Despite economic headwinds nationally. Kansas Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland says Kansas is more than holding it’s own.
Toland told Iola Radio News Friday since he and Governor Laura Kelly took office nearly 7 ½ years ago, there has been over $33 billion in private investment in Kansas, along with creation of 80,000 jobs. Another positive sign appeared last week, when Moody’s Investment Services raised the credit rating of the state of Kansas.
Even in southeast Kansas, where the economy has lagged behind other areas in the state, there is positive news, such as the recent announcement of 40 new jobs in Fort Scott, where a company is taking over the building of a business that closed operations a couple of years ago. He added there are a couple of more announcements coming soon for the region.
Southeast Kansas will gain more attention next month when a group of 20 site selectors from around the world will come to the area. “These are the people who advise companies where they should build new facilities,” he explained. Five counties including Allen County will be part of this tour where they will see the assets available in this area.
In Iola, Toland spoke about the dedication earlier this month of the new marquee at the Iola Theatre. This is a project he’s been involved with for over a decade, and the marquee is just the first part of an overall project to restore it.
In his role as Commerce Secretary, Toland has also been involved in other historic theatre restoration projects through such things as STAR Bond districts and other downtown development projects, stating a need to preserve these iconic venues.
The largest of these projects currently in progress is the restoration of Manhattan’s Wareham Theatre. Another venue that in the past has benefited from restoration support is the Opera House in McPherson, where Toland was on Friday to take part in the All Schools Day Celebration.
For Toland, the annual celebration of schoolchildren which began in 1913 is personal, in that his grandfather grew up in McPherson County and went to school there before his family moved to Wichita after he completed the 11th grade. Toland said he’s seen many letters talking about the event, which makes it special for him.
Toland’s tenure as Lieutenant Governor will come to an end in January, as he’s not seeking any elected office this year. “I’ve enjoyed my time in public service, the last 7 ½ years has been a terrific honor, but I’ve got other things I want to do in my life and it’s time for others to step up.
