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Reno County unveils 'Elevate' economic development strategy; leaders call for funded implementation team
Summary
A consultant presented a five‑goal countywide economic development strategy (Elevate Reno County) after interviews and focus groups with 350+ stakeholders; priorities include cluster‑based job growth, talent pipeline, entrepreneurship, modern sites and quality‑of‑life investments, and an implementation team and funding plan were recommended.
The Hutchinson City Council on Oct. 21 hosted a presentation of the newly completed countywide economic development strategy, ‘‘Elevate Reno County,’’ developed by Amy Holloway of Holloway Advisors. The plan is based on interviews, focus groups and surveys involving more than 350 stakeholders across the county and recommends five strategic goals: (1) strengthen economic performance and quality jobs, (2) build a talent pipeline, (3) grow entrepreneurship, (4) fund modern sites and infrastructure, and (5) enhance quality of life.
Key recommendations
Holloway recommended a cluster approach that aligns site, workforce and business retention strategies around target industries (advanced manufacturing supply chain niches, food/ag processing, logistics and aerospace/aviation support, plus entrepreneurship and health care). The plan stresses a county‑wide implementation team including public, nonprofit and private partners; a county image/branding campaign; measurement with annual KPIs (GDP per capita, wage levels, job growth, early‑career population trends, educational attainment); and a funding strategy that blends public resources, philanthropic seed funding and targeted fundraising for implementation.
Local response and next steps
Deborah Tofull of the Hutchinson‑Reno County Chamber said the strategy aligns with recent local planning work and that partner organizations (chamber, Greater Hutch, Startup Hutch, community foundation) will convene an implementation advisory group and work on fundraising. The consultant and partners plan community briefings across the county and to establish an implementation workplan and funding plan in coming months.
Why it matters
Council members and partners framed the plan as a community‑wide ‘‘playbook’’ to coordinate investments in sites, workforce and amenities that are needed to attract higher‑wage employers and retain and attract residents. Implementation funding and clear assignment of roles will be critical, Holloway said.
Ending
Partners will meet in late October/November to finalize next steps and begin fundraising and project selection for the first year of implementation.
