Ignite Emporia had started on a strategic planning effort earlier this year.
That is now on hold, and the pause is understandable, according to Director Michelle Margeson — especially given the recent departure of longtime Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeanine McKenna..
Margeson, a guest on KVOE’s Morning Show Newsmaker segment this week, says initial and anonymous conversations had taken place with local business leaders and key stakeholders. The focus has been what Ignite has done well since it was announced in 2018 and what it can improve going forward. There has also been an initial report compiled.
In the meantime, several Ignite initiatives are moving forward, including Little Lyons Childcare and other ventures.
The new strategic plan was designed as an update after a major planning effort several years ago that ultimately led to several focus areas for Ignite Emporia, including workforce development, housing development, business retention, community development and childcare access. Since the original strategic plan was developed, Emporia has seen the opening of Little Lyons Childcare in the former Maynard Early Childhood Center space as well as several notable housing developments — Mahtropolis in far northeast Emporia, Lockwood in southwest Emporia and Kretsinger near the David Traylor Zoo — either begin construction or move through the zoning and permitting process.
