June 2013
Vol. 6, Issue 2

KANSAS Wins the GOLD!

Area Development, a leading publication covering site selection and facility planning, has announced its 2013 Gold and Silver Shovel Awards, naming Kansas a Gold Shovel recipient. Three other states were awarded Gold Shovel Awards, and 15 won Silver Shovel Awards.

Area Development’s Annual Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers as well as investments in expanded facilities. The Gold Shovels are presented annually to the states that have achieved the most success in terms of new job creation and economic impact.

Kansas Ranks Among Most Friendly States for Small Business

For the second consecutive year, Kansas has received high marks in Thumbtack.com’s Small Business Survey. Kansas received an overall grade of an “A” for Small Business Friendliness, up from an “A-” in 2012. The grade was the seventh highest in the country.

The rankings were released by Thumbtack.com in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as part of its second annual Small Business Survey. The survey is based on data gathered from an extensive, nationwide group of small business owners, freelancers and entrepreneurs in order to rank the best places in the country to do business. (read on)

Kansas Exports Increased to $11.66 billion  

Exporting in Kansas increased slightly to $11.66 billion in 2012, according to data released by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Exports have grown by more than $1.75 billion since 2010. The largest gains occurred in oil seeds, grain, seed, fruit and plants (257 percent), mineral fuel (102 percent) and industrial machinery (12 percent). The top 10 industries accounted for 74.2 percent of the state’s exports. Canada, Mexico, China and Japan were the state’s top four export markets. Exports to China increased by 70.6 percent since 2011, the largest increase for any country in the top ten markets. China has moved from the fifth largest export market for Kansas in 2010 to third place. (read on) 

by Richard Barrington 

Money Rates Columnist

April 01, 2013

Making a good living is tough these days. But precisely how tough it is may depend on where you live.

Earning a decent wage, staying ahead of inflation and coping with taxes are some of the challenges American workers face. If they can succeed at all of this and actually enjoy their jobs, it would be a nice bonus. So MoneyRates.com has identified the 10 states where employees may be most likely to accomplish these things.

For the third consecutive year, MoneyRates.com has conducted a study of the best and worst states for making a living. Using average wage and unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cost of living figures from C2ER (formerly ACCRA) and state tax information from Tax-Rates.org, MoneyRates.com calculated an average income figure for each state that includes adjustments for taxes, inflation and the chances of finding a job in that state. Then, these figures were furthered adjusted according to each state's Workplace Environment rankings from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index poll. These factors provide both a quantitative and qualitative basis for the rankings that follow.

Here are MoneyRates.com's 10 Best States to Make a Living for 2013.

9. Kansas

The story for Kansas is very similar to Utah's: Income may be below average, but a low cost of living and unemployment rate make up for that, while an above-average ranking for its work environment provides an additional benefit. This all added up to give Kansas its first appearance in the top 10.

To read the complete story click HERE.

 Kansas finishes first in region for economic development projects
State ranked 13th nationally by Site Selection magazine

The state of Kansas has been ranked first in its region for economic development projects in Site Selection magazine’s 2012 rankings. Site Selection, which has compiled annual economic development rankings since 1978, listed Kansas 13th among all states for expansions and new facilities opened in 2012.

Site Selection ranked Kansas first in the seven state West North Central region that also included Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. With 122 new facilities and expansions in 2012, Kansas led all states in this region. Kansas also had the most economic development projects in the region over the three year period from 2010-2012, with 274 new facilities and expansions during this time.

Of the 122 economic development projects in 2012, 17 were classified as new manufacturing facilities, 32 as manufacturing expansions and the remaining 73 as all other categories, including offices, headquarters, distribution centers, research and development facilities and mixed-use facilities. (Read on)

• Enhanced job credits of $2,500 per new job under the Enterprise Zone program.
• Community Development Block Grant assistance to help fund needed infrastructure improvements or help finance the start of operations.
• 100% sales tax exemption on building construction and equipment purchases.
• 100% personal property tax exemption on machinery and equipment new to Kansas.
• PEAK program allows retention of up to 95% of payroll withholding tax for seven to 10 years.
• Wind and Solar Bond Financing for manufacturers.
• Kansas 0% interest forgivable loan to qualified companies.
• Workforce Development Programs to offset training costs.
• Enterprise Zone Program offering income tax credits for new job creation and qualified capital investment.
• High Performance Incentive Program offers a 10% corporate income tax credit on qualified capital investments for eligible companies.
• Right-to-Work State.

• The price for land depends on the number and quality of jobs, but it’s always competitive.
• Significant property tax savings are available through abatements.
• Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for creditworthy companies
• Federal financing programs are specifically targeted for projects locating in our community.
• Companies will find a very proud and loyal work ethic in their employees.
• Employees have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to travel up to 70 miles for a good job.
• HUBZone declaration for additional status on federal contracts.