The Great Bend Economic Development (GBED) Executive Director, Justin Kuilan, presented a comprehensive recap of the organization’s impact during the Great Bend City Council meeting on January 5. His remarks highlighted significant achievements over the past two years and outlined future goals aimed at enhancing the economic landscape of the region.
In his address, Kuilan emphasized the role of GBED in promoting economic development, defining it as the process of improving the community’s economic wellbeing and quality of life. This encompasses job creation, attracting new investment, increasing income, and fostering sustainable growth. To facilitate job matching in Central Kansas, GBED operates a free job site, www.CentralKansasJobs.com, which has become a vital resource for both employers and job seekers.
As of now, the job site has seen impressive engagement, with over 583 jobs posted, 282 resumes on file, and 123 companies registered. Notably, more than 403 jobs have been filled, showcasing GBED’s commitment to supporting local employment.
Business Expansion and Investment Insights
Kuilan also provided insights into the growth of local businesses, highlighting six notable establishments that have launched or expanded in the last two years. These include Freaking Delicious Cheesecake, K9 Training Academy, Tankquility, First Response Cleaning and Restoration, Rhue Rituals, and Proper Boards. These ventures were finalists or winners in the Ignite competition, which fosters entrepreneurial spirit in the community.
In terms of financial impact, Kuilan reported that GBED received a combined funding of $758,000 from the City and County for the years 2024 and 2025. This initial investment has yielded a remarkable return, generating over $9.5 million in economic activity—a multiplier effect of 12.5. This funding has supported various initiatives, including the development of childcare centers, downtown revitalization projects, and the Innovation Center.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Beyond economic figures, Kuilan underscored GBED’s role in enhancing the quality of life for Great Bend residents. The organization has hosted numerous community events, such as Fridays on Forest and The Big Bend Bash, along with various programs focused on entrepreneurship, education, and workforce development. Kuilan believes that these initiatives not only foster community engagement but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of residents.
Looking ahead, Kuilan acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, much work remains. GBED aims to continue attracting grant funding, address housing challenges, and encourage reinvestment from existing businesses. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in downtown development and attracting new enterprises to invigorate the area.
Kuilan concluded his presentation with a call to action for local businesses, organizations, and community leaders. He announced plans to collaborate with the Golden Belt Community Foundation to create an open invitation for donors to support ongoing economic development projects. Opportunities for sponsorship are available across various initiatives, including entrepreneurship programs and quality of life events.
For those interested in making a difference in the community’s future, Kuilan encourages contact via email at [email protected]. The collective effort of community members is essential to sustaining the growth and vitality of Great Bend’s economy.
