At the beginning of 2023, the Great Bend Economic Development Board and staff reflected on the organization’s previous strategic plan and top priorities. The board took a fresh look at the plan and priorities with the help of current, outgoing, as well as new board members. January 25th the group tackled the next ten years, knowing GBED’s board would be reviewing these after 2 to 3 years. The mission of the organization is simple, to improve the economic quality of life for working families of the community. However, the execution of that mission takes several different approaches, initiatives, programs, and partnerships. The group not only looked at the organization but also, the programs, projects, and again, who those partners are to move the needle. The top five areas of focus include workforce, business recruitment and expansion, entrepreneurship, downtown development, and quality of life. Workforce was at the top of mind for many at the table. Workforce is not only getting employers the people they need, it also encompasses housing and childcare.
Great Bend Economic Development’s Board consists of business professionals from the public and private sectors, with representation from the city and county as well. The 2023 Board includes Dennis Neeland (former Operations Manager for Great Bend Coop, Coldwell Banker Real Estate full-time independent sales associate), Kevyn Soupiset, (Physical Therapist at Advanced Therapy and City Council Member), Shawn Hutchinson, (Owner of Satellite Pros and Central Plains Security, and County Commissioner), Paul Snapp (President/CEO at First Kansas Bank), and John Worden, PharmD, MS, BCPS (Interim Great Bend Campus Administrator and Executive Director System Integration for Clinical Operations at The University of Kansas Health System). Plus, the addition of new board members Ryan Fairchild (Tech Specialist at Innovative Livestock Services, INC. and Co-Founder at Dry Lake Brewing) and MelEesa Stueder (Owner/Corporate Officer of Stueder Contractors). Also, in attendance and contributing to the conversation were Mark Calcara, GBED Past-Board Chairperson (Attorney at Law at Watkins Calcara), and Tony Szot (VP of Manufacturing at Superior Essex).
Sara Arnberger, GBED President, began the strategic planning session with a discussion on why each board member is volunteering their time and energy toward the organization. With a mix of ages and industries present, answers varied from multi-generational Great Bend residents as well as those that moved here for personal or professional reasons.
Mark Calcara, a fourth-generation Great Bend resident, shared that this community has provided him with a living and a wonderful place to live. He was happy to see his grown children come back to the community and make it a great place with a vibrant economy and quality of life. Ryan Fairchild shared that after he and his wife decided that they would be staying in town to start a family, more and more, he wanted to see how he could be involved, to be a part of the solutions for growth.
Dennis Neeland shared that he did not expect his daughter and son-in-law to move back. Now that they have and they have chosen to raise a family here, Dennis is hoping to help the community grow with his work on the GBED board.
Kevin Soupiset said that he came to the area because his spouse is from here. Now, after 20 years in Great Bend, he said that they have grown roots here and there is no reason to leave. He not only wants to give back to the community but also to see the city flourish with the hopes that the next generation will make this area home.
Shawn Hutchinson, a third-generation business owner, said that the people make a difference in Barton County. This area is supportive of entrepreneurs and businesses. He is doing everything he can with the time he has, as we all have limited time to do the work.
MelEesa Stueder, who grew up in Great Bend, recalled days of shopping downtown Great Bend as an all-day event. Hitting the shops from north Main and heading south, with a lunch stop being part of the day too. After she graduated from college, she had no intention of coming back to the area, but after she got married, they moved back because of her husband’s startup business, and has grown into a successfulbusiness that their grown children have moved back to work.
Paul Snapp noted that our area has something unique, a town large enough to be viable but still has the small-town appeal. His motivation comes from GBED’s unique structure of working with the city and county and helping to create more cooperative progress.
John Worden stressed that with great partnerships, the community can thrive. He went on to say that communities are a three-legged stool, needing healthcare, schools, and a strong workforce. He is hoping to contribute to the effectiveness of the organization so we can move forward faster.
After much discussion of the programs, projects, and priorities, the organization including staff and the board members agreed on the direction and progress being made toward that end. New partners were identified, as well as new committees are being formed to help “do the work”. As a staff of two, GBED relies heavily on its volunteer committees and partnerships.
DON'T MISS next month's GBED newsletter. We will include an update from the Great Bend Alive Board Retreat with Revitalize or Die's Jeff Siegler. To stay up to date on everything newsworthy from GBED, go online to www.gbedinc.com, scroll down, and download this month's newsletter, then subscribe so you don’t miss out on anything.
About GBED (Great Bend Economic Development):
Our goal is to sustain Barton county's long-term economic health and vitality through the retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses and development that enhance property values, increase personal income, and positively contribute to the citizens' quality of life of Barton County.
Great Bend Economic Development leads the charge in creating workforce initiatives to sustain our current employers as well as initiatives that will help to support new employers that move to the community. Employers and jobseekers are encouraged to reach out to GBED with questions and concerns and GBED will either pair you up with a workforce partner to help you accomplish your goals, or work with you one-on-one to create solutions and positive outcomes. Together we will create a strong and sustainable workforce pipeline that will enable us to continue to grow Barton County.