In 2007, Rush County Industrial Development pursued opportunities for economic expansion in Rush County. The board is responsible to invest and administer RCID funds, and to maintain properties owned by RCID. The Board of Directors of RCID also serves as the governing/advisory body for Rush County Economic Development. The prime responsibility for RCED is to serve as trustee of county economic funds, and promote the economic growth and well-being of Rush County. Highlights of projects completed in 2007 include:

“Rush County – What Does the Future Hold” & “Come Home to Rush County” programs were held at various functions throughout the county. The 2-part program explains the positive aspects of the county and gathers citizens’ input for future county projects.

The committee has reviewed results from last year’s “First Impressions” survey and implemented suggestions to improve visitors’ first impression of the county.

RCID/RCED provided support in a grant application for Rush County Memorial Hospital to obtain a CT/MRI Scanner.

In spring, the director and committee members participated in meetings to study the feasibility of a proposed Ethanol Plant located near Otis.

The committee did extensive “legwork” to construct a footbridge in Grass Park. The committee pledged $1,000 toward the project.

Grant applications were written to obtain funds for construction of a handicap accessible ramp at the new Nekoma Bank Museum.

The committee began working with a local retail business for a proposed expansion.

A new website listing Rush County jobs was added to the county website and linked with www.westernkansasjobs.com, a statewide site introduced by wKREDA.

In September, the committee toured Fairview Farms, a start-up agri-tourism business in northwestern Rush County. RCED provided a letter of support in application for a Kansas Department of Commerce grant.

A “Welcome to Rush County” visitor information flyer will be distributed locally to assist visitors in finding county services, meeting facilities, etc.

Rush County Economic Development provided web page design and hosting for “Greensburg Day” hosted by Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays. The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum was a co-sponsor of the event designed to educate about disaster preparedness and raise money to help rebuild Greensburg’s “Big Well” museum.

The committee is in process of designing an envelope featuring Rush County attractions. The envelope design will be available for businesses to personalize for their own use.

Rush County is exploring participation in a community development program sponsored by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

The Rush County Strategic Plan is in process of being updated. The Strategic Plan serves as a foundation for the future of the county and allows the county designation as a non-metropolitan Enterprise Zone providing state grant and incentive opportunities.

Information continues to be added to the county website. The site is composed of 4 parts: General County Information, Economic Development, Rush County Historical Society, and the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum. The site logged over 100,000 visits in 2007.

Respectfully submitted, Bradley Penka, Secretary.

Approved February 12, 2008