EDC reports $223.4 million in investment, 733 jobs over seven-year average

The Junction City Economic Development Corporation reported a seven‑year average of $223,425,000 in investments and an estimated 733 positions tied to projects it worked on, Executive Director Mickey Bernardo Dean told the Junction City Commission at a quarterly presentation.

"Over the last 7 years ... we have had $223,425,000 of investments that we have worked on in Junction City, Gary County. That has created 733 positions," Mickey Bernardo Dean said, adding the EDC used a conservative $18‑per‑hour wage assumption to estimate an annual new payroll of $27,457,920.

The presentation summarized the EDC's recent activities, including a draft neighborhood revitalization brochure developed with city and county staff, a first‑ever veteran entrepreneur pitch competition called VetEpic that awarded $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 for first through third place, and assistance with the DCIP grant process. Dean said VetEpic enrolled 11 veterans for an eight‑hour class and that the EDC plans continued small‑business support through a contracted small business consultant.

Dean also described outreach to Evergy leadership after developers raised service‑capacity concerns, and said the EDC participates in regional planning through Flint Hills Regional Council and business recruitment events such as SelectUSA. Mark Powers, chair of the EDC board, was present and invited commissioners to contact the EDC with questions.

Commissioners asked for a written report covering the past 24 months and a client/prospect report ahead of the next quarterly presentation so they can review details and ask follow‑up questions. Dean agreed to provide a written ROI summary and more regular written materials for the commission.

No formal action was taken; the item was presented for information and discussion.