Since December 2024, Emporia has had a number of hits to the local economy.
Tyson Foods, Thermal Ceramics and Hopkins on the closure side for manufacturers. Michelin with layoffs. Holiday Resort closing in the healthcare sector. Several retail businesses and restaurants also locking up for the final time.
When it comes to large-scale economic development, Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Department Secretary David Toland says there are potential partners and “a lot of opportunities” to be had in Emporia, given facilities, highway access, rail availability, broadband, higher education and other components.
Toland says Commerce is doing what it can to match over 300 leads to locations across Kansas, and he says Emporia is well suited for projects in advanced manufacturing, food processing and logistics. Toland says he is pleased with the overall willingness he saw Monday to move forward with economic development, replacing lost jobs with high-quality positions and a “desire for growth,” and he says it’s highly important for city leaders to be on the same page on which economic sector — or sectors — should be focal points.
Emporia has been discussing an economic development partnership involving the city, Lyon County, Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Emporia Main Street, Emporia Enterprises, the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas and Visit Emporia for nearly 2 years, with an initial version of a Flint Hills Economic Alliance — led by the RDA — unveiled early this year and still in the adjustment process. Toland says having everyone on the same page for collaboration should lead to a partnership plan that suits Emporia, and he says the focus should be on bringing new business to town while setting the stage for current businesses to expand. Toland also says it’s vitally important for local leaders to determine their success metrics before planning for any future infrastructure improvements.
Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking says open facilities can be “strong opportunities” for potential employers. He agrees with Toland is the big thing moving forward is “having everyone rowing in the same direction.” He also says Emporia has to position itself as ready for new businesses.
On FHEA, after Cocking told KVOE News three weeks ago a plan needed to be near approval in three weeks, he says work continues towards a partnership model and a decision point — although no new timeline was announced.
Toland says local leaders had information about facilities and infrastructure that Commerce recruiters will take with them — and soon. Toland is part of trade mission teams that will head to Asia and Europe this spring and summer, with the Asia trip coming next week and the Europe trip set for July.
