By Anne Cosgrove
From the September/October 2022 issue.
THe is seeing the Sunflower State’s business investment, workforce training and quality of life improve. Looking at the actions Governor Laura Kelly has taken since taking office in January 2019, it’s clear that there is a plan in motion — the Kansas Framework for Growth. Endorsed by Governor Kelly, this sweeping initiative impacts the broader Kansas economy, from corporate investment to the workforce to social issues, such as child care and housing.
Meanwhile, the state’s location and infrastructure offer significant transportation and marketing advantages for businesses. Because of the focus on building and maintaining multimodal infrastructure, it has become easier and less expensive to ship to Kansas.
With a strong focus on manpower for all industries, the state’s investments in education and workforce development will help ensure the availability of skilled workers. Kansas comes in above the national average for high school graduates and the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher. With good schools and good partnerships between industry and education, Kansas businesses have access to a workforce prepared to meet the needs of companies in a highly competitive global economy.
Business institutions He recently spoke with Governor Kelly for the latest business and citizen news in Kansas.
Business Institutions: In June, they announced that since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $9 billion in new investment from the private sector and more than 43,500 jobs have been created or retained in the state. What drives this movement?
Gov. Kelly: In July, Kansas announced that it had landed the largest private sector investment in state history. Panasonic is said to be investing $4 billion in building one of the nation’s largest electric vehicle battery facilities and creating 4,000 new jobs.
In this announcement, my administration has overseen the creation of more than 49,000 new jobs and brought in $13.5 billion in new private investment, surpassing the total investment brought in by the previous two administrations.
Our strong focus on entrepreneurship and business investment has put Kansas on the map.
There are several reasons why we have seen great success in terms of economic development. For one, we have a proper plan. In the year In early 2021, I unveiled a new comprehensive economic development strategic plan for the state of Kansas, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. The so-called “Growth Framework” identifies areas of strength and new opportunities for our state that have informed our business recruitment efforts since then.
For others, we know that creating a better quality of life for Kansas families and youth is essential to developing the skilled workforce needed to recruit and retain businesses. We continue to make historic investments in education, public safety, infrastructure and broadband access—which means more businesses choose to call Kansas home.
BF: What are the target industries for Kansas? Which companies have recently chosen the state for their business?
Gov. Kelly: The Growth Framework created a roadmap for developing several key Kansas industries, including aviation, agriculture, biotechnology and animal health.
Kansas’ claim to being the ‘Air Capital of the World’ was solidified when I learned that Wichita is now home to Bombardier’s US headquarters. The company is actively recruiting to immediately fill more than 180 jobs in Wichita and nearly 500 jobs across the US.
When it comes to agriculture, we are hiring businesses that will modernize and innovate our industry. In May, I announced that Hilmar Cheese Company will build a large production facility in Dodge City, a $460 million investment that will create 247 new full-time jobs in western Kansas. In August, sustainable agriculture leader Amber Wave recently cut the ribbon on North America’s largest wheat protein manufacturing facility. The company is investing more than $250 million into the facility and creating more than 60 new jobs.
Our biotech industry is also growing. In April, I announced that Scorpion Biological Services would build a $650 million manufacturing facility in Manhattan that would create 500 jobs. This is in addition to the new National Bio and Agro-Prevention Facility, a biocontainment laboratory, soon to open its doors in Manhattan.
Finally, Kansas is the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, and this month Simmons Pet Food announced it is expanding operations in both Emporia and Edgerton. Their $115 million investment will create 117 jobs – boosting growth in both communities and the region.
These industries are all seeing growth for the same reasons: Kansas’ central location, strong infrastructure and outstanding workforce make our state the best place in the nation to build, hire and invest.
BF: The APEX Act, signed into law in February 2022, focuses on mega projects by new and expanding companies in the state. Can you give a brief description of the incentive?
Gov. Kelly: As the largest private investment in Kansas history and one of the largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants of its kind, Panasonic Energy’s proposed De Soto facility will be transformative for our state’s economy. The project will directly create 4,000 jobs, and another 4,000 will be created by local suppliers, and the construction of the factory will create 16,500 construction jobs.
Winning this project demonstrated that Kansas has what it takes to compete globally – and that our supportive business climate is driving the technological innovation needed to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future.
