Author: Biz News Staff

TOPEKA, Kan. – August 11, also known as 811 Day, serves as a reminder for Kansans to safely partake in digging practices to prevent possible underground utility damage.  Kansas Gas Service said many communities in Kansas are experiencing growth with the additions of new homes, businesses, and commercial development. In the second quarter of 2023, the Kansas economy grew by 7.4%, which is the second-fastest rate in the nation. The Kansas economy then grew another 9.7% in the 3rd quarter of 2023, which is the fastest rate in the nation for that time period. With this growth comes a need…

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the University of Kansas Transportation Center hosted an Innovative Technology Summit for Kansas transportation sectors to better equip for the future. The event, hosted at the University of Kansas campus on Aug. 7, included 15 presentations from more than 20 industry professionals. The summit aimed to provide transportation industry professionals from academic, public, and private sectors with valuable insights into innovative technology programs, shared research, projects, training opportunities, and networking with industry peers. “This is the second year for the annual KDOT Innovative Technology Summit… both the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University…

An unmanned aerial systems (UAS) agricultural commercialization company headquartered in Kansas has been approved for the use of a 49,000-square-mile unmanned aerial systems test range that covers partial areas in four states including Kansas.  Headquartered in Seneca, Heinen Brothers Agra Services announced that its subsidiary company, Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, has gained Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for an UAS test range. The test range also covers areas in Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. “Our goal is to become the epicenter for unmanned aerial systems in agricultural space. Kansas has a long tradition and deep expertise in both aviation and agriculture.…

TOPEKA, Kan.- Kansas business conditions decreased to 48.0 in July, from 57.1 in June, according to the monthly Business Conditions Index compiled by Creighton University.  The index is the average of individual scores measuring new orders, production or sales, delivery lead time, employment, and inventories. “The overall index, much like the U.S. reading, has vacillated around growth neutral since December of 2023. Additionally, supply managers remained pessimistic regarding the 2024 outlook with only 11% expecting growth for the rest of 2024,”  Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group said.  Employment has fallen below 50.0 for the past seven…

Through K-State 105, the University has plans to increase economic growth for all counties in Kansas.  Since its creation a year ago, the organization has been adding partnerships around Kansas to increase business and workforce development, technical assistance, and capital and equity investment in both rural and urban counties. In the last year, the organization has launched partnerships with nearly 80 organizations in Kansas, which includes 37 K-State units and 41 external partners. Foundational partners NetWork Kansas, the Innovation Center, and GO Topeka have been on board since the beginning.  Jessica Gnad, Director of K-State 105 said through collaboration with…

ATCHISON, Kan. – Aviation enthusiasts and curious guests filled the Fox Theater in Atchison, eager to get an inside look into the theories and possible whereabouts of Amelia Earhart.  The Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum hosted an ‘Adventure Ameila’ event, which gave guests insights into five panelists’ thoughts about where Amelia Earhart, her navigator, Fred Noonan, and her Lockheed Electra 10-E aircraft went missing during her attempt to make a record-breaking flight to become the first female pilot to fly across the world. The events were a part of a weekend long ‘Amelia Earhart Festival’ celebration during Earhart’s birthday.  Liz Smith,…

The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency will host an active shooter preparedness webinar to strengthen resilience and protocol for businesses in case of an active shooter incident. This free virtual two-hour event, scheduled for August 16, will cover readiness, emergency planning, communication protocols, and response planning. Participants will learn about common behaviors associated with active shooter events and workplace violence indicators. Jeff Kelly, Regional External Affairs Officer for Region 7 of CISA, said the webinars will be led by law enforcement, military, and security personnel that provide unique perspectives and tangible insight into the active shooter threat and corresponding risk…

TOPEKA, Kan. – Husch Blackwell Strategies announced Katie Whisman at their Topeka, KS location as Principal of the Kansas Government Affairs team after 18 years with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and independent lobbying practice.  HBS, which serves as one of the top networks of state lobbyists in the U.S., offers integrated services of lobbying at the state and federal level, executive-level strategic counsel, and public affairs, according to the press release announced on July 12.  Matt Hickam, HBS Kansas Managing Principal said that Kansans will greatly benefit with the addition of Whisman due to her broad experience and success…

FORT RILEY, Kan. – More than 30 regional and national employers and nearly 100 career-seeking veterans gathered on Thursday for the Heroes MAKE America Military to Manufacturing Career Fair at Fort Riley.  The career fair and other events held by Heroes MAKE America and Manufacturing Institute aim to grow the manufacturing industry’s workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing and offer programs, including informational sessions, career fairs, networking, career readiness, placement support, and manufacturing tours.  This is the second time it has been held at the Riley Community Center in Fort Riley, KS. “Every year, about 200,000 men and women…

ATCHISON, Kan. – Nearly 87 years after Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum will host panel discussions about the mystery of her plane’s location and what happened to the famed aviator.  Adventure Amelia on July 19 and Deep Dive With Deep Sea Vision event’ on July 20 will happen in tandem with the Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison. The Northeast Kansas community is intentional about keeping the famed aviator’s legacy alive in her hometown.  “We look forward to joining Atchison’s celebration of Amelia’s courageous life and seeing the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum’s stunning Lockheed Electra 10-E that is…