https://www.emporiarda.org Emporia Regional Development Association News Feed Thu, 12 Nov 2026 12:15:05 +0000 en-US https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/69816/common-questions-about-data-centers https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/69816/common-questions-about-data-centers Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Common questions that are being asked regarding the proposed data center about power, gas, water, and connectivity. A data center is, at bottom, a utility customer of unusual size. The questions the Commission will hear most often concern electricity, water, and who pays for what. Here is the current state of each:Electric... https://www.emporiarda.org/hidden/news-test/p/item/68574/how-apps-like-google-facebook-and-youtube-rely-on-data-centers https://www.emporiarda.org/hidden/news-test/p/item/68574/how-apps-like-google-facebook-and-youtube-rely-on-data-centers Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 We’ve all heard the phrase “on the cloud,” but what does that really mean?Many of the apps we use every day, like Google, Facebook, YouTube, and even popular online games, depend on powerful computers that store and send the photos, videos, and messages we see on screen.Those computers are housed... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/67803/flint-hills-digital-campus-initiative-signals-major-economic-development-opportunity-for-emporia-and-lyon-county https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/67803/flint-hills-digital-campus-initiative-signals-major-economic-development-opportunity-for-emporia-and-lyon-county Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 2, 2026CONTACT:Casey WoodsExecutive DirectorEmporia Main Streetdirector@emporiamainstreet.comwww.emporiamainstreet.com620-340-6430Brad KraftVice PresidentRegional Development AssociationBKraft@EmporiaRDA.orgwww.emporiarda.org620-343-8860EMPORIA, Kansas — Local and regional economic development partners are expressing excitement surrounding the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, a large-scale digital infrastructure and technology initiative currently in the planning stages in Emporia and Lyon County.The... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/66921/the-gazette-collective-preserves-a-historic-building-while-creating-mixeduse-space https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/66921/the-gazette-collective-preserves-a-historic-building-while-creating-mixeduse-space Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The historic Emporia Gazette building is preparing to reopen its doors, only this time it will welcome people in as the Gazette Collective, a modern mixed-use space. Rick and Colleen Mitchell of Mitchell-Markowitz Construction purchased the building in 2022 and have worked to preserve its charm while breathing new life... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news/p/item/66613/fairfield-inn-&-suites-by-marriott-opens-in-emporia-bringing-conferencing-and-largescale-accommodation https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news/p/item/66613/fairfield-inn-&-suites-by-marriott-opens-in-emporia-bringing-conferencing-and-largescale-accommodation Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott recently soft-opened in Emporia, Kansas, bringing a hotel attached to a conference center to the region for the first time in 15 years. While there are multiple hotels in Emporia, this is the only one with a conference center directly attached, making it easier... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/65781/emporia-main-street-helps-entrepreneurs-grow-their-businesses https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/65781/emporia-main-street-helps-entrepreneurs-grow-their-businesses Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 If you want to start a company in 2026, visit Emporia Main Street to get the tools you need to build your business plan, apply for loans, and network with potential customers and vendors. Emporia Main Street works with entrepreneurs at all levels of development, from residents forming their ideas... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/64885/vektek-is-poised-to-celebrate-40-years-in-emporia https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/64885/vektek-is-poised-to-celebrate-40-years-in-emporia Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Vektek is a global leader in hydraulic and pneumatic clamping devices based in Emporia. Since 1986, the company has worked with automotive manufacturers, agricultural equipment producers, and other firms worldwide to improve their operations. Not only is Vektek a trusted firm by its clients, but it was also named Kansas... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/63897/hetlinger-helps-disabled-emporians-find-work https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/63897/hetlinger-helps-disabled-emporians-find-work Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Hetlinger Developmental Services Helps Emporians With Disabilities Find Meaningful WorkPeople with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) can find a sense of community and work opportunities through Hetlinger Developmental Services. The organization offers employment support and day services to help people who would otherwise have difficulty finding a job.“We know that... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50794/community-solutions-llc-creates-250-jobs-in-emporia https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50794/community-solutions-llc-creates-250-jobs-in-emporia Wed, 19 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000 TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced Communications Solutions, LLC (CSLLC) will expand its operations to Emporia, Kansas, creating 250 new jobs. “Our partnership with CSLCC, which will create 250 new jobs in Emporia, is a testament to our state’s talented workforce and strong economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50800/emporia-selected-to-participate-in-usda-rpic https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50800/emporia-selected-to-participate-in-usda-rpic Tue, 22 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000 The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced that the agency is awarding $4 million in cooperative agreements to 17 organizations under its Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge program. RPIC provides planning support, technical assistance, and training to encourage placemaking activities in rural communities. Funds can be used to help... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50792/biodiesel-facility-demolition-and-fanestil-move-at-rda-board-meeting https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50792/biodiesel-facility-demolition-and-fanestil-move-at-rda-board-meeting Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000 Demolition on Renewable Energy Groups’ partially constructed biodiesel facility may begin soon. During the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Board of Directors’ monthly meeting Friday, President Kent Heerman announced that demolition of the facility in southeast Emporia may begin as soon as Tuesday, weather permitting. An exact... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50802/longtime-rda-president-kent-heermann-announces-retirement https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50802/longtime-rda-president-kent-heermann-announces-retirement Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000 Kent Heermann announced his intention to retire as the president of the Emporia Regional Development Association during a meeting of the board Friday morning. Heermann will remain in the role he has held for more than 27 years until the first quarter of 2022 in order to give the... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50809/progress-2021-simmons-pet-food-experiences-continued-growth-despite-pandemic https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50809/progress-2021-simmons-pet-food-experiences-continued-growth-despite-pandemic Sat, 23 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50812/rda-recommends-68-million-quick-trip-development-project https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50812/rda-recommends-68-million-quick-trip-development-project Sun, 13 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000 A $6.8 million development project on a portion of the DeBauge-Krueger tract, near 18th Avenue and Graphic Arts Road, passed the first round of approval from the Regional Development Association, Friday morning. The development would bring in a QuikTrip convenience store and development of a new access road connecting... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50796/dynamic-distribution-expands-warehouse-at-detroit-reman-building https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50796/dynamic-distribution-expands-warehouse-at-detroit-reman-building Fri, 23 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000 The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas voted to move forward with expansion plans for a staple Emporia business Friday morning. Dynamic Distribution — which is classified as a separate business entity from Dynamic Discs, LLC — will now set its sights toward moving into the soon-to-be-vacated Detroit... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50799/emporia-kansas-thriving-pet-nutrition-cluster https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50799/emporia-kansas-thriving-pet-nutrition-cluster Mon, 12 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50808/pet-food-production-tech-creates-need-for-skilled-labor https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50808/pet-food-production-tech-creates-need-for-skilled-labor Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50814/simmons-pet-food-announces-new-projects https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50814/simmons-pet-food-announces-new-projects Sat, 18 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50801/hopkins-acquires-roadsport-splash-guards https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50801/hopkins-acquires-roadsport-splash-guards Wed, 29 Apr 2020 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50813/simmons-opens-60-million-facility-in-emporia-kansas https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50813/simmons-opens-60-million-facility-in-emporia-kansas Thu, 06 Jun 2019 05:00:00 +0000 Governor Laura Kelly, local legislators and other members of the community helped Simmons Pet Food, Inc. celebrate the opening of its new 208,000-square foot Flexible Packaging facility in Emporia with a ribbon cutting Thursday morning. The $60 million expansion is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs immediately, with... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50807/michelin-completes-the-acquisition-of-camso https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50807/michelin-completes-the-acquisition-of-camso Tue, 18 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000 Michelin today completed the acquisition of Camso, under the terms announced on July 12, 2018 and after obtaining all of the necessary approvals for the transaction. A total consideration of US$1.36 billion was paid for the acquisition. Reporting net sales of US$1 billion, Camso has been designing, manufacturing and... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50811/rda-25th-anniversary-publication https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50811/rda-25th-anniversary-publication Fri, 30 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50816/still-going-strong https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50816/still-going-strong Wed, 22 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000 From humble beginnings in Emporia, an international company grew, its seeds having been planted 65 years ago by brothers E. L. (Bud) and R. E. (Gene) Hopkins. Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation celebrated its 65th birthday Monday. “It is but a milestone in the history of Hopkins, one that we... https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50817/valunet-fiber-announces-completion-of-construction https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50817/valunet-fiber-announces-completion-of-construction Wed, 15 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50815/simmons-pet-food-expanding-emporia-kansas-facility https://www.emporiarda.org/news-and-media/news-archive/p/item/50815/simmons-pet-food-expanding-emporia-kansas-facility Wed, 01 Nov 2017 05:00:00 +0000 Simmons Pet Food, Inc., a supplier of custom and private label pet food solutions in the U.S. and Canada, recently broke ground on a facility expansion at its Flexible Packaging Facility in Emporia, KS. The $38 million investment will increase the facility by 200,000 square feet and create approximately 100...