Commerce International Division Recognized for Excellence in Export Promotion

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce International Division has been awarded the Regional Export Promotion Program (REPP) Member of the Year Award. This honor from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) was presented at REPP’s 2025 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

“With 95% of the world’s consumers living outside of the United States, the State of Kansas is firmly committed to supporting and providing resources to Kansas exporters of all sizes,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This award acknowledges how serious we are about helping Kansas companies succeed in the global marketplace.”

The award recognizes Kansas for its collaboration and commitment to supporting businesses in exporting, particularly by hosting several informative and impactful webinars. These webinars, hosted by Commerce, were designed to bring awareness and accessibility to EXIM programs for Kansas exporters, generating greater participation and engagement across the state.

“The collaborative spirit and unwavering support of the Kansas Department of Commerce exemplifies and reflects the values and missions of EXIM and the work that we do to support American business,” Acting President and Chairman James Cruse said. “The innovation and advocacy of the agency has been an invaluable resource to exporters, allowing them to access the tools necessary to thrive in international markets and making them a standout recipient of this year’s REPP Member of the Year award.”

EXIM is an independent federal agency that supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. Collaboratively, the REPP program brings state, county and local nonprofit economic development entities together with EXIM through partnerships designed to expand export opportunities. Kansas has been a member of the REPP program since 2024.

“Kansas’ partnership with EXIM has assisted 19 Kansas businesses with international trade finance solutions — with the majority of them being small businesses,” Assistant Director of Global Resources Laurie Pieper said. “We are honored to have received the 2025 REPP Award, and Kansas Commerce looks forward to continuing a fulfilling and mutually beneficial relationship with EXIM.”

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About EXIM:

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at www.exim.gov.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown
at Half-Staff in Honor of
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, on Thursday, directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day.

“Our first responders risk their lives every day in service to our communities and Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day is a time to honor Kansas firefighters for their tireless work and ensure the ultimate sacrifice that far too many have made will never be forgotten.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://www.governor.ks.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

###

Commerce Launches Blueprint to Build Grant Program for Community Centers

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Blueprint to Build program, an initiative offered in conjunction with the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding round. This program provides rural Kansas communities a faster, more affordable way to construct state-of-the-art community centers.

This program is aimed to boost community engagement, improve physical health, and reduce social isolation within the community but especially for low- to moderate-income residents. Centers are designed for energy efficiency and are encouraged to be placed in walkable downtowns or near existing community spaces to maximize the impact.

“Finding affordable solutions for community facilities can be difficult for many Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said, “and this new collaboration with the CDBG program will provide resources to plan and build vibrant community spaces across Kansas. These investments in quality of place make our communities more attractive to new businesses and residents.”

With $12.7 million available to help reduce overall construction costs, the Blueprint to Build program makes it easier for Kansas communities to develop modern, energy-efficient community centers.

CDBG has developed three pre-approved “off-the-shelf” Blueprint to Build designs, enabling communities to save hundreds of thousands of dollars and significantly reduce design timelines. With most architectural and engineering costs already covered, communities can focus on construction. In addition to covering design costs, the Blueprint to Build program will fund up to $2.5 million toward construction expenses, allowing proposals to concentrate primarily on building.

Each approved Blueprint to Build community center design will include:

• Multi-purpose room with flexible use options
• Serving kitchen with fixed equipment
• Fitness center
• Telemedicine office
• Welcoming lobby with small gathering area
• Restrooms
• Storm shelter
• Customizable, durable exterior and interior finishes
• Covered patios and overhead doors for fitness and multi-purpose rooms

Applicants may also incorporate optional features, such as gymnasiums or aquatic amenities, given they align with program guidelines.

Cities and counties with more than 2,500 population may apply for up to $2.5 million in funding for new community center construction using one of the three pre-approved designs. Cities and counties with fewer residents may apply for up to $1.5 million. Eligible applicants include all non-entitlement cities and counties (i.e., those that do not receive direct CDBG funding from HUD). The following entitlement communities are ineligible for funding: Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita and Johnson County.

Interested cities and counties are required to submit a pre-application and will be contacted within 10 business days with further instructions. Only those with an approved pre-application will move forward with a full application. Approval does not guarantee funding.

The application period for the program opens May 1 and will close November 14, 2025. Those interested in submitted a pre-application should visit here.

For additional information about Blueprint to Build or any other CDBG initiatives, visit the webpage here or contact the Kansas CDBG team at [email protected].

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas CDBG Program:

The Kansas Community Development Block Grant program provides funding to cities and counties to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income Kansans. Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the program supports projects in housing, community facilities and economic development.

About the Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

###