In 2008, Rush County Industrial Development experienced one of its most active years. Highlights of the year include:

In mid-January, the committee initiated a forgivable loan to KBK Industries LLC for the purpose of a major expansion. By meeting criteria for increased employment, KBK will receive a series of write-offs over a period of ten years.

In late January, when they learned that the county’s only pharmacy would soon close, the committee organized a community meeting, secured a building and assisted a local resident in establishing a new pharmacy. In September, Hoyt Healthmart Pharmacy opened for business.

In the spring, the committee co-sponsored the 8 Wonders of Rush County tourism promotion.

Throughout the year, the committee participated with a western Kansas jobs listing sponsored by wKREDA and “Hays has Jobs” to attract employees to the area.

The committee worked with the City of Otis and Rush County Commission for the relocation of West Wind Energy to Otis in the fall of 2008.

In the summer, committee representatives presented options in eastern Rush County to Radcliffe Designer Marble of Hoisington when they expressed a need for another facility.

Two wind farm companies have expressed interest in establishing a wind farm in west-central and south-western Rush County.

In the fall, the committee sponsored the development and publication of an economic impact statement for Rush County Memorial Hospital in support of a bond issue for a major expansion and modernization.

A full-color promotional envelope for Rush County has been designed and will be made available to businesses and individuals to add their own return address information.

In November and December the committee assisted with the completion of the Rush County Strategic Plan.

Annually, the committee sponsors attractions listings in the Kansas Department of Travel and Tourism Visitor’s Guide and www.travelks.com web page.

The county website, www.rushcounty.org provides travel information and advertisements for special events throughout the county. Websites are maintained for the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum, Rush County Historical Society, Rush County Economic Development, and county and community histories. In 2008, the site logged 72,546 visitors.

The committee has also pledged financial support to the lighting project for the ball fields, and for a footbridge in Grass Park.

The Rush County Industrial Development board of directors is made of representatives from communities across the county. The board is charged with the responsibility 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.

Respectfully submitted, Bradley Penka, Secretary.

Approved February 24, 2009