Category Archives: Business

Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas Historic Economic Development

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Awarded Third Consecutive Gold Shovel for
Historic Economic Development


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that for the third straight year, Kansas has won Area Development magazine’s coveted Gold Shovel Award. The back-to-back-to-back accolade has no precedent in state history and reflects three consecutive years of record-setting private-sector investment.

“Every day, my administration works to grow the economy so there are better opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This award shows that our work is paying off, and as a result, more Kansans have good-paying jobs with which they can support their families and contribute to their communities.”

Kansas was recognized for its achievement in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs throughout the state. Five states were awarded the prestigious Gold Shovel in their respective population categories, with Kansas at the top of the list of states with fewer than 3 million residents.

Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in De Soto was the largest capital expenditure in 2022, but it wasn’t the only one. There were 272 projects across the state totaling almost $7.4 billion in private-sector investment and nearly 13,400 jobs created or retained.

“Governor Kelly’s commitment to bring prosperity to communities across the state is being fulfilled by home-grown businesses and companies from around the world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “A third straight Gold Shovel confirms our strategic plan for economic development is working.”

That strategic plan, the Kansas Framework for Growth, was unveiled by Governor Kelly in early 2021. Through the work of thousands of Kansans from the public and private sectors, the plan emphasizes:

  • Talent development and retention
  • Working with higher education institutions on job and business creation
  • Innovation as a driver of opportunity
  • Community assets and regional approaches
  • Long-term growth policies
  • Target business sectors

Almost 90% of the successes announced since the beginning of the Kelly administration came from one of the five target sectors. Over that time, Kansas has attracted more than $16.2 billion in private-sector investment and created or retained more than 57,000 jobs.

Area Development Magazine is a publication for economic development executives covering corporate site selection and relocation.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Rural Workforce Summit June 22

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Bourbon County Redi…
Rural Workforce Summit
The Rural Workforce Summit will feature seven nationally recognized industry leaders in workforce development, who will share their insights and expertise. This diverse group of speakers will offer valuable knowledge and practical strategies that can benefit individuals and businesses alike.
We have arranged a block of discounted hotel rooms at the Sleep Inn exclusively for summit attendees. If you have any out of town employees or executives who may choose to stay overnight before the event, they will gain unprecedented access to a networking event with all of the speakers. This exclusive opportunity allows for one-on-one conversations with each of the speakers, fostering valuable connections and insights.
To ensure your participation, please RSVP by June 19th by using the QR code on the attached flyer or the Eventbrite link in this email. We kindly request a nominal admission fee of $20, which includes lunch and a continental breakfast provided during the event.
Date: June 22, 2023 Time: 7:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Art, Business

Uniontown Receives Kansas Grant For a Mural

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The Bandera Stone company building is on the north side of Uniontown’s square.

The City of Uniontown received a $2,250  grant from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity to have a mural painted in the town.

The grant for the mural was initiated by Mary Pemberton, who with her husband owns Bandera Stone, a dimension stone business in town.

Recently, they renovated a brick building on the north side of Uniontown’s square, at 103 Third Street.

“I have been considering a mural since we started renovations on the building,” she said. “I always notice murals when I travel and I think this location by the park is a perfect place to bring a little art to Uniontown.”

Mary Pemberton stands in front of the east side of the Bandera Stone building, where the mural will be painted.

The Bandera Stone building has a large exposed eastern side, which can be viewed from the city park, across the street.

Pemberton read about the grant opportunity from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity and at first she wasn’t interested.

“But the promotion they do for the winners would get Uniontown some attention, not only locally but state-wide, so I decided to apply,” Pemberton said.

Danyell Miles, Fort Scott,  is the artist selected by Pemberton to design and paint the mural.

Pemberton said they are finalizing all the details on the design but that it includes Bourbon County and Kansas iconic images with a special feature that pays homage to local authors.

“I have always been an avid reader so wanted to do something to incorporate books into the mural,” she said.  “You’ll have to wait until the mural is finished and come see it in person to find this special feature.  The mural is designed with a lot of elements that require you to spend a few minutes and look closely to really understand the significance of the details.  The mural is also designed with selfie (photo) lovers in mind and will have one 3D element for photo opportunities. Danyell deserves all the credit for taking my unorganized ideas and putting them together to design a very unique and interesting mural.”

“Painting should start in late June,” Pemberton said. “We expect to have it completed in time for a grand reveal during the final Music in the Park event at Uniontown city park on August 11th.”

To prepare for the mural, the Pemberton’s had the brick wall tucked pointed and cleaned, plus put lighting along that side of the building.

The Grant

“Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population,” according to a press release from Kansas Governor Kelly’s office. “The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. 75% of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.”

 

Uniontown, in the western part of Bourbon County, has a population of approximately 300 people.

Fort Scott also received  a grant for a mural through this program.

That story will be featured in an upcoming feature on fortscott.biz.

 

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 2nd Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, a creative space for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

June Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Good Ol’ Days & Good Books, 25% off History, Historical Fiction, and Old Books

6/2 ~ Good Ol’ Days Chicken Dinner, 4:30-6pm, tickets on sale NOW at the Chamber, $9/dinner.

6/2-3 ~ Good Ol’ Days Parade and festivities

6/2 ~ First Friday at The Artificers, 8 N. National Ave.

6/2 ~ First Friday Backroom Art Gallery located at Hare & Crow, local art by local artist, 118 S. Main St., 1-9pm, click here for more info!

6/2 ~ Street Dance, Whiskey Outlaw and Bobby Degonia, Downtown Pavilion, bring your lawn chair , come out and enjoy music on the bricks, 7pm

6/2-3 ~ St. Mary’s MEGA sale in Kennedy Gym, all proceeds go to rebuild St. Mary’s Church

6/3-4 ~ Kansas Free Fishing Days, click here for more info!

6/3 ~ Storytime at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, 2:30pm, guest storyteller Taylor Bailey

6/8 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Lavender Patch, 2376 Locust Road, 8am

6/9 ~ Rock Star Karaoke at Memorial Hall, doors open at 6pm, live music at 7pm, food & drink available for purchase, entry $10 per person or $60 for a table of 6, all proceeds go to Memorial Hall Upgrades.

6/10 ~ Kansas Crossing presents Three Dog Night, must be 21+ to attend, click here for more info and to get tickets.

6/11 ~ First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott Presents Rev. Darryl Burton, 10:30am, click here for more info!

6/13 ~ Lunch & Learn – Hosted by KOAM TV, lunch provided at Empress Event Center, 12-12:45pm

6/15 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Varia, 110 E. 23rd St. 8am

6/15-16 ~ Blood Drive in Nevada Mo at First Baptist Church Reception Hall, Thursday 12-6pm and Friday 9am-2pm

6/16 ~ Paint Party – Daisy & Bee at Common Ground Coffee Co., $5 to reserve your spot/$20 due at class

6/17 ~ 2nd Annual Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America hosted by the American Legion Riders Post 25, registration starts at 8:30am to 10:30am @ Buck Run Community Center, click here for more info!

6/17 ~ Pizza Republic hosting Live Music event by Brian Lumley with the Red Dirt Underground, 8-10pm, click here for more info!

SAVE THE DATE!

6/22 ~ Rural Workforce Summit hosted by Bourbon County REDI and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, register today for $20/person, click here for info.

7/11 ~ Downtown Meet & Greet

7/21-22 ~ Wahzhazhe- The Osage Ballet

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

May Special at Hedgehog. INK! Bookstore!

42nd Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days:

Back to the Bricks! June 2nd & 3rd, Downtown Fort Scott, click here for details!

Live Music at Pizza Republic featuring Brian Lumley with the Red Dirt Underground!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Weekend Activities Schedule Provided by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

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THIS WEEKEND is the 42nd Annual
Fort Scott GOOD OL’ DAYS FESTIVAL!
Craft vendors, food trucks, live music, parade, children’s fair, car & bike show, model train show, living history activities, and more! Make your way to the bricks in Downtown Fort Scott this Friday & Saturday, June 2nd & 3rd! See the schedule here and find more info on fortscottgoodoldays.com.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Youth

Young Entrepreneurs: at Fort Scott Farmers Market This Saturday

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The logo of Acton Children’s Business Fair from its website.

Several young children who are learning how to create their own business will have their wares on display and for sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market this Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event will be at Third and Main Street, behind the First United Methodist Church in that parking lot.

Children who attended a young entrepreneurs fair in the last year will be selling their wares and encouraging other children to start their own businesses

“Saturday is to get the word out and let other children see a small sample of inspiration for what they can be a part of,” Maria Whitson, one of the parent organizers said. “It will also allow the children who have created businesses a chance to sell their products.”

“We will have opportunities for kids to take their ideas and learn about how to turn it into a business,” she said. “Then we will give them an opportunity to launch and sell their products at the kid’s business fair later this year. More information will be available at the kid’s booths at the farmers market this weekend.”

The Acton Children’s Business Fair will be sponsoring a fair again this fall. To learn more: https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/

“There will be cash prizes for the event in the fall,” Whitson said.

Whitson and Melanie Lamb are the parent organizers who will be available to answer questions on Saturday.

Melanie Lamb. Submitted photo.
Maria Whitson. Submitted photo.

Some of the children who will participate:

Camren Lamb is an young businessman, selling his artwork and music. Submitted photo.
Chloe Couchman will be selling her handmade potholders. Submitted photo.

“This weekend kids will be having their booths to inspire others to be entrepreneurs,” she said. “Kids who already have set up their own business to inspire others.”

Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.
Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.

In addition, there will be handouts for a class in September that the youth can participate in, Whitson said.

Malachi Whitson will be selling jewery at the farmers market. From Facebook.
Grace Jackson along with her sisters will be selling produce. Submitted photos.
Trinity Jackson. Submitted photo.
The Jackson sisters will be selling produce, this is Evie. Submitted photos.

 

The farmers market has changed spaces this Saturday only, to accommodate the Good Ol’ Days annual celebration in downtown Fort Scott.

 

 

 

Area News, Business

Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas to Host Forum for Professional Advisors

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The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) will host the 2023 Estate Planning Forum in the large conference room of The Foundry at Block22 in downtown Pittsburg on Tuesday, June 13.

The full–day Forum, hosted annually in partnership with Foulston Siefkin LLP of Wichita, is open to Southeast Kansas attorneys, CPAs, insurance professionals, and financial advisors. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the first session will begin at 10:00 a.m.


Attendees will learn about new developments in the field of estate planning, earn up to six hours of continuing–education credit, and enjoy a free lunch from Chatters courtesy of CFSEK.


This year’s Forum includes sessions on legal ethics; a comparison of probate–avoidance devices;
drafting advice to minimize family disharmony; drafting support and discretionary trusts; and recent developments in estate planning, including the effects of recent changes on charitable
giving. Sessions will be taught by Foulston Siefkin’s Tim O’Sullivan, JD, LLM, and Corey Moomaw, JD, LLM.


The Forum has been approved for 6 hours of CLE credit (including one hour of ethics credit) and 5 hours of insurance CE credit. It also offers a recommended 5 hours of CPE credit for accountants and 5 hours of PACE credit for qualifying financial advisors.


Registration is required for this event. Professional advisors who want to attend the 2023 Estate Planning Forum can register by completing the online form at
SoutheastKansas.org/forum2023/, emailing j[email protected], or calling
(620) 231–8897.
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Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber After Hours/Ribbon Cutting on May 25 at M’axe Throw House

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Chamber After-hours & Ribbon Cutting
at M’axe Throw House!
Join us for a Chamber After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting Event to celebrate the opening of M’axe Throw House!
Thursday, May 25th, 2023
212 E. 1st St.
5:15pm to 6:30pm
Complementary drink ticket for Chamber Members!
Pizza will also be available!
$2 Admission at the door!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Business

Electric Transmission Line Approved For Route Through Bourbon County

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KCC approves siting permit for Wolf Creek to Blackberry transmission line in SE Kansas

 

TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a siting permit establishing the route for the Wolf Creek to Blackberry 345 kV transmission line in Southeast Kansas. Approximately 83 miles of the line will be in Kansas, crossing Coffey, Anderson, Allen, Bourbon and Crawford Counties. NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest (NEET Southwest) will construct and operate the line.

The order, approved in a 2-1 vote, states “The Commission finds that the method that NEET Southwest used to select its route and the route proposed by NEET Southwest are reasonable and that the siting permit requested by NEET Southwest complies with all statutory requirements and should be granted.”

In August, the Commission granted NEET Southwest a limited certificate of convenience and necessity as a transmission-only public utility, after determining that the transmission project will benefit customers by lowering overall energy costs, removing inefficiency, relieving transmission congestion, and improving the reliability of the transmission system.

In addition to approving the proposed route today, the Commission granted NEET Southwest micro-siting authority. Micro-siting allows the transmission owner to make minor modifications to the route and the placement of infrastructure to accommodate landowner preferences or to avoid environmental concerns. However, material, major adjustments, and any adjustment for which landowners would not have received notice, must be approved by the Commission before implementation. In addition NEET Southwest is required to file its permit and county and private landowner reclamation plans with the Commission when they are completed.  Also, the company must demonstrate evidence that they notified all landowners along the route of the landowner’s ability to request an electromagnetic field (EMF) study after the line is completed.

Commission Chair Susan Duffy and Commissioner Andrew French voted in favor of approving the line siting permit. Commissioner Dwight Keen voted against approving the line siting permit and filed a dissent stating, among his concerns, objection to locating the line parallel to an existing Evergy line and to not remanding the matter to SPP for reconsideration of double circuiting the lines on shared poles and right of ways or for other options to reduce landowner impact for 22.5 miles or roughly one fourth of the route. Double circuiting was evaluated, but not pursued due to estimated increased costs, significant time delays and differences in construction methods between the two companies.

The Wolf Creek to Blackberry project originated from the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a Regional Transmission Organization mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale prices on behalf of its members. Kansas is one of 17 states served by SPP. In 2019, the Wolf Creek to Blackberry line was identified by SPP as a necessary economic project to increase transmission capability and reliability and relieve transmission congestion from western Kansas, east to SPP load centers.

The Commission’s order also noted a need for SPP to provide an avenue for state input and involvement early in the design process on future projects and the Commission’s intent to open a general investigation into principles and priorities to be used in future line siting proceedings. SPP will be made aware of both the Commission’s concerns and the results of its general investigation in order to better facilitate future cooperation and expectations.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by all Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

Today’s order and Commissioner Keen’s dissent can be viewed here.

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Business, Food, Fort Scott

Taco Azul Food Truck: A Mom and Pop Business

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Submitted photo of Taco Azul fare.
Erin and Sebastian Macik, Fort Scott, are owners of Taco Azul, a food truck that they hope will turn into a restaurant business.
The Taco Azul Food Truck. Submitted photo.
They make Mexican street tacos, using pork, beef, or chicken, in flour tortillas or handmade corn tortillas; homemade salsas, and also street corn on the side, Erin said.
“We’ve been prepping and planning for over a year now,” Erin said. “Sebastian picked up the food truck in April, and we plan to fire it up at the Good Ol’ Days festival here in Fort Scott at the beginning of June.”
“We hope to open up a restaurant in the future, but for the short term, our plan is to stay local and get a good customer base before expanding,” she said.
“You will see us at Fort Scott’s Good Ol’ Days Festival to kick off the summer, and then we’ll be set up by the Washateria on National Avenue for the most part,” Erin said. “We’ll be posting consistently on Facebook so people know where to find us. We are really looking forward to the summer!”
Sebastian Macik taught third grade in Mexico City, and discovered true Mexican street tacos while he was there.
“Coming back state-side in 2014, he started searching for the real deal in the U.S. without much luck,” she said. “All that time he was working on his own tacos: making his own salsas and corn tortillas, trying out various marinades and cooking techniques, until they became exactly what he was looking for. When the opportunity arose to get a food truck, it was a no-brainer. We’re excited to offer this in Fort Scott! Mexico City-style tacos are unlike anything you can find at any chain restaurant in the United States.”
Erin and Sebastian Macik with their children. Submitted photo.
Contact info: 
Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers June Happenings

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Logo

The Artificers In June

Happy June! Check out the calendar below for all the

classes and events happening this Month!
Register for Classes Here!

Artist Opening Reception

Master Artist

Phillip Ortiz, Mixed Media Artist
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR KIDS ART CAMP!