News Archive
News Articles
The Emporia Regional Development Association Hires Jorgenson Pace to Assist With CEO Search
Jul 2 2025The Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA) is using the executive search firm Jorgenson Pace to hire its next President and CEO. The firm is currently reviewing a large pool of candidates and will narrow the options to a few top contenders. The RDA hopes to name its new CEO by...
The David Traylor Zoo of Emporia is a staple for local families and one of the best places to spend your time as a visitor. It is home to nearly 300 animals across 67 species, each exhibited in natural habitats that provide immersive experiences for visitors. This zoo allows Emporia...
Emporia, Kansas, is a great place to live for anyone who enjoys gravel biking and other outdoor recreational activities. However, it is a leading spot for disc golf, with more than a dozen courses to try and tournaments held throughout the year.“Emporia has hosted some of the largest disc golf...
Families in Emporia, Kansas, can choose a local assisted living facility for their loved ones who need long-term care, memory care, or respite services. Sunflower Care Homes has room for 12 residents and ensures that at least two employees are on site at all times.“I am very proud of the...
Seven out of nine schools in the Emporia Public Schools district have been nominated as Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools. These schools are “recognized for their excellence in creating safe and welcoming environments where students are relationally connected and eager to learn.” The nominations reflect the entire district's efforts...
Emporia State University Prepares Students With Hands-On Learning and Relevant Fields of Study
Mar 24 2025Emporia State University (ESU) is a four-year university in the heart of Lyon County, Kansas. It supports 4,500 students across a variety of majors and interests, each focused on long-term career development.“Today’s graduates – more than ever before – will have more than one career,” says Shane Shivley, Senior Director...
More than 60 vendors participate in the Emporia Farmers Market throughout the year, selling a variety of seasonal produce, honey, baked goods, and other useful items. The market operates in Downtown Emporia during the summer months and then moves indoors at Waters Hardware, running the first and third Saturdays from...
Mi Negocio Academy Provides In-Depth Entrepreneurial Development for the Emporia Hispanic Community
Mar 13 2025Supporting entrepreneurs is an essential part of economic development, and the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce is helping Spanish speakers grow their businesses with Mi Negocio Academy. Rebeca Herrera, membership director at the Chamber developed a five-part program with the help of SBDC.“We have people come into the Chamber Office...
The population of Emporia, Kansas, has remained stable at 24,000 residents for the past decade, but the Hispanic population is flourishing. A third of Emporia residents are Hispanic and play a significant role in the economy. LeLan Dains, founder of Emporia Spanish Speakers, is working to bring all residents of...
Newman Regional Health Serves 42,000 Patients as One of the Largest Employers in Emporia
Mar 11 2025Newman Regional Health has supported the Emporia region for more than a century. Since 1922, this not-for-profit hospital has been owned by the residents of Lyon County and has strived to provide quality rural care to the people of Kansas. Today, Newman is a powerhouse in the region, with investments...
There is a housing shortage across the United States, and Emporia, Kansas, isn’t exempt from the crunch. According to the Bookings Institute, the American housing market is short 4.9 million units as of 2023. Not only does this make finding a house more challenging, but it also drives up home...
Any industry in Emporia, Kansas, and greater Lyon County benefits from the hard work done at the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber manages several programs to promote the growth of companies in the region while also supporting quality of life. It is a close partner of the Emporia...
Residents of Lyon County and surrounding areas who were recently displaced from their jobs can turn to KANSASWORK Southeast for the support they need to return to the workforce. This organization provides a variety of services, including resume development, interview practice, and application assistance. Anyone who needs their help can access...
The Sweet Granada Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary a Favorite Gourmet Chocolate Shop in Emporia
Dec 20 2024Residents of Emporia, Kansas, craving a sweet treat have a beautiful dessert shop right in their backyard. Kim Redeker and her mom opened The Sweet Granada in November 2004, selling more than 200 handmade chocolates. Because of its massive popularity, the store has since expanded to a retail location in...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
