In an effort to recruit and promote new business in the State of Kansas, The Kansas Department of Commerce created a program entitled “Small Town Spotlight” which highlights the towns and companies that are joining forces for success. Recently, Great Bend was featured as a small town success story for the strides in economic development over the last several months.
The in-depth spotlight features Blizzard Energy, the new tire recycling company bringing 25 jobs to the Industrial Park in the next few months. The company will be making a $2.5 million investment to launch operations in Great Bend.
Other notable projects include the recent acquisition of Fuller Industries by a group of local investors, the new Sutherlands Lumber location opening on West 10th Street, as well as the state-of-the-art six-screen movie theatre opening in downtown later this spring.
“In addition to recruiting new businesses, a priority for the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development has been on housing development,” Chamber President/CEO Jan Peters said. “Two recent announcements will address those needs as well, and we could not be more pleased to help stimulate such growth for the Great Bend community.”
The Overland Property Group received approval from the Great Bend City Council earlier this year to construct an apartment complex and clubhouse next to Wal-Mart in Great Bend. That project will commence in the coming months, alongside the new Bedford Place duplexes for senior citizens. Housing Opportunities Inc. will be hosting a groundbreaking for these new duplex apartments in March.
“With so much happening in retail, food service, hospitality, special events, manufacturing, housing, and small business, we are proud to serve the Great Bend business community,” Peters said. “This is quite an accomplishment for our community and the relationship we have built over the years with Kansas Department of Commerce.”
To read the complete community profile created by the Kansas Department of Commerce visit the website kansascommerce.com.
In addition to the website story, a postcard, featuring Great Bend and Blizzard Energy, will be sent to 1,200 site selector/consultants, all members of International Asset Management Council members of the Kansas Economic Development Association and Kansas Calvary/Team Kansas members. 
The IAMC is the leading association of industrial asset management and corporate real estate executives, their service providers, and economic developers. Peters recently attended an event for IAMC to promote Great Bend and build relationships with developers, site selectors, and service providers.