Author: KansasBizNews

The Kansas Chamber on Monday released its energy study, State of Electricity in Kansas. Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb said the state’s high energy costs impact all customers, hurt the state’s economic growth and discourage investment and expansion. “High energy costs, especially high electric rates, have been a top concern for Kansas businesses for a number of years,” Cobb said. “By looking into what drives those costs, we hope to provide the Kansas Legislature with a list of actionable items that leads to a comprehensive energy policy. One that balances a diverse portfolio of energy sources and technologies with regionally…

by D’Ziyah Mitchell The COVID-19 pandemic was a rattling and confusing time amidst supply chain disruptions. Classified as an essential business, BG Products (headquartered in Wichita) made sure its customers did not experience the impact of the disruptions. The BG Products team worked fast to adapt, identifying source alternatives and backups for the products they manufacture. During the pandemic, the team made roughly 150 formula changes to its chemical products alone. “Our success in overcoming pandemic challenges is largely because of the amazing people we have at BG,” BG Products CEO Darin Greseth explained. “Everyone worked every day, as we…

by Elizabeth Walters With an enrollment of 24,000 students, the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA)’s recent report shows its member institutions annually bring about $1.1 billion to the Kansas economy. The association is composed of 20 independent colleges and universities throughout the state. After commissioning Pennsylvania-based consulting firm Parker Phillips, KICA began an eight-month long data collecting phase to determine the input and output values the schools contribute to the local economy. “When we went to Parker Phillips to do this we said, ‘be extremely conservative in your estimates and your analysis,’” KICA President Matt Lindsey noted. “We wanted to…

by Elizabeth WaltersKansans pay sales tax on nearly every purchase they make in a store, at a restaurant or online. It is the responsibility of the retailer, business owner, or restaurant manager to collect the sales tax and then submit it to the State of Kansas. It is a transaction that cost time and money.Corey Peterson, president & owner of Hemslöjd, Inc., explained that there’s a lack of compensation for retailers “serving as defacto agents” of the state, county and city governments.“There are real costs involved in providing this service, both in time and money,” Peterson explained. “The most obvious…

The Kansas Chamber and the Greater Topeka Partnership on Wednesday announced they will host the 2023 Women’s Legislative Social on March 22nd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm CT at the Topeka Country Club in celebration of Women’s History Month. “Kansas women play a significant role in our state – at home, at work, and in the Kansas Legislature, said Kansas Chamber Vice President of Communications Sherriene Jones-Sontag. “Women’s History Month in March is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate their impact in our communities and great state.” This year’s honored guests will be Kansas women elected to the Kansas House…

By Elizabeth Walters From Extra gum to Twix bars, Mars Wrigley is not only a household name in manufacturing but also a quintessential part of American culture. The candy manufacturer was nominated as a finalist in the Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC)’s 2023 Coolest Thing Made in Kansas competition for its Topeka facility production of Peanut M&Ms. At the time of construction, the Topeka location was the first Mars Wrigley Midwest site in 35 years. Brian Pardo, the plant’s site director, said the company was drawn to Kansas. “We worked with the state and local leaders here and connected with the…

Black & Veatch Associate Vice President and Director of Environmental Solutions Ajay Kasarabada recently joined the board of directors for U.S. nonprofit Transportation Energy Partners. TEP brings Clean Cities Coalition leaders together with the clean transportation industry to work on increasing the use of sustainable fuels. “We welcome Ajay’s wealth of knowledge and expertise to our board,” said Alleyn Harned, President of TEP “As a part of the TEP board, Ajay will have opportunities to work with Clean City Coalition partners and leaders to understand how policy decisions impact their priorities and structure Black & Veatch solutions to help cities…

The Kansas Chamber on Monday announced it has introduced legislation that would take steps to modernize the state’s tax code and lower the tax burden for all Kansas taxpayers. “The state’s record-breaking tax revenue collected the last few years gives lawmakers the opportunity to build on recent updates and strategically modernize the state’s tax code,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “As demonstrated by the success of numerous other states, the Chamber believes a single-rate tax that exempt the first $15,000 of income will move Kansas from the bottom half of region and make the state more competitive and attractive…

The Grasshopper Company, a leading manufacturer of commercial and residential zero-turn mowers, has a reputation for high quality production. Owned and operated since 1958 in Moundridge, Kan., it recently reached the final round of the Kansas Manufacturing Council’s 2022 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas – People’s Choice competition. Additionally, the manufacturer has received awards recognizing both its products and business style, including three Dealer’s Choice Awards from the Equipment Dealers’ Association and the Presidential “E” Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Grasshopper Mower’s logo can be found emblazoned on its turf equipment across the country — from the White…

Apex Stages, the country’s leading mobile stage manufacturing company based in Pittsburg, Kan., builds mobile stages for all kinds of events: fundraisers, graduations, political rallies, street festivals and outdoor concerts, sporting events and tailgates, fun runs, fairs and more. Known for its excellent products and customer service, the manufacturer reached the final four round of the Kansas Manufacturing Council’s 2022 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas – Coolest Innovation competition. On top of recognition through numerous industry awards, the Discovery Channel featured Apex on its How It’s Made series. It built Steppenwolf’s retirement concert stage and had one of its first…