Page 10 - Demo

10 | Page November 2 5 I ssueOf the successful projects landed in Kansas since the implementation of the Framework, approximately 90% align with the five target industry sectors identified in the plan. Strategic investments by the state in these sectors are driving growth and prosperity across Kansas.%u201cTapping into the Midwestern work ethic and quality of people in Philipsburg was key,%u201d Amber Wave Chief Operating Officer Steve Adams said in reference to his company%u2019s decision to build North America%u2019s largest wheat protein plant in Phillips County. %u201cIt%u2019s about creating opportunity everywhere and utilizing the Kansas strengths, which is what makes this facility and Amber Wave a natural fit. We are excited to be a part of the new future and growing out here in western Kansas.%u201dBusinesses not only are looking for a site to serve their needs, but also for communities that their workforce can enjoy and put down roots in. Providing resources for housing development, broadband expansion, child care, arts, and other economic determinants of health that contribute to a dynamic quality of life has made Kansas more attractive and provided an advantage to landing businesses. Promoting the vitality, livability, and quality of these places has been essential to the momentum Kansas has already created and is necessary to continue the growth.To further this goal, the Kansas Framework for Growth leverages four strategic pillars that power new opportunities across each of the sectors. These pillars focus on talent, innovation, community assets, and policy, which are critical to keep supporting the competitiveness and resilience of the target sectors and economic regions.%u201cIn Kansas, we could not do the economic development we are doing without the quality-of-life issues being addressed, and it has been incredibly important for the state to help us focus on meeting those challenges that may be more difficult to do on the community level by themselves,%u201d Dodge City and Ford County Development Executive Director Joann Knight said. %u201cQuality of life is key to helping the state grow, and the partnerships that have been built between the Department of Commerce and local communities has helped make Kansas the most amazing place.%u201dThe jobs associated with these economic development projects are contributing to the overall wage growth across the state. On average, the 69,706 jobs created and retained pay 7.7% more than the overall average private sector wage in Kansas. This upward momentum in wages demonstrates that Kansas is creating good-paying jobs with reliable and stable salaries.To hear more about the historic $20 billion milestone, watch the Kansas Department of Commerce video here.