(Writer's note: Following his presentation at Monday's Great Bend City Council meeting, Great Bend Economic Development Director Jason Kuilan answered several questions from Councilman Gary Parr. Look for those responses in a future article on Great Bend Post.com).
By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Great Bend Economic Development made headlines last month when it announced that construction on the Innovation Center would be paused until further funding is secured. Monday night, new Eco Devo Director Jason Kuilan spoke to the Great Bend City Council about his organization’s role in the community and updates on plans for the multi-million Innovation Center on 10th Street.
Kuilan said Eco Devo is currently staffed by one full-time employee: himself. While he plans to fill a second position soon, most of Eco Devo’s work is done by volunteers in the community.
“Every day, Great Bend Economic Development is working quietly and consistently on efforts that rarely make headlines,” he told the council. “We’re supporting small businesses, working with larger employers, guiding community projects, strengthening our workforce, generating new opportunities and building momentum that doesn’t always show up on Facebook.”
Kuilan listed the many projects for which Eco Devo is responsible or associated with, including the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, Co.Starters, the IGNITE Rural Business Competition, and the Workforce Development Summit. Eco Devo also manages Great Bend Alive, which is responsible for various downtown programs, including Fridays on Forest, and oversees Advancing Barton County Childcare. Economic Development’s goal is to ensure Great Bend continues to grow and does not remain stagnant.
Kuilan said, because Eco Devo is volunteer driven, there are many ways to serve and have a voice. The GBED Board will soon have two vacant spots, and those not wanting a board position can join subcommittees on entrepreneurship, workforce development, or marketing. Once the Innovation Center opens, subcommittees will be added on education and healthcare. Once on a committee, Kuilan said volunteers decide how they want to contribute, either as a working member, advisor, or just a champion.
“Great Bend is full of people with strong opinions about what this community should be, and that’s great,” Kuilan said. “Passion is good. But passion without action doesn’t move the city forward. If you want to see change, be a part of it. If you’re tired of seeing the same names, become a new name. If you want your voice to matter, bring it to the table where decisions are being made. If you want to see progress, help build it.”
In his first month on the job, Kuilan has worked to build relationships and partnerships that unlock resources for community. That included a meeting with Great Plains Development, In.c, which led to other discussions with Network Kansas, the Kansas Office of Innovation, and the Kansas Department of Commerce. Kuilan said each organization offers its own set of tools, funding opportunities, and technical support and expertise to assist communities. He also met with the Kansas Main Street organization to prepare for an on-site review later this month. That is an essential step in keeping Great bend Alive accredited as a Main Street American community.
“It’s not just a participation trophy,” said Kuilan. “It’s a nationally-recognized designation earned through rigorous standards of strong community engagement, sound non-profit management, thoughtful planning, historic preservation, and measurable impact.”
Kuilan also addressed concerns surrounding the construction of the Innovation Center, which was put on pause this fall. Kuilan said construction crews are winterizing the building for protection now, but the goal is to have construction of the facility completed and a full slate of events, classes, and programs by Sept. 30, 2026.