Rethinking the Kansas Business Environment

Anne Cosgrove
From the September/October 2022 issue

T.The Sunflower State sees business investment, workforce training, and a restoration of quality of life. Looking at Gov. Laura Kelly’s actions since she took office in January 2019, it’s clear that the Kansas Framework for Growth is underway. Enacted by Gov. Kerry, this broad initiative has impacted a wide range of Kansas economies, from business investment to labor to social issues such as childcare and housing.

On the other hand, the state’s location and infrastructure provide significant transportation and marketing advantages for businesses. Our focus on building and maintaining a multimodal infrastructure has made shipping to and from Kansas easier and less expensive.

The workforce is a top priority for all industries, and state investments in education and workforce development help ensure the availability of skilled employees. Kansas is above the national average for both high school graduate percentage and population with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Outstanding schools and successful partnerships between industry and education give Kansas businesses access to a workforce that is ready to meet their needs in a competitive global economy.

business facilities recently spoke with Gov. Kelly about an update for Kansas businesses and citizens.

Business facilities: Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $9 billion in new investment from the private sector and announced in June that more than 43,500 jobs have been created or maintained in the state. What is driving this activity?

Governor Kerry: In July, I announced that Kansas landed the largest private sector investment in state history. Panasonic will build one of the nation’s largest electric vehicle battery facilities, investing $4 billion, and he will create 4,000 new jobs in the process.

With this announcement, my administration oversaw the creation of over 49,000 new jobs and brought in $13.5 billion of new private investment. This is the combined total investment brought in by her two previous administrations.

Kansas is famous for its focus on job creation and business investment.

There are several reasons why it has been so successful in terms of economic development. One is the actual plan. In early 2021, I announced a new comprehensive economic development strategic plan for Kansas. This is the first time in over 30 years. This framework, called the “Framework for Growth,” identifies areas of strength and new opportunities for our state that have informed business recruitment efforts since then.

For another, we know that improving the quality of life for Kansas families and young people is essential to developing the skilled workforce needed to recruit and retain businesses. I’m here. We have made historic investments in education, public safety, infrastructure and broadband access. As a result, more and more companies are based in Kansas.

BF: What industries does Kansas serve? What companies have recently chosen the state for business?

Governor Kerry: The Framework for Growth has created roadmaps to accelerate the development of several key industries in Kansas, including aviation, agriculture, biotechnology, and animal health.

Kansas’ reputation as the “Aviation Capital of the World” was cemented when I announced in April that Wichita is now home to Bombardier’s US headquarters. The company is actively recruiting to quickly fill his more than 180 jobs in Wichita and his nearly 500 jobs nationwide.

When it comes to agriculture, we are looking for businesses that keep our industry modern and innovative. In May, I He announced that Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. would build a major production facility in Dodge City. This is his $460 million investment that will create 247 new full-time jobs in Western Kansas. In August, sustainable agriculture leader Amber Wave cut the ribbon on what will soon be the largest wheat protein production facility in North America. The company has invested her more than $250 million in the facility, and he’s creating more than 60 new jobs toward full operation.

Our biotechnology industry is also growing. In April, I announced that his Scorpion Biological Services would build his $650 million manufacturing facility in Manhattan, creating 500 jobs. This is in addition to the new National Biological and Agricultural Defense Facility, a biocontainment laboratory that will soon open in Manhattan.

Finally, Kansas is the center of the animal health corridor, and last month Simmons Pet Food announced it was expanding operations in both Emporia and Edgerton. Their $115 million investment will create 117 jobs and drive growth in both these communities and regions.

All of these industries are growing for similar reasons. Located in the heart of Kansas, our strong infrastructure and excellent workforce make Kansas a great place to build, hire and invest.

BF: The APEX Act, signed into law in February 2022, focuses on megaprojects by new and expanding companies in the state. Could you briefly outline the incentives?

Governor Kerry: As the largest private investment in Kansas history and one of the largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants of its kind in the country, Panasonic Energy’s planned De Soto facility will transform the Kansas economy. The project will directly create 4,000 jobs, a further 4,000 will be created by local suppliers, and construction of the plant will create 16,500 construction jobs for him.

A win for this project demonstrates that Kansas has what it takes to compete globally, and that a business-friendly climate will provide the innovation needed to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future. It shows that you are moving forward.