By Debra Teufel
Teufel Talks
This month marks a pivotal moment for Reno County. As we celebrate the grand opening of the Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center and reclaim our position as the premier convention destination in Kansas, we also launch something equally transformative: the Elevate Reno County Economic Development Strategic Plan.
This plan, which has come to life over the last year, is more than a plan—it’s a movement to Elevate Reno County. It’s the result of collaboration, focus groups, strategy sessions, and community conversations. It’s a shared vision forged by people who care deeply about the future. And it’s built on the belief that economic development is a team sport and Reno County is a place that is building a powerful team to energize our future prosperity.
The Elevate Reno County plan unites our communities, organizations, and leaders around a single, powerful vision: A vibrant, resilient Reno County where everyone thrives. That vision isn’t just aspirational—it’s actionable. It’s rooted in the strengths we already possess and the momentum we’re beginning to build.
The true power of this plan is forged in alignment and partnership. This cohesive strategy brings together multiple organizations from cities and county government, to Greater Hutch and Startup Hutch, forging new economic development partnerships, with input from Hutchinson Community College and workforce development partners, and with the support from the Hutchinson Community Foundation and local nonprofit and community economic development partners.
We’re tossing out the notion of working in silos—we’re working in sync. That alignment is already reinforcing the positive steps underway and positioning us to accelerate progress and take bold new steps. From projects already underway like the new $1 billion Evergy power plant bringing high-quality jobs, to the new APAC regional headquarters on Airport Road, and expansion of Wifco Steel near Buhler, from new housing developments to expanded child care centers, from new investment in the airport to new business startups and revitalized downtowns, from workforce development to tourism and quality of life, the energy is palpable. Now, we have a roadmap to harness it.
Over the next few months, this column will explore the five key goals of the Elevate Reno County plan in depth: attracting and growing high-quality jobs; a robust talent pipeline; a flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem; investing in modern sites and infrastructure; and creating a vibrant quality of life. I’ll highlight the initiatives, partnerships, and innovations driving each goal forward. I’ll share stories of local businesses, civic leaders, and everyday residents who are stepping up to Elevate Reno County. And I’ll invite you to be part of the journey.
Because this plan isn’t just for policymakers or economic developers—it’s for all of us. Whether you’re a small business owner, a student, a retiree, or a community volunteer, you have a role to play. Economic development starts with how we talk about our community, how we welcome visitors, how we support local entrepreneurs, and how we invest in ourselves.
We began this journey with facilitated focus groups, surveys and benchmarking reports. As we launched the plan earlier this month at the Reno County Commission and public meetings, we want to build a robust team across Reno County. If your organization would like to learn more, we encourage you to explore the full plan at greaterhutch.com. Your voice matters, and your engagement is essential.
As we welcome visitors, let’s remember the power of a positive image. Every smile and warm recommendation, every story we share about our community, contributes to the impression we leave. And that can spark investment, inspire relocation, or simply leave someone feeling that Reno County is a place worth returning to.
A more positive outlook begins with each of us—in the things we think, say, and do. When we speak with pride about our community, when we champion its potential, when we support new ideas for growth, we all become ambassadors of the Elevate Reno County vision.
So let’s build a winning team. Let’s elevate our strengths, work together, and confidently invest in our future. Let’s build a Reno County where everyone thrives—not someday, but starting now.
Debra Teufel is President/CEO of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at debrat@hutchchamber.com