Author: Biz News Staff

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced nominations for the 2024 ‘To the Stars: Kansas Business Award’ are now open. Awards for the 2024 event will honor Kansas businesses in nine categories, which include: One business/individual will walk away as a statewide winner in each category, while others will be named merit award winners, with multiple awards per category. Nominations for the awards will be accepted through Friday, July 12. “The number of outstanding business success stories across Kansas continues to grow — and we’re looking forward to recognizing more impressive companies and businesspeople who invest in their communities and in…

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School’s St. Joseph Construction Science and Trade Academy was named the Kansas High School Program of the Year for 2023 by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Their prize included power tools from DeWalt. Course instructor Brad Carey said many in the community don’t know about the academy and that training in trades as an alternative to college is growing. “The program started eight years ago under the direction of Al Rohleder to give our students here at Bishop Carroll that opportunity or an avenue to explore, either as a trade or a degree…

Textron Aviation announced their Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop aircraft recently received type certification, confirming it meets required design standards to operate in Australia. The aircraft is produced at the company’s manufacturing facility in Wichita. The new, clean-sheet design allows for the incorporation of the latest state-of-the-art assembly and fabrication processes and techniques into the manufacturing of the aircraft. “The SkyCourier’s incredible performance makes it a reliable business tool for customers all over the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “This certification marks yet another milestone in the SkyCourier program. With the ability to…

TOPEKA, Kan.- The Kansas Business Conditions Index for April expanded to 51.5 from 45.6 in April according to the monthly Business 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. Employment in Kansas measured at 38.8 according to the latest month’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. According to the latest month’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, involuntary job losses fell by 1,000 or 6.7% over the past 12 months in Kansas. Other Kansas Indicators New orders 58.7 Production or sales: 51.6 Delivery lead time:…

TOPEKA, Kan. —Factory activity in the region including Kansas saw a further decline in April, according to the latest manufacturing survey from the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank.Expectations for future activity remain flat, said Chad Wilkerson, senior vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “Regional factory conditions declined again in April, marking its 19th consecutive month of flat or falling activity,” Wilkerson said. “Firms decreased capital expenditures slightly from this time last year as they continue to face margin compression.” Prices of raw materials grew at a steady pace while finished product prices stayed the same, increasing…

TOPEKA, Kan.- Conditions in the Kansas rural economy improved this month over March but remain below growth-neutral according to the latest economic report from Creighton University.The Kansas Rural Mainstreet Index for April rose to 36.0 from March’s 30.2. A score of 50 is considered growth neutral, while anything below 50 is considered contraction. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading above 50.0 representing growth. “Higher interest rates, weaker agriculture commodity prices and higher grain storage costs pushed the overall reading below growth neutral for the eighth straight month,” said Creighton economics professor Ernie Goss of April’s report.Kansas…

A new online tool can help Kansas Businesses identify tax credits and deductions related to clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act. The tool, called TaxCred PRO, was developed by FORVIS public accounting firm. To get started, companies answer a few questions, and a quick, customized education report will outline relevant credits and deductions using information provided.   The tool helps businesses explore potential energy projects, such as office renovations, wind energy installations, or electric vehicle fleet upgrades, by providing tailored reports outlining applicable tax provisions and steps for qualifications. TaxCred PRO offers access to expert guidance from FORVIS advisors, ensuring…

OLATHE, Kan.- Garmin announced the promotion of Josh Maxfield to Vice President, General Counsel, and Assistant Secretary, effective July 1, 2024.   He succeeds Andew Etkind, who will be stepping down from the position of General Counsel but will continue to serve as Vice President and Secretary. Etkind joined Garmin in 1998 as the company’s first General Counsel. He was a key contributor in Garmin’s initial public offering and developed a global in-house legal team with expertise in a broad range of legal and business matters including intellectual property, litigation, compliance, contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.  “Andrew Etkind has…

TOPEKA, Kan. – In an event Thursday akin to the pomp and circumstance of the NCAA’s National Signing Day, Washburn Tech and six other Kansas technical institutions celebrated the commitment of thousands of new students to technical education. The National Technical Letter of Intent Signing Day, which began at Washburn Tech 11 years ago, has become a nationwide initiative, with more than 75 school participating. “Just like we value athletes who commit to playing a college sport, we recognize you as a prize recruit,” said Washburn President JuliAnn Mazachek in remarks to students at Washburn Institute of Technology. Kansas schools…

TOPEKA, Kan.– The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has introduced a new platform that connects students to career opportunities in the state. Named Today’s Occupations, Tomorrow’s Opportunities (T.O.T.O.), the resource is designed to help young Kansans find their way through career choices with information backed by the volumes of data KDOL collects from employers every month. “The goal is to be known in the education world as a source of career information, so students know what Kansas occupations there are,” said Angela White, Director of Labor Market Information Services. The site is still in its first stage, with more resources…