News

HUTCHINSON, KS (October 21, 2024) - Evergy announced Monday, October 21st, plans to invest in two new 705 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle natural gas plants in Reno and Sumner counties. This significant investment in the state’s electrical infrastructure will help ensure Kansas and the South-Central region remain competitive in economic development.Hutch Chamber President & CEO Debra Teufel moderated the event and welcomed the crowd of nearly 200 people to the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.   The announcement was made by David Campbell, Evergy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, along with remarks by Governor Laura Kelly; US Congressman, Tracey Mann;...

Reno County Featured in Business View MagazineCommissioner Don Bogner and community leaders reflect on how Reno County has become one of America’s most economically diverse communities in Business View Magazine. Fueled by its historic salt mines, innovative businesses, world-class museums, and transformative investments, explore how a strong legacy of industry, vibrant tourism, and forward-looking development projects are creating opportunities for growth, connection, and quality of life in central Kansas. Read the full story in Business View Magazine.

Greater Hutch is honored to receive the most funds awarded in the state from the Kansas Department of Treasury’s Home in the Heartland Grant on behalf of Reno County. These funds will be used to infuse the Reno County Make My Move incentive package to recruit at least 10 new residents to Reno County by 2026. These funds along with a robust community involvement incentive package will effectively attract both remote workers and job seekers looking to relocate to Reno County. Know someone looking to relocate? Have them check out the platform here: https://www.makemymove.com/moving-living/hutchinson-ks https://www.ksn.com/news/state-regional/kansas-small-towns-get-grants-to-attract-more-residents/ 

Local Business ExpansionLocal businesses continue to grow their facilities, capabilities, and workforce opportunities in Reno County. In 2025 industry sectors including retail, manufacturing, and technology sectors and new business development have seen growth in footprint and workforce. A few recently announced projects include: Bailey Home Furnishings- new business location at 1223 E 30th open July 2025 see details about their upcoming ribbon cutting hereVaulted Deep ribbon cutting 7/8/25APAC/Shears-Groundbreaking 5/9/25Gunbros-Groundbreaking 2/28/25

We’re building a bold vision for the future of Reno County—and your voice matters.This is your chance to be heard and help shape the way Reno County will grow for years to come!Take the Public Survey NOW to help shape our 5-year economic strategy by clicking the picture or by clicking this link: SURVEY

Signing Day May 13th at Stringer Fine Arts celebrated over 80 students from high schools across Reno County signing on to technical trade paths of study at HC&TEA. The Event was hosted at Stringer Fine Arts by Community Partners Hutchinson Community College, HC&TEA, and Greater Hutch in partnership with premier event sponsors Bank of the Plains and The Bradbury Group along with Networking Sponsors Quality Auto Body, Superior Boiler, Pleasantview Home, and The Hutchinson Clinic.

Building the Workforce Pipeline As a new school year starts, the Greater Hutch team prepares for communication and student involvement in new and existing workforce pipeline programs. Spring of the 2025 school year saw a flurry of events including the second local Hutchinson National Civics Bee April 23rd, Career Quest Public Services Day, the final Mega Tour Day of Career Quest May 7th and Signing Day May 13th. These events give Reno County youth opportunities to explore career opportunities and participate in growing and celebrating their employable skill sets.The 2025 National Civics Bee gave 20 students from 2 Reno County School...

Downtown Master Plan Drives Regional Quality of Life DevelopmentChamber President and CEO Debra Teufel presented the Downtown Hutchinson Master Plan to regional investors at Greater Wichita Partnership’s Investor Meeting in Wichita, Wednesday February 12th.The Partnership’s Feb.12 Investor Meeting featured a timely discussion on regional economic development and quality-of-life initiatives that are helping to cultivate a regional environment that attracts and retains top talent.They reflected on the Partnership’s key 2024 accomplishments and outlined how the organization’s strategic priorities of Jobs, Talent, and Quality of Place are propelling the region forward in 2025. President Jeff Fluhr moderated a conversation with panelists Debra...

Annual Economic Outlook Conference delivers a hope story for Reno CountyTuesday February 4th Greater Hutch hosted the Economic Outlook Conference organized by the Center for Economic Development and Business Resources WSU at the Crystal Ballroom at the Burt. The conference provided insight into current local and state economies, addressing topics of interest to the community, region and state.Chamber President and CEO delivered the local update including results from the 2024 Business Conditions Survey administered by Greater Hutch. CEDBR director Bekah Selby-Leach presented the State Outlook. Research Economist with CEDBR Jonathan Norris delivered the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise index and Stan...

Workforce Roundtable Featuring Kansas Micro InternshipsThe second Workforce Roundtable of the year garnered inspiring connection and educated local employers about the benefits of Kansas Micro-Internships facilitated by Hutchinson Community College. Career Services Coordinator Rick Kraus and HutchCC Student Liaison Lexi described the opportunities of employing a micro intern enrolled in a state college for a20-25 hour project of the company’s design. Students are paid at NO COST to the employer through funding managed by Parker Dewey who manage payment and HR administration. Representatives were present from the City of Hutchinson, Hutchinson Clinic, USD 308 Hutchinson, USD 309 South Hutchinson and...

Career Quest Healthcare Day 2025Career Quest Healthcare Day 2025 connected over 500 students from 26 6th grade classes across Reno County with hands on opportunity to learn about careers available to them in the healthcare industry. A collaborative partnership with Hutchinson Regional Medical Systems and the Hutchinson Clinic makes this day possible for the 3rd year. On April 3rd, students heard inspirational presentations from organization leaders who are committed to Reno County healthcare systems to provide access to healthcare for all, to take care of people who take care of people, and to create reliable systems that help heal people...

Community Engagement- Reno County Housing Discussion and Love Where you Live Dessert and Dialogue in BuhlerOn March 13th, the Greater Hutch team shared information about the MakeMyMove program and Reno County Residential Housing Grant program made possible by partnership with Reno County. Reno County Counselor Patrick Hoffman and County Administrator Randy Partington organized the community meeting to inform and discuss the county’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and other housing opportunities at the Community Center in South Hutchinson. Attendees representing The City of Hutchinson, The City of South Hutchinson, Buhler, Arlington, SKEDD, Interfaith Housing, USD 308, and others shared opportunities that towns...

Business Expansion- Gunbros Groundbreaking February 28thCommunity members gathered to celebrate with Gunbros as they broke ground on their new 11,000 square foot location groundbreaking at 17th & Faubion in Hutchinson. Senator Moran along with other community members and supporting organizations were able to be present to observe the event.  Gunbros opened their first retail location on South Main in Downtown Hutchinson in 2019 and the new location will include retail space and an 8 lane indoor gun range.Greater Hutch was proud to facilitate the adoption of Industrial Revenue Bonds in the spring of 2024 to support this project. This growth...

Hutchinson, KS – Greater Hutch, the economic development division of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to release the Wage and Benefit Reports for 2024.The 2023 Reno County Wage Report is provided by the Kansas Department of Labor, 2023 Kansas Wage Survey. The report details annual estimated wage and occupational numbers for all Reno County and separated by occupational code.To view the wage report, CLICK HERE.