MIDC reports tighter labor market, workforce programs and overseas outreach; warns moratorium could affect prospects

Casey Morales, executive director of the McPherson Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), updated the county commission Aug. 18 on labor market indicators, workforce initiatives and business recruitment efforts.
Morales said McPherson County’s most recent quarterly unemployment average is about 3.1% (up from a 2024 annual average of 2.4% locally) and that a wider six‑county labor shed averaged 3.6% versus 2.6% the prior year. Morales noted the county remains a net importer of labor by about 125 workers, and said more housing in the county could help attract residents who currently commute from nearby counties.
On workforce training, Morales reported Hutchinson Community College (HCC) is operating a satellite site offering automation and industrial‑maintenance courses and that the MIDC is pursuing a plug‑and‑play CTE program for regional high‑school students; funding for the latter is pending a grant application. She said those local training options aim to keep students in the region and give McPherson employers first access to skilled applicants.
On business recruitment, Morales described a June trip with Team Kansas to Germany that included meetings with two companies considering U.S. locations. She said one company has toured local sites and that MIDC is currently in discussions with four manufacturers considering expansions; three of the four are competitive projects with sister locations under consideration. Morales cautioned that “one of your recent moratoriums may affect one of those projects,” and commissioners asked whether the moratorium’s study period would align with companies’ decision timetables.
MIDC’s marketing efforts, including a “Go McPherson” campaign and outreach to young professionals, were described as generating leads and website interest. Morales said MIDC has requested a budget increase for expanded analytical tools to better track commuting and employer/employee flows. Morales also said she is pursuing further training for entrepreneurial assistance and is entering a strategic planning process to align MIDC with other local economic organizations.