WICHITA – Governor Laura Kelly continued her ‘Prosperity on the Plains’ statewide economic tour in Wichita on Aug 5th, at the Wichita Workforce Center. She joined Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple and local business leaders for a roundtable discussion on how her Administration can continue to support entrepreneurship, expand the workforce, and advance economic development.

"I'm honored to speak with successful entrepreneurs here in Wichita to see how my Administration can continue supporting them and knocking down barriers to growth," Governor Laura Kelly said. "In addition to being the backbone of our economy, they are leaders in our communities and help make our state as great as it is.”

Governor Kelly and Mayor Whipple talked to leaders of small to medium-sized companies that are expanding quickly in the Wichita area, along with workforce development experts. They discussed the importance of expanding broadband and affordable housing, attracting and retaining young people to the workforce, and increasing access to child care – all of which is essential to business growth.

“We work hard to recruit and train the skilled workforce Kansas needs to compete at a global level,” said Keith Lawing, President and CEO at Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas. “We are honored to have the support of Governor Kelly and Mayor Whipple as we provide essential resources for working Kansas families.”

Including Governor Kelly, Mayor Whipple, and Keith Lawing, the roundtable participants included:

Graham Crain, CEO of Anderson-Crain Investment Group

Tom Smith, CEO of Alltite, Inc.

Luis Rodriguez, President of KeyCentrix, LLC

Naaman Ritchie, President of Blake Clotia

Wiley Smith, Sedgwick County Regional Project Manager for the Kansas Department of Commerce

Tarina Lees, Project Manager at Optometric Billing Solutions