CONTACT US: (620) 796-2407
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WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE'RE ABOUT
Our MISSION is to improve the economic quality of life for the working families of the community.
We will do this by:
Creating jobs, through retention, recruitment and expansion of businesses
Strengthening workforce through recruitment, education and training
Improving and increasing the number of living wage jobs
Expanding the tax base through increase capital investment
Great Bend Economic Development
The Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. is a public/private partnership focusing on the economic development efforts in Barton County, KS. The board is made up of City Council members, County Commissioners, Chamber Representatives, various leaders in the community, and the general public. We are a dedicated group of business sector stakeholders. This board employs an Executive Director to implement and oversee the efforts of the Economic Development.
Meet Our Executive Director
As a native to Great Bend, I am thrilled to be back in the community as an integral part of the force that will make our community thrive. With my 10+ years of public relations experience and my Bachelor of Arts dergree from Friends University, I am experienced and ready to form the relationships that will help to develop our community. Great Bend has the charm of small-town living with the conveniences of modern-day living; I hope to invite many more to join our midwestern utopia. Please contact me today with questions about what Great Bend can do for you.
Meet Our Communications Director
As a longtime local with a love for community, I am excited to join forces with GBED to promote and grow Great Bend. I bring a comprehensive set of skills that I believe will be valuable to this organization. Sharpening my skills in marketing, planning, and communication at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, I am delighted to contribute my talents towards GBED efforts. Mother of two, former business-owner/instructor, creative; I bring a unique perspective to this position. I’m motivated by the momentum and invested in seeing the Great Bend area thrive.
Meet Our Board
Kevyn Soupiset, Owner of Advanced Physical Therapy and a City Council Member
Dennis Neeland, Coldwell Banker Real Estate full-time independent sales associate.
Shawn Hutchinson, Owner of Satellite Pros and CPS Security and a County Commissioner.
MelEesa Stueder, Owner/Corporate Officer at Stueder Contractors.
Paul Snapp, President/CEO at First Kansas Bank
Ryan Fairchild, Tech Specialist at Innovative Livestock Services, INC. and Co-Founder at Dry Lake Brewing.
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
Ex-Officio Members: Kendal Francis, Cody Schmidt, Christina Hayes, Megan Barfield, Jerry Renk and Matt Patzner
In the News:
Read the latest press release featuring GBED receiving an award from Kansas Department of Commerce at their To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards Banquet