Author: KansasBizNews

Joining Kansas business advocates such as the Kansas Chamber, Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) and the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) recently partnered with Engaged Kansas — a coalition of organizations encouraging and empowering civic-minded individuals to get involved in local public service. “As proud partners with Engaged Kansas, we welcome our colleagues at KARL and our members at the KBA to this important coalition,” said Kansas Chamber President & CEO (and KARL graduate) Alan Cobb. “Our great state relies on citizens to be empowered to step up and serve in public offices to improve its economy and create a…

Kansas business leaders will take part in the Kansas Congressional Fly-In September 13-15 in Washington, D.C. to meet with the state’s congressional delegation and national organizations to discuss issues and policies important to Kansas businesses.Co-hosted by the Kansas Chamber, the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, the event offers early bird registration, available until July 14.“The Kansas Congressional Fly-In offers Kansas business leaders the opportunity to make connections in Washington D.C that may be challenging to forge on their own,” said Kansas Chamber Vice President of Communications Sherriene Jones-Sontag. “Alongside our co-hosts, we use…

by Olivia WatsonCox in May earned a No.18 spot on DiversityInc’s (now Fair 360) 2023 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list.The broadband company — having been named on the list 17 times — moved up 16 spots from last year’s ranking with key initiatives focused on increasing representation and diversity.Cox improved on its No. 34 2022 ranking by expanding its advocacy and sponsorship program; maintaining Employee Resource Groups available across Cox enterprises; and focusing on Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (ID&E) goals and strategies that incorporate feedback from its annual Engagement & Inclusion Index Scores.“Diversity in the workplace is more than just a matter of representation; it’s…

by Olivia Watson Attendees at the first 2023 Conversations with the Kansas Chamber event in June enjoyed an opportunity to network and hear from banking experts about recent closings and other headline-grabbing events happening in the industry. Reception Sponsor Kansas Bankers Association partnered with the Chamber for the event to help Kansas businesses engage in discussion about the states’ economic future. “It was a really nice intimate event with Q&A panels of banking industry leaders,” said Kansas Chamber Director of Events Jeanna Lee. “They talked about relevant things going on here in Kansas and strengths of the Kansas banking industry compared to…

Walmart on Tuesday announced it will open its first-ever fully owned and operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe, Kan. in 2025. The facility will package and distribute a selection of Angus cuts to serve in Walmart stores across the Midwest. The retailer will invest $257 million in the 330,000-square-foot plant and create 667 new permanent jobs. Construction of the facility also will create 1,000 design, fabrication, and construction jobs — a welcome development for many Kansas business advocates. “Projects like this one bring much-needed jobs to Kansas,” said Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb. “The importance of economic development…

Kansas business advocates impressed the importance of minimizing startup costs for businesses after a recent study ranked Kansas the ninth most expensive state in which to start a business. The research study — published in April by Simplify LLC — analyzed workforce expenses, worker availability, corporate tax rates, leasing expenses, costs of utilities and the health of the business environment in all 50 states. “The Kansas Chamber and business advocates throughout the state need to take a hard look at the true costs of starting a business in Kansas and make sure that it’s not a barrier to economic growth,”…

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt on June 1 announced there will not be a Workers Compensation Fund assessment for the upcoming fiscal year. Kansas business leaders — such as the Kansas Chamber — have expressed support for the Kansas Insurance Department (KID) lifting the requirement of carriers, pools, and self-insured businesses to pay into the assessment fund for fiscal year 2024. This will reduce the cost of doing business by at least $3 million over the previous fiscal year. “We appreciate Commissioner Schmidt and the staff at the insurance department for working to reduce the financial burden on Kansas businesses,”…

Textron Aviation — headquartered in Wichita, Kan. — in May announced its newest business jet in the 560XL series: the Cessna Citation Ascend. The Citation Ascend has an entirely new cockpit, improved performance, and a more luxurious cabin for the midsize business jet market. “Of the Citation family, there’s none more flown than the Citation 560XL series,” said Textron Aviation President and CEO Ron Draper. “With an 560XL aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes somewhere in the world, this aircraft will be part of the most successful business jet family. On behalf of our teams, we are proud…

UPDATE: The Kansas Chamber was granted intervention by the Kansas Corporation Commission in July. The story and headline — originally published in May — have been adjusted to reflect that development. Kansas businesses advocacy organizations —such as the Kansas Chamber and Wichita Regional Chamber — in July were granted intervention by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) in a utility rate case they believe is concerning to electricity customers.In April, Evergy filed a request with the KCC to increase the public utility’s rates by 9.75 percent. If approved, this would raise Evergy’s revenues by $218 million.At the request of its rate-paying members, the Kansas Chamber joined…

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) policy holders recently reelected three board members as well as one new member to the health insurance company’s board of directors. Leonard R. Hernandez, Rick C. Jackson, James A. Klausman will serve their third, four-year terms while Garrett T. Love (shown) will replace outgoing board member Kenneth W. Winter on the board. Winter, general manager at Lariat Feeders, retired from the BKBSKS board in conjunction with the annual meeting. Winter served on the board since 2007. Love is a farmer and owns Love Land & Cattle, LLC, where he grows sorghum, corn,…