A new expansion project may well be in the works in Emporia after a recommendation made by the Rural Development Association of East Central Kansas.
During the RDA’s monthly board meeting Friday morning, board members unanimously approved a recommendation of approval for an incentive and compliance agreement to be sent to the Emporia City Commission regarding a $4 million expansion project at Glendo LLC. Founded in 1977, Glendo is a world leader in the development of tools for the engraving arts. This includes the development of their GRS tool line, a pneumatic tool system which utilizes compressed air.
The system was designed n 1965 by Don Glaser and today is utilized in multiple areas including wood working, engraving and scrimshaw to name a few. On top of their development, Glendo also hosts several educational programs in their facilities each year.
RDA Board Chair Rob Gilligan says the proposed project meets all of the economic development requirements for the community.
In terms of benefits from the project, Gilligan says Glendo’s educational programs bring roughly around 300 people to Emporia each year which in turn brings in additional revenue to the community. Along with that, the expansion will also see six new jobs added to the facility.
According to Gilligan, if the Emporia City Commission chooses to approve the project work could begin this spring.
Also during the meeting, the board took time to review the 2018 financial report. An annual financial audit is performed each year as required by the city commission that is outside and beyond the scope of annual budget operations.
Gilligan refers to the audit as a “liability check,” and says everything was found to be in compliance with all requirements.
For more information on the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas visit their website at emporiarda.org.
