KEY QUOTE: “Most exciting is that this announcement creates business opportunities statewide. It’s not just Panasonic — other companies are knocking on our door because we’ve improved Kansans’ quality of life, strengthened our workforce and supported local entrepreneurs."

News about Panasonic battery plant is good for all of Kansas, with more opportunities to come

It’s obvious that [the Panasonic announcement] is great news for northeast Kansas, but readers in other parts of the state may be wondering what this announcement means for them.

Republican leaders like Senate President Ty Masterson and Speaker Ron Ryckman worked closely with Democrats to get this done...We can attest that bringing both parties together to accomplish anything of this magnitude isn’t easy — but it shows that we can rise above partisan politics and deliver for Kansans when it counts.

The influx of cash — including over half a billion dollars in increased payroll alone — will have impacts far beyond the Kansas City metro region: Manhattan, Emporia and even Wichita should all see increased business in the years to come.

The same reasons Panasonic was attracted to Kansas have also brought other companies here — for instance, Scorpion Biologics in Manhattan, the Bombardier North America headquarters in Wichita, Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina and Hilmar Cheese in Dodge City. More employers will join them.

Kansas is back on the right track. In recent years, Kansas has racked up numerous awards for being a national leader in creating jobs, including for attracting the most business investment per capita. Winning Panasonic is one more to add to our trophy case.

Every Kansan should know what [this announcement] means for them — that, with the right leadership, both sides of the aisle can work together to deliver jobs and opportunity to the entire state.