Economic development roles remain as a conversation point after the official release last month of a special study approved by the Emporia City Commission earlier this year.
Last month, Vision First released its economic development study with several key takeaways, including a reorganization of the current general structure. One part of that reconfiguration would include an oversight agency for most of the city’s existing partners, including the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Emporia Main Street, Visit Emporia and the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas — if the RDA doesn’t assume that oversight role. Another key takeaway was the possible dissolution of Emporia Enterprises.
RDA Board President Kala Maxfield is looking forward to more conversations about the Vision First study and its ramifications during the City Commission meetings Oct. 16.
The Vision First study was discussed as part of a special RDA Board of Directors meeting Tuesday. Also discussed was the search process for RDA president, and Maxfield says there have been significant steps in that regard. Maxfield says a seven-member search committee is now in place, with early conversations coming soon about qualifications, the job description and the possible use of an external search firm. Jim Witt has been leading the agency since late January after the resignation of prior leader Chuck Scott.
The RDA’s special meeting precedes the next regular meeting for Emporia Enterprises, which will be at 4 pm Oct. 9 at the Trusler Business Center. The agenda includes a review of the Vision First report and a separate review of quarterly reports through ESB Financial. One executive session is also planned.
