 broader range of businesses Kansas Economic Development

calling on kansas The company also

Shining a Light on Wichita

Type A Personalities The company, whose roots date

at the top of google’s search

Built Brick by Brick

They’re Great With Freight A Power Play

named to Quality magazine’s Quality

Get Your Shopping on

Story by Betsy Williams

jobs to the region. advanced manufacturing, distribution, Major New

Corridor,” says Dr. Arnaud Bourgeois,

Story by Bill Lewis

Sherman Thomas Sheridan Graham Rooks Osborne Mitchell

Morton Stevens Seward

Kansas Technology Benchmarks

Story by Bill Lewis

operations include: these together, you’d be hard pressed Incentives Create

the Farnborough Air Show in England. equipment. NCAT also incorporates

Creating a Climate for Investment

Story by Pamela Coyle

Meridian Way Wind Farm

Central Plains Wind Farm Smoky Hills Wind Farm

Elk River Wind Project

An Incentive Generating Results siemens energy takes advantage of bond financing

Employees assemble nacelles at the

Story by Heather Johnston Johnson

Clockwise from top left: Kansas Workforce Centers,

1. Atchison 10. Hutchinson 19. Overland Park

2. Chanute 11. Independence 20. Paola

3. Colby 12. Junction City 21. Pittsburg

Overland Park: 173,721 Fort Riley 12,500

Median house or condo value Boeing 3,000

Tyson Fresh Meats (Emporia) 2,700

Bombardier Aerospace 2,500