The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas had two big highlights as part of the Board of Directors’ monthly meeting Friday.
President Kent Heermann says part of the meeting was focused on upcoming budgets. The RDA board has approved a budget request of $350,000, the same as last year’s, but it’s also looking hard at what a 25-percent cut could do to the agency.
Heermann says the RDA’s marketing budget could be adjusted because meetings have been canceled or pushed to next year, so registration costs will be reduced. Roughly $10,000 to $15,000 in so-called target marketing will also be put on hold, and the RDA could tap some of its reserves to continue online marketing efforts.
The other half of the meeting was an unofficial business snapshot in relation to COVID-19 adjustments. Heermann says the city’s major industries are in good shape so far.
By contrast, some business sectors, especially support businesses, have seen their traffic soften to the point of shutdowns or layoffs. Some of those business owners have likened the current economy to the Great Recession of 2008.
Heermann says the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Emporia Main Street have been in constant contact with their members to let them know about different options and opportunities available to them.
