By Debra Teufel
Teufel Talks
As we celebrate the annual tradition of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the partnerships that make Reno County special. In November, we hosted two of my favorite gatherings each year, our Farm Focus Breakfast, and the Chamber Annual Meeting.
We recognized our Agribusiness of the Year, Bridgman Oil, the Royer family as Farm Family of the Year and heard from sponsor Prairieland Partners about their new training center in partnership with Hutchinson Community College. I am grateful to lead a Chamber that truly values agribusiness and appreciates our members who make it possible to annually honor Reno County agribusiness.
Raised on a Kansas farm, I am especially thankful for our producers, who feed the world and make a $1.6 billion impact on our economy. I briefly shared about my favorite Kansas farmer, my dad, who I lost in June, shortly before one of the rainiest wheat harvests on record. I am thankful that he instilled in me his love for family, love for the land, and his lessons about the economy, faith, and service to community.
I am always thankful to serve members who not only make an impact but truly care for one another. Addressing our 1,000 members and guests in the room at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting last week, I was energized by the spirit of connection that has fueled our Chamber for 106 years.
Recently, we marked the creation of 600 new jobs and have secured over 650 acres of land along the K‑96 Corridor. I’m grateful for the Sharon Kimbell family, which seeded the first gift to make the Kimbell Industrial Park a reality, garnering interest for new projects, like the Evergy power plant—the single largest investment project in Reno County history. With the rezoning and the permitting phase underway, soon we will be breaking ground on this new $1 billion investment, putting Reno County back on the map.
We also celebrated more local expansions. APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Division has a new regional headquarters under construction. GUNBROS is nearing completion, and Superior Boiler is continuing to add jobs. Wichita Tractor Co. is investing in new space in South Hutchinson. Haven Steel Products continues to expand in Haven, and Wifco Steel Products is adding new cutting-edge laser technology near Medora.
In every corner of Reno County, positive things are underway, and that is something to celebrate and give thanks for.
The Meyer Landmark Building is coming along with windows produced by Woodwork Manufacturing, and a new STAR Bond district is taking shape, which will bring more reinvestment to the heart of our community. The Kansas Childcare Accelerator Grant means $2.5 million in childcare expansions, creating 400 new slots. Several housing developments have been announced, and the YMCA’s $30 million facility is taking shape. Last month, the Hilton Garden Inn opened its doors, and conferences are lining up.
That’s real progress. But we know there is more work ahead to Elevate Reno County, but progress is within reach when we all work together. Last week, we saw firsthand our communities and County come together in a joint work session where we discussed robust infrastructure, shovel-ready sites, roads, water and wastewater improvements, and a quality of life that makes people proud to call Reno County home.
I am thankful to be part of Team Reno County. This year, as you gather round your own Thanksgiving table, celebrate with your families and give remembrance to those who have left an empty seat at the table, remember to have a spirit of gratitude to live in a place where we are working together to grow Reno County.
Debra Teufel is President/CEO of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at debrat@hutchchamber.com