A group of international site selectors from across the country will be visiting Southeast Kansas in June on a familiarization tour of potential industrial sites.
Allen County Economic Development Director Camille Lavon told Allen County Commissioners Tuesday Kansas Commerce organized the tour, which will also include visits to Labette, Montgomery and Neosho counties.
The site selectors taking part in the “Fam Tour” will be flying into Allen County Regional Airport and will be looking at sites in the Iola Industrial Park near Russell Stover and at the airport. Lavon said they are hoping to host a welcoming event for the entire group at the new Lehigh Portland State Park Visitors Center.
Lavon said this is a very big opportunity for the county. Site selectors are consultants who work with companies either looking to expand or relocate operations. Lavon explained when she works with a site selector, she is able to market industrial sites to a wide variety of businesses, focusing on what makes sense for Allen County. Allen County’s industrial sites are also being added to Kansas Commerce’s data base this week.
Lavon shared information with Commissioners on grant opportunity through KansasWorks that can assist with workforce training. This would be focused on training of multiple employees and there is the potential several businesses or governmental groups could combine for needed training, which could also involve cross-training of employees.
