Author: KansasBizNews

The Monarch Cement Company and Evergy Energy Solutions on Wednesday announced they have partnered on a solar project to serve as a model for the cement industry’s use of renewable energy.The initiative aims to produce 20 megawatts of renewable energy, which will cover a large chunk of Monarch’s power needs, it also cuts down on the emission of greenhouse gases.The solar project will be located on Monarch’s property at 1311 Florida Road in Humbolt, Kansas. It combines state-of-the-art solar panels with top-notch energy enrichment tech.The venture demonstrates the collaborative initiative from both organizations to corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts…

Kansas business and labor organizations on Thursday spoke in favor of proposed comprehensive reforms to the state’s workers compensation system that they worked together to draft.Representatives from the Kansas Chamber, the Kansas Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the Kansas Self-Insurers Association (KSIA), International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association (KTLA), and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) met through the summer of 2023 to find compromise on changes to the system for both the employer and the injured worker that could be presented to the…

The Kansas Chamber will celebrate the organization’s 100th year of advocating for the state’s business community in 2024. “The Kansas Chamber reached this important milestone because of the ongoing commitment and strong support of our members,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “We are fortunate to have worked with thousands of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and elected officials who believed Kansas needed a competitive business environment so every business and Kansan could succeed.” In 1924, local chambers from across the state recognized the need for better state highways and came together to form the Kansas Association of Chambers Commerce. 100 years and…

The Adecco Group recently earned the Military Spouse Friendly Employer No. 1 ranking in its revenue category. This year’s Military Spouse Friendly Employers list will be published in the 2024 Winter issue of Military Spouse Magazine.With offices in Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City, Adecco serves as a world leader in workforce solutions.According to Joyce Russell, president of The Adecco Group Foundation, the recognition of Military Spouse Friendly Employer reflects the global staffing company’s dedication to the military spouse community.“For 21 years, the Adecco Group has proudly served the military spouse community inside and outside of our workplace,” Russell said.…

The Kansas Chamber on Monday announced that former United States Attorney General William Barr will be the keynote speaker of the statewide advocacy organization’s 2024 Annual Dinner on April 29th at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka.”The Kansas Chamber and its members are honored to have Attorney General Barr as its keynote speaker for this year’s dinner,” said the Chamber’s President and CEO Alan Cobb. “Mr. Barr’s service in government and work in the private sector gives him an understanding of the impact burdensome and unnecessary regulations and mandates have on our country’s businesses.”Barr served as the country’s 77th…

Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb on Thursday called for expanded computer science education in K-12 schools, citing a widening skills gap and the potential for high-paying jobs in technology-driven fields. Testifying before the Kansas House of Representative Committee on Education, Cobb pointed to data showing Kansas has more than 4,300 high-paying computing jobs that need to be filled, averaging $90,988 annually – nearly 20% above the median household income.”Kansas has made progress in this area, but there is still much to do, as you are learning today,” Cobb said. “While the tech sector in Kansas is very important…

AT&T Kansas on Wednesday announced the promotion of Darin Miller as its vice president of external affairs. In this role, Miller will guide the company’s external affairs activities in the state as well as coordinate governmental and community policy decisions. A south-central Kansas native, he began his career at AT&T in 1997.“Darin Miller is a critical part of our team in Kansas,” said Jim Jamison, president of AT&T Kansas. “He knows the state of Kansas and has invaluable experience working with state and local leaders as we have deployed modern communications infrastructure across the state.”.Miller has held a variety of…

The Kansas Chamber Board of Directors on Thursday announced it elected nine new members to the board.“The Kansas Chamber is very fortunate to have a very engaged and committed Board of Directors,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “These business leaders reflect the diversity of the state’s business community and ensure the Chamber is well-informed about the challenges and opportunities their organizations face. We look forward to working with the new members of the Board.”Elected to their first three-year term are:Philip Clement, NextEra Energy ResourcesMike Estes, BTIJohn Estus, AmazonDarin Greseth, BG ProductsTracy Metzger, Lowen CorporationTrent Sebits, Pickrell Drilling Co.Brian…

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) on Thursday led a Special Order on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to speak in favor of legislation restoring immediate expensing for research and development.Ways and Means members and representatives from around the country echoed the importance of passing the legislation. Watch Rep. Estes’ remarks at the Special Order here.”We know that where R&D occurs, jobs and economic opportunities follow,” said Rep. Estes. “The time to address R&D amortization was by the end of 2021 – the next best time is now. We need to pass R&D immediate expensing for the American people and…

The Kansas Chamber on Thursday released its 2024 Legislative and Policy Agenda, laying out its priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The comprehensive plan focuses on reducing the cost of doing business in Kansas, removing barriers to expansion and job growth, and growing the state’s economy.”The Kansas business environment does have a few competitive aspects, including a good regulatory climate and some of the best employment laws in the nation,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “Unfortunately, there are still barriers to Kansas being a preferred place, nationally and internationally, where dynamic business leaders choose to invest, innovate, and…