There is a new model — and a new name — for local economic development.
For years, the city has been relying on the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas and Visit Emporia — all with offices inside the Trusler Business Center — as well as Emporia Enterprises and Emporia Main Street for different and occasionally overlapping economic development matters. Now the effort will be referred to as Flint Hills Economic Alliance.
The model appears to be similar to one recommended by Vision First during an economic development study conducted nearly two years ago. At that time, Vision First suggested a group effort with the RDA as the lead agency. The Vision First recommendation also called for the end of Emporia Enterprises, saying its mission duplicates the RDA, but the city is clearly not moving forward with that suggestion at this time.
RDA Board Chair Brad Kraft says the Economic Alliance model is tailored to what Emporia needs.
With the framework now in place, immediate next steps include securing transition funds from city economic development funds, as well as beginning a national search for a chief executive officer and an asset, program and management memorandum of understanding. Hires of a CEO and vice president for strategic growth and investments are goals for second quarter 2026, as well as developing funding contracts with the city and Lyon County. The RDA has been looking for a CEO for two years. Kraft says that process is folding into the new CEO search for the Economic Alliance.
“Unifying” existing efforts is a third-quarter goal, as well as creating a combined membership program including dues. The overall goal is to have the Economic Alliance fully functional before the end of this year.
