Author: Biz News Staff

Retail trade is the largest major industry in Kansas, supporting 24% of all jobs in the state, according to a new report from the National Retail Federation. Direct economic impact totals $18.3 billion per year, with 41 billion in total impact on state Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The retail industry is defined as selling directly to the consumer, including food services and drinking places. “From your favorite local coffee shop, to the place you pick up a new soccer ball for your kid, or grab supplies for your weekend gardening project, retail businesses support our way of life and it’s no surprise…

Kansas had 2,474 active apprentices in 2023, ranking 38th nationwide, according to a new report from the Kansas Department of Commerce. This marks an increase of 571 active apprentices compared to the previous year. In 2022, Governor Laura Kelly established the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship under the Kansas Department of Commerce to “give workers the experience and skills to compete in the modern economy and knockdown employment barriers.” “This is not your grandfather’s apprenticeship program. I say this with full respect for skilled trades and past training methods. Our program is not a ‘less than’ training opportunity. It is…

TOPEKA, Kan.- Conditions in the Kansas rural economy sank this month, according to the latest economic report from Creighton University. The Kansas Rural Mainstreet Index for March fell to 30.2 from February’s 37.9. A score of 50 is considered growth neutral, while anything below 50 is considered contraction. “Higher interest rates, weaker agriculture commodity prices and higher grain storage costs pushed the overall reading to its lowest level since the early months of the pandemic,” said economics professor Ernie Goss of March’s report. Individual Indicators The state’s farmland price index fell to 52.1 in March, down from 54.1 in February. The new…

A new bill that would cut taxes for Kansas taxpayers and businesses is now under consideration by the Kansas House of Representatives Committee on Taxation after a hearing Wednesday. House Bill 2844 includes mechanisms to reduce Kansas individual income tax, property taxes, and business tax. Proponents of the bill included the Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas Livestock Association, who say the reduction of the statewide property tax levied for schools from 20 to 18 mills will reduce tax liabilities for the farmers and ranchers they represent. “We support the broad-based property tax relief included in this bill,” John Donley, who…

Stan Ahlerich and Frank Henderson have worked in education and business for decades and noticed a significant gap between the job market’s needs and the skill sets of students graduating high school. Now they are changing that by giving students the opportunity to gain experience and certifications that match employer hiring needs before they graduate high school. 

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas business conditions were a hair above growth neutral last month and declined from January according to the according to February’s Kansas Business Conditions Index The monthly survey of purchasing managers put Kansas at 50.7 in the second month of 2024. Economic optimism from all six states surveyed remained gloomy, but rose to 33.4, up from 31.9 in January. “Approximately 48% of supply managers expect worsening business conditions over the next six months,” said Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group. Individual Indicators a Mixed Bag In the Production or Sales index, Kansas scored 40.6 in…

WICHITA, Kan. – Delta Dental of Kansas on Friday announced Kristen Hoffman will now be Chief Operating and Experience Officer, overseeing operations and customer experience for employers and consumers managed by Delta Dental and its subsidiaries in 34 states. Hoffman has been with DDKS in various leadership roles for nearly 14 years, most recently as Vice President of Client Service. In that role, Kristen and her team achieved a 99.8% client retention and 98% broker and customer satisfaction rating. Under Kristen’s leadership, the customer service call center ranked top 10% in the United States by Benchmark Portal based on call…

Bombardier, a global leader in the aerospace industry, is teaming up with Wichita State University Tech to introduce a groundbreaking apprenticeship program aimed at nurturing future talent in aviation maintenance. Students will have the opportunity to become certified Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Technicians upon graduation from the program.   Head of U.S. Strategy at Bombardier, Tonya Sudduth emphasized the collaboration between WSU and Bombardier, citing WSU Tech’s reputation for aviation technician training, commitment to student success, and growth. “The collaboration aligns with WSU Tech’s mission and goals in aviation education,” said Tonya Sudduth, head of U.S. strategy at Bombardier.…

A Kansas-headquartered CPA and business advisory firm recently earned top honors for its customer service. 

KANSAS CITY, Kan.— Garmin and the University of Kansas Health System rank in the top 10 on the annual Forbes list of 600 of America’s Best Large Employers released this month. Olathe-based Garmin nabbed the second spot on the list, and was the highest ranked technology company. With nearly 20,000 employees, the company develops navigation and wearable technology for the fitness, outdoor, aviation, marine and automotive markets. “We’re honored to be recognized for creating a best-in-class workplace. Garmin associates are passionate about what we do, and we share a deep commitment to serving customers and each other,” said Laurie Minard,…