Sunflower Electric Economic Development

?? ?? Big news for southwest Kansas! Hilmar officially cut the ribbon on its brand-new cheese and whey processing facility in Dodge City! This major investment strengthens our local #economy, creates new jobs, and highlights the power of partnerships between industry leaders, community members, and Kansas officials. From local dairy farm families to contractors, suppliers, and dedicated Hilmar teams, this success story belongs to all of you!

?? Happy #SBDCDay from Sunflower Electric Economic Development ?? SBDC Day celebrates and showcases the network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and the impact they have on the success of our nation’s dreamers, innovators, and doers – small businesses. SBDC Kansas empowers clients to realize their dream of business ownership and assists existing #businesses in their efforts to remain competitive. Their services enable #entrepreneurs to make better, more informed business decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare thorough and complete business plans needed to both obtain financing and effectively start, manage, or expand their operations. We are thankful to have partnerships in central and western Kansas as resources to assist and guide business owners and prospective business owners to achieve financial independence and contribute to the #economic betterment of their communities. Check out Kansas SBDC and its impact at kansassbdc.net.

???? Celebrate National Agriculture Day and Kansas Agriculture Day with us! Today, we honor the backbone of our state's economy—agriculture. As Kansas' largest #economic driver, agriculture directly contributes $57 billion and 140,055 jobs to our economy. When considering indirect and induced effects, these numbers rise to $81.2 billion in output and 253,614 jobs, accounting for 14% of the state's gross regional product and about 13% of the entire Kansas workforce. Let's take a moment to appreciate the hardworking individuals who ensure our tables are filled and our #economy thrives. Thank you to all the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers in #ruralKS who make Kansas a leader in #agriculture.

In February, the Sunflower Electric Economic Development team joined #WKREDA and the Kansas Department of Agriculture as the Kansas Dairy Coalition at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif. It was a great week connecting with agriculture partners from across the world and sharing a little more about opportunities in western Kansas. We were also glad to see Denise Skidmore with Hilmar stop by and celebrate their new facilities in Dodge City, Kan.?

Strong infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving #dairy industry, and Kansas is making big moves to support growth! The @US Dept of Transportation announced Hamilton and Edwards counties will receive $26 million in federal funds to improve their roads through the Rural Surface Transportation grant program. With this new funding dedicated to improving roads near dairies, producers will benefit from smoother transportation, increased efficiency, and stronger rural economies. ? This is more than just roadwork—it’s a commitment to keeping #ruralKS at the forefront of dairy innovation and #economic success. Read more about how this investment is paving the way for a stronger industry at https://bit.ly/41eKZjD.?

????♀? Are you ready for the 2025 Liberal Pancake Race? This unique tradition not only brings a community together but also significantly boosts the local Liberal, Kan., economy. The Pancake Day Race has been a cherished event for more than 75 years, fostering international connections and showcasing the town's spirit. ? Events like these play a crucial role in attracting tourists, increasing sales tax collections, and supporting local businesses. In February 2023, Liberal experienced a sales tax increase of over $100,000 compared to surrounding months, much of which is attributed to Pancake Day festivities. ? Mark your calendars! Don't miss out on this fun-filled event that combines tradition, community spirit, and #economic growth. ? ?? https://bit.ly/3CltdSd?

Grants play a vital role in sparking #EconomicDevelopment, empowering small businesses, and driving community growth in #ruralKS. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a community leader, or a local government official, funding opportunities can provide the resources needed to bring your vision to life. ? The Kansas Department of Commerce created a grants guide—your one-stop shop for finding funding to fit your unique needs. From urban innovation to rural revitalization, this comprehensive guide offers a wide array of #grants, programs, and services designed to support every corner of Kansas.? ? Explore the grants guide at https://bit.ly/3L6kYdq to learn how these financial tools can help achieve your community’s goals!

Sunflower Electric Economic Development congratulates four organizations in our service area on being selected to receive a Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The SEED grant program is aimed at helping small, #ruralKS communities grow stronger and become more resilient with the goal of driving #EconomicDevelopment, enhancing local services, and creating a more vibrant future. ? The twelve grants, including Comanche County Economic Development, Oberlin-Decatur County Economic Development Corporation, Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, and Haskell Township Library will enhance childcare and senior programming, boost community vibrancy, support local food retail, and enrich library services in our region. Together, we're fostering growth and prosperity in rural Kansas! ? ?? https://bit.ly/4arOCWB

While on-site at the Touchstone Energy? Cooperative, Inc. NEXT Conference, Sunflower’s Nikki Pfannenstiel recorded a podcast with Touchstone’s Jana Adams and Devin Sonnenfelt, CKAE, senior business development specialist at White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. This Touchstone Energy Seven on 7 podcast episode focuses on business development, technology, and how Sunflower Electric Economic Development supports our member utilities and their local #ruralKS communities. ? ?? https://bit.ly/4hE0nvL

Southwest Kansas is a dairy destination and a hub of opportunity for the dairy industry. With a robust supply chain, unmatched expertise, and a spirit of innovation, we’re paving the way for sustainable growth and #economic success. ? By the numbers: ?? Kansas ranks 17th in the U.S. for milk production ?? Seven dairy processing plants are located in the Sunflower state ???????? The state’s dairy and milk production sector employs thousands of Kansans ? Discover why #ruralKS is the ideal place to invest, innovate, and thrive in #dairy. Let’s build the future together!