By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
October has been a big month for Great Bend Economic Development. Last Thursday, the organization handed out $95,000 to new businesses as part of the Ignite Rural Business Competition. During last Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, Executive Director Jason Kuilan announced big news for the Innovation Center on west 10th Street in Great Bend.
“Both our organization and the Chamber will be transitioning from our offices into the new space throughout this month, and we will also have Debbie Stephens, our new executive director over ABCC (Advancing Barton County Childcare), which will be onsite at the Innovation Center as we move from operating one childcare center to operating two childcare centers once Claflin opens over the next week or two.”
Kuilan reported last Monday that The Forge had received its certification of occupancy, so all deadlines for a grant surrounding the building have been met. Staff is now working to coordinate the delivery of furniture and makerspace equipment for the building. Kuilan also said a third childcare facility is also planned inside the Innovation Center for January. ABCC currently operates Bright Beginnings in Great Bend, and the Claflin facility located at 419 7th Street.
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce has posted temporary hours during the move this month.