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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 Ofrece Un Desarrollo Emprendedor Profundo Para La Comunidad Hispana de Emporia
Mar 13 2025Apoyar a los emprendedores es una parte esencial del desarrollo económico, y la Cámara de Comercio del Área de Emporia está ayudando a los hispanohablantes a hacer crecer sus negocios con Mi Negocio Academy. Rebeca Herrera, directora membresia de la Cámara, desarrolló un programa de cinco partes.“Recibimos personas en la...
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...
Glendo, the parent company of GRS® Tools, is relatively unknown in Emporia. However, it produces more than 700 stone setting and engraving products, which are used by major luxury jewelry brands worldwide. Glendo does business with more than 140 countries and brings students from around the world to Emporia, Kansas,...
Simmons Pet Food has been a staple of Emporia, Kansas, since 1998. In the 26 years since it first called Emporia home, Simmons has expanded its operations and become a leader in quality pet food production. While the company has always had a culture of innovation paired with sustainable growth,...
Since 1963, Flint Hills Technical College has supported the needs of Emporia, Kansas residents who wanted to grow their skills and enter the trades. Since 1995, it has maintained its associate degree-granting status and continues to expand its programs, coursework, and degree paths.However, the latest area of growth for FHTC...
Emporia Receives the First BDO Zone Rating in Kansas: a BBB Rating for its Corn Stover Reserves
Aug 9 2024The Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA) is proud to announce that Emporia-Lyon County was the first region in Kansas to receive a Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone designation. BDO Zones are designed to highlight the newest and best regions for bio-based development and investment. Emporia was recognized for its corn...
Lyon County is actively taking steps to reduce the childcare deficit in the region while offering fair wages and supporting income equality for residents. In December 2023, The Emporia Area Chamber Foundation purchased the Maynard Elementary School building at 19 Constitution St. to turn it into a 24/7 daycare facility...
The first week in May marks Economic Development Week (EDW), a period where we reflect on the core values of the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas (RDA) and our mission to support Emporia and Lyon County as a whole.The Emporia RDA staff and board members work tirelessly throughout...
Every year, athletes from around the world travel to Emporia for Unbound Gravel, a multi-day gravel biking event that features races, training camps, and an exposition with more than 100 vendors covering All Things Gravel. This year, the event runs from May 30 to June 2 and more than 12,000...
Emporia State University's Together, Forward fundraising campaign raised a record $91,714,500, the university revealed during the campaign celebration at ESU's Memorial Union Saturday evening.The $91 million campaign surpassed the original fundraising goals of $50 and $75 million, making it the most successful fundraising effort in ESU history.Donors, university staff and...
A group of local entrepreneurs announced Wednesday the acquisition and rebranding of Harry and Lloyd’s East. The bar and restaurant, located at 728 E. Sixth Ave., will be rebranded as The Splash Pad.Local real estate agents Justin Tabares and Lynn Cunningham, along with Rick Lortz and Katie Tabares, comprise the...
Visit Emporia announced Wednesday that $15,300 in Tourism Grants and Meeting/Event Incentives was awarded to eight local organizations.The purpose of the grant is to fund initiatives related to new marketing plans, new attractions or events, and first-time enhancements to existing events and attractions.Grants are awarded as follows:Read the full article...
Emporia is home to 300 acres of shovel-ready sites located at the connection of I-35 and I-335. Not only does Emporia sit between three major cities – Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City – but it also serves as a valuable stop between Dallas and Minneapolis.Our team at the Regional Development...