Metro Wichita Economic Development 2014

businessclimate.
com/wichita
WICHITA
METRO
Wichitas aviation industry taps rising domestic, global demand Public-private partnerships help Wichitas economy soar
ECONOmIC DEVELOPmENT
Wichitas Wonders
Amenities, culture draw newcomers
SPONsORED BY THE WICHITA METRO CHAmBER OF COmmERCE AND THE GREATER wICHITA ECONOmIC DEVELOPmENT COALITION | 2014
Whats on businessclimate.com/wichita
Business Climate
Read more about the competitive advantages of the Metro Wichita area.
Online
Cool Companies
Meet more innovative, fast-growth businesses finding success in the region.
2014 EDITION VOLUmE 9
WICHITA
METRO
EDITOR | EmIlY McMACKIN CONTRIBUTING wRITERs | MArC ACtON, JOHN FUller, LAUrA HIll, Fred JerANt, KellY KAGAmAs TOmKIes, BIll LewIs, GArY WOlleNHAUPt CONTENT COORDINATOR | JessICA WAlKer BOeHm STAFF WRITER | KeVIN LItwIN PROOFREADING MANAGER | RAVeN PettY LEAD DEsIGNER | KACeY PAssmOre SENIOR GRAPHIC DEsIGNERs | StACeY AllIs, LAUrA GAllAGHer, KrIs SeXtON, JAKe SHOres, VIKKI WIllIAms GRAPHIC DEsIGNERs | jACKIe CIUllA, mAtt west CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY ANALYsT | BeCCA ArY
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER | mICHAel tedesCO SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERs | Jeff AdKINs, BrIAN McCOrd STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERs | MICHAel CONtI, weNdY jO ObArr, frANK OrdOeZ COLOR ImAGING TECHNICIAN | AlIsON HUNter INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER | CHAse PlUNKett SALEs SUPPORT PROJECT mANAGER | SArA QUINt SALEs SUPPORT COORDINATOR | CHrIstINA MOrGAN AD PRODUCTION MANAGER | KAtIe MIddeNdOrf AD TRAFFIC AssIsTANTs | KrYstIN LemmON, PAtrICIA MOIsAN WEB PROJECT mANAGER | DAVId DAY WEB DEVELOPER I | Nels NOsewOrtHY WEB DEsIGNER II | rICHArd steVeNs DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGER | JIll RIdeNOUr DIGITAL PRODUCTs DEsIGNER | ErICA lAmPleY
Livability
Learn more about arts, culture, recreation, entertainment and all the other assets that make Wichita an outstanding place to live.
CHAIRmAN | GreG THUrmAN PREsIDENT/PUBLIsHER | BOb SCHwArtZmAN EXECUTIVE VICE PREsIDENT | RAY LANGeN SENIOR V.P./SALEs | TOdd POtter SENIOR V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPmENT | Jeff HeefNer SENIOR V.P./OPERATIONs | CAseY Hester V.P./SALEs | JAreK SweKOsKY V.P./CONTENT OPERATIONs | NAtAsHA LOreNs MEDIA TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR | CHrIstINA CArdeN PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR | JeffreY S. OttO wEB sERVICEs DIRECTOR | AllIsON dAVIs CONTROLLER | CHrIs DUdleY SENIOR ACCOUNTANT | LIsA OweNs ACCOUNTs PAYABLE COORDINATOR | MArIA McFArlANd ACCOUNTs RECEIVABLE COORDINATOR | DIANA IAfrAte IT DIRECTOR | DANIel CANtrell EXECUTIVE SECRETARY | KrIstY GIles HUmAN REsOURCEs MANAGER | PeGGY BlAKe
Top Employers
Find out who the major players are in the region.
Demographics
Drill down on the numbers behind the regions powerhouse economy with a full set of statistics and data.
Top Industries
Learn more about the key industry sectors and top companies that make the region work.
Photo Gallery & Videos

See unique faces, spaces and places presented in a whole new way courtesy of our team of award-winning photographers.
Metro Wichita Economic Development is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. FOR mORE INFORmATION, CONTACT: Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce 350 W. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67202 Phone: (316) 265-7771 www.wichitachamber.org www.gwedc.org VIsIT METRO WICHITA ECONOmIC DEVELOPmENT ONLINE AT BUsINEssCLImATE.COm/wICHITA Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Member The Association of Magazine Media Custom Content Council
Tablet
Take the region with you with a digital edition available for tablet viewing.
Member Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce
2 || METRO WICHITA
CONTENTs
WICHITA
METRO
ON THE COVER Downtown Wichita is known for its public art displays, including its Paragon sculpture located at Waterman Street and Main Street. The 38-foot-tall metal sculpture by Albert Paley celebrates Wichitas aviation heritage and American Indian roots. Photo by Michael Tedesco
2014 EDITION | VOLUMe 9
5 OVERVIEw
6 DIsCOVER 31 ECONOMIC PROFILE
32 12
All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste. PLEAsE
12
AVIaTION
WICHITA SOARs TO NEw HEIGHTs

Wichitas aviation industry taps rising domestic, global demand
20
EDUCaTION
RECYCLE THIs mAGAZINE
SKYs THE LIMIT
BUSINeSS CLIMaTe
20
28 36 41
TRaNSPORTaTION
TOOLED FOR SUCCEss

Area colleges, universities partner with local industries to strengthen the workforce
32
16
WELL CONNECTED
LIVabILITY
DOWNTOWN ReVITaLIZaTION
ENTRePReNeURSHIP
DOwNTOwN DRAw
Multimillion-dollar development projects transform Wichita into a destination city
THEREs AN APP FOR THAT
24
WICHITAs WONDERs
HeaLTHCARE
DeFeNSe
STAYING WITH THE WINGMAN
HEALTHY OUTLOOK
BUSINESSCLImATE.COm/wICHITA
|| 3
OVeRVIeW
LIVAbIlItY APPeAl, A smArt wOrKfOrCe ANd A VIbrANt dOwNtOwN tOP wICHItAs mANY AdVANtAGes
1. Livability. Forbes magazine
sector investors. 2013 saw the completion of the beautiful Kansas Leadership Center, which was the first new construction along the main thoroughfare through the downtown core in approximately 38 years. Greater Wichita Metro Area consists of nine counties, all marketed by the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition (GWEDC), including Butler, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Marion, Reno, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. The Wichita Metro Statistical Area the largest MSA in Kansas includes Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey, Sumner and Kingman counties.
Top 3 Reasons to Call Wichita Home
named Wichita No. 2 on its BestBang-for-the-Buck cities in 2013. With reasonable housing costs, low taxes and below average commute times, Wichita offers a high quality of life at a low cost to its residents. Home to basketballs 2013 Final Four Wichita State University Shockers, the city offers a plethora of shopping, cultural activities and entertainment, from opera to sporting events.
Nine-County Area. The
2. Workforce. Wichitas welltrained workforce has received numerous accolades. Recent studies reveal that 21 percent of all Wichita jobs are STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) jobs. Wichita also has the third highest concentration of engineers and ranks 4th among best cities for surgeons. With access to the 17 area colleges and universities, its no surprise the Air Capital of the World boasts a diverse, highly skilled workforce. 3. Downtown Revitalization. The
For More Information: Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce 350 West Douglas Avenue Wichita, KS 67211 (316) 265-7771 Wichitachamber.org
Greater Wichita Metro Area

15
Hillsboro
15
Marion
Wichita Metro Statistical Area
MA RI O N
50
14
96
61
Peabody
ans
Hutchinson
Ark
RE NO
17 14
96
as R
H A RVEY
96 296
Newton
196
77
177
135 254
Andover
235
35
LL
El Dorado
96
Kingman
Augusta
Wichita Downtown Development Corporation has helped bring millions of dollars to the heart of the city and continues to grow as a strong economic center and develop community-building cultural experiences. Since the implementation of the Downtown Master Plan in 2010, nearly $234 million has been invested in downtown projects, with $194 million coming from private
S E D GW I C K Wichita
2 15
Beaumont
K I N G M A N 14
49 14 2
BUT L E R
160
Harper Anthony
44
C OWLEY SUMNE R
Wellington
77 35
Wineld
HARPER
Arkansas City
Total Population: 755,089
N
|| 5
Discover Metro Wichita
THINGS TO DO
NATURAL ATTRACTIONs
Home to 117 parks and more than 4,000 acres of greenways, Wichita offers plenty of outdoor escapes for nature lovers. The city boasts more than 26 miles of bike paths that follow scenic routes like the one along the Arkansas River. Beauty and serenity abound at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, which has 25 themed gardens full of exotic flowers and plants native to Kansas. The gardens include a butterfly and pansy house, a

wildflower meadow, and a childrens garden that hosts puppet shows, storytelling and more. A Chinese garden and events center are also being built. Other must-see attractions in Wichita include: Exploration Place: Enjoy interactive exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to nanoscience at Sedgwick Countys Science and Discovery Center. Old Cowtown Museum: Take a wagon ride, watch cowboys in
action and journey back to the Wild West at one of the oldest living history museums in the Midwest. Sedgwick County Zoo: See Asian tigers, African elephants, red pandas and other wildlife in their natural habitats at the seventh largest zoo in the United States. City Arts: Browse local and regional art exhibits or take a painting class taught by a professional artist at this community arts center.
6 || WICHITA
BY THe NUMbeRS Aerospace products account for
SIGNaTURe bUSINeSSeS
RIsING STARs
From fast-growing franchises to one of the largest privately owned companies in the United States, Wichita is home to several firms with rapidly expanding empires, including six that made this years Inc. 5000 list. One of those is Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a 1950s-style restaurant chain known for its all-beef steakburgers and creamy custards. Freddys started in Wichita in 2002, and has already expanded to more than 100 locations across 20 states. Other notable businesses based in Wichita include: Koch Industries: A global holding company with ownership in a diverse portfolio of companies that range from manufacturing, trading and investments. Koch employs more than 2,900 locally and is expanding its Wichita headquarters to make room for more. Warren Theatres: A Wichita-based luxury movie theater operator with 120 screens in seven locations and counting across Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Cargill: Operates a state-of-the-art innovation lab in downtown Wichita that develops solutions for the food service leaders meat division.
10%
of total nonfarm employment, or 29,500 jobs, in Wichita. More than 350 aviation suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are based in the metro, which boasts a workforce of more than 8,000 engineers and technicians.
Source: Kansas Department of Labor
WHOS HeRe
AIR APPaRENT
Known as the Air Capital of the World, Wichita is home to five major aircraft companies, some of them industry pioneers who founded their operations here. Headquartered in Wichita, Spirit AeroSystems is the citys top aviation employer, with more than 11,000 workers who build a portion of every Boeing commercial airliner. Other top aviation employers in the area include: Cessna Aircraft: Founded in Wichita in 1927 by Clyde Cessna, this leading designer and manufacturer of light and midsize business jets, utility turboprops and singleengine aircraft operates two plants and has its corporate headquarters in Wichita, employing 4,980 locally. Beechcraft: Started by Walter Beech in Wichita in 1932, the aircraft maker, known for its King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft, employs 3,370 at its Wichita headquarters and manufacturing facilities. Bombardier Learjet: Maker of the Learjet developed by Bill Lear in Wichita in 1962, the aircraft manufacturer builds corporate jets, employing 3,400 in Wichita. Airbus Americas Engineering: The French aircraft maker operates an Engineering Design Center in downtown Wichita with 400 employees who work on the A380 and other long-range jetliners.
MaDe HeRe FaST FaCT Wichita ranks in the top
TAsTE OF sUCCEss
Nothing tastes quite as sweet as success for Wichita-based Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates. Known for its flavorful, decadent chocolates made from original recipes concocted by master chocolatier Beth Tully, the business has more than just a local following. Tully will soon open a second chocolate lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, that, like its Wichita establishment, will sell wine and gelato along with chocolate.
25%
of cities for small business vitality
Source: The Business Journals
|| 7
SkYs THE LImIT

PUBLIC-pRIvaTe paRTNeRSHIpS HeLp WICHITaS eCONOMY SOaR
WICHITA 8 || WICHITA
DOWNTOWN WICHITA: CRAIG HACKER
BUSINeSS CLIMaTe
C
By John Fuller
ollaboration among Wichitas leaders is bringing more jobs to the metro area. The citys central location, excellent transportation assets, skilled workforce and outstanding educational institutions make it an investment hot spot. And the region continues to build on its reputation as a probusiness community, known for its entrepreneurial climate and public-private partnerships. Site selectors across the country recognize the great public-private partnership in our community and appreciate the fact that we have a talented and
knowledgeable economic development team at the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition, says Gary Plummer, president and CEO of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. Managed by the chamber, the GWEDC partners with more than 185 organizations that support its business recruitment efforts and retention and expansion plans, and also markets the region.
Leadership Council Leads the Way

The chamber has also brought nearly 100 business and government leaders together to form
BUsINEssCLImATE.COm/wICHITA
|| 9
a Leadership Council that acts as a think tank focused on influencing change to create a brighter future for the area. The council is led by Charles Chandler, chairman and CEO of INTRUST Bank, and Jeff Turner, recently retired CEO of Spirit AeroSystems. Local community leaders are working together to set direction and leverage resources, and we are holding ourselves accountable for facilitating real progress, Chandler says. This kind of cooperation is vital to overcome the challenges of todays economy, Turner adds. There are complicated issues, so it takes the leaders of every type of organization to be engaged and working together, and, most importantly, lending their leadership and their voice to the effort, Turner says. Efforts to attract more investment from high-tech manufacturers and firms are paying off. In 2013, the Brookings Institution ranked Wichita 22nd among
the 100 largest metropolitan areas for the percentage of jobs it offers involving science, technology, engineering or math. And in 2012, Brookings ranked Wichita No. 1 in manufacturing jobs and No. 3 in manufacturing jobs classified as very high tech. Sedgwick County was also recently recognized by Fourth Economy Consulting as the second most ideally positioned community to attract modern investment and managed economic growth in the next economic era in America. Without a doubt, our existing companies attribute their success to the workforce in the region, says Tim Chase, president of the GWEDC. Additionally, the Wichita region has many of the most talented manufacturing and design engineers in the world. We are working with local and national experts to diversify within the growing aerospace sector as
Rise in per capita income in Wichita

$36,939 $38,568 $36,783
Kansas Tax Advantages

Personal income tax based on a simple two-bracket system (3.0% and 4.9%.), with additional rate reductions scheduled through 2018 No Kansas personal income tax on non-wage business income of partnerships, limited liability corporations, S corporations and sole proprietorships Expensing deductions on machinery and equipment Property tax exemptions for business machinery and equipment newly purchased, leased or moved into Kansas, along with exemptions on merchant and manufacturer business inventories
2009
2010
2011
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
ECONOMIC DeVeLOPMeNT-FOCUSeD ORGaNIZaTIONS IN MeTRO WICHITa
Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition, 350 W. Douglas St., Wichita, Kan., 67202, (316) 268-1128, www.gwedc.org City of Wichita Economic Development, 455 N. Main St., 13th Floor, Wichita, Kan., 67202, (316) 268-4524, www.economicdevelopment.wichita.gov Sedgwick County, 525 N. Main St., Wichita, Kan., 67203, (316) 268-1139, www.sedgwickcounty.org Kansas Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 9041, Wichita, Kan., 67277-9041, (316) 655-7055, www.kansascommerce.com

Center for Economic Development and Business Research, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, Kan., 67260, (316) 978-3225, www.cedbr.org Kansas Global Trade Services, East 1st St., Ste. 200, Wichita, Kan., 67202, (316) 264-5982, www.kansasglobal.org Downtown Wichita Development Corporation, 507 E. Douglas St., Wichita, Kan., 67202, (316) 264-6005, www.downtownwichita.org Regional Economic Area Partnership of South Central Kansas, 300 W. Douglas, Suite 850, Wichita, Kan., 67202, (316) 771-6613, www.reap-ks.org
10 || WICHITA
well as nonaviation composites, advanced manufacturing and advanced materials, Chase continues. Were also working on a strategy to capitalize on what I believe will be a new wave of manufacturing in America.
New Investment, Expansions

Efforts to diversify the economy have resulted in some exciting recent expansions and relocations to the region. Aviation supplier Triumph Aerospace Systems announced plans for a $2 million expansion to its production center, which will add 100 new jobs to its current 180-employee facility over the next five years. In addition, Starwood Hotels and Resorts opened a new customer contact center in Wichita in August 2013, with plans to hire about 150 workers by years end a number that could grow to 950 by 2018. We found that the workforce in the Wichita area fits our needs very well, says Jessica Nelsons, vice president of Starwoods North American customer contact centers. Starwood also was impressed with the outstanding educational institutions in the region, she says.
Other recent corporate investments include T-Mobile, which is adding 84 new jobs to its call center; German plastics manufacturer Reifenhauser Inc., which is relocating its North American headquarters to Wichita from the East Coast; and planned facility expansions by NetApp, Koch Industries, Airbus Americas Engineering, Bombardier Learjet and High Touch Technologies. Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and the state government are also cooperating with Wichitas businesses, enacting new laws to reduce operating costs for companies operating in Kansas. Legislators have a multiyear plan to make Kansas one of the worlds lowest cost and highest talent locations for doing business. The legislature is also reforming the states income tax code, a move projected to save Kansas businesses and residents more than $4 billion in the next decade. The attitude of state and local government toward business is very positive, says Barby Jobe, vice president of government relations for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. Business is a valued partner by both state and local entities in moving the community and state forward, she adds.
AVIaTION
Beechcrafts King Air 350i aircraft are used by pilots, companies and governments in more than 100 countries.
12 || WICHITA
WICHITA SoArs To nEW HEIgHTs
T
By Bill Lewis
WICHItAs AVIAtION INdUstrY tAPs rIsING dOmestIC, GlObAl demANd

JR Custom Metal Products, Inc., which is undergoing a $3 million expansion, and Galaxy Technologies, which is adding new equipment, space and workers to its Winfield facility. Other institutions that make Wichita unique in the aviation industry include the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), a leader in cuttingedge research and development in the field, and the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT), which offers high-tech training to thousands of workers. There is a great and long-standing heritage of aircraft manufacturing, aviation suppliers and a highly skilled workforce in the Air Capital of the World, says Shawn Vick, executive vice president
he future course of aviation is being charted in Wichita. Innovators in the city helped create the newest Airbus airliner, and others are manufacturing the largest Bombardier Learjet ever made, the newest training aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and the Navy, and the newest single-engine and business jet models. Airbus, Bombardier Learjet, Beechcraft and Cessna are all part of an extensive network of aviation manufacturers and suppliers whose expertise distinguishes Wichita in the industry. Their growth has a ripple effect on suppliers such as
Aviation Research Leader

33%
$42 million
Amount of aerospace and aeronautical R&D spending at Wichita State University
3rd 29,500
Number of Wichita workers engaged in aviation-related enterprises Rank of Wichita State University among all U.S. universities for aeronautical and astronautical engineering research dollars spent
Percentage of global general-aviation deliveries from Wichita aircraft manufacturers
Source: National Science Foundation, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Kansas Department of Labor
STaFF pHOTOS BY Michael Tedesco
BUSINESSCLImATE.COm/wICHITA ||
13
Airbus expanded its Old Town facility by 10,000 square feet in 2013.
for Beechcraft Corp. This aviation network has been greatly enhanced by the addition of resources like the National Center for Aviation Training.
Demand Growing
Beechcraft sees a bright future for all of its products, including special mission aircraft like the T-6 trainer and the AT-6 light attack aircraft and its popular Bonanza, Baron and King Air aircraft. The company won a $18.6 million Department of Defense contract to provide training aircraft to the
U.S. military, supporting a military fleet of King Air 350 ER aircraft. Its leaders believe growth in military spending in the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America and Asia will further increase demand for the T-6 and the AT-6. Beechcrafts civilian products are also popular. In 2013, the company secured the largest propeller aircraft order in the history of civilian general aviation when Wheels Up, a new private aviation company, ordered up to 105 King Air 350i aircraft. In mid-2013, Beechcraft delivered its 4,000th Model 36 Bonanza, the longest continuously produced aircraft in history. More than 18,000 Model 35, 33 and 36 Bonanzas have been delivered since 1947. Wichita has been home to Beechcraft for more than 80 years, and we are proud to continue developing, manufacturing and delivering our diversified product line of business turbine aircraft, trainers and special mission offerings to emerging global markets from here in Kansas, Vick says. Not far from Beechcraft, a team at Airbus Americas Engineering helped develop the newest and most advanced Airbus airliner ever built, the A350 XWB. The midsize, long-range aircraft will compete with Boeings 777 and the 787 Dreamliner. About 150 of Airbus 400 employees in Wichita contributed to the design and analysis of the A350s wing and structural components.
EMPLOYMeNT aND WaGeS FOR THe AVIaTION/AeROSPaCe INDUSTRY IN WICHITa
Profession Aerospace Engineers Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Machinists Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers and Weighers
Workers Average Annual Salary % of U.S. Average 2,860 1,810 2,190 1,700 $92,140 $53,790 $42,100 $46,630 88.7% 98.7% 103.9% 127.1%
Source: 2012 Aerospace Industry Competitiveness Study by the Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Business Research
Material of the Future

Composites, lighter and more durable materials than aluminum, are a key part of the future of Wichitas aviation industry. Twenty years ago, composite components made up less than 15 percent of the average aircraft. By 2017, that number is expected to rise to 85 percent, says Greg Frye, president of Wichita-based Fiber Dynamics Inc., which designs and fabricates composite components for the aviation market. Wichita is helping lead the industrys transition into composite technology, Frye says. We are the Air Capital of the World, where design engineers are increasingly using composites and where a knowledgeable workforce with a passionate work ethic is making that transition a reality, he says. Another community entity, the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), is also helping propel use of the technology. NIAR is one of 13 test laboratories in the United States accredited to test composites and other nonmetallic materials.

14 || WICHITA
Airbus Americas Engineering continues to grow in Wichita. When the company expanded its facilities in 2010, it expected to increase employment to around 300 people. It quickly surpassed that number and now employs 400 people in the city. To accommodate that growth, Airbus took additional space in Old Town. Wichita has a wealth of aircraft experience, says Airbus Vice President John OLeary. In particular, it brings the balance of engineering expertise with aircraft know-how. That is to say, folks in Wichita know how to produce an aircraft that is safe, reliable and manufacturable. In addition, there is strong support for business from both public officials and organizations such as the chamber and Wichita State University, he says. Just look at NCAT for a perfect example of publicprivate cooperation in Wichita.
Industry Rebounds
As the light and midsize jet market continues to rebound from the recession, Bombardier Learjet is adding new models the Learjet 70, 75 and 85. All are being produced in Wichita. To prepare for production of the Learjet 85 the largest Learjet ever manufactured the company is investing in a $50 million-plus expansion of its Wichita facilities,
says Peggy Gross, the companys public relations and communications director. The company is creating more than 1,000 jobs, bringing total employment at the Wichita facility to about 3,400, Gross says. This is the largest expansion in the history of Bombardier Learjet, she says. Through the years, buildings have been added, but not in (this) volume of increase. At Spirit AeroSystems, innovators are working to improve manufacturing processes, reduce aircraft weight and cut costs. The company is one of the largest non-OEM designers and manufacturers of military, commercial, business and regional jets in the world. Much of that work is taking place within Spirits ShadowWorks technology development program, a significant, long-term investment in development of next-generation aerospace products and the processes that create them. ShadowWorks also provides R&D services for government and defense entities and aerospace manufacturers and tier-one suppliers. Spirit, which has about 11,000 employees in Wichita, provides components for Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier Learjet and other jet manufacturers. Every Boeing commercial aircraft in production has Spirit hardware on board, as does a majority of the Airbus fleet.
AVIaTION INNOVaTION
Launching Technology
WICHItA stUdeNts, fIrms desIGN AIrCrAft Of tHe fUtUre
Throughout the history of aviation, ideas and products born in Wichita have made flying safer and more efficient. Now the citys innovators are doing the same for a new generation of aircraft that leave pilots and passengers on the ground. UAVs Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are the focus of groundbreaking research and development being conducted by Wichita State University and its National Institute of Aviation Research, as well as local aerospace firms, such as Fiber Dynamics Inc. UAVs, also known as drones, are widely used by the military. But they have civilian applications that are expected to grow even if Department of Defense spending declines. DOD spending is only one component of a large and growing industry, says John Tomblin, executive director of NIAR, which tests materials and components used in UAVs, as well as the aircraft itself. WSUs Human Factors Lab has also been working on UAVs, designing ground control interface systems for pilots and sensor operators. Economic reports still indicate continued growth for the UAV industry, especially in markets like agriculture, emergency response and environmental assessment, Tomblin says. The FAA continues to support growth in the UAV market, and the DOD will still have a need to maintain the current UAV fleet and train operators. UAVs can also be used to inspect fields from the air to determine where to drop fertilizer, to monitor power and gas lines, or to stop floodwaters from spreading during natural disasters. At Fiber Dynamics, about 35 percent of the companys work is UAV related and that market is growing. A large amount of funding has been diverted to the mission of drones, both in combat and surveillance activity, says president Greg Frye. The drone represents a costeffective way to address the worldwide threats that we are facing today, Frye adds. Wars are not fought in the traditional manner, and as a result it has given need to the role of the UAV. Bill Lewis
|| 15
ENTRePReNeURSHIP
Theres an App for That
TeCHNOlOGY stArtUPs tHrIVe wItH sUPPOrt frOm WICHItA StAte UNIVersItY reseArCH PrOGrAms
By Gary Wollenhaupt magine a smartphone app that can measure a persons heart rate from a distance. Or the power of a device that unites the communications hardware for phones, Internet and security systems into a box. These are just a few of the hightech products being developed in Wichitas community of entrepreneurs, many of whom are getting their start through Wichita State Universitys new technology transfer initiatives. WSU funded more than $50 million in research in 2012, ranging from bioscience, chemistry and engineering to mathematics, physics and ancient civilizations. Additionally, the university ranks third among all U.S. universities in aeronautical research and development expenditures and first in industry funding for aeronautical R&D. Under new president Dr. John Bardo, Wichita State University has taken a leading role in spurring innovation among local entrepreneurial firms, as well as among faculty and students with research and development ideas. Bardo recently established a new tech transfer office with a goal of launching more tech-driven startups from the university. Faculty members who want to develop an idea must file a disclosure. Over the past three years, WSU had 14 disclosures, but over the past year its had 17, says John Tomblin, WSUs interim vice president for research and technology transfer and executive director of the National Institute for Aviation Research. Its really changing the attitudes here to be entrepreneurially focused, Tomblin says.
Hidden Gem for Startups

WSUs initiative is already working. Two Wichita State researchers developed the heart rate app and have filed a patent for it. The consolidated
16 || WICHITA
WICHITa eNTRePReNeURS DeLVe INTO DIGITaL The development of applications for smartphone and mobile devices is one of the fastest growing areas of innovation in the technology market and several Wichita-based entrepreneurs are getting in on the action. App developers in the Wichita metro include Fireshark Studios, creator of Alien Frenzy, and Jonathan George, who along with co-founders David McGraw and Dominic Flask, developed Evomail (pictured at left), an app available for the iPad, iPhone and Android that enhances the features and functions of email. The app is the second one developed by George, who also launched and built Boxcar, a push notification app for Twitter, e-mail and Facebook messages that he recently sold to a Paris-based firm. Wichita State University is also experimenting with apps. Two students in WSUs Human Innovation Lab recently developed Heart R8, an app that enables any web-cam enabled computer, smartphone or tablet to measure heart rate by tracking miniscule changes in the color of a persons face as his or her pulse rises. The technology doesnt require patients to be hooked up to electrodes, and it could help physicians determine the heart rate of patients from miles away.
Support for Startups

WSU recently launched Growing Rural Businesses, an 11-week certificate program designed to help entrepreneurs and small-business owners with the challenges of running a small business in a rural location. NetWork Kansas has also established an entrepreneurship community in Wichita to provide loans for startups and small-business owners, specifically in areas where the poverty level is below 20 percent. A group of local professionals will consider loan requests from entrepreneurs looking to supplement seed money from other sources or bridge gaps in funding to get their ventures off the ground. FOUNDeD IN WICHITa
Wichita has always been known for its spirit of entrepreneurship. Companies started here include: Beechcraft Cessna Coleman Corporate Lodging Consultants Freddys Frozen Custard and Steakburgers Koch Industries Learjet Nitride Solutions Pizza Hut Pulse Systems, Inc. Rent-A-Center Value Place Vornado || 17
communications device will be marketed by Ulterius Technologies, an information technology startup cofounded by Alex Cavgalar, a WSU graduate from Turkey and a 2013 Fellow of Pipeline, a program that supports entrepreneurs in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. Cavgalar received help from his Ph.D. advisers in creating the algorithms for the device and utilized WSUs Advanced Networking Research Institute
for development help. Cavgalar found the support in Wichita comparable to resources available to startups in bigger entrepreneurial hotbeds. I think Wichita and the Midwest overall have been overlooked, he says. There is a lot of talent here, and there is a tremendous amount of resources available to help startups. That makes the Midwest a hidden gem. Another invention is brewing
in the Advanced Networking Research Institutes Cisco Technical Research Center at WSU, which focuses on researching, designing and improving networks. The center is working on the Internet of Things, billions of wireless sensors connecting people and machines in a constant flow of information. Students are experimenting with water sensors in plantings around campus that are designed to signal how much water each one needs. Volunteers from a
Students work to advance aviation technology in labs at WSUs National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).
There is a lot of talent here, and there is a tremendous amount of resources available to help startups. That makes the Midwest a hidden gem.
18 || WICHITA
Alex Cavgalar, a WSU graduate from Turkey and a 2013 Fellow of Pipeline
variety of disciplines are working on the project, which is funded through federal grants and support from the Cisco center, as well as local data storage provider NetApp. The project has the potential to position WSU at the forefront of this research, building on its strong graduate computer science program as students present the technology to attendees at industry and academic conferences.
A Local Favorite
Leading Edge
WSU has expertise not only in developing businesses based on computer networking, aerospace, biology, chemistry and engineering, but also in launching more traditional business startups. WSU institutions such as the Center for Innovation and Enterprise Engagement (CIEE) and the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) also promote innovation. CIEE offers grants for firms doing research and development in composites and advanced materials. NIAR is supporting work in developing composites for biomedical uses, such as orthopedic splints used for battlefield injuries. From the standpoint of a faculty member or somebody from our community who has an idea they want to develop, we want them to know Wichita State is the place where they have the resources to do that, Tomblin says.
Complimentary wireless Internet 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space Heated indoor pool and whirlpool Only hotel at Wichitas Mid-Continent Airport Legends Restaurant and Lounge on site with daily specials
ENTREPR
ENEURSH
IP
Theres an App for That
TECHNOLOGY STARTUPS THRIVE WITH SUPPORT FROM WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROGRAMS
magine a smartphon e app that can mathematic measure a s, physics and persons heart ancient to civilization s. Additionall develop an idea rate from a distance. y, the must file Or the power university ranks third disclosure. Over the past a among all of a device U.S. universities three that years, WSU in aeronautica had 14 disclosures, the communica unites research and l but over the tions developmen hardware for past year its t expenditure phones, Internet had 17, says John Tomblin, s and first in and security industry vice funding for systems into WSUs interim aeronautica president for a box. These are just l R&D. research and Under new technology president Dr. tech products a few of the hightransfer and Bardo, Wichita John being developed executive director of the in Wichitas State University National Institute has taken a community for Aviation leading of entrepreneu Research. spurring innovation role in rs, many of Its really changing whom are getting among local their entrepreneu here to be entrepreneuthe attitudes rial Wichita State start through among faculty firms, as well as rially Universitys focused, Tomblin and students new technology says. research and transfer initiatives. with developmen WSU funded t ideas. Hidden Gem Bardo recently more than for Startups established $50 million tech transfer a new in research office with WSUs initiative in 2012, ranging a goal of launching from bioscience, is already working. more chemistry and tech-driven Two Wichita startups from engineering State researchers the university. to developed the Faculty members heart rate app who want 16 || WICHITA and have filed a patent for it. The consolidate d
By Gary Wollenhaup
WICHITA ENTREPRE NEURS DELVE INTO DIGITAL The development of applications devices is one for smartphone of the fastest and mobile growing areas technology market and of several Wichita-baseinnovation in the are getting in on the action. d entrepreneur App developers include Fireshark s in the Wichita Studios, creator metro George, who of Alien Frenzy, along and Jonathan Flask, developed with co-founders David McGraw and Evomail (pictured Dominic iPad, iPhone at left), an app and Android available for that enhances functions of the the features email. The app and is the second George, who one developed also launched by and built Boxcar, app for Twitter, e-mail and a push notification Facebook messages sold to a Paris-based that he recently firm. Wichita State University is also experimentin students in WSUs Human g with apps. Innovation Two Heart R8, an Lab recently app that enables developed smartphone any web-cam or tablet to enabled computer, measure heart changes in rate by tracking the color of a persons face miniscule The technology as his or her pulse doesnt require rises. electrodes, patients to and it could be hooked help physicians up to rate of patients determine the from miles away. heart
WSU recently launched Growing and small-busine Rural Businesses, ss owners with an 11-week also established the challenges certificate program an entrepreneur of running a designed to specifically small business ship community in areas where in a rural location. help entrepreneur s in Wichita to the poverty requests from provide loans NetWork Kansas level is below entrepreneur for startups 20 percent. has s looking to get their ventures and small-busine A group of supplement off the ground. local professionals ss owners, seed money from other will consider sources or loan bridge gaps in funding to FOUNDED Wichita has IN WICHITA always
Support for Startups
Beechcraft Cessna Coleman Corporate Lodging Consultants
been known
for its spirit of
entrepreneu rship. Companies started here Freddys Frozen include: Custard and Steakburge Pizza Hut rs Pulse Systems, Rent-A-Center Value Place Vornado Inc.
Koch Industries Learjet Nitride Solutions
BUSINESSCLIM
ATE.COM/WICH
ITA
|| 17
DIGITaL MaGaZINe Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends.
2098 Airport Rd. (316) 945-5272

www.wichitaairport.doubletree.com
Wichita Area Technical College (WATC) offers aviation-related certificates and degrees.
20 || WICHITA
EDUCaTION
Tooled for Success
AreA COlleGes, UNIVersItIes PArtNer wItH lOCAl INdUstrIes tO streNGtHeN tHe wOrKfOrCe
F
By Fred Jerant
rom manufacturing firms to small businesses, employers across the U.S. are struggling to find qualified employees who have the education, training and skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Fortunately, schools, colleges and universities in the Wichita area are already taking steps to meet this need by teaming up with industries to provide additional training for employees, while also developing programs to build a formidable workforce for the future. One of those initiatives is Achieve Kansas, a cooperative program between nearly two dozen area colleges designed to increase the number of workers with degrees and other credentials over the next year. Achieve Kansas encourages companies to help employees
complete their postsecondary studies. We explain the economic impact that degreed persons can have on the region and on their own businesses, says Renee Anderson, manager of community development for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. Its a customized approach; employers can subsidize tuition, books and fees, offer flex time or permit on-site classes whatever works for them.
Firms Help Train Workforce

Partnering with industries to provide students with top-notch training for jobs in the area has long been part of the educational approach at Wichita State University (WSU). WSU operates the largest cooperative education program in Kansas, placing students from every department in careers across
the city through its Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning. WSU is also incorporating products and knowledge from NetApp Inc., a computer storage and data management firm with a local campus, into its management information systems classes. Learning labs sponsored by the company give students real-world experience, and employees even contribute to on-campus instruction. WSUs National Institute for Aviation Research employs 150 engineering students who work daily with Spirit AeroSystems, Bombardier Learjet, Beeachcraft and other local aviation clients in research and development labs that specialize in everything from composites and advanced materials to computer-aided design and manufacturing. Headquartered in Wichita,
|| 21
This training is valuable because skills in robotic systems and applications apply to many industrial settings, academic leaders say. WATC also leads the National Aviation Consortium a network of community colleges across five states that is working to develop a nationally standardized curriculum that will prepare graduates to work at any aviation or aerospace company.
Technology, DualEnrollment Programs

High-tech education in Wichita isnt limited to manufacturing. A partnership between MindFire Academy and Bethany College supplements the liberal arts education media arts students receive with a thorough grounding in 3-D computer animation, digital filmmaking, video game design and audio recording arts. The satellite campus includes the regions only fully functional motion-capture stage. Even as early as high school, students in Wichita are encouraged to get a head start on sharpening their tech skills. Senate Bill 155 provides high school students with free tuition for select courses at technical and community colleges. It lets them explore career opportunities without making a long-term commitment, says Butler Colleges Rodriguez. These dual-enrollment programs are a big reason behind WATCs recent 25-percent jump in enrollment, according to Joe Ontjes, director of marketing and student services. Taking its commitment to help students succeed in the workplace even further, WATC also hosts career fairs, issues weekly notices of job openings and provides extensive counseling and guidance services for students. Those efforts are already paying off WATC boasts a 97 percent success rate at placing students in jobs.
WATC offers robotics classes that prepare students to work in any industrial setting.
High Touch Technologies is working with Butler Community College to provide advanced tech training for students at the schools Center for Technology and Advancement. The college contributes instructors and curriculum, while High Touch provides instruction space, hardware software and support for the center, which offers full-day, noncredit courses in popular business software. The program is intended to help

participants become better suited for employment opportunities, says Dr. Roberto Rodriguez, dean of Butlers division of career and technical education and its advanced technology center. Students now have the opportunity to earn technical certificates and associate degrees in robotics, thanks to a joint program administered by the Midwest Robotics Initiative Council and Wichita Area Technical College (WATC).
22 || WICHITA
MeDICaL TRaINING
Positive Prognosis
KU SCHOOl Of MedICINe-WICHItA fIlls rUrAl Need fOr dOCtOrs
The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita sets a high standard for its medical training. The American Medical College recently ranked the school sixth in the U.S. for sending family practice physicians into the medical field. Since expanding from a two-year to a four-year program in 2011, KUSM-Wichita has more than tripled its enrollment. In the past, medical students trained for two years at KUs main campus in Kansas City before gaining clinical experience in Wichita. Since debuting its four-year program in Wichita, the medical school has grown its ranks from eight first-year students to 28. The school could eventually enroll up to 200 students, says Denice Bruce, director of public affairs for KUSM-Wichita. One of the goals of the four-year program is to increase the number of doctors across the state, particularly in rural southwest Kansas, where the per capita supply of physicians is lower than the national average at 108 doctors per 100,000 residents. KUs medical program in Wichita works closely with Wesley Medical Center, Via Christi Health and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, and includes a rural community rotation that allows future doctors to train at hospitals, clinics or doctors offices in surrounding rural areas. Fred Jerant
DeFeNSe
Staying With the Wingman

WICHItAs sUPPOrt HelPs MCCONNell AIr FOrCe BAse rIse tO tHe tOP
W
By Marc Acton

ichitas business community has never been more diverse. But of all of its industries, none has as much impact as its longtime leader: aviation. And in the aviation business, no single entity shapes the economy and quality of life more than McConnell Air Force Base. Even in todays tough economy, McConnell continues to drive (or fly) Wichita toward success, says Pat Gallagher, the military liaison for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce for the past 20 years. Go back and look at McConnell in 2007 and 2008 the economic impact of the base was around $410 million, Gallagher says. In 2012,
it was $619 million within a 50-mile radius of the base. So you see a constant increase of that economic impact. Even in a down economy, McConnell has been good for Wichita. The story of the defense industrys relationship with Wichita is about more than just dollars and cents; its a connection that has had a defining effect on the community. Locals welcome servicemen and women with open arms, says Air Force Master Sgt. Brannen Parish, who has served at McConnell for the past three years. One day, I was sitting at a drive-thru at a local fast-food restaurant (in uniform), and when I got to the window, the woman in front of me had paid my bill, he recalls. In Wichita, soldiers are treated to gestures like that all the time, Parish says.
24 || WICHITA
PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. AIR FORcE PHOTO/AIRMaN 1ST CLaSS JOHN LINZMEIER
A B-2 Spirit detaches from a McConnell-based KC-135 Stratotanker that conducts air refueling and airlift operations worldwide.
Ive served about 18 years, and I dont think Ive ever had so many events like that occur, he says.
A Healthy Respect
The relationship between the base and Wichita is not a marriage of convenience; its one of mutual respect, Parish adds. I really dont believe you can think of McConnell Air Force Base and the Wichita area as two separate entities, he says. The civilian employees, Air Force reservists, Air National guardsmen and many of the active duty airmen are really part of the communitys fabric. Gallagher knows firsthand how deep the relationship between military and civilian life runs in Wichita.

Its a real emotional connection it truly is, she says. Wichita is just a great place to live. We have enormous community support through the Friends of McConnell organization and so many others. We hear again and again from our military families that McConnell is the best assignment in the Air Force. That history, along with McConnells operational excellence, makes Wichita ideal for continued growth of the base. In April 2013, the Air Force selected McConnell as the preferred main operating base for a new fleet of in-air KC-46A refueling tankers, further solidifying McConnells presence in the area.
McConnells New Mission

The KC-46As will fly out of Wichita, supporting Air Force missions around the world and taking
25
New Hotel Located in the Heart of All That is Wichita!
Modern Style | Classic Service

104 S. Broadway | Wichita, KS 67202
316.239.7100
www.ambassadorhotelcollection.com
26 || WICHITA
An airman prepares for a mission at McConnell.
advantage of one reason the city first became known as the Air Capital of the World during the late 1920s its central location. Gallagher says the award of the tanker fleet should ensure McConnells continued contribution to south central Kansas for years to come, creating new jobs,
MILITaRY-FRIeNDLY COMMUNITY
increasing demand for infrastructure and building upon Wichitas reputation as a defense and aviation leader. These new programs lend a degree of economic certainty to the area, she says. We are very, very fortunate. Parish adds yet another reason for Wichitas enduring influence in the defense business. (While they serve), airmen gain sought-after technical skills that can benefit the aviation industry, he says. After six or more years, you have a man or woman who has been trained by the Air Force, and that airman has put that training to use outside the classroom in an operational environment thats a desirable employee. Building a homegrown workforce with such a high level of training and expertise is guaranteed to keep Wichitas reputation as a force in the defense business secure. And as more contracts are awarded and the bond between Wichitas military and civilian populations strengthens, both the base and the city are poised to soar to even greater heights.
22nd Air Refueling Wing

Mission: Conduct air refueling and airlift operations supporting national objectives worldwide using the KC-135 Stratotanker. Provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as the aircraft of allied nations Employs: Approximately 2,939 active-duty military members as well as 502 civilian employees Economic impact: $619 million locally
PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. AIR FORcE PHOTO/STaFF SGT. JESS LOcKOSKI
Discover more about Wichitas defense industry at businessclimate.com/wichita.
Suited for Service

DerbY welCOmes mIlItArY fAmIlIes wItH OPeN Arms
How does a small Wichita suburb get ranked among the countrys best towns for families? For the community of Derby, home to approximately 22,943 people and located about 12 miles outside of Wichita, the answer was simple: invest in education and quality of life. Weve had a very conservative history of governance, says Allison Moeding, economic development director for the city of Derby. Both our school district and city council have been very cautious with incentives. Theyve tried to focus on those quality-of-life issues that are important to families and that has put us in a position where weve been able to grow. Those quality-of-life investments in schools, dozens of parks, and miles of hiking and biking pathways all things young families care about have helped Derby become the first-choice suburb for thousands of McConnell Air Force Base families.

But Derby doesnt just take those airmen (and their tax dollars) in; locals also give back. From annual fundraising events like the National Barbecue Derby competition that benefits area servicemen and women and their families to the chamber of commerces efforts to help families find military discounts with local businesses, no Wichita community does more to support McConnell and its people. With its relationship with McConnell as its foundation, Derby has also developed a growing retail and restaurant scene, serving airmen, locals and shoppers from surrounding areas. The citys efforts to boost business, recreation and culture are paying off. Derby was recently named Most Playful City USA community by KaBOOM! for the third consecutive year just another accolade that is earning the city recognition on the national map. Marc Acton
27
TRaNSPORTaTION
WEll ConnECTEd
WICHItAs trANsPOrtAtION NetwOrK Offers strAteGIC ACCess tHAt KeePs GettING better
Wichita Mid-Continent Airports $160 million expansion will better accommodate passengers and celebrate the citys aviation heritage.

28 || WICHITA
W
By Kevin Litwin
ith manufacturing as a major contributor to the area economy, Wichita continues to evolve as a vital trucking hub for warehousing and distribution. More than 15 trucking companies have logistics terminals in the area, due in large part to convenient access to Interstate 35, as well as I-70 to the north via I-135 and I-40 to the south via I-235. Wichitas location in the geographic middle of the U.S. is near several large population markets. The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is 170 miles southeast of Wichita, while the Port of Kansas City is 200 miles to the northeast. Both ports afford access to the Mississippi River for shipping products nationwide and globally.
The airports new terminal will include 12 gates, a new parking garage and a covered rental-car facility.
On the Right Track

Also contributing to the transportation network in Wichita are two Class I railroads BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad which both pass through the city. Class III carriers Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Kansas South Western and Southern Kansas & Oklahoma also serve the region. As for passenger rail service, Wichita hasnt had any since 1979, but that could change. Amtrak and the Kansas Department of Transportation are
studying the feasibility of providing service between Oklahoma City and Wichita, especially since a track is already in place from Oklahoma City to Newton, just 40 miles north of Wichita. Wichita Vice Mayor Pete Meitzner says transportation officials are examining engineering and environmental issues associated with such a project. Past studies show that an Amtrak line from Oklahoma City to Wichita would be used by 200,000 passengers a year, Meitzner says. A big reason is that Wichita has a large aviation industry, and the industry is also evolving in Oklahoma City. More than 300 suppliers in the Wichita area
AIR TRaVeL aFFORDabILITY RISeS IN WICHITa
City Wichita Oklahoma City Tulsa
3rd Quarter 2000 (Average Fare) $422 $311 $308
3rd Quarter 2012 (Average Fare) $379 $402 $431
2000-2012 % Change -10% +29% +38.9
Source: U.S. Bureau of Transportation

29
WICHITaS TRaNSPORTaTION NeTWORK
Highways: Access to I-70 to the north via I-135 and access to 1-40 to the south via I-235 Rail: Two Class I providers, including BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad; three Class III providers, including Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Kansas South Western and Southern Kansas & Oklahoma Airports: Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, Colonel James Jabara Airport Ports: 170 miles from the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and 200 miles from the Port of Kansas City, both of which offer access to the Mississippi River Other assets: Sedgwick County Foreign Trade Zone
travel the I-35 corridor to supply companies in Oklahoma City. The two cities also share mutual oil and gas interests, Meitzner adds. There are many oil and gas exploration connections from northern Oklahoma stretching to south central Kansas, he says. So in the future, instead of driving or flying the 160 miles between the two cities, executives and other rail passengers could use their iPhones, iPads and other electronics to productively work during the train trip.
More Air Access

While the transportation network in the area continues to evolve and create even more potential for business, Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is also expanding. To better accommodate passengers, the largest airport in Kansas is in the midst of a $160 million project that will ultimately replace the current terminal with a new 12-gate terminal, along with a new parking garage and covered rental car facility. Mid-Continents new terminal will become the airline gateway to the state of Kansas, and will be the first and last impression of Wichita for visitors to the entire region, says Valerie Wise, air service and business development manager for

the Wichita Airport Authority. The new building will extend loading bridges protecting passengers from the elements at all 12 gates, and passengers should notice improved traffic flow through the terminal building, which is designed to increase airline efficiency. In June 2013, Mid-Continent welcomed Southwest Airlines to the Wichita market, with the nations largest domestic carrier providing two daily flights to Dallas Love Field, two daily flights to Chicago Midway and one daily flight to Las Vegas. United Express also added daily nonstop service between Wichita and Los Angeles International Airport, with flights provided by its regional partner SkyWest Airlines. Additionally, Mid-Continent has modernized all of its fueling facilities and added two new hangars for private aircraft. A shortage of hangar space has recently been resolved with new 10,000-square-foot units available for long-term leasing. Topping off its logistics appeal, the city is also home to the Sedgwick County Foreign Trade Zone, an area where foreign goods bound for international destinations can be temporarily stored without incurring an import duty.
30 || WICHITA
EConomIC ProfIlE
National: Cincinnati, OH 300,000 Wichita, KS St. Louis, MO-IL Kansas City, MO-KS
Cost of Living
Wichita, KS:
Omaha, NE
90.9
Dallas, TX:
Kansas City, MO-KS:
100.5
Denver, CO:
200,000
94.9
100,000
103.2
0 Source: National Association of Realtors (Q1-2013)
Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Survey (Q1-2013)
Wichita Leads in Manufacturing Employment as a Percentage of Total Workforce

18.5%
Wichita, KS
11.7%
Tulsa, OK
8.9%
National
8.5%
Dallas, TX
7.2%
Kansas City, MO-KS
5.9%
Oklahoma City, OK
Dallas, TX
National
100
5.1%
Denver, CO
Source: Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012)
THIS SECtION IS SPONSORED BY
Denver, CO
$345,000
Colorado Springs, CO
City of Wichita: 385,577 Wichita MSA: 636,105 Greater Wichita Metro Area: 755,089
Civilian Labor Force for Wichita MSA (2012)
307,143
Los Angeles Area, CA
Population (2012)
Labor Force
Median Sales Price for Pre-Owned Single-Family Home
DOWNTOWN ReVITaLIZaTION
Downtown Draw
MUltImIllION-dOllAr deVelOPmeNt PrOjeCts trANsfOrm WICHItA INtO A destINAtION CItY
J
By Laura Hill

eff Fluhr has a clear vision of what Wichita will be in the next few years and hes doing everything he can to make that a reality. He sees more downtown residents, some 8- to 10-story mixed-use buildings, more restaurants and shops, and a fully connected, walkable downtown. He imagines more public art. A new public library. In short, a vibrant city tuned into the needs and dreams of its citizens. Wichita is a great city with a lot to offer, says Fluhr, president of the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation, which coordinates much of downtowns booming growth. Because of what the private sector is willing to do and the public
sector is willing to partner on, great things are happening here. Fluhr points to nearly $100 million in development projects completed in 2012, and the initiation of another $112 million in projects. The $200 million INTRUST Bank Arena, built in 2010, helped set the stage for much of the revitalization happening downtown. Since its opening several years ago, the arena has brought more than 70 businesses downtown and helped attract $194 million in private investment and $39 million in public investment. In 2012 alone, concerts, entertainment and sports events at the arena brought 385,000 people to Wichitas downtown districts.
32 || WICHITA
Multimillion-dollar development projects are drawing young professionals, families and tourists to Wichitas downtown districts.
INTRUST BaNK ARENa: CRaIG HaCKER
BUsINEssCLImATE.COm/wICHITA
|| 33
parking garage on Block One, where the Kansas Leadership Center was recently completed. Also bringing new life to Douglas Avenue, one of the citys main downtown thoroughfares, will be a streetscape project with pedestrian-friendly features. The Wichita City Council recently approved a new mixed-use development project on the west bank of the Arkansas River that includes a 154-unit apartment project.
Hospitality Flourishes
The hospitality market has also been especially strong, Fluhr says. The new Fairfield Inn, the revamped Drury Plaza and the Ambassador are all doing very well and serving as catalysts for other projects. Other successes in the citys hospitality market include the Hyatt Regency on the riverfront, the Wichita Marriott and the Hotel at WaterWalk. Fluhr credits Wichitas successful downtown redevelopment to its foundation in a clear understanding of the citys economy and the local DNA. We are can-do people who set their sights on something and then do it, he says. If you say, Heres what we want to do, here is the economic story, and here is where it can take us, this community will rally behind it. Its quite amazing.
Old Town, WaterWalk Draw Interest

Popular Old Town, with its quaint 18th-century buildings and brick-lined streets, offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, clubs, galleries, shops and entertainment venues. It has seen a growing number of lofts, apartments and chic condos. WaterWalk, a $100 million mixed-use development along the Arkansas River, also offers shops, luxury housing, year-round arts events, concerts and celebrations at WaterWalk Place, the Hotel at WaterWalk and the Fairfield Inn & Suites. The spectacular Fountains at WaterWalk provide an elaborate water, music and light show. And Waterfront, another mixed-use development on 25 lakefront acres on the east side of town, will welcome the citys first Bread and Circus grocery store, operated by Whole Foods Market, in 2014. Coming up in the next few years is a welcome renovation of Wichitas historic Union Station into a $20 to $30 million office, restaurant and shopping complex. Its a historic iconic landmark here, and we want to repurpose it for the next generation of users, says Gary Oborny, chairman and CEO of Occidental
Located in the Old Town area, the 117-room Ambassador Hotel Wichita is the citys first boutique hotel.
Residential, Commercial Development

Also leading the way is downtown residential development. Since the launch of Wichitas 20-year Project Downtown development plan in 2012, 160 residential units have been built and absorbed in the downtown area, with another 500 units coming online in the next 18 months. Contemporary spaces, like the Player Piano Lofts and Zelman Lofts, are popular with the growing population of younger urban dwellers. In addition, The Lux is repurposing a 7-story building from the 1950s into a total of 85 modern, stylish apartments, as well as firstand second-floor commercial spaces. Major nonresidential projects recently completed include the dramatic new $27 million Robert D. Love YMCA building and the Ambassador Hotel Wichita, which joins a new urban plaza and 500-space

34 || WICHITA
Management Inc., the owner and developer of the property. This will extend the downtown entertainment area even further, making it even more viable. More and more businesses are drawn to downtowns growing excitement at least a dozen every month, Fluhr says. Howerton+White advertising agency has been downtown since 2004, renovating its vintage building to include a sheet metal slide for quick transport (and attitude adjustment) from the second to the first floor. The company wouldnt have its creative playground anywhere else. When we located here, you didnt see many people downtown, says Nicole Howerton, president and cocreative director. But now you see more people on the streets, storefronts are getting full, people are living here. Theres an energy coming back to our downtown, and its very exciting to be a part of that.
Get the latest on Wichitas downtown development projects at businessclimate.com/wichita.
The Fountains at WaterWalk stage elaborate water, light and music shows.
TOURISM
Tigers, Airplanes and Opera

WICHItAs mANY tOUrIsm AttrACtIONs drAw LArGe CrOwds ANd bIG dOllArs
Mom wants to see an opera. Dad has airplanes in mind. Juniors heart is set on dinosaurs and Sis wants to shop. Where to go on a family vacation? Its all in Wichita. Tourism is a vital part of the citys economy, generating $712 million-plus each year, employing more than 11,000 people and growing. Increasingly, visitors and meeting planners are discovering the breadth and quality of Wichitas many attractions, hotels, restaurants and shopping. We have so many interesting things here, says Susie Santo, president and CEO of Go Wichita, the citys convention and visitors bureau. People are surprised to learn that we

A Full Itinerary
have more than 1,000 restaurants, 36 museums, great live theater and one of only 80 operas in the country. The Sedgwick County Zoo is the largest outdoor attraction in Kansas. And people love to shop and dine here. Theres a lot to do. Wichita is proud of its cultural attractions, which include Music Theatre of Wichita, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Wichita Grand Opera, and the citys Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. Besides the zoo, families enjoy Tanganyika Wildlife Park and Exploration Place, Sedgwick Countys science and discovery center that is home to the states largest digital dome theater and planetarium. A new $90,000 Boeing-sponsored
educational center at the Kansas Aviation Museum, featuring flight simulators, a weather station, learning stations and a mock control tower, is also drawing a crowd.
Convention City
Wichitas many attractions and amenities have also made it a draw for state conventions and meetings for groups like the American Agri-Women, the Teaching Parents Association and others. The United States Bowling Congress will host its 2019 womens tournament in Wichita, an event that is expected to bring 30,000 bowlers and their families to town, and generate a $14 million impact on Wichitas economy. Laura Hill
35
LIVabILITY
WICHITAs WondErs
AffOrdAble lIVING, frIeNdlY PeOPle ANd A weAltH Of CUltUre, sPOrts ANd reCreAtION Add tO wICHItAs APPeAl
W
By Jessica Walker Boehm
elcome to Wichita, where business is growing, neighborhoods are flourishing, and the art, culture and recreation scene is plentiful and diverse. Short commutes and highly ranked schools including two of the states top public schools, according to US News & World Report also contribute to the areas appeal. Wichitas mix of large corporations and small businesses make it a great place for both seasoned professionals and new graduates to settle and pursue careers. With a focus on those recent graduates, the Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) organization is working to grow the citys workforce by attracting, retaining and engaging young people.
We want to be the place where young professionals brighten their futures and enhance the community.
36 || WICHITA
Suzy Finn, executive director of the Young Professionals of Wichita
We want to be the place where young professionals brighten their futures and enhance the community, says Suzy Finn, executive director of YPW. YPW, which is about 1,900 strong, hosts a variety of events to help members network with other local professionals, learn leadership skills, volunteer and discover the citys newest developments. Were an event-driven organization, and were proud to offer a broad range of programming, Finn says. YPW draws interns to the area through LaunchWichita.com, a website where companies can post internship opportunities and students can see whats available. The site, which went live in January 2013, also includes a Wichita guide that features
information about the cost of living, places to live, outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues. Additionally, YPW offers an annual six-week Leadership Academy that helps participants develop professionally and make community connections. I found it to be a valuable experience, both in getting to know some other young professionals in Wichita and in getting some insight from proven leaders in the area, says Ryan Caplan, an INTRUST Bank digital marketing coordinator who completed the program in 2012.
New Condos, Growing Neighborhoods

Thanks to the influx of new residents and young professionals ready to put down roots,
apartment and condo construction is on the rise, with about 2,500 units opening, being built or in the planning stages. The citys downtown area already includes several complexes, such as 250 Douglas Place, Player Piano Lofts, Commerce Street Lofts, Finn Lofts, Zelman Lofts and The Renfro, with even more units on the way. Before moving to the Riverside area, Caplan lived in an apartment in downtown Wichitas Eaton Place, a mixed-use development anchored by the recently renovated Eaton Hotel in the East Douglas Historic District. It took him just six minutes to walk to his downtown job at INTRUST Bank. I loved waking up and looking out of the floor-to-ceiling windows at Douglas Avenue every day, Caplan says.
|| 37
A Wingnuts baseball game draws sports fans in Wichita.
Located at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers, the 44-foot-tall Keeper of the Plains sculpture is one of many iconic landmarks in downtown Wichita.
Sculptures known as Feather Towers flank the Douglas Avenue Bridge, which crosses the Arkansas River into downtown Wichita.
Wichitas outlying areas are also growing and will soon offer new rental properties. Jason Van Sickle & Company plans to build two $15 million, 180-unit apartment complexes in Andover and Derby, and Vantage Point Properties is constructing the 208-unit SunStone Apartment Homes at Andover MarketPlace.
Big-City Amenities, Small-Town Appeal

In addition to career opportunities and excellent places to live, Wichitas outdoor activities and cultural attractions

are a major draw. The city is home to the Wichita State Shockers mens basketball team, which made it to the NCAA Final Four in 2013, as well as the Wichita Thunder hockey team and the Wichita Wingnuts baseball team. Residents can also enjoy numerous parks, trails, more than 26 miles of bike paths and eight YMCAs. Wichitas cultural landscape is equally impressive, with more than 35 museums and an array of entertainment venues, including Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, INTRUST
Bank Arena, The Cotillion and historic Orpheum Theatre. Performance groups, including Music Theatre of Wichita and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, entertain audiences throughout the year. The city also hosts annual festivals that bring the community together, such as the Tallgrass Film Festival and Wichita Riverfest, and music and art crawls take place downtown monthly. Wichita has the same amenities as larger cities, like great theaters, plenty to do on the weekends and lots of health and
38 || WICHITA
fitness activities, but it also has small-town aspects, like knowing someone almost everywhere you go, Finn says.
LIVABIL
ITY
AFFORDAB LIVING, FRIEN LE DLY APPEAL, AND CULTURE, SPORTS AND RECR EATION MAKE WICH GREAT PLACITA A LIVE, WORK E TO , PLAY
WICHITA S WONDER S
elcome to Wichita, growing, neighborhwhere business is oods are flourishin g, and the art, culture recreation and scene diverse. Short is plentiful and commute states top s and highly public schools, ranked schools including also contribut according two of the to US News e to the areas Wichitas & World Report appeal. mix of large a great place corporatio ns and small for both seasoned settle and businesse profession pursue careers. s make the Young With a focus als and new graduates it Profession on those recent to als of Wichita working to grow the citys (YPW) organizati graduates, workforce on is by attracting , retaining and
W
By Jessica
Walker Boehm
We want to profession be the place wher e young enhance als brighten their futures and the comm unity. Suzy Finn,
36 || WICHITA
executive director of the Young Professionals of Wichita
engaging young people. We want to be the place Wichita guide young profession where that features informati als brighten futures and on about the ready to put their living, enhance the down roots, places to live, cost of communit apartmen y, says Suzy outdoor activities, t and condo executive restauran construct director of Finn, ts, shopping and entertainm ion YPW. YPW, which about 2,500 is on the rise, with ent venues. Additiona units opening, strong, hosts is about 1,900 lly, built or in being annual six-weekYPW offers an the planning help membersa variety of events to stages. The citys Leadershi Academy network with p downtown local profession other develop that helps participan already includes area als, learn ts profession leadership several complexes ally and make skills, volunteer communit , such as 250 discover the y connectio Place, Player Douglas citys newest and ns. I found it Piano Lofts, developme to be a valuable Commerc nts. experienc e Street Lofts, e, both in Were an Lofts, Zelman Finn getting event-driv know to some other organizati en Renfro, and Lofts and The young on, profession even more offer a really and were proud to als on the way. units are broad range getting some in Wichita and in programm of insight from Before moving ing, leaders in proven to the Riverside the area, YPW draws Finn says. area, Caplan says Ryan Caplan, an interns to lived in an through LaunchW the area INTRUST Bank digital apartment in downtown marketing ichita.com website where coordinat Eaton Place, ,a Wichitas or who completed a mixed-use post internshipcompanies can the program developme in 2012. nt anchored students can opportunities and New recently renovated by the see whats Condos, Growing The site, which available. the East Douglas Eaton Hotel in Neighborhoods January 2013, went live in Historic District. It also includes took him just Thanks to a minutes to six the influx walk residents of new job at INTRUST to his downtown and young Bank. profession I loved waking als up and looking
BUSINESSCL
IMATE.COM/
WICHITA
|| 37
DIGITaL MaGaZINe Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends.
HeaLTHCaRe
Healthy Outlook
WICHItAAreA HOsPItAls INVest IN GrOwtH, edUCAtION
By Kelly Kagamas Tomkies continue to receive top-level care for years to come. Efforts toward these goals have been recognized. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas recently honored Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center for their quality and efficiency. In addition to providing residents with access to excellent care, healthcare is a top industry in the area, employing more than 71,000 people and contributing more than $2.7 billion in payroll, according to a 2013 report by Wichita State Universitys Center for Economic Development and Business Research. Healthcare employs one out of every six people working in the Wichita metro, the study says.
ighly qualified doctors and nurses and cuttingedge care distinguish hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Wichita area. Leading providers, such as Via Christi Health, Wesley Medical Center and Newton Medical Center, are constantly expanding services and facilities, as well as launching training and educational programs for clinicians to ensure patients will
Boosting Facilities, Services

To accommodate more patients, area hospitals are growing. At Wesley Medical Center, a $36.5 million renovation and expansion of womens facilities is under way. We began a 17-month project in June, and were very excited to be investing $36.5 million into womens services, says Hugh
|| 41
Wesley Medical Center is home to a 40-bed pediatric unit for kids as old as 18.
Regional Medical Center is in the midst of a $5 million upgrade that will double capacity in its emergency room from 10 beds to 20. Newton Medical Center recently opened a new primarycare clinic in Sedgwick, and Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital began construction of an immediate care clinic in Augusta that will treat patients with minor illnesses and injuries. Wichita-area veterans can find quality care through the Robert J. Dole Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which offers services such as rehabilitation, oncology and orthopedic surgery. Customized care programs are expanding in the area, too. Via Christi Health is partnering with INTRUST Bank on a health and wellness program that offers physicals to its executives.
Tappan, president and CEO of Wesley Medical Center. Were known as the baby hospital, and the renovation will ensure that our facilities and aesthetics live up to that billing. Set for completion in spring 2015, the renovation will add 18 beds, including replacing furnishings and equipment.
Weve been focused on womens and childrens needs for many years, Tappan says. We want to continue that legacy and remain a leader in womens services by making sure the building and equipment are state of the art. Other area providers are also growing their reach. Hutchinson
Investing in Education
Via Christi Health has also teamed up with Wichita State University to develop curriculum for a masters degree in nursing leadership and administration. The partnership was initiated by Via Christi Health. These two new concentrations were developed to help them grow
Source: Wichita State Universitys Center for Economic Development and Business Research
71K+ Number of
Wichita area healthcare employees
Wichitas Healthcare Employment

11% 7% 13% 31% 24% 14%
Cost of Healthcare
(For Wichita and three peer communities, 2012 data)
the region from the healthcare industry
ACCRAs Healthcare Index
$1.6 billion Direct payroll in $2.5 billion Contribution to
Other healthcare providers Nursing homes/ home health
Physicians Hospitals Social services All other
Wichita GDP from healthcare

Wichita
Kansas Oklahoma Omaha City City
42 || WICHITA
101.6
95.7
99.3
97.7
their management teams and address a shortage of nursing faculty, says Betty SmithCampbell, chair of WSUs School of Nursing. Most area hospitals are placing increased emphasis on making sure their nursing staffs have baccalaureate degrees, an accreditation recommended by the Institute of Medicine, SmithCampbell says. WSU is prepared to meet that growing trend among healthcare employers. There are studies that link higher educated nurses with better patient outcomes, she says. Some healthcare agencies are only accepting new employees with a baccalaureate in nursing.
Get more info about healthcare services and facilities in Wichita at businessclimate.com/wichita.
The 760-bed Wesley Medical Center serves more than 25,000 patients each year.
OUR DOCTORS LISTEN

Focusing on nutritional strategies and other natural therapies, our doctors and nurses concentrate on the whole person, not just the symptoms, to find the root cause of any illness. Medical, Naturopathic and Chiropractic Doctors Government Certified Laboratory Award-Winning Research Institute
Call 800-447-7276 or 316-682-3100 for more information.
Chronic Pain Cancer Heart Disease Diabetes Infertility Hormonal Issues Gastrointestinal Issues ADD ADHD Autism Autoimmune Disorders Chronic Fatigue Depression IV Nutrition Heavy Metal Detoxification Weight Loss
Riordan Clinic 3100 N. Hillside Wichita, KS 67219 316-682-3100 www.riordanclinic.org

Riordan Clinic is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation.
Ad Index
230 AMBASSADOR HOTEL C3 BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF KANSAS 1 CITY OF DERBY 40 WESLEY MEDICAL CENTER 11 COLEMAN 44 WICHITA AIRPORT AUTHORITY C2 COVENTRY PREFERRED HEALTH SYSTEMS 19 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON WICHITA AIRPORT 44 FRIENDS UNIVERSITY 31 GO WICHITA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 23 WICHITA AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE 39 WICHITA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL 30 WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 RIORDAN CLINIC C4 VIA CHRISTI HEALTH 4 WELLS FARGO ADVISORS
VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS

Ambassador Hotel
www.ambassadorhotelcollection.com
BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas www.bcbsks.com City of Derby www.derbyweb.com Coleman www.coleman.com Coventry Preferred Health Systems www.chckansas.com Doubletree by Hilton Wichita Airport www.wichitaairport.doubletree.com Friends University www.friends.edu Go Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau www.gowichita.com Riordan Clinic www.riordanclinic.org Via Christi Health www.viachristi.org Wells Fargo Advisors www.wellsfargoadvisors.com Wesley Medical Center www.wesleymc.com Wichita Airport Authority www.ywichita.com Wichita Area Technical College www.watc.edu Wichita Collegiate School www.wcsks.com Wichita Public Schools www.usd259.org
GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

Gateway to Kansas
Whether traveling to Beijing to finalize that big deal or bringing a potential customer from Frankfurt to Kansas, Wichita MidContinent Airport makes it easy. With five airlines offering daily nonstop service to most major hubs, access to virtually anywhere in the world is a breeze from Wichita. At Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, were always working to improve our travelers experience. Opening in the spring of 2015 will be a new, state-of-the-art terminal building, fitting for the Air Capital of the World, and new parking and rental car facilities, offering the most up-to-date conveniences that travelers expect. Visit us at www.flywichita.com where you can learn more and get connected through our social media sites. Convenient, friendly, affordable its a breeze.
2299 Airport Rd. Wichita (316) 946-4700 www.flywichita.com

44 || WICHITA

Metro Wichita Economic Development 2014

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Metro Wichita Economic Development 2014

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

businessclimate.

2014 EDITION VOLUmE 9

Photo Gallery & Videos

Member Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce

2014 EDITION | VOLUMe 9

6 DIsCOVER 31 ECONOMIC PROFILE

WICHITA SOARs TO NEw HEIGHTs

RECYCLE THIs mAGAZINE

SKYs THE LIMIT

TOOLED FOR SUCCEss

THEREs AN APP FOR THAT

STAYING WITH THE WINGMAN

Top 3 Reasons to Call Wichita Home

Nine-County Area. The

Greater Wichita Metro Area

Wichita Metro Statistical Area

Total Population: 755,089

Discover Metro Wichita

BY THe NUMbeRS Aerospace products account for

of cities for small business vitality

Source: The Business Journals

SkYs THE LImIT

DOWNTOWN WICHITA: CRAIG HACKER

Leadership Council Leads the Way

Rise in per capita income in Wichita

Kansas Tax Advantages

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

ECONOMIC DeVeLOPMeNT-FOCUSeD ORGaNIZaTIONS IN MeTRO WICHITa

New Investment, Expansions

WICHITA SoArs To nEW HEIgHTs

WICHItAs AVIAtION INdUstrY tAPs rIsING dOmestIC, GlObAl demANd

Aviation Research Leader

Percentage of global general-aviation deliveries from Wichita aircraft manufacturers

EMPLOYMeNT aND WaGeS FOR THe AVIaTION/AeROSPaCe INDUSTRY IN WICHITa

Material of the Future

Theres an App for That

Hidden Gem for Startups

Support for Startups

Theres an App for That

Support for Startups

Beechcraft Cessna Coleman Corporate Lodging Consultants

for its spirit of

Koch Industries Learjet Nitride Solutions

2098 Airport Rd. (316) 945-5272

Tooled for Success

Firms Help Train Workforce

Technology, DualEnrollment Programs

Staying With the Wingman

McConnells New Mission

New Hotel Located in the Heart of All That is Wichita!

Modern Style | Classic Service

An airman prepares for a mission at McConnell.

22nd Air Refueling Wing

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. AIR FORcE PHOTO/STaFF SGT. JESS LOcKOSKI

Discover more about Wichitas defense industry at businessclimate.com/wichita.

Suited for Service

On the Right Track

AIR TRaVeL aFFORDabILITY RISeS IN WICHITa

City Wichita Oklahoma City Tulsa

3rd Quarter 2000 (Average Fare) $422 $311 $308

3rd Quarter 2012 (Average Fare) $379 $402 $431

2000-2012 % Change -10% +29% +38.9

Source: U.S. Bureau of Transportation

WICHITaS TRaNSPORTaTION NeTWORK

3rd Quarter 2012 (Average Fare) $379 $402 $431