Economic development secretary hits the ground promoting
Staff reporter
It's been nearly a month since Teresa Huffman started as the county's economic development secretary and already she has a business survey to deliver to all businesses in the county, is in the process of collecting data for a state web site for commercial properties that are available, and is assisting communities with projects.
"It's not just about attracting new businesses," she explained, "but keeping what we have."
Huffman has always been a proponent of business development.
"Everywhere I've lived, I've been involved with the local chamber of commerce," she said. "The chamber is the pulse of the community."
She's working with local chambers in the county to obtain business information and appreciates that resource being available.
Prior to coming to Marion County, she was executive director of a housing authority and community development in Independence for six years. She also served on the board of directors for six years prior to being director.
Huffman understands the importance of communities working together toward a common goal.
"It's a big advantage for me to not be from this area," Huffman said. "I don't have any preconceived notions about any community or personalities."
She just wants to give every town in the county an opportunity to succeed.
That's where the survey comes in.
The survey is being hand-delivered by Huffman to every business in the county. It gives her a chance to meet residents and business owners.
Information obtained through the survey will be confidential, Huffman said. Kansas Department of Commerce will compile the information.
Prior to the information being sent to the state, the top sheet that lists the name of the company will be removed and filed in the county economic development office.
"No one will have access to the information but me," Huffman said. "It absolutely will be kept confidential."
Questions in the survey ask business owners about current operations, future plans, specifics about business shortcomings, and other vital information that could be helpful in providing assistance.
The information will be compiled, with some information used to create a countywide business directory.
It will be a long process — probably about nine months but will be worth the effort, she said.
Huffman also is excited about LOIS (Location One Information System). The state web site provides listings of available buildings throughout the state. Huffman will collect an inventory of such buildings in Marion County and keep data current on the web site.
She also is in the process of assisting a community with resource contacts to develop a retail business.
Huffman's attitude is that all communities, regardless of their sizes, need to use their resources.
"I like to see communities use what they have — 100 percent," she said.
To help communities do that, she will travel to each community, identify their needs, and put them in contact with the appropriate people to help them obtain goals.
A grant writer, Huffman has a goal of using her skills to obtain grant funds for communities.
Working closely with Marion County Economic Development Council, Huffman said she is the "legs, eyes, and ears" of the council.
Marion County Commission determined the position would be a county contact point for existing businesses and for those interested in locating in the county. And it's working.
"I recently was contacted by a company who was interested in locating in Marion County," Huffman said. She is gathering information and will pass it on to each community. It is up to the communities then to take the next step of providing information to Huffman that can be passed on to the prospective business.
The commission will determine how the position may be developed.
"It's important for people to know that I'm here and the county is listening to them," Huffman said.
Huffman resides in Marion. Her son, David, and his family will move to Marion in the coming weeks. David works at Excel Industries in Hesston and has a graphic design business on the side.
Huffman can be contacted through the county road and bridge office at (620) 382-3761 until a separate phone line is installed. Her office is located in the road and bridge office in the basement of he courthouse.
