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Economic Development Commission reports business recruitment progress; Michelin and Casey's interest cited
Summary
EDC director Nikki Furniro Dean told the commission the EDC expanded small‑business support, attended trade shows including Fabtech and AUSA, and held follow‑up meetings with prospects; she reported Michelin is positive about Junction City and said the city was a finalist for a Casey's site after a two‑year recruitment effort.
Nikki Furniro Dean, director of the Economic Development Commission, briefed the commission on quarterly EDC work: small‑business technical assistance, marketing refresh, trade‑show outreach and targeted recruitment.
Furniro Dean said the EDC has continued contracting with a small‑business coach for technical assistance and has begun a series of mini‑workshops. She described trade‑show outreach at Fabtech and AUSA, noting more than 35 company leads generated at Fabtech and multiple meetings at AUSA, and said the EDC met leadership from Michelin, which "is very pleased in Junction City" and wants to continue growth and investment here.
On retail recruitment, Furniro Dean said the EDC worked with a national retailer over a two‑year period; she described Junction City as one of several finalists and said local staff were respecting confidentiality until the company finalizes plans. She also noted marketing and website refresh work and upcoming entrepreneurship programs including a veteran entrepreneur program run with Network Kansas.
Commissioners asked about bringing contractor and prospect packets to agenda materials so the public and other commissioners can see details ahead of meetings; staff agreed to work with the PIO and packet preparation procedures.
What happens next: EDC will continue recruiting, expand small‑business workshops and provide materials for commission packets as requested.
