Author: Biz News Staff

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,…

Olathe, Kansas — Honeywell is making an $84 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Olathe, Kansas, and the move is expected to generate nearly $47 million in economic impact. When completed, the expanded facility will become one of Honeywell’s most technologically advanced aerospace manufacturing centers directly creating 156 additional jobs, and indirectly support over 200 jobs across various sectors of the Kansas economy. “The hard-working men and women of Kansas have earned a reputation within the aviation manufacturing community for quality work, and today’s announcement is further evidence of that,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. (R-Kan.) “Honeywell’s decision to expand its operations…