Emporia has a great deal of positive activity going on.
You start with our University and Technical College. Both are growing, starting new programs and hold much promise for the future.
Our hospital has weathered the storm and is truly on the road to recovery if you can pardon the pun.
Main Street and the Chamber are providing leadership to a community that has a strong retail presence and more jobs than can be filled.
The eight hundred block of Commercial is alive with activity. Candy, coffee, art, entertainment and even a plumbing shop make for an exciting block. And that’s just an example of what’s happening downtown!
Now let’s really get excited about Emporia with talk about the Dirty Kansa and the Glass Blown Open both set for spring.
The DK being billed as the “Decade of Dirty” is expecting over 1200 riders! Their growth is amazing. And, they keep adding smaller events throughout the year like their DK Training Camp in March.
The Glass Blown Open has exploded! Entries were suspended last week with over 900 in the fold for this week long event. The growth of this event and the disc golf business are based solely and completely in Emporia, so the potential here is off the charts.
Both events seem to possess great leadership and forethought. This is good because nothing will stop their progress quicker than being poorly run.
Growth is good, but can also present big challenges. In visiting with both groups it appears they understand how to pull off their races and tournaments, but we question if our community will be ready.
Hotel rooms fill up quickly and for the Glass Blown Open school will still be in session at ESU so dorm rooms aren’t a possibility. Get the picture?
My thought is Emporia needs to think outside the box for these and other events that bring bunches of people to town. Are there places for tents? Can churches help with places to sleep, shower and change? Private homes? Are there restrictions that could keep people from opening up their homes?
Maybe these questions are already being answered, but if not – why not?
What Emporia has are some tremendous opportunities. Let’s not send the overflow to Topeka if we don’t have to!
I’m Steve Sauder and There’s Something to Think About.”
