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Check out the latest in Junction City-Geary County economic development news!
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The C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City, Kansas, has long been a community cornerstone, offering a rich history of live performances, artistic expression, and community pride. Recently, the Opera House underwent a significant renovation to expand its facilities and better serve its community and youth organizations. Spearheaded by the...
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Inspired by a crucial need for efficiency and expertise, Barton Community College's new Scale Technician Course hopes to provide Kansas-area workers a unique opportunity for those seeking a fulfilling career in an often overlooked field. Eleven years ago, Barton Community College Workforce Training division joined hands with the Kansas Scales...
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In a significant leap forward for the Geary County Unified School District (USD) 475, plans are underway to expand the existing Early Childhood Center to better cater to the growing demand for early intervention and social-emotional learning opportunities.The Board of Education is taking proactive steps to build a state-of-the-art facility,...
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Among the themes to emerge across the 50 state legislatures and governor’s offices over the past year is how to attract funding from a family of major federal programs toting hundreds of billions of dollars in funds. The various challenges and grants follow closely behind Recovery Act funds for which...
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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $500,000 will be available under the Emergency Response Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (Emergency HEAL) program to bring rural downtown buildings back from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into productive commercial use.Emergency HEAL was created to provide...
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Highwind Brewing Company, located at the corner of 8th and Washington Streets in Junction City, Kansas’s historic downtown district, is helping revive the area. The location, known as “the old Waters building,” once housed the local hardware store, Waters True Value, and after two decades of vacancy, Highwind is set...
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In Junction City, Kansas, the acquisition of Geary Community Hospital by Stormont Vail Health has ignited a transformative journey in healthcare accessibility and quality for the entire region. Stormont Vail Health, a renowned nonprofit integrated health system with a legacy of over 130 years, has brought its exceptional expertise and...
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The Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered by Junction City High School are paving the way for the success of high school students and the community. These programs not only offer a diverse range of career pathways but also provide students with the foundation they need to thrive in...
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In the heart of Junction City, Kansas, a coffee shop has emerged as more than just a place to grab your daily dose of caffeine. Paradox Coffee & Bistro, which opened its doors on February 26, 2022, embodies the dream and dedication of two local families—the Naccaratos and the Meltons...
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In July, chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) announced it was postponing the start of production at its new factory in Arizona. The firm says chip manufacturing will no longer start next year, due to a shortage of skilled workers.Read here for the complete article.
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Amidst a time of transformation characterized by changing preferences and economic shifts, numerous major urban centers have witnessed a downturn in economic activity in recent years. During this same time period, many of their mid-size counterparts have flourished. While the rise of these mid-size cities has been under way for...
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Creative” and “Workforce” are not words that have historically gone together. Fast forward to 2023, and they go together like peanut butter and jelly!But why are we having to be creative with the workforce? What does it mean to be creative with your workforce, and how can your creativity set...
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What makes a state a great place to do business? Let us count the ways.There are more than a dozen factors that enterprises find are important to their success — and, in particular, vital considerations as they decide where to locate, relocate or expand. These factors influence various aspects of...
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will begin issuing more than $1.75 billion in emergency relief payments to eligible farmers and livestock producers. These much-needed payments are helping farming and ranching operations recover following natural disasters in 2020, 2021 and 2022.“USDA provides substantial economic support for...
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The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that agricultural employers can begin to apply for a pilot program designed to improve the resiliency of the food and agricultural supply chain by addressing workforce challenges farmers and ranchers face. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with other federal agencies, is announcing...
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Junction City, Kansas, is taking an innovative approach to increase the supply of entry-level homes available at affordable prices. They are using a land bank to do it. Land banks can significantly increase the number of cost-effective workforce housing options by acquiring and managing vacant or distressed properties. These properties...
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The skilled trades are at a pivotal moment in time. More than a decade of understaffing issues remain unresolved as the Great Retirement looms, and current economic uncertainty is shifting budget priorities away from workforce development at many organizations. As for the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor (BLS)...
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Russian composer Igor Stravinsky reportedly did a 15-minute headstand each morning. Inventor Nikola Tesla performed 100 toe curls every night. Poet and author Maya Angelou only wrote in hotel rooms.
We may snicker at the quirks of famous creators, but we all have entrenched habits, whether we're aware of...
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One of my most satisfying, long-lasting business relationships began at a trade show organized by a new promoter. Year after year, we saw each other at the show and built an excellent relationship through good times and challenging periods. Today, we refer new business opportunities to each other all the...
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $45 million available to organizations that help underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known...
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Companies have long evaluated new employees by college degrees and their years of experience in a field. In school, learning has long been measured by “credit hour”—the time spent in a classroom—since 1906.
But as companies like Google, IBM and Accenture drop degree requirements and put more emphasis on skills when...
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent report released on March 10, 2023, the unemployment rate for March was 3.5 percent. The unemployment rate has hovered at this level over the last 12 months, ranging between 3.5 percent and 3.7 percent, except for in January 2023 where it...
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Junction City, the county seat of Geary County, Kansas, boasts superb internet connectivity thanks to Twin Valley, a 4th-generation family-owned local provider of gigabit broadband, fixed wireless, and managed IT services. Twin Valley is the largest privately-owned broadband and communications company in the state.
The company is ahead of...
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In this episode of Community Connection, we will speak with Economic Development Director, Mickey Fornaro-Dean, to learn about what makes Junction City, Kansas such a special and unique opportunity for business.
Click here to learn more and listen to the pod!
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