business
imageswichita.com ®
What’s Online
Get a glimpse of the multi-sensory experience to be found within the Wichita Art Museum.
metro wichita, kansas
Do You Mind?
Entrepreneurs welcome here
Updraft in Opportunity
Wind energy industry breezes in
A Downtown for Everyone
Sponsored by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce | 2011
business
ÂŽ
Workstyle Do You Mind?
12
The Wichita region cultivates an environment ripe for entrepreneurs.
A Soaring Economy
16
McConnell Air Force Base means business for Wichita.
At High Altitude
18
Innovation keeps Wichita’s aviation industry flying.
Getting To Know You
22
Young Professionals group plugs members into the community.
Insight
12
Overview
5
Business Almanac
6
Business Climate
10
Energy/Technology: Updraft in Opportunity 26 Transportation
30
Economic Profile
47
Livability
22
26
Health
34
Education
38
Livability: A Downtown for Everyone
42
On the Cover A person walks along a trail on the banks of the Arkansas River. Photo by Antony Boshier
42
All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
Please recycle this magazine
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
1
business
®
Me t ro W i c h i ta , Ka n sa s 201 1 Edition , volum e 6
®
Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin
M e t r o W i c h i ta
Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jennifer Graves Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editors Lisa Battles, Joyce Caruthers, Jill Wyatt
ONLINE
l if e s ty l e | w o r k s ty l e | d iggi n g d e e p e r | v i d eo | l i n k t o u s | a d v e r ti s e | c o n tact u s | s it e map
business
CONNECTIONS
An online resource at imageswichita.com
Contributing writers rebecca denton, melanie hill, Bill lewis, joe morris, Megan Pacella, Claire Ratliff, Betsy williams
digital Magazine >>
Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams
bUsinEss
imageswichita.com ®
What’s Online
Get a glimpse of the multi-sensory experience to be found within the Wichita Art Museum.
Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, lance conzett, Marcus Snyder
MEtrO WichitA, kAnsAs
Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Managers John Hood, Kim Madlom Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web Designer Leigh Guarin Web Developer i Yamel Hall Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistant Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond I.T. Service Technician Ryan Sweeney Regional Sales Manager Charles Sweeney
Do You Mind?
Lifestyle Find out what it’s like to live here and what makes the community such a special place to be.
Sales Support/Community, Business, Custom Rachael Goldsberry Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Office Manager/Accounts Receivable Coordinator Shelly Miller Integrated Media Manager paul tarrants
Entrepreneurs welcome here
Updraft in Opportunity
Wind energy industry breezes in
A Downtown for Everyone
spOnsOrED bY thE WichitA MEtrO chAMbEr Of cOMMErcE | 2011
Read the magazine on your computer, zoom in on articles and link to advertiser Web sites.
color imaging technician Alison Hunter
News and Notes >>
Chairman Greg Thurman
Our editors give you the
President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman
Inside Scoop on the latest
Executive Vice President Ray Langen
development and trends in
Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester
the community.
Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner V.P./Content Development Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P. Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley
Workstyle A spotlight on the region’s innovative companies
success breeds success >> Meet the people who set the pace for business innovation.
Content Director/Travel Publications Susan Chappell Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris
Dig Deeper >>
Distribution Director Gary Smith Recruiting/Training Director Suzy Simpson
Plug into the community with
Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan
links to local Web sites and
Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop
resources to give you a big picture of the region.
Business Images Metro Wichita is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.
Data Central >> A wealth of demographic and statistical information puts the community at
For more information, contact: Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce 350 West Douglas Avenue • Wichita, KS 67202 Phone: (316) 265-7771 • Fax: (316) 265-7502 www.wichitachamber.org
Visit Business images Metro Wichita online at imageswichita.com ©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Member
Magazine Publishers of America Custom Publishing Council
Member Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce
your fingertips.
See the Video Our award-winning photographers give you a virtual tour of unique spaces, places and faces.
guide to services >> Links to a cross section of goods and services special to the community
go online
imageswichita.com i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
3
Why is Derby the Place to Be? •
Family Circle magazine named Derby one of the “Top 10 Places to Raise a Family.”
•
U.S. News and World Report ranked Derby high in its list of “Top Places to Retire.”
•
Money Magazine recognized Derby, Kansas as “One of the Best Places for Affordable Homes.”
•
Bloomberg Business Week picked ONE city in the entire state of Kansas for their “Best Affordable Suburbs in America,” and they chose Derby as well.
W
hether you are looking to “put down your roots” to retire, raise a family or build your business, Derby is the place to be.
With an emphasis on creating vibrant neighborhoods, nurturing a strong business community and preserving green spaces, Derby offers citizens of all ages a chance to have fun and reach their full potential in a place that meets their needs. Located just three miles south of McConnell Air Force Base and within close proximity to Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, Derby provides quick access to large employers, yet all the amenities of a large town with a welcoming community atmosphere. With major retailers, entrepreneur businesses, a hotel and many restaurants, Derby makes it easy to plant your roots and grow. When you think of Derby, think of one word: COMMUNITY. Our community welcomes you to find out why Derby is the place to be … for you! See why Derby is the place to be at:
www.derbyks.com
Overview
10 Great Reasons To Live and Work in Greater Wichita Metro Area Work environment, amenities make region an attractive place to do business 1. Affordability. Even with its many amenities, Wichita’s overall cost-ofliving index is 89.8 percent, more than 10 percent below the national urban area average, particularly in the housing market.
2. Intellectual Capital. With the state’s largest public school district, 17 area colleges and universities, and the National Center for Aviation Training, Wichita boasts a diverse and highly skilled workforce. 3. Health Care. Wichita, a hub for high-quality health care in southcentral Kansas, is continually ranked high nationally for its 17 acute care and freestanding specialty hospitals and numerous clinics offering the latest services and technology.
8. Downtown Revitalization.
Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce 350 W. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67202 Phone: (316) 265-7771 E-mail: info@wichitachamber.org www.wichitachamber.org
Greater Wichita Metro Area 15
Hillsboro
Marion
15
MARION 96
14
61
Hutchinson sas
96
RENO
HARVEY
Newton
177
135
96
14
77 196
R.
17
ll To
254
296
Andover
35
235
Kingman
KINGMAN
50
Peabody
Ark an
6. Young Talent. With
For more information, contact:
Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition and the state of Kansas offer incentives that fit
a professional opera, symphony and ballet, dozens of cinematic and performance theaters, and countless enticing exhibits at art galleries, varied museums and breathtaking gardens.
for Aviation Research, a prestigious state-of-the-art aerospace laboratory with global reach, is located at Wichita State University, which ranks
named Wichita No. 6 on its BestBang-for-the-Buck cities in 2009, based on low housing costs, low taxes and reasonable commute times.
9. Business Incentives. The
5. Cultural Life. The city has
7. Research. The National Institute
10. Livability. Forbes magazine
Wichita Downtown Development Corp. has helped bring millions of investment dollars to the heart of the city and continues to grow a strong economic center and develop community-building cultural experiences. The new, 15,000-seat INTRUST Bank Arena is drawing a variety of musical acts, shows and events.
4. Entrepreneurial Spirit. Wichita provides a thriving environment for business innovation with a long list of successful ventures, from aviation pioneers to high-profile companies, as well as Wichita State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
membership of 2,000 and growing, Young Professionals of Wichita is comprised of bright, energetic “YPs” who are actively engaged in the city’s future growth.
business owners’ needs, such as property tax exemption for business machinery and equipment.
third among all U.S. universities in aerospace engineering R&D.
SEDGWICK
14
El Dorado
Augusta
Wichita
96
Beaumont
BUTLER
2 15 49
14
COWLEY
2
Harper
Wellington
160
Anthony
HARPER
Winfield
SUMNER 77
44 35
Arkansas City
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
5
Almanac
Peanuts and Cracker Jacks Appreciated Wichita appreciates the summer game. The Double A Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association of Independent Baseball play their home games in 6,100-seat Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The stadium is also home to the National Baseball Congress World Series, the summer collegiate national championship. Held in early August, the event features baseball around the clock and will host 44 teams and more than 85 games. Alumni include major leaguers Albert Pujlos, Ozzie Smith and Luis Gonzalez.
The Toast of Mulvane Kansas is cultivating a growing number of wineries, 19 in all, that produce more than 50,000 gallons of wine each year. One of them is Wyldewood Cellars in Mulvane, a family owned winery known for its award-winning elderberry wine and several varieties of fruit wines and native grape wines.
Putting Down Stakes in Wichita Coleman Co. Inc., the iconic camping and outdoors gear giant, is based in Wichita. Founded more than 100 years ago, the company turns out a range of products under its Coleman and Exponent brands. The “greatest name in the great outdoors� got its start in what is now downtown Wichita's Old Town neighborhood. Coleman operates a factory outlet there and a museum detailing the company's history.
6
Metro Wichita
Started in December 1994, Wyldewood Cellars now produces more than 40 different types of Kansas wine. The winery has won more than 400 international awards for its elderberry, grape and other Kansas wines. The winery hosts a number of special events throughout the year, and its facilities include a banquet facility for seating up to 300 people. Go to www.wyldewoodcellars.com for more information.
Birds, Bees and Much More The Great Plains Nature Center offers an up-close experience of Kansas wildlife and native flora and fauna through exhibits and two miles of accessible trails through wetlands, prairie and riparian habitats. A centerpiece of the nature center is the 3,500-square-foot Koch Exhibit Hall, which leads to an outdoor wildlife observatory that overlooks the wetlands of Chisholm Creek Park. The center's Coleman Auditorium seats nearly 200 people and is used for programs, meetings and seminars relating to wildlife. For more information, go to www.gpnc.org.
History is Their Craft Wichita's place as the world's aviation capital is chronicled at the Kansas Aviation Museum. The museum houses a world-class collection of historic, significant and one-of-a-kind aircraft and aircraft engines. The more than 40 aircraft exhibits on display include a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, a 1934 Model 73 Stearman Trainer and a KC 135E refueling tanker. A massive archive includes thousands of records, schematics, books, photos and other documents, and a range of additional aviation memorabilia. The museum also is home to the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, which includes a roster of aviation heavyweights known far beyond Kansas. For more information, go to www.kansas aviationmuseum.org.
Something to Sing About Music Theatre of Wichita is the largest subscribed non-profit arts organization in Kansas. With a reputation as one of the nation’s top summer theaters, the company stages all of its own shows each season. While producing five Broadwayscaled musicals, Music Theatre simultaneously conducts a specialized training program geared to help young people prepare for professional theater careers. Music Theatre, which is based in downtown Wichita's Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, operates on a $2 million annual budget and employs some 250 people each season. The company boasts of a number of alumni on stage or backstage at numerous major Broadway musicals and national tours. Go to www.mtwichita.org for more information. photo courtesy of @ Netappz Creative Solutions
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
7
A Blue Sky Concept The vivid intensity of the blue in the glazed tile is one of the striking features of Newton's Blue Sky sculpture, a 20-foot by 30-foot public art work that was a collaborative project among ceramists Terry Corbett and Conrad Snider and artist and painter Phil Epp.
On a Preservation Mission
The sculpture, completed in 2002 at 12th Street and South Kansas Avenue opposite Centennial Park in Newton, is intended to be a celebration of sky and space, a universal icon of hope and wonder. The work's cloud motif, passageway, stoneware figures, arced shape and fluid reflective tiles are intended to blend with the natural sky.
The Kansas Museum of Military History in Butler County makes it its mission to preserve, restore and display artifacts of aviation and military history. The museum, which includes 16,500 square feet of exhibit space on a 1.7-acre site, features more than 9,000 displays of military aviation, vehicles, ammunition, equipment and uniforms, including a 1965 UH-1 Huey helicopter and 1969 OH-58 Kiowa helicopter. The museum is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The museum hosts several special events and open houses throughout the year. Go to www.kmmh.org for more.
A Festival Runs Through It Riverfest began in Wichita in 1971 and has grown to become the largest festival in Kansas. Recognized as one of the top 100 festival destinations in the United States by travel and leisure organizations, the annual downtown event attracts more than 300,000 people and generates an economic impact of more than $20 million for the region in a nine-day period. Riverfest is packed with multiple daily musical concerts and musical acts, events such as parades, fireworks, hot air balloons, a rodeo, softball tournament and cash contests, and food concessions from a score of restaurants and vendors. Go to www.wichitafestivals.com for more information.
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
9
Business Climate
Smart Growth ‘Visioneering’ concept takes Metro Wichita to new level
Smart Planning Skilled Labor
Locale
Innovation
10
Metro Wichita
Story by Betsy Williams
W
ichita, boasting two of the nation’s largest privately held companies with Koch Industries and Cargill Meat Solutions, is a place that knows how to make sophisticated things – a collective ability cited as one of this successful community’s most marketable assets. “In a day and age where the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the world is critical, Wichita understands what it takes to make and distribute something of quality, whether in aerospace, managing global assets or creating a new research lab,” says Bryan Derreberry, president and CEO of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. Derreberry maintains that any community worth its salt has to be smart about global forces shaping national and international business landscapes and effectively respond to these important trends. “How do you take the ingredients you have and combine them to give your area a competitively unique business environment and a very pleasing quality of place?” he asks. “We’re doing an outstanding job at this undertaking, thanks to the efforts behind the Wichita Metro Chamber and Visioneering Wichita.” This broad-based, nationally recognized community advancement effort reflects a storied history of visionary pioneers; the effort had input from more than 16,000 leaders and citizens, who created an impressive 20-year, 158-item strategic plan, with 15 alliances that are working on implementation. “We are focusing on our most critical assets and making sure they’re maximized,” Derreberry says. “Being smart about where we’re going in the future is paying dividends and will continue to pay more as we move further into the
plan’s implementation.” Wichita boasts a technologically skilled workforce, one honed through decades of energy and aerospace manufacturing. As home to Boeing, Bombardier Learjet, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft Corportation, Spirit Aerosystems and others, Wichita workers touch more than 60 percent of all aircraft in the air today. A favorable business environment and leadership that understands corporate and manufacturing requirements is paying off in new investment and jobs. Cargill Meat Solutions, with more than 1,000 local employees, selected downtown Wichita as the home of its new $14.7 million Cargill Innovation Center. The 75,000-square-foot facility opening in June 2011 will provide 65 top-level jobs focusing on food safety, quality and new product testing in gleaming culinary kitchens. “This will be a facility where Cargill will show customers the company’s products and services, as well as its capabilities,” says company spokesman Mike Martin. “We will conduct training sessions for employees and customers, underscoring our commitment to our customers.” Wichita made sense as the company’s new R&D facility, he says, as it keeps the center close to sales, marketing, technical services and other functions that closely interact with Cargill’s innovation initiatives. “Wichita has a workforce of highly skilled, well-educated, motivated people,” he says. “This contributes to the potential pool of technically oriented people for any open positions at the Cargill Innovation Center.”
Wichita Top 10 Employers Company Industry No. of employees Spirit AeroSystems Cessna Aircraft USD 259 - Wichita Hawker Beechcraft Via Christi Health
Aircraft Parts
10,250
Aircraft
6,100
Public Primary Education
5,543
Aircraft
5,300
Health Care
State of Kansas State Government City of Wichita
5,134 3,919
Municipal Government
3,000
Sedgwick County
County Government
2,929
United States Government
Federal Government
2,881
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Aircraft Modification
2,500
Aircraft
2,239
Bombardier Learjet
more at imageswichita.com
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
11
Devlin Hall on the Wichita State University campus houses the W. Frank Barton School of Business and the Center for Entrepreneurship.
12
Metro Wichita
Open for Business Wichita region cultivates environment ripe for entrepreneurs Story by Megan Pacella Photography by Antony Boshier
W
ith roots that stretch back to the days of an agricultural lifestyle, Wichita is known for its simplistic everyday life and hardworking residents – two factors that make it a prime location for small business. Home to such entrepreneurial success stories as Pizza Hut and Residence Inn, the region supports small business, family enterprises and entrepreneurship with a range of programs, technical assistance and services, from business development to marketing to leadership training. “For startups, this is absolutely a great place. There are a lot of resources and initiatives here,” says Tim Pett, director at the Center for Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University.
What’s Online
One of the primary resources for small business owners in the Wichita area, the Center for Entrepreneurship provides academic guidance for students interested in becoming entrepreneurs, as well as outreach for small businesses in the community. “From the community involvement standpoint, we offer a number of programs that try to encourage, support and foster entrepreneurial thinking,” Pett says. Educational Programs One of those programs is the entrepreneurship film series, a free annual event that includes national speakers and discussions about entrepreneurship with local small business owners. The program hosted the CEO of Build-A-Bear to share key
HONORABLE BUSINESSES Each year, the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce selects some of the community’s finest businesses and citizens to be celebrated at the annual Honors Night. The 2010 recipients were as follows: Uncommon Citizen: Shirley and Don Beggs Over The Years: Rusty Eck Ford, SASNAK Management and The Salvation Army Spirit of Wichita: Star Lumber & Supply Co. Inc. Keeper of the Plains: Poet Ethanol Products
Read more about education in Wichita at imageswichita.com. i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
13
Clockwise from top: Director Tim Pett says the Center for Entrepreneurship encourages entrepreneurship through education and research; Jon Rolph is executive vice president at restaurant company SASNAK Management.
components of growing a successful business with business owners in the community. “That’s just one of our educational initiatives,” Pett says. “We have another program we offer for a small fee called practical entrepreneurship trading tools. These are classes we offer in conjunction with our community partners, which encompass different themes; they include anything from selecting an advisory board to hiring an employee. The entrepreneurship trading tools are geared towards start-up businesses
14
Metro Wichita
and businesses that are poised for growth.” Besides reaching out to Wichita small businesses, the Center for Entrepreneurship cultivates an interest in entrepreneurship in students at the University. Offering an “incubator” that can house up to six start-ups on campus, students have a place to work while they earn a degree and make plans to start their own business after graduation. The program is so successful that in 2007 it ranked 11th in undergraduate business programs
in the United States. “We offer something beyond what you can get in a textbook,” Pett says. Ready Workforce In addition to resources that keep Wichita small businesses ahead of the curve, the community’s hard-working residents make it prime real estate for start-ups, says Jon Rolph, executive vice president of SASNAK Management, which operates 41 restaurants across the country, including four in Wichita that employ approximately 350 people.
“This is the heartland of America, and consistently you find quality people here who are good and decent,” Rolph says. “Your workforce, the people you interact with every day, even your vendors, are hardworking people. I think that is a fair generalization for people of this region.” “As I talk to other people in business in the city, that’s something that is at the top of the list as to why people love this place. It’s just a great place to be. We love Wichita, and we really love the people here.”
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
15
A Soaring Economy McConnell Air Force Base means business for Wichita
McConnell Airforce Base’s economic impact on the area is huge; in 2009, the base contributed $453.6 million to the local economy.
16
Metro Wichita
Antony Boshier
Story by Bill Lewis
F
or nearly seven decades, McConnell Air Force Base payroll of more than $96 million. has played a crucial role in keeping America safe. More than 16,000 people live in the Wichita region With its fleet of air refueling tankers, highly skilled because of the base, including 7,600 military retirees. They military and civilian work force, and multimillion-dollar buy houses, shop for cars and purchase furniture, groceries budget, the base also has a huge impact on the Wichita and everything else a household needs. All of the base’s Metro’s economy and quality of life. retirees, and most of its military and civilian personnel, “We are privileged to live and work in a thriving live off base, which contributes to the stability of the community that supports our airmen region’s housing market. In addition, and our mission on many levels,” says they support the schools their children Col. James Crowhurst, who commands attend and contribute hours of service the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at volunteering for local civic groups McConnell. and nonprofits. The base’s total contribution to the The base and the city enjoy a close local economy was $453.6 million in relationship, says Col. John Hernandez, fiscal 2009, the last full year for which commander of the Kansas Air National figures are available. Given the size of Guard 184th Intelligence Wing. the base and the scope of McConnell’s “We are truly your hometown Average hours crews fly per month mission, that economic impact comes military,” says Hernandez, a 2008 as no surprise. McConnell’s fleet of 63 Graduate of Leadership Wichita. “Our KC-135 Stratotankers fly an average of guardsmen work, live and raise their 246 sorties a month and deliver 8 families in and around Wichita, just Total base acreage million pounds of jet fuel. The like many of their parents before them tankers, which refuel other aircraft in did. They are invested members in our the air, give America’s armed forces a community, as well as members of the global reach. military who proudly give back both to McConnell’s 2,915 active duty their nation and their state.” Civilian employees who work at the base military personnel make the base one The base also provides a deep pool of the region’s largest employers. Add of skilled and motivated workers. Each the military reservists and members year, about 500 members of the of the Kansas National Guard who are military are discharged. They possess Military and civilian payroll stationed there and the number of technical skills that are avidly sought military personnel rises to more than by the region’s aircraft manufacturers, 5,000. In addition, more than 1,000 parts suppliers and other businesses. civilian employees work at the base. Another plus for local businesses are Total economic impact Military and civilian personnel the 2,000 military spouses who are earned more than $247 million in part of the area’s labor pool. 2009 and spent much of it in the local area. An additional “Our highly trained airmen integrate perfectly with $111 million more was spent on base operations support, Wichita’s skilled labor force. The Air Force and the Wichita military construction projects and health-care services community share the same work ethic and family values. within a 50-mile radius of the base. McConnell’s economic We care about one another and we support one another. We impact can also be measured by the number of indirect relish the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference jobs it supports. Nearly 2,300 retail, service, wholesale and in a community that reflects the best of America,” construction jobs exist because of the base, generating a Crowhurst says.
Mcconnell Air Force Base By the Numbers
985.6
3,540.5 1,000
$247M
$453.6M
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
17
18
Metro Wichita
At High Altitude Innovation keeps Wichita aviation industry flying Story by Bill Lewis
N
o matter where you are in the United States or around the world, there is a good chance the airplanes you see flying overhead were made in Wichita, the home of famous aviation names such as Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Bombardier Learjet. With the establishment of the National Center for Aviation Training in the city, it’s certain the next generation of individuals who build and maintain those airplanes will be trained in Wichita as well. With some 28,000 workers engaged in aviation-related enterprises, Wichita clearly deserves its moniker of Air Capital of the World. Nearly 40 percent of global general aviation aircraft is produced in Kansas. “Over the years the business has invested billions of dollars in property, plant and equipment to expand and update our Wichita site. It’s a great base of operations because of the
expertise and skilled aviation workforce that exists in Wichita,” says Deborah Gann, spokeswoman for Spirit AeroSystems. Spirit has manufacturing facilities on three continents but maintains its global headquarters and largest operations in Wichita, where 10,250 of its 14,000 employees are located. The company, which manufactures components and assemblies for commercial aircraft, was part of the Boeing Co. until 2005 and has roots in Wichita that go back 80 years. Being located so closely together in a central hub empowers Wichita’s aviation companies to work together on issues that are important to the industry, including creation of the National Center for Aviation Training, Gann says. To address a critical shortage of aviation workers – nearly half of the industry’s current workforce will soon be eligible for
Spirit AeroSystems global headquarters and largest operations are in Metro Wichita.
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
19
From left: Cessna’s Citation X; Bombardier Learjet employs 2,300 people in Wichita.
retirement – the center offers training in avionics, robotics, composites and other fields of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. “It provides world-class training to the next generation of aviation workers, helping ensure a future supply of skilled aircraft employees and Wichita’s ability to remain the Air Capital of the World,” Gann says. The futures of Wichita and aviation are tightly entwined. Cessna, for example, has delivered 6,000 Citation business jets, almost all of them made in Wichita. Today, the Citation X is the world’s fastest civilian aircraft. In addition to its headquarters, Cessna’s Wichita operations include component production, its advanced design group, final assembly of Caravan turboprop and Citation aircraft, sales, marketing and flight testing. More than 6,100 Cessna employees work in Wichita, says spokesman Doug Oliver. Learjet, the Wichita company that invented the business jet in 1963, still has major manufacturing and service operations in the city. The company is now part of Bombardier Aerospace. “Wichita is the birthplace of the Learjet, the first name in corporate aviation, and Bombardier still
20
Metro Wichita
manufactures all of its Learjet aircraft in the original, now expanded, facility founded by Bill Lear,” says Haley Dunne, spokesman for Bombardier Business Aircraft. The company makes three Learjet models at its Wichita facility, which will soon take on final assembly of the new Learjet 85. That advanced jet is scheduled to enter service in 2013. Wichita is also the location of the Bombardier Flight Test Center, which tests the entire line of Bombardier aircraft, including Learjet, Challenger, and Global business jets as well as commercial aircraft. More than 2,300
of Bombardier’s nearly 30,000 employees worldwide are stationed at Learjet, Dunne says. “Aerospace is part of the DNA of Wichita (and) of Kansas,” says Cessna’s Oliver. “It is one of a handful of true aerospace clusters in the world and home to generations of dedicated women and men who have, together, shaped the global aviation industry. Cessna has always counted on the technical and professional skills of the people of the region, as well as the support of local government and education leaders who work to ensure Wichita remains a leader in aviation.”
Major Aviation Companies With Operations in Wichita Aircraft and component manufacturers
No. of employees
Boeing
2,500
Bombardier Learjet
2,239
Cessna Aircraft
6,100
Hawker Beechcraft
5,300
Spirit AeroSystems
10,250 more at imageswichita.com
High-Velocity Research Aviation institute takes work to lofty altitudes The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University is taking its work to all new heights. With 135,000 square feet of laboratory space, NIAR is home to more than a dozen labs, specializing in such areas as advanced joining and processing, aging aircraft, full-scale structural testing, composites and advanced materials, crash dynamics, environmental testing, human factors, mechanical testing and virtual reality. Established in 1985, NIAR is renowned for its cutting-edge research, design, testing and certification, providing expertise and assistance to the aviation industry, as well as government agencies and educational entities. One of the institute’s major assets is the Walter H. Beech wind tunnel, which provides industry, government agencies and educational institutions with the facilities, equipment and staff for aerodynamic testing and research. Other NIAR labs offer support in areas such as CAD/CAM, calibration and quality, computational mechanics and visual technology. An industry advisory council – which represents major manufacturers Boeing, Bombardier/Learjet, Cessna Aircraft, Hawker Beechcraft and Spirit AeroSystems – helps steer the direction of NIAR’s research. “They provide valuable feedback and give us recommendations as to what areas we need to focus on and the types of equipment we need to invest in,” says Tracee Friess, who oversees marketing and communication for NIAR. “As part of the university, we are a nonprofit, which means our services are quite affordable. We also are able to draw upon the university’s outstanding talent,
collaborating with professors and student assistants on research.” As a unit within the administrative structure of the university, NIAR reports to the Office of Academic Affairs and Research through the associate provost. NIAR also will serve as a partner in the new National Center for Aviation Training at Jabara Airport in
Wichita. The $54 million, 200,000-square-foot facility was completed in August 2010. NIAR will have significant lab space at the new center and will work closely with Wichita Area Technical College to develop hightech training courses. – Amy Stumpfl
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
21
Young Professionals of Wichita members in downtown photo by antony boshier
22
Metro Wichita
Getting To Know You Young Professionals group plugs members into the community Story by Joe Morris
W
hen Rick Griffin moved to Wichita, he knew his wife, and that was about it. Jump ahead five years, and the attorney is one of the city’s most plugged-in residents, thanks to Young Professionals of Wichita. “I really didn’t have many connections,” says Griffin, who currently chairs YPW’s board of trustees. “I saw the group as a great opportunity to first of all meet new people, and also to become more familiar with Wichita and all that it had to offer.” Proving those networking and cityshowcase opportunities were the twin thrusts behind YPW’s formation in 2005. The loss of young workers at the time was not only costly to employers, it was also hurting the city in terms of
future leadership. Creating a group that would tap into that talent, whether it was homegrown or relocated, was key to retaining that brain trust, says Heather Denker, the group’s director. “I know for myself I had never lived anywhere that was so welcoming as a community, where I was so instantly at home, but if you are new in town you may not see that right away,” Denker says. “We make sure that people know about the amazing cost of living here, the well-paying jobs, the restaurants, the activities like the symphony, opera, theaters … all that’s happening on a regular basis.” YPW Mixes Business, Pleasure In addition to pushing Wichita’s cultural amenities, as well as a vibrant
and growing downtown that’s become a magnet for younger residents, YPW also focuses on business networking and other programs to help its 2,000 members move ahead in their careers. “We really do try to be that entry point,” Denker says. “We have a lot of transplants because we have a lot of good jobs, and they tell us that they’ve been told early on to ‘Check out YPW.’ That’s something we’re very proud of, and it shows that whether we’re offering events that focus on the cultural side of things to our diverse business activities, we are making sure that our membership and the community at large have plenty of chances to connect.” For his part, Griffin says that mixture of social outings and more straightforward business functions
“We make sure that people know about the amazing cost of living here, the well-paying jobs, the restaurants, the activities like the symphony, opera, theaters … all that’s happening on a regular basis.”
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
23
What’s Online Learn more about Wichita’s business climate and quality of life online at imageswichita.com.
helped him in many ways as he was feeling his way around Wichita early on. “YPW has the ability to bring together young professionals interested in growing their careers and also getting involved in the community,” he says. “It provides the opportunity to get to know people in a setting that’s not very intimidating at all, and it’s easy to get involved in different activities.” The organization now has seven action teams tackling everything from community involvement to Leadership
24
Metro Wichita
Link, the group’s effort to train and educate the next wave of local leaders. And as it continues to grow, it can only help both the city itself as well as its membership, Denker says. “We also serve as an exit platform; part of our Visioneering Wichita program is to act as a springboard to get people involved in the community,” she says. YPW PLugs ‘brain drain’ When Wichita’s business leaders discovered that each young adult leaving town was costing $300,000 in lost investment, they moved to stop
the brain drain. And since 2005, Young Professionals of Wichita has served as a way for the city’s newest residents to build a professional network, see the sights and get involved in the community. Now with 2,000 members and seven action teams tackling everything from community projects to training tomorrow’s leaders, YPW has become both an entry point for new professionals as well as a jumping-off place for the next generation of city and regional leaders. “We are completely volunteer driven, and our
Home away from home, the best amenities for business travelers.
Location • Value • Amenities
T o d d B e n n e tt
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham – Wichita East 411 South Webb • Wichita, KS 67207 (316) 686-7331 • Fax: (316) 686-2345 (800) 527-1133 • www.hawthorn.com
members have been able to use YPW as a vehicle of change to make things happen in the community. People can get involved as little or as much as they like, and we’ve created some leadership opportunities and been able to do great things,” Denker says. For more information, visit www.ypwichita.com.
The Pumphouse in Wichita’s Old Town is a gathering spot for young professionals like Kristjan Olson, left, Dennis Clary, Tara Shaffer and Andrew Kozak.
Living green starts from the ground up. Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. That's living healthy and green.
Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
25
What’s Online  Learn more about other innovative industries and businesses online at imageswichita.com.
26
Metro Wichita
Energy/Technology
An Updraft in Opportunity Wichita region breezes into wind-energy manufacturing
Story by Rebecca Denton
Staff P h o t o
D
orothy and Toto made Kansas famous for high winds, and now the Sunflower State is harnessing this resource as demand for renewable energy gains momentum. With ease of transportation, a wealth of skilled workers and a strategic location in the heart of the nation’s growing wind industry, Kansas is a natural fit for wind energy-related manufacturing. More than 25 percent of the state’s manufacturers already serve the wind-energy industry, and at least three major new wind-energy manufacturing facilities are in the works throughout the state. Some aerospace industry manufacturers are also getting into the game. In the Wichita Metro area, Tindall Corp. has announced plans to build a $66 million plant anchoring the new
Kansas Logistics Park in Newton. The 150,000- to 200,000-square-foot plant will make pre-cast concrete towers nearly 100 feet tall that can raise the height of wind turbines. “We’re in an excellent location for this kind of operation and for manufacturing,” says Mickey FornaroDean, executive director of the Harvey County Economic Development Council. “The entire county is very strategically located, and we have lots of land that’s big, open and easy to get into and out of. This kicks off the Kansas Logistics Park with a major company, and we’re honored they chose us.” South Carolina-based Tindall Corp. expects to employ 200 by the end of its first year and 400 by the end of its third year, she says, and construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2011.
Metro Wichita is generating new opportunities in renewable energy manufacturing. i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
27
Ron C. Brown, MD Chris N. Brunner, MD Doris C. Butler, MD Connie A. Davis, MD
Steve W. Davis, MD Rolland K. Enoch, MD Tari M. Ernst, MD
Denis D. Knight, DO Tiffany L. Lieurance, DO Drew E. Schultz, DO Diane M. Steere, MD
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Accepting New Patients • We Accept Most Insurances 800 N. Carriage Pkwy. • Wichita, KS 67208 (316) 858-5800 • Fax (316) 858-5850 • www.wichitafms.com
•
In Business Since 1975
•
Provides Electrical Service 24/7
•
Provides Design/Build Services •
Commercial, Industrial and Residential Service (316) 267-7060 800 E. Third St. Wichita, KS 67202
Members of The Associated General Contractors and The Independent Electrical Contractors Association
28
Metro Wichita
Winds of Change Some companies in the aerospace industry are also looking into windenergy possibilities to bolster their bottom lines. Electromech Technologies in Wichita has traditionally designed and manufactured electromechanical products such as motors, generators and actuators for the aerospace industry, but it has recently started to diversify and create generators for small wind turbines. “When the financial crisis hit the general aviation market, our business declined by 30 percent, and we needed to find a new market that would value our core competencies and fill the gap,” says Greg Jessup, vice president for new product development at Electromech. The company is focusing on the small end of the wind-energy market – generators with a one-kilowatt through 25-kilowatt output, which can be used for a single home to a large factory. It has already manufactured and sold one-kilowatt units to an original equipment manufacturer. The company has a five-kilowatt prototype and will soon have a 10-kilowatt prototype ready for testing. “We have all the technical skills and high-tech manufacturing capabilities here in this region to become a ‘center of excellence’ for green energy production,” Jessup says. “Electromech’s core competency of electromechanical design and manufacture, combined with our ability to wind our own motors and alternators, make this a natural extension of our business.”
Antony Boshier
Major new wind-energy manufacturing facilities in other parts of the state include Siemens’ $35 million nacelle (the part of the wind turbine that houses the gearbox, drive train and control electronics) production facility in Hutchinson, which is scheduled to open in fall 2010; and a 41,000-square-foot facility in Junction City, which is being developed by Jupiter Group, a Danish company that produces composite components for wind turbines.
An armature and rotor for a wind turbine produced by Electromech Technologies, which is located in Wichita
Kansas Wind-Energy Facts Kansas ranks second among states for its potential wind energy, at 952,371 megawatts. Kansas is one of the country’s top 10 states in installed wind capacity. Kansas wind farms power the equivalent of more than 350,000 homes.
Since the beginning of 2008, wind generating capacity in Kansas has nearly tripled to more than 1,000 megawatts. Kansas ranks seventh nationally in percentage of electricity derived from wind. Sources: www.kansaswindindustry.com and www.awea.org .
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
29
Driving Distance From Wichita to Key Destinations
30
Metro Wichita
Chicago
730 miles
Dallas
370 miles
Denver
520 miles
Houston
620 miles
Kansas City
200 miles
Oklahoma City
160 miles
St. Louis
460 miles
Transportation
Air and Ground Force Roads, rail, airport move goods in Wichita Story by Bill Lewis
W
ith the largest commercial airport in Kansas, the only Midwest interstate corridor linking Mexico, the United States and Canada, major railroads and a foreign trade zone that encourages import and export businesses, Wichita is in the center of North America’s business activity. “Even in a down economy, we are moving products in and out of the region by truck, rail and air,” says Sherdeill Breathett Sr., economic development specialist with the Sedgwick County Economic Development Department. Interstate 35, which forms an unbroken line on a map from northern Mexico to southern Canada, makes the region a hub for the shipment of manufactured goods by truck. That activity blossomed after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) eliminated trade barriers and tariffs. “The highway’s presence encourages the growth of small manufacturers. The economy is stabilized by manufacturing,” Breathett says. Sedgwick foreign trade zone Promotes Growth Sedgwick County’s foreign trade zone is another plus, Breathett says. It is used by a diverse mix of companies, from aircraft manufacturers to Hospira, the maker of hospital products with manufacturing operations in McPherson, to reduce the cost of importing and exporting goods. Companies can delay and even avoid paying customs duties and taxes on items in international commerce when they are kept in a trade zone. “That creates a level playing field with their competitors in other countries by reducing the cost of duties,” Breathett says. “The foreign trade zone has without a doubt kept a lot of jobs in the state instead of moving offshore.”
What’s Online
The foreign trade zone offers covered warehouse and assembly space and has building sites for manufacturing facilities. It is the only U.S. Customs Service-bonded warehouse within a 200-mile radius. “We ship nationwide from the foreign trade zone. Every day we are shipping goods into the nation’s economy,” says Manager Jack Brooks. “When goods leave the facility, they pay customs duties and any federal, state and local taxes. Everybody benefits.” The facility has nearby interstate access and is served by the Missouri Pacific Railroad. It is located just five miles south of Wichita’s MidContinent Airport, whose runways – the longest is 10,301 feet – can accommodate many of the world’s largest cargo and passenger aircraft. Airport Links Wichita to World Mid-Continent Airport set a record by handling 1.6 million passengers in 2008, says Valerie Wise, air service and business development manager. Boardings and arrivals declined by about 113,000 passengers in 2009, but the pace picked up again in 2010. Another sign of strength was Delta’s decision to restore service to Detroit, a major hub for travelers to Asia. Airlines serving the airport provide nonstop service to a dozen destinations. “We offer easy access to just about anywhere you need to fly,” Wise says. In addition to scheduled airline service, the airport is home to a variety of other aviation enterprises. Three fixed-base operators provide a range of services, including aircraft fuel, repairs and charter flights. There are approximately 270 general aviation aircraft based at the airport.
Wichita MidContinent Airport Facts and Figures 7
Number of carriers – AirTran, Allegiant, American Airlines, Continental Express, Delta, Frontier and United
1.6M
Passenger count in 2009
46
Daily arrivals and departures
275,000
Square footage of new airport terminal opening in 2013
Get a bird’s-eye view of what Mid-Continent Airport has to offer at imageswichita.com. i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
31
Your single source solution for custom electronics – home or office – new construction or remodel Design, installation, setup and service since 1997. Over 60 years of combined experience. • Home Theater Custom Design and Installation • Systems Integration
Banking Made Better
• Multi-Room Audio • HD Video Systems • Surveillance Cameras • Security Systems • Structured Cabling • Lighting Control
Please call to set up an appointment: (316) 722-HOME (4663) 8955 W. Monroe Cir. Ste. 400 Wichita, KS 67209 www.HomeTechnologySys.com
Member of: CEDIA Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce Wichita Independent Business Association Wichita Area Builder’s Association
32
Metro Wichita
Flying High Wichita Mid-Continent Airport holds the distinction of being the busiest airport in Kansas. A major component of the region’s transportation network, the airport served more than 1.5 million passengers in 2009. The airport offers nonstop service to 11 major hub cities via seven carriers providing 46 arrivals and departures daily. By early 2013, the airport will have a whole new look, thanks to a $90 million expansion that will result in a new, 275,000-squarefoot terminal. The new terminal is being built west of the existing terminal so that much of existing roadway, utilities and parking facilities can be incorporated into the new project to hold down costs. The two-story terminal’s modern architectural design is intended to express flight and Wichita’s global leadership in the aviation industry. Exhibits portraying the history of aviation in Wichita will be a theme in the terminal’s design. The new terminal is about the same size as the existing facility, which opened in 1954, but is designed to handle up to 2 million passengers a year and can be expanded to support up to 2.4 million passengers annually. A major feature of the project, which has been registered for LEED certification, is installation of energy-efficient equipment and use of numerous skylights. The new facility will have 12 gates when it opens, each of which will have a loading bridge. Four gates have been designed to handle two loading bridges, which brings the capability up to 16 bridges, depending on the aircraft fleet mix at the time.
Passengers walk to their planes through the lobby of Mid-Continent Airport.
Antony Boshier
Major expansion takes wing at Wichita’s airport
(316) 945-5272 2098 Airport Rd. located across from Mid-Continent Airport A Local Favorite
www.wichitaairport.hilton.com i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
33
Health
Doctor in the House New medical school leader reshapes care in Kansas
34
Metro Wichita
H
Story by Melanie Hill Photography by Antony Boshier
F
or more than 30 years, the KU School of Medicine-Wichita has been turning out some of the best doctors in the state. In 2009, the school began a new era under the leadership of a new dean, Dr. David Wilson. The Illinois native and M.D. hit the ground running with an ambitious set of plans to add degree programs, increase health-care options for Kansans, provide training for health personnel and nearly triple the school’s economic impact in the Wichita community. “Our goal is to produce doctors for Kansas,” says Wilson, who estimates that nearly half of the school’s 1,600plus graduates have gone on to practice in Kansas. “I want to spend time during the next year exploring rural and western Kansas and talk to the legislature about what we can do to meet needs in those communities.” The school provides education and residency programs to 110 third- and fourth-year medical students from the KU School of Medicine in Kansas City – both campuses are components of the University of Kansas Medical Center. Under Wilson’s plan, the Wichita school will expand to a full
Dr. David Wilson is dean of the KU School of Medicine-Wichita.
KU School of Medicine Facts & Figures The Wichita campus provides hands-on, clinical training to about 110 third- and fourth-year medical students. ●
● Plans are under way to expand to a full, four-year campus in Wichita, educating up to 250 students by 2015.
●
Of the more than 1,600 medical students who have graduated from the Wichita school since 1975, almost half have gone on to practice in Kansas, compared to a national average of 29 percent of doctors graduating from medical school and remaining in the same state to practice.
● The school’s fiscal year 2009 regional economic impact was $49.7 million.
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
35
Strong and Healthy
What’s Online Read more about Wichita’s heatlhcare scene online at imageswichita.com.
four-year campus with up to 250 students by 2015. And in 2011, KU-Wichita will welcome its first pharmacy school class, expected to grow to 80 students in its first four years. “I think the people of Wichita have been looking forward to a four-year campus for 30 years,” Wilson says. “The faculty also is excited about being involved at an earlier stage in the students’ learning.” Plans also are under way to grow the school’s state-of-the-art medical practices through additional patient clinics, including a Wichita-based center for rural health. Students currently gain clinical experience at the school-run Jaydoc Community Clinic, physician offices and local hospital partnerships. Another of Wilson’s goals is to assist KU Medical School-Kansas City in its quest for National Cancer Institute designation by 2011. “We see ourselves as a supportive partner in that effort, but not the major thrust,” Wilson says. Meanwhile, Wichita’s health-care community is buzzing about Wilson’s plan for the creation of a regional
Region’s hospitals provide a gamut of care
simulation center. With an anticipated price tag of more than $25 million, the center will provide a high-tech training ground for students and other health professionals to develop lifesaving skills. “We’re learning in many ways from the region’s aircraft industry, as we’ve been flying in simulated airplanes for 35 years,” Wilson says. “Mannequins can simulate a whole host of human conditions that allow medical students, doctors, nurses and emergency responders to practice lifesaving maneuvers. It’s an expensive proposition, but will benefit and unite so many in health care, which is the second largest industry in Wichita.” Once in place, Wilson’s plans for the school are expected to nearly triple its current regional economic impact of $50 million. “When even more students come here and then stay for all four years, they’ll buy a house,” Wilson says. “Their kids will go to school here, and more than likely they’ll settle in a nearby community. Although half of our doctors already choose to stay here in Kansas, I think we can do better.”
Health care is big business in Wichita. With 17 acute-care and freestanding specialty hospitals, the region is a hub for comprehensive care. As the state’s largest healthcare provider, Via Christi Health operates hospitals, outpatient centers and home services throughout the region. Its latest contribution is Via Christi Hospital on St. Teresa, which opened in August 2010. Located in west Wichita, the hospital boasts leading-edge emergency services, private patient suites, high-tech labor and delivery suites, and state-of-the-art operating rooms. Across town, Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis offers Kansas’ first and largest Level I Trauma Center and a neuroscience center that includes a comprehensive stroke center, advanced care for epilepsy patients and Kansas’ only neuro critical care unit. And at Via Christi Hospital on Harry, patients have access to advanced medical and surgical intensive care units, a senior behavioral health unit and the Robotic Surgery Institute. Wichita’s Wesley Medical Center is home to the Wesley Children’s Hospital and delivers more babies than any other hospital in a 13-state region. The tech-savvy center also provides robotic-assisted surgery, while advanced cancer treatment is provided using the Trilogy stereotactic radiation system. The non-invasive procedure allows doctors to deliver higher doses of radiation more precisely and with fewer treatments, eliminating inoperable tumors and helping patients recover faster and with fewer side effects. The city’s medical centers are complemented by a diverse offering of specialty hospitals. – Melanie Hill i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
37
Education
Work in Progress College programs sharpen skills of region’s workforce Story by Kevin Litwin • Photography by Antony Boshier
38
Metro Wichita
B
ombardier Learjet has used college services, and so have Cessna Aircraft, H&R Block, Sherwin-Williams and The Wichita Eagle. Officials with Butler Community College say a big key to Wichita’s sophisticated and innovative economy is a highly skilled and trained workforce, so the college oversees the
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE WICHITA AREA Baker University Bethel College Butler Community College Cowley College Friends University Hesston College Hutchinson Community College ITT Technical Institute Newman University Southwestern College Tabor College University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita University of Phoenix-Wichita Vatterott College Wichita Area Technical College Wichita State University Wichita Technical Institute Webster University
Business Performance Group. The group offers solution-focused corporate training programs to help individuals become more productive and companies more profitable. “We work closely with local businesses and industries to know what are the hottest industries for Wichita college students and workforces to train for,” says Pedro Leite, dean of the Advanced Technology Center at Butler Community College. “We are always talking to business advisory boards so that we can make our college curriculum as current as possible for what local businesses need now and in the future.” Leite uses the example of composite materials, a major industry within Wichita’s aerospace sector. Composites are lightweight, flexible, ultra-strong materials used for aerospace components such as fuselages, wings, tails and propellers. “Our advanced training programs at Butler include composite engineer technology, with many of our currently enrolled students being sought after and serving internships at aerospace companies throughout Wichita,” Leite says. “Machinists in other fields who are laid off are now coming to us for retraining in our composite manufacturing program, so they can become in demand once again in the workforce.” Another red-hot program at Butler Community College is Interactive 3D,
What’s Online
which involves video game development. “I have also begun an annual technology camp for girls ages 12-16 to give them an introduction and a big-picture look at advanced technologies,” Leite says. “Wichita needs to keep the pipeline flowing and get younger people interested in advanced careers so they can eventually replace those who retire. Every girl who has attended the technology camp so far has been enthusiastic about what they have learned.” Wichita Area Technical College (WATC) is also involved in training students and workers for high-paying, in-demand careers. The college offers hands-on training in 30 occupational programs and also works closely with area businesses. “Yes, aerospace is huge in this part of Kansas, and we provide much of the curriculum at the National Center for Aviation Training in Wichita,” says Sheree Utash, senior vice president of academic affairs and learner services at Wichita Area Technical College. “Composites, maintenance, avionics, robotics, welding, coatings – we cover it all.” Utash adds that Wichita is also a major center for health, and WATC offers a number of advanced health care training programs. “This college is a microcosm of the community we live in,” she says, “so working closely with business and industry helps us deliver a high-tech, high-wage, high-demand career pipeline for students.”
Learn more about local schools at imageswichita.com.
Greater Wichita Educational Attainment Population 25 years and over Some college, no degree
23% Students learn aircraft maintenance at Wichita Area Technical College, which offers hands-on training in 30 occupational programs.
Associate degree
bachelor’s degree
17.3% graduate or professional degree
7.6%
8.7% i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
39
metro wichita in action
Don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself how great Metro Wichita is in our quick videos at imageswichita.com, highlighting a little bit of everything that Metro Wichita has to offer.
imageswichita.com
In a Class by Itself Wichita State University is a higher education powerhouse. The university’s six undergraduate colleges offer 60 degree programs in more than 200 areas of study and its graduate programs offer 44 masters degrees, 10 doctoral programs and three specialist degree programs in more than 100 areas of study. The university’s award-winning school of engineering has earned a standout reputation far beyond Kansas, and its research hubs, institutes and centers cover a gamut of disciplines, from aviation to advanced materials to education to entrepreneurship. The university is home to the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), some 35,000 square feet of laboratory space where researchers are producing breakthroughs in such areas as advanced joining and processing, aging aircraft, full-scale structural testing, composites and advanced materials, crash dynamics, environmental testing, human factors, mechanical testing and virtual reality. More than half of the nearly 15,000 students who attend WSU participate in a cooperative education program with local employers. The cooperative education department has worked with nearly 2,300 businesses since 1997, giving students in all majors opportunities to gain work experience through internships and job placements. It is the largest co-op program in the state. In addition to its 3,300-acre main campus, WSU also operates several satellite locations throughout the community. For more, go to www.wichita.edu.
Antony Boshier
No shortage of brainpower at WSU
A WSU student prepares the autoclave to cure a composite panel at NIAR.
your Business luncH specialist HARVEST’s cuisine and decor are designed to reflect the artistic and agricultural majesty of Kansas. The service and professionalism are designed to make you look good. Call ahead and ask about our private dining room and the Chef’s Table for that special occasion. Complimentary valet parking is always included when dining at Harvest KitcHen & Bar. Let HARVEST and HYATT work together with you to do business in Kansas.
For reservations, call (316) 613-6300 or visit www.harvestkitchenandbar.com.
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
41
42
Metro Wichita
Livability
Livability
A Downtown for Everyone Plan maps new opportunities for living, working and enjoying the district Story by Claire Ratliff • Photography by Antony Boshier
A
Story by Claire Ratliff Photography by ???????
lready a vibrant and familyfriendly place to live, work and play, downtown Wichita boasts a tantalizing array of museums, galleries, theaters, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The downtown area is home to more than 2,000 residents, and city leaders have grand plans for continued growth and innovation in lifestyle and business opportunities with a real 24/7 downtown. The city of Wichita and the Wichita Downtown Development Corp. hired Boston-based consulting firm Goody Clancy to analyze the downtown market, gather feedback from residents and create a blueprint for future development. Planning began in October 2009 as a collaborative effort with the community. More than 1,500 people had the opportunity to offer comments and ideas on the draft plan through several community meetings and workshops. The ambitious 20-year plan comprises three primary focus points. The plan will create more transportation choices including improved streetscaping, downtown walkability, expanded transit options and facilities for biking with designated lanes. Douglas Street, in the general vicinity of the old
Chisholm Trail, is planned as an interpretive history area that will delight with storytelling and street performances. Visitors and residents, however, don’t have to wait for the future to enjoy existing arts venues, museums and restaurants. Old Town already beckons residents with lofts, condos and apartments. The historic neighborhood charms with brick, tree-lined streets and a variety of nightlife offerings. The INTRUST Bank Arena is a venue for concerts, entertainment and sports. It is home to the Wichita Thunder hockey team. Baseball lovers sate their hunger for America’s favorite game at Lawrence Dumont Stadium and the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center is a 721,000-square-foot, multifunctional facility in the heart of downtown on the bank of the Arkansas River. Events and trade shows at Century II draw up to a million visitors annually. Currently brimming with unique downtown places like Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, the Mid-America All Indian Center, Old Cowtown Museum, the Exploration Place science center and the Commerce Street Arts District, the downtown Wichita plan
Clockwise from top: A visitor plays with the Van de Graaff generator at Exploration Place; Wichita’s skyline is reflected in the waters of the Arkansas River; a heritage pole titled History of Kansas by J. Sequiche Morris; biking on a trail along the Arkansas River
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
43
calls for additional urban design improvement. A new public library is proposed and there are plans for expanded parks and recreation facilities. The third component of the plan involves enabling development by creating incentives for private-sector development. “The overall key of the downtown master plan is a higher level of private investment in development,” says Scott Knebel of the Metropolitan Planning Department. The bustling downtown district may have an eye to the future, but there will always be a warm nod to the city’s rich history. Founded in 1870, the city was part of the Chisholm Trail, a cattle trail from Texas to Wichita railheads. The area is replete with Indian heritage and boasts the Mid-American All Indian Center. The Keeper of the Plains statue is a landmark on the riverbank. Wichita, in fact, is itself a Native American word. “There is so much that’s already appealing,” Knebel says. “We want to connect the dots and build on our strengths.”
Clockwise from top left: Botanica, The Wichita Gardens; the Wichita Wingnuts are part of the American Association; Fisch Haus Studios in the Commerce Street Arts District is home to displays of visual and performance art.
44
125
17
107
18
Miles of bike trails
Number of golf courses
Parks, encompassing more than 4,000 acres
Average commute time in minutes
Metro Wichita
An All-Star Attraction New arena gives downtown Wichita another focal point The newest addition to Wichita’s downtown entertainment hub is the INTRUST Bank Arena, a state-ofthe-art sports and entertainment venue that can host concerts, entertainment events and conventions alike. The arena has already become a magnet for some of the hottest events to hit town, including concerts from acts such as Taylor Swift, the Eagles, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood, to sporting events such as the Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League to circuses, major speaker events and special attractions like the Walking With Dinosaurs exhibit. The arena features 22 suites, 40 loge boxes, 300 premium seats and total seating capacity of 15,000, as well as a leading-edge acoustics and sound system. The arena includes 16 concession stands, a four-sided scoreboard with high-resolution and low-resolution video and LED screens centrally hung to complement the smaller
LED screens circling the entire arena bowl, pre-function meeting space with seating for 75 to 100 guests and more than 4,000 parking spaces within a four-block radius. The arena is owned by Sedgwick County and managed by SMG, a globally recognized leader in venue management, marketing and development. Helping to finance the $205.5 million facility was a 30-month, 1-percent sales tax. The opening of the arena is expected to serve as a catalyst for additional development in the surrounding neighborhood and provide opportunities to link the area to other downtown neighborhoods and attractions. Planning work is already under way to link the arena neighborhood to Wichita’s Old Town, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, and the WaterWalk mixeduse residential and commercial development along the Arkansas River.
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
45
New USD259 High School and K-8 schools opening in 2012 Easy access to all major employers and entertainment opportunities in the Wichita Metro
Top-rated parks and recreation programming One of the lowest crime rates in Sedgwick County High quality of life, low cost of living
Small-town value, big-city fun
7651 E. Central Park Ave. Bel Aire, KS 67226 (316) 744-2451 • (316) 744-3739 F www.belaireks.gov
46
Metro Wichita
economic profile Business snapshot
Population (2009) Region - 734,804 Butler County – 64,084 Cowley County – 33,364 Harper County - 5,667 Harvey County - 34,247 Kingman County - 7,571 Marion County - 11,982 Reno County - 63,357 Sedgwick County – 490,864 Sumner County - 23,488 Kansas - 2,818,747
Major MSA Population Centers (2007) Wichita - 357,698 Hutchinson - 41,085 Derby - 21,101 Newton - 18,093 El Dorado - 12,718 Winfield - 11,471 Arkansas City - 11,416
Major Employers Spirit AeroSystems - 10,250 Cessna Aircraft Co. - 6,100 Unified School District 259 - 5,543
Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, is the economic hub of the region. The city has a strong manufacturing base, much of which is related to the aircraft industry. Wichita offers business tax incentives of particular benefit to capital-intensive manufacturing operations. Health care and agriculture are also major players in the city’s business climate. Hawker Beechcraft - 5,300 Via Christi Health System – 5,134 State of Kansas – 3,919 City of Wichita - 3,000 Sedgwick County - 2,929 Federal Government - 2,881 Boeing Defense, Space & Security, 2,500 Bombardier Learjet - 2,239 Koch Industries - 2,100
Major industry sectors Services - 38% Manufacturing – 19.9% Government – 13.9% Retail – 10.5% Natural Resources and Construction – 5.3% Financial Activities - 3.9% Wholesale Trade – 3.8% Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities – 2.8% Information – 1.8%
Labor Force (2009) Civilian Labor Force, 390,822 Unemployment Rate, 7.3%
Housing Market (2009)
$115,000 Median Selling Price
$200,561 Median sale price, newly built single-family home
$646 Apartment rental (2 bedroom)
Median Household Income Region - $47,572
What’s Online
Butler County - $57,678
For more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on Metro Wichita, go to imageswichita.com and click on Economic Profile.
Harper County - $50,640
Cowley County - $45,163 Harvey County - $44,032
This section is sponsored by
i mage s w i c h i t a . c om
47
Kingman County - $48,480 Marion County - $43,983 Reno County - $42,597 Sedgwick County - $49,518 Sumner County - $46,245
Cost of Living Comparison Wichita 90.8
this route has become crucial as trade increases between those countries. I-35 connects with major east-west interstates I-70 via I-135 about 90 miles to the north and I-40 about 150 miles to the south. Sixteen national and regional interstate common carriers have local terminal facilities.
Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (Class III) www.watcocompanies.com/ Railroads/ko/ko.htm
Railroads
www.gwedc.org
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (Class I) www.bnsf.com
Dallas 91.0 Des Moines 91.0
Union Pacific (Class I) www.up.com
Sources: www.wichita.edu quickfacts.census.gov
Colorado Springs 92.4 Kansas City, MO-KS 96.3 Denver 104.3 Seattle 121.7 Orange County, CA 146.7 Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, third quarter 2009 (National=100)
Retail Sales (2005)
$2.01 billion Taxable Retail Sales
Transportation Airports Wichita Mid-Continent Airport www.flywichita.com
Highways The region has direct access to Interstate 35, the only Midwest interstate corridor in North America to connect Canada, the United States and Mexico. Under NAFTA
visit our
advertisers Friends University www.friends.edu
Kansas Cosmosphere & Science Center www.cosmo.org
Wesley Medical Center www.wesleymc.com
Go Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau www.gowichita.com
Medical Community Credit Union www.medicalcomcu.org
Wichita Airport Authority www.flywichita.com
Hawthorn Suites www.hawthorn.com
Reflection Ridge Resort Lifestyle Communities www.rlcommunities.com
Wichita Collegiate School www.wcsks.com
City of Bel Aire www.belaireks.gov
Hilton Wichita Airport www.wichitaairport.hilton.com
Sedgwick County Zoo www.scz.org
City of Derby www.derbyweb.com
Home Technology Systems www.hometechnologysys.com
Tran, Majher & Shaw Optometry www.tmseyecare.com
Coleman www.coleman.com
Hyatt Regency Wichita www.hyattregencywichita.com
Via Christi Wichita Health Network www.via-christi.org/wichita
Belford Electric Inc. BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas www.bcbs.com Butler Community College www.butlercc.edu
48
Metro Wichita
Wichita Family Medicine Specialist www.wichitafms.com Wichita Public Schools www.usd259.com
Eye Exams for the Entire Family Vision Therapy & Sports Vision Training See-To-Learn Provider / Free Vision Screenings for Pre-School Aged Children Treatment & Diagnosis of Ocular Disease After Hours Emergency Care
TMS EYECARE
Large Selection of High-Fashion Frames In-House Lab & A Large Inventor y of In-Stock Contact Lenses Most Insurances Welcome We Accept Visa, MasterCard, A MEX & Discover
2251 N. Woodlawn Wichita, KS 67220
(316) 686 -6063 tmseyecare.com
Visit our Web site at:
Anh M. Tran, O.D. Jacob D. Shaw, O.D. Brad D. Majher, O.D. Christopher A. Smith, O.D.