Category Archives: Business

Kansas Is A Leader in Wind Energy

 

Topeka, Kan. – Kansas is once again a national leader in wind-generated renewable energy, according to the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) Annual Market Report.

Kansas ranks No. 2 in the nation for wind energy production as a share of total electricity generation, joining Iowa as one of only two states with more than 40 percent of the state’s total electricity produced by wind power in 2019.

Governor Laura Kelly noted the increase in wind energy production in the state.

“Wind energy is now the state’s largest source of electricity, which translates into savings for electricity customers – residences and businesses – across Kansas,” the Governor said.

Key metrics and rankings highlight the success of Kansas’ continued investment in wind energy.

  • Wind energy as a percentage of total energy production: 41.40%, No. 2 in the nation
  • Installed wind capacity: 6,128 MW, No. 4 in the nation
  • Number of wind turbines: 3,160, No. 5 in the nation
  • Direct wind industry jobs in 2019: 5,000-plus
  • Capital investment in wind projects through 2019: $11.4 billion

“Not only is Kansas wind energy production good for the environment, it’s also good for business,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The wind energy sector employs thousands of Kansans and contributes billions of dollars in capital investment to our state each year.”

AWEA’s annual reports provide an in-depth look at U.S. wind energy each year. Wind is now the largest source of renewable energy in the U.S., reliably supplying more than seven percent of the country’s electricity.

For more information on wind energy in Kansas, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/wind.

Kansas Largest Source of Power: Wind Energy

New Report Reveals Wind Energy is Now the Largest Source of Power in Kansas and Driving Critical Economic Growth

The country’s top choice for new power continues to be a key driver of economic growth in Kansas in 2019, powering nearly two million homes as the largest source of electricity, serving as an extra source of income for farmers, and generating millions for rural communities

 

Kansas City, KS – Wind power in Kansas leaped ahead in 2019 as growing demand drove critical economic growth and solidified wind’s role as a reliable and competitive energy source. A new U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) shows how Kansas businesses, consumers, farmers, and local communities are benefiting from advancements in wind. Across the country, wind is creating jobs as the top choice for new power and Kansas is a national leader, with wind now servings as the largest source of electricity generation in the state.

AWEA’s report reveals that wind in Kansas now accounts for 41 percent of the state’s electricity, enough energy to power nearly two million homes. Over the past five years, Kansas had the largest increase in wind energy generation than any other state. Wind power is becoming the cheapest and fastest growing source of new electrical generation in many states around the country, and the local economy is responding. Powering Kansas, a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting policies that expand wind energy investment in the state, reacted to the report by citing the economic benefits felt at the local level that are critical in today’s environment.

“Kansas has created a leading model for integrating wind power and harnessing the energy source to not just power our homes and businesses, but also our economy at large,” said State Representative Don Hineman. “Wind is now the leading source of electricity generation in our state, and the report’s findings further underscore how critical it is that our state remain at the forefront of wind power investment.”

 

Wind is not just powering Kansas’ homes and businesses. The emergence of wind power has created a ripple effect that is powering Kansas’ economy at record levels. Wind projects have amounted to $11.4 billion of private investment, $29 million in annual tax revenue, and $36 million in annual land lease payments across the state.

 

Kansas is proving that we can build a modern economy around wind power right here in the heartland, and utilize the energy source to attract new business, build new revenue streams, and create an economic climate for success that produces results,” said State Representative Tom Cox. “We’re proud to be a leading state for the top source of renewable energy, and we’re committed to supporting wind through long-term, sustainable investments that will keep our economy supported for decades to come.”

 

Across the country, expanded innovation and development meant wind reached new heights in 2019 as America’s top choice for new power after building 9.1 gigawatts (GW), representing 39 percent of new utility-scale power additions. With these additions, operating wind power capacity in the U.S. now stands at over 105 GW, enough to power 32 million American homes.

 

To view the full report, please contact Jesse Dougherty at [email protected]. A press kit, including free-use images and b-roll of wind farms, community stories, infographics, and more is available.

 

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About Powering Kansas


Powering Kansas,
an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development.

 

About the American Wind Energy Association

 

AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states, AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

 

 

 

Commercial Hemp Program Plan

With USDA Approval, Kansas Moves One Step Closer

to Commercial Hemp Program

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. —   The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that it has approved the plan submitted in January by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to regulate a Commercial Industrial Hemp Program in Kansas. This approval is a critical formal step in the process to establishing the new commercial hemp program; however, the program will not be active in Kansas until completion of the process for adoption of rules and regulations.

 

“This is great news for Kansas, as it moves us one step closer to establishing a commercial program for industrial hemp,” said Jeff Ochampaugh, who serves as chair of the Industrial Hemp Advisory Board. “It’s important for Kansans to understand, though, that our program won’t be active until the regulations are adopted.”

 

The formal adoption process for the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program regulations is underway, as they are being reviewed by several state entities including the Division of Budget, the Department of Administration, the Attorney General, and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations. Once the regulations have been reviewed by those bodies, they will be subject to a public hearing which must be announced in the Kansas Register 60 days prior to the hearing.

 

Given the timeline of the formal adoption process, it is anticipated the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program will be finalized no earlier than early fall 2020. At this time, the industrial hemp industry in Kansas continues to function under the Industrial Hemp Research Program regulations.

 

For more information about the industrial hemp program in Kansas, go to agriculture.ks.gov/industrialhemp.

 

KTCCU Offers Scholarships and Auto Loans

Sending the email below on behalf of
Chamber Member
Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union
620-223-1475
Visit website to view more info, click HERE!
Thank you for your Chamber partnership!
Check out the promotions our
local KTCCU is offering!
Eight (8) Scholarships for the FS 2020 school year!
&
Auto Loan rates as low as 2.99 % APR for either a vehicle purchase or refinance!

Paycheck Protection Program For Small Businesses

To see the website:

US Chamber of Commerce – SBA Paycheck Protection Overview

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) INFORMATION SHEET:

BORROWERS
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone.
The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:
 The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; and
 Employee and compensation levels are maintained.
Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
Loan payments will be deferred for 6 months.

When can I apply?
 Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
 Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
 Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.

Where can I apply?

You can apply through any existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders.

Who can apply?

All businesses – including nonprofits, veterans organizations, Tribal business concerns, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors – with 500 or fewer employees can apply. Businesses in certain industries can have more than 500 employees if they meet applicable SBA employee-based size standards for those industries

For this program, the SBA’s affiliation standards are waived for small businesses

(1) in the hotel and food services industries (click HERE for NAICS code 72 to confirm); or

(2) that are franchises in the SBA’s Franchise Directory (click HERE to check); or

(3) that receive financial assistance from small business investment companies licensed by the SBA.

Additional guidance may be released as appropriate.

What do I need to apply?

You will need to complete the Paycheck Protection Program loan application and submit the application with the required documentation to an approved lender that is available to process your application by June 30, 2020.

What other documents will I need to include in my application?

You will need to provide your lender with payroll documentation.

Do I need to first look for other funds before applying to this program?

No. We are waiving the usual SBA requirement that you try to obtain some or all of the loan funds from other sources (i.e., we are waiving the Credit Elsewhere requirement).

How long will this program last?

Although the program is open until June 30, 2020, we encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap and lenders need time to process your loan.

How many loans can I take out under this program?

Only one.

What can I use these loans for?

You should use the proceeds from these loans on your:
 Payroll costs, including benefits;
 Interest on mortgage obligations, incurred before February 15, 2020;
 Rent, under lease agreements in force before February 15, 2020; and
 Utilities, for which service began before February 15, 2020.
What counts as payroll costs? Payroll costs include:
 Salary, wages, commissions, or tips (capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee);
 Employee benefits including costs for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave; allowance for separation or dismissal; payments required for the provisions of group health care benefits including insurance premiums; and payment of any retirement benefit;
 State and local taxes assessed on compensation; and
 For a sole proprietor or independent contractor: wages, commissions, income, or net earnings from self-employment, capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee.

How large can my loan be?

Loans can be for up to two months of your average monthly payroll costs from the last year plus an additional 25% of that amount. That amount is subject to a $10 million cap. If you are a seasonal or new business, you will use different applicable time periods for your calculation. Payroll costs will be capped at $100,000 annualized for each employee.

How much of my loan will be forgiven?

You will owe money when your loan is due if you use the loan amount for anything other than payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities payments over the 8 weeks after getting the loan.

Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.

You will also owe money if you do not maintain your staff and payroll.
 Number of Staff: Your loan forgiveness will be reduced if you decrease your full-time employee headcount.
 Level of Payroll: Your loan forgiveness will also be reduced if you decrease salaries and wages by more than 25% for any employee that made less than $100,000 annualized in 2019.
 Re-Hiring: You have until June 30, 2020 to restore your full-time employment and salary levels for any changes made between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020.

How can I request loan forgiveness?

You can submit a request to the lender that is servicing the loan. The request will include documents that verify the number of full-time equivalent employees and pay rates, as well as the payments on eligible mortgage, lease, and utility obligations. You must certify that the documents are true and that you used the forgiveness amount to keep employees and make eligible mortgage interest, rent, and utility payments. The lender must make a decision on the forgiveness within 60 days.

What is my interest rate?

0.50% fixed rate.

When do I need to start paying interest on my loan?

All payments are deferred for 6 months; however, interest will continue to accrue over this period.

When is my loan due?

In 2 years.

Can I pay my loan earlier than 2 years?

Yes. There are no prepayment penalties or fees.

Do I need to pledge any collateral for these loans?

No. No collateral is required.

Do I need to personally guarantee this loan?

No. There is no personal guarantee requirement. ***However, if the proceeds are used for fraudulent purposes, the U.S. government will pursue criminal charges against you.***

What do I need to certify?

As part of your application, you need to certify in good faith that:
 Current economic uncertainty makes the loan necessary to support your ongoing operations.
 The funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or to make mortgage, lease, and utility payments.
 You have not and will not receive another loan under this program.
 You will provide to the lender documentation that verifies the number of full-time equivalent employees on payroll and the dollar amounts of payroll costs, covered mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities for the eight weeks after getting this loan.
 Loan forgiveness will be provided for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
 All the information you provided in your application and in all supporting documents and forms is true and accurate. Knowingly making a false statement to get a loan under this program is punishable by law.
 You acknowledge that the lender will calculate the eligible loan amount using the tax documents you submitted. You affirm that the tax documents are identical to those you submitted to the IRS. And you also understand, acknowledge, and agree that the lender can share the tax information with the SBA’s authorized representatives, including authorized representatives of the SBA Office of Inspector General, for the purpose of compliance with SBA Loan Program Requirements and all SBA reviews.

Emergency Response Loans In Fort Scott

Rachel Pruitt

Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott’s Economic Director, gave a press release that details loans to local businesses who are struggling financially.

The Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG Program has drastically changed the requirements of the Revolving Loan Fund program, according to information provided by Pruitt.

The City of Fort Scott is encouraging immediate use of the Revolving Loan Fund to support the working capital needs of businesses in Fort Scott, she noted.

The City’s CDBG Revolving Loan Fund has up to $260,000 directed towards small businesses with the highest risk of closing and/or laying off workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of this program is to retain existing jobs.

There is a maximum of up to $10,000 per business to stimulate job retention.

Employers are asked on the following forms to fill out a job certification form for each employee being retained.

To view the details, click below: