Cherokee County Economic Development Monthly Update

Director Sought, KEC Results, Local Businesses Recognized, and SBDC Support Available Locally

Monthly Update - April/May 2022

New Director Sought

The Economic Development Corporation Board is continuing to seek the right person to lead the organization into the future. The Executive Director is a full-time position that works closely with the Board of Directors in promoting the business and economic development interests within Cherokee County. It is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to make a difference and who likes variety in their work day.

Experience in economic development and/or organizational management is preferred but not required. Salary is $50,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on qualifications. A detailed job description and information on how to apply are available here. And, feel free to contact Janet at 620-762-0717 or jm@cherokeecountykansas.com to learn more about the position.

Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge Results

The Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship in the College of Business at Kansas State University hosted the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge on April 28th. This statewide student entrepreneurship competition featured high school and collegiate teams from across Kansas. The contest was sponsored by the Kansas Masonic Foundation on behalf of all Kansas Masons, with the support of NetWork Kansas, and the event featured $75,000 in prize money.

More than 60 high school entrants participated including Derek Larison from Riverton High School representing the Cherokee County Youth Entrepreneur Fair. Larison presented his business, Larison Lawn Care, to judges via a written executive summary and four mock board room presentations. And, despite some tough competition, his hard work paid off as he placed in the top tier of high school participants who each received $1,200 in prize money.

"Derek represented Cherokee County well at the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge," said Janet Miller. "We congratulate him on this honor and wish him well in his future endeavors."

Local Businesses Recognized

For the past two decades, the Kansas Department of Commerce has recognized June as “Business Appreciation Month” in which they recognize businesses across the state for the vitally important contributions they make to the well-being of Kansas communities. This includes jobs, added amenities, community involvement, sponsorship of various activities, economic impact and so much more.

Last year, because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Department of Commerce was unable to honor the month of June as Business Appreciation Month, but they felt that the sacrifices made by the amazing people who keep Kansas strong deserved something more. With that in mind they developed a brand-new business appreciation program: To the Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses.

This program included seven regional awards luncheons held in April. The following Cherokee County businesses were recognized at the April 20th Regional Awards Luncheon for Southeast Kansas in Parsons, KS.

ATEC Steel of Baxter Springs received the Regional Business Appreciation Award for Manufacturing. ATEC is a full service industrial contractor specializing in the design, fabrication, construction, and testing of field welded above ground storage tanks. They also offer shop built tanks and ASME pressure vessels. Attending on behalf of ATEC were Jeff Heck, Michelle Combs, Rick Clifton, and Nick Morfeld who are photographed below with Lieutenant Governor David Toland.

D1 Resources, Inc. of Galena received a Merit Award recognizing a Service Business. D1 has over 60 years of combined experience in engineering for the pet food and other industries. Attending on behalf of D1 were Nate Bingaman and David Nelson who are shown below with the Lieutenant Governor.

Pinnegar Construction of Columbus received a Merit Award for Business Innovation but was unable to attend the luncheon.

Congratulations to each of these businesses on this well deserved recognition!

In-Person Kansas SBDC Business Support Continues

In-person support from the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) continues to be available in Cherokee County every two weeks thanks to the generosity of CBW Bank, Member FDIC. CBW’s support allows KSBDC Advisor Chris Pennington to meet with entrepreneurs and business owners locally every other Tuesday afternoon from 12 to 4 pm.

Pennington is available to provide one-on-one support to individuals at every step of their business journey. Whether you are an existing business looking to boost sales or a start-up trying to get off the ground, KSBDC provides quality, professional assistance. And, a majority of their services come at no cost.

For the month of May, Pennington will be at the Cherokee County Economic Development office, 201 E. Pine, Columbus, KS on May 3rd and May 31st and at the Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce, 1004 Military Avenue, Baxter Springs, KS on May 17th.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (800) 949-7661.