Author: KansasBizNews

Kansas businesses are seeking transparency in a rapidly growing industry that could impact both their liability and legal cases in the state. Third party litigation funding (TPLF) has already caught on in the UK and some European countries and in recent years found its way to the U.S. with few rules and little oversight. Though not yet prevalent in Kansas, hedge funds made up of attorneys have begun pursuing litigation funding opportunities with Kansas businesses, according to Kansas Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Eric Stafford. “Law firms in Kansas have received phone calls from third party litigation investment groups expressing interest in funding the firms’…

The Kansas Chamber on Friday released its 2023 Legislative and Policy Agenda, a comprehensive plan focused on removing barriers to job growth, workforce development, and business expansion so Kansas can be a top state to do business. “Kansas has seen improvement in some economic metrics. Our regulatory climate has improved, and our employment laws are among the best in the nation,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “Unfortunately, the work is not done. Actions taken by other states have made them more attractive to investment and to workers. We must act to become competitive.” Pointing to examples of the…

Photos courtesy of Renee Schaffer Photography Kansans looking for custom-made furniture may not realize they may not need to leave the state to find what they want. Zack Schaffer, owner of Schaffer Furniture in Jetmore, KS, builds and ships high-end, custom-made furniture across the U.S. and overseas, using the finest, most exotic and expensive woods from around the world, including South America and Africa. He spends up to 60 hours creating each piece of furniture by hand using German woodworking tools and very little help. Schaffer begins his day at 4 a.m. feeding and doctoring his steers before spending most…

The Kansas Chamber on Wednesday announced that former United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, will be the keynote speaker of the statewide advocacy organization’s 2023 Annual Dinner. Presenting this year’s annual meeting is online retail and web service provider, Amazon. “It is our honor to bring in fellow Kansan, Mr. Mike Pompeo as the 2023 Annual Dinner keynote speaker,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “Pompeo will address his book Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love which gives a raw account of what it took to deliver winning outcomes in the face of a progressive activist media, partisan conspiracies,…

The Kansas Chamber Board of Directors recently elected new leadership to guide the statewide advocacy organization for the next two years. The Board chose Karma Mason, founder of iSi Environmental, to serve as its Chairman and Coleen Jennison, Kansas Market Vice President for Cox, to serve as Co-Vice Chair/Treasurer. Trent Sebits, President of Pickrell Drilling, Inc., will continue in his role as Co-Vice Chair/PAC Chair for the Board. “The Kansas Chamber is very fortunate to have very engaged and committed business leaders from across the state serve on its board. We greatly appreciate Karma, Coleen, and Trent’s willingness to lead the board…

Yearend giving to the Eisenhower Foundation can help the non-profit organization honor the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower and reduce your income taxes by 50% of the value of your gift. It’s a win-win!Located in Eisenhower’s hometown of Abilene, Kan., the Foundation worked with the Kansas Department of Revenue to implement the tax credit program after the Kansas Legislature created it in 2021. “These tax credits give you a choice as to how your tax dollars are put to work, and you can see the value of your contribution immediately,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Meredith Sleichter. “The Foundation plans to…

New App Puts Kansas Legislature at Kansans’ Finger TipsJust in time for the upcoming legislative session, the Kansas Chamber this week launched a new legislative app that provides direct access to the latest information about state lawmakers, committees, bills and much more. The new app is sponsored by AT&T.“Kansans need an on-the-go connection to the Kansas Legislature that is simple to use. Thanks to the support of AT&T, the Kansas Chamber is able to provide a digital tool that will help all Kansans connect with their state and federal elected officials and track state legislation – at no cost,” said…

L3Harris Technologies recently awarded Olathe-based Garmin a contract for its G3000 integrated flight deck as part of a U.S. Special Operations Command’s Armed Overwatch program. USSOCOM had chosen L3Harris and Air Tractor to provide Sky Warden aircraft for the program, with a cost ceiling of $3 billion for delivery of up to 75 manned, fixed wing aircraft, and an initial program contract award of $170 million. Garmin says L3Harris’ platform for the aircraft includes the first forward-fit deployable combat aircraft featuring Garmin’s G3000 flight deck. The flight deck provides USSOCOM with the latest communication, navigation and surveillance air traffic management…

Boeing recently partnered with the translation app Tarjimly to globally increase translation access for refugees and immigrants.The app-based language and translation service instantly connects refugees and humanitarians with global volunteer translators in 120+ languages. The app (the world’s most accessible translation service) eliminates language barriers to give immigrants and refugees access to support services, helping to alleviate and/or prevent instances of isolation, abuse and systemic poverty.Employees of the leading global aerospace company can now volunteer as translators or interpreters by participating in a Tarjimly-led training curriculum. This joint effort is making a positive difference, according to Boeing’s Executive Vice President…

The Kansas Chamber Friday announced it has named Christie Kriegshauser as its Vice President of Political Affairs. For the last five years, Kriegshauser has served as the Chamber’s Director of Political Affairs. She assisted with implementing the Chamber’s statewide political strategy, focusing on the recruitment, training, and campaigning of qualified political candidates. “Christie has been a critical leader in the Chamber’s efforts to elect legislators who understand the important role Kansas businesses play in the state’s economy. We are excited to have her move into this new role,” said Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. Cobb said Kriegshauser also will continue to…