USD 232: Connecting Students To Real World Opportunity
Huhtamaki: A Partner In Progress
2024–2025
ExpandingDeSoto is a collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, city offices, and Unified School District 232.
Editor Jean Teller
Designer/Art Director Alex Tatro
Advertising Angie Taylor
Copy Editor Leslie Clugston Andres
Photographers Kevin Anderson
Dominick Williams
Mays Communications
USD 232
Writers Alaina Belisle
Jill Dutton
Jackie Hostetler
Pamela Spradlin Mahajan desotoks.org
2024 Board Chair Sherelle Witt
Interim Chamber Director Shelly Milburn
my friends, my community,
I’m excited for you to dig into this year’s edition of Expanding De Soto, a joint venture between the City of De Soto, the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council, and our award-winning school district, USD 232.
While this publication has been called Expanding De Soto since its inception six years ago, the title is especially meaningful now. Our amazing community is expanding—in reach, influence and opportunity.
sunflowerpub.com
Publisher Bill Uhler
Director Bob Cucciniello
All material and photographs copyright Sunflower Publishing, 2024.
For editorial queries: Jean Teller (785)832-7231 jteller@sunflowerpub.com
For advertising queries: Angie Taylor (785)832-7236 ataylor@sunflowerpub.com
The developments at Astra Enterprise Park and Flint Commerce Center are bringing thousands of well-paying jobs to De Soto. But that’s just the beginning. The developments are funding much-needed infrastructure improvements, including updated water and sewer treatment facilities, a new fire station and improved roads. The developments will also generate millions of dollars annually for the city that will fund amenities like parks, trails and new services. As a result, we’ll rely less on property taxes to fund services—a big bonus for residents, who will see expanded amenities without an impact on their tax bills. Plus, our local businesses will benefit. In fact, owners are already receiving a bonus: Sales tax revenue is up 75%. That’s good news for the city and great news for business owners.
We understand there are growing pains, and we know they can be challenging. But we also know the De Soto community has a history of being welcoming, big-hearted and open to new opportunities.
Here’s to a bright, expansive future, Rick Walker, Mayor on the cover.
Ann O’Hara, president of Huhtamaki North American and Dr. Cory Gibson, superintendent of USD 232.
PhotobyKevinAnderson
what’s inside
A Spotlight on De Soto
ARTICLE BY Pamela Spradlin Mahajan
The De Soto Chamber of Commerce has been integral to the De Soto community for many years. As an organization centered on helping local businesses flourish and enabling business owners to connect, the chamber has an essential role in making the De Soto business community everything it can be.
This particular point in time may be especially crucial, says interim chamber director Shelly Milburn, who took the job because of her deep connection to De Soto. “I stepped into this role … because what happens with our chamber of commerce matters to me,” says Milburn. “My husband and I each own a small business here in town, and our daughter will go to school here, so it matters to us professionally and personally … This just feels like a really important point in our history. There’s a lot of opportunity and we need to respect all of the positives that we have and really harness those and work diligently to incorporate all of the positives of the new things that are happening.”
Some of those new things include the Flint Commerce Center, a 370-acre industrial park at 103rd Street and Edgerton Road, and the 9,000-plus-acre Astra Enterprise Park, home to Panasonic’s electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The Panasonic plant is set to open in Spring 2025.
These developments have led to steady residential growth and new businesses coming to De Soto, including healthcare services, restaurants, a vet clinic, and a Pilates studio, among others. In turn, the De Soto Chamber of Commerce is also growing and changing.
“Our group is getting really diverse, not only in size of business but type,” Milburn says. “If a company is coming here and going to have any number of employees—whether that be five or 5,000—the addition of fitness, healthcare, grocery, and convenience is making those locations more attractive to employees and also just a much easier place to live, cutting out the commute for all those services that De Soto residents need in everyday life.”
New De Soto businesses can provide services to residents who would otherwise have to leave the city.
“Anybody who is coming here and opening a business locally has an opportunity to capture a market that is currently commuting to receive that same service,” Milburn says.
Expansive growth can indeed be seen in many areas of De Soto, says board member Andy Jacober. “De Soto is growing, and the chamber is growing with it. We have two new board members. We are hiring a new chamber director this year as well. All of those are really good things,” he says.
Jacober commends current chamber staff member Karen Rodgers for how she gets things done. She “has been a phenomenal behind-the-scenes worker,” he says.
Chamber of commerce member and Alcove Development partner Dustin K. Baker has found the chamber to be an invaluable source of connection with the local business
community. “The De Soto Chamber of Commerce has provided an avenue to network among the leaders of the community and develop long-term relationships,” he says.
“As a hometown De Soto Realtor, I’m happy to be a part of the chamber and help with bringing in fresh ideas for the future,” says Sherelle Witt, current chamber chair, Realtor with Weichert Realtors, Welch & Co., and owner of Oasis Nutrition.
The chamber continues to sponsor a variety of events to spotlight and connect the De Soto business community. In addition to golf tournaments, pizza and puzzles events, breakfasts and happy hours, the chamber recently hosted its annual dinner, which garnered the highest showing ever, says Jacober.
What Came Before
That’s not to say De Soto’s business community has not thrived since long before the new headline-grabbing developments. Huhtamaki, Engineered Air and Rehrig Pacific Plastics “are three big companies that have done an awful lot … and will continue to do so going forward,” says Jacober. Other businesses, large and small, have contributed to the growth and strength of the De Soto business community.
“I think the challenge is to not get over-focused,” Milburn says. “I think there’s a lot of focus on what’s happening at Astra Enterprise Park and Panasonic—and those things are great, but the challenge is to make sure that we still are shining a light on all of the businesses that have been in De Soto for a long time and are an important part of our community fabric.”
“It’s easy to attach to the headlines and forget that this has been a great place to live and work for a long time, and all of those players have been faithful and contributed, not only from a business perspective but from a philanthropic perspective, from connection and cooperation with schools and local charitable needs. That’s all been going on here for a long time,” she says.
“De Soto is an amazing place to live with positive growth happening in both residential and commercial. I’m excited that much of the growth is from homegrown investors who live and grew up here. They truly understand the dynamic of this amazing town,” Witt says.
It’s clear that the thousands of acres being developed commercially and the Panasonic electric vehicle battery facility are generating a buzz of excitement and spurring new businesses to emerge. Yet De Soto has always had a lot to offer as a place of business and a place to live, says Milburn.
“The growth is great, but that plant won’t make De Soto great. It will add to what is great here,” Milburn says.
“I think we’re probably the best-kept secret in Johnson County. This has just been such a quiet, almost off-themap place, but that’s why people live here. That’s why they stay—all of the things that were already here are the things that they love.”
Andy Jacober Financial Advisor
Still De Soto
The EDC continues to attract businesses to the heartland.
Within the last year, 30-plus companies have expressed interest in putting down roots in De Soto. In April, 40 representatives from JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), a government-affiliated organization that cultivates investment and trade opportunities, visited De Soto to tour both Astra Enterprise Park and Flint Commerce Center. Many of those visiting represent clients with active projects in need of a U.S. site. And that’s not all.
In March, German company H&T Recharge announced it would colocate with Panasonic in De Soto, bringing an investment of $110 million and 180 jobs, in addition to Panasonic’s $4 bilion and 4,000-job injection. H&T Recharge has a long-term agreement with Panasonic to supply lithium-ion battery cans to the EV battery company. Both companies plan to have their lights on by spring of 2025.
Although most large-scale projects of interest remain confidential, the city of De Soto has seen serious interest from 39 job-driving megaprojects, including requests for information from:
• 23 manufacturing facilities
• 8 data centers
• 5 distribution centers
• 3 research and development facilities
Local businesses have also declared for De Soto:
ARTICLE BY Alaina Belisle
PHOTOS COURTESY Economic Development Council
• KC-based Burnt End BBQ will open a new De Soto location later this year.
• KC-based Savion LLC has secured a 2,800-acre lease at Astra Enterprise Park for its solar facility and is awaiting permitting approvals. It hopes to be operational by 2028.
• Force of Nature Brewery is set to open its doors in August 2024.
“There’s a heightened interest in developing in De Soto now,” says Sherelle Witt, chair of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “As always, the focus will be on smart growth with an eye toward what’s in the community’s best interest.”
The Industries
De Soto is primed to take on cross-industry businesses and is particularly well-outfitted for industries like semiconductor manufacturing, advanced plastics, food processing, and distribution. The city has honed in on these industries—and similarly been targeted by interested businesses—for its transportation convenience.
The Kansas City metro, and by extension, De Soto, is a major national roadway center, with several key highways passing through KC: I-70, I-35, U.S. 69, I-470, U.S. 71, and I-435, to name just a few. Kansas City is also the No. 2 rail hub in the country (Chicago is in the No. 1 spot). In addition, Kansas City is the only major city with cross-country rail service that cuts from Canada to Mexico.
De Soto’s central location also makes it an attractive siteshopping area: The city is equidistant from both coasts, both reachable in one to two days. Being part of the significant Kansas City metro area doesn’t hurt either. Panasonic and other future employers will be able to pull from a robust, skilled, and educated workforce pool. So, while De Soto is tailor-made for things like distribution and advanced manufacturing, there is also mutual interest from other tech companies, such as Panasonic, as well as solar facilities and data centers.
The Process
Since landing Panasonic, De Soto has received inquiries from other businesses shopping for their next groundbreaking. These requests for information, or RFIs, typically reach the state level or regional organizations like the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). Based on a business’ criteria (how much electricity do they need? water capacity? rail access?), consultants, like site selectors, put together lists of their most attractive sites—such as De Soto—which are eventually narrowed to three to five communities.
Once RFIs are received, local EDCs have a handful of days to gather information and coordinate with the target site and governing utilities. In the later rounds, interested companies will make in-person site visits, and, eventually, in the case of Panasonic, select De Soto as their community. The process is often slow and painstaking, with life cycles of 18 to 24 months.
Rick McDowell is a consultant who coordinates RFIs on behalf of the De Soto Economic Development Council and has spent his career working with area EDCs. He says, “We’ve seen around 20 RFIs in just the last four months, which is huge—other places might see maybe a dozen in a year. That just speaks to the
From top: Andy Heitmann speaks during an EDC event; Chris Guiterrez visits with other chamber members at an EDC event; Rick McDowell and Shelly Milburn share a laugh at the EDC office. (BottomphotobyDominickWilliams)
“The changes on our horizon are truly lifechanging. It’s essential to me that, as these evolutions happen, they lead to meaningful, quality-oflife improvements for our residents, without sacrificing the charm, friendliness, and livability that we love about De Soto.”
-Mike Brungardt, city administrator
viability of the prospects here in De Soto. Interest has continually ramped up over the course of the last year.”
Kansas City has already carved a niche for itself in the engineering, architecture, and construction services. The Engineering industry has grown by 24% in the last 10 years, compared to 9% nationally. The Kansas City area generally competes for development projects with other heavy hitters like Denver, Nashville, Dallas, and Oklahoma City.
The Growth Factor
The advent of Panasonic is bringing lasting and measurable infrastructure and community benefits, as De Soto expands utilities and capacity to support the battery plant and other incoming businesses. While De Soto itself will invest an initial $2 million for road improvements, over the next 20 years the city will see a staggering $400 million return on this investment. Infrastructure improvements are fronted almost entirely by Panasonic, contributing $166 million, and the Kansas Department of Transportation and Johnson County, who together will fund $80 million. These investments will include:
• $54.5 million in water treatment improvements
• $43.4 million in sewer treatment improvements
• $40 million in sewer expansion
• $84 million on road construction
• $19 million for a new fire truck and station
Within the past year alone, De Soto’s sales tax collections have increased by $1.3 million, representing a 74% increase from the previous year—a direct correlation to the number of workers at the Panasonic building site, which this spring tipped the scales at more than 2,000 workers. Other 20-year community benefits include:
• $77 million in franchise fees, which is a rental fee paid to a city or county by utilities for use of public space
• $14 million toward local schools
• $35 million toward state schools
A De Soto Mainstay: Huhtamaki
Even before the flurry of businesses expressing interest in De Soto, the city has long been home to major international players like Merck Animal Health, Engineered Air, and Rehrig Pacific. Among these is Huhtamaki, a food packaging supplier and maker of Chinet, with its North American headquarters based in De Soto. Huhtamaki is the second biggest employer in De Soto (De Soto’s school system is first), and it has been a steadying force in the De Soto economy. This year, Huhtamaki is being recognized for its community involvement.
The paper product manufacturer was recognized by the De Soto Chamber of Commerce at its 2024 annual dinner, when Huhtamaki was honored as business of the year. Michael Hodges, Huhtamaki’s vice president of communications and sustainability, was the keynote speaker at the EDC’s inaugural Solution Series Breakfast in February, where he discussed the importance of sustainable business practices. To learn more about joining the EDC or to attend future EDC events, email the organization at chambermembership@desotoks.org, or keep an eye on the EDC’s event calendar at desotoksedc.org
The franchise fees from Panasonic alone top out to an annual $3.68 million, providing a consistent financial stream for the city.
Mike Brungardt has been with the city for almost 25 years, first as De Soto’s city engineer, and then as city administrator, a position he’s held since 2016. Brungardt has witnessed De Soto’s growth, saying, “The changes on our horizon are truly life-changing. It’s essential to me that, as these evolutions happen, they lead to meaningful, quality-of-life improvements for our residents, without sacrificing the charm, friendliness, and livability that we love about De Soto.” Brungardt noted public engagement has been an anchor throughout this wave of expansion.
The Impact
For De Soto, the bottom line translates into more resources and more amenities. Andy Heitmann, EDC chair, says, “A strong EDC is like having a great mechanic. We can provide the tools, the services, the fix-its, and connections to make our De Soto vehicle run more smoothly. We have terrific talent here in De Soto, and we’re very excited to connect
our community, present and future, with any resources and opportunities to help them grow with the city. Ultimately, we’re brokering for De Soto’s best interests.”
Still Home
In spite of all the change, De Soto officials have every determination to keep the city just that: De Soto. The growth surrounding Panasonic is an opportunity for De Soto residents in terms of job openings and salary hikes—but the businesses that come with Panasonic will also mean increased investment returns on housing ownership, more food and entertainment opportunities, and an all-around rehab on city infrastructure, meaning well-maintained roads and parks, reliable internet and water, and power that stays on. De Soto mayor Rick Walker says, “We’ve heard our city’s concerns about wanting to keep our sense of community and small-town charm, and we want that too. We also know that this feeling is rooted in our community and our people, and it’s here to stay.”
Community members gather for the ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the new De Soto Veterinary Clinic building.
Changing and Growing
With new leadership, USD 232 focuses on students and their future careers.
(
PHOTOS COURTESY USD 232
ARTICLE BY Jackie Hostetler
Dr. Cory Gibson, superintendent of USD 232 in De Soto, joined the district beginning with the 2023–2024 school year.
PhotobyKevinAnderson)
The De Soto School District has long had a stellar reputation in local and national education circles, often celebrated for its high graduation rates, academic excellence, and quality facilities. This reputation has been years in the making. Recent developments within the district only serve to reinforce the well-deserved reputation.
The start of the 2023–2024 school year saw a significant transition for the district as the new superintendent, Dr. Cory Gibson, came on board. Gibson comes to the district with vast experience across the educational spectrum. He has worked as a custodian, district maintenance employee, Latchkey assistant director, paraeducator, teacher, consultant, counselor, principal, and assistant superintendent.
Gibson previously held the title of superintendent for the Valley Center, Kansas, school district, where he served for 11 years. He wasn’t exactly pursuing a change. De Soto came knocking following the retirement of superintendent Dr. Frank Harwood.
“He wasn’t looking for the job. Our board of education hired a recruiting firm, and one of the recruiters told Dr. Gibson, ‘You need to check out USD 232.’ He did,” says USD 232 assistant superintendent for administration and communications.
As part of Gibson’s transition into the district, he engaged in a months-long listening tour, which involved meeting with hundreds of stakeholders. Throughout these tours, several themes arose, including staff retention and recruitment, professional learning, and communication.
“The information shared by stakeholders helped us to develop a new, five-year strategic plan to move the school district into the future,” Gibson says.
Gibson then presented the themes to the De Soto Board of Education for further discussion. It was determined that the themes would be the focus of the district’s strategic planning.
The Empty Chair
“With every decision we make, I remind our staff and board of education to remember the Empty Chair. It’s a philosophy I have used for many years, and it guides our every step. I place an empty chair in our meetings to remind us to mentally put any student we know in that chair and to consider that student as we make decisions. If we can continue with this mindset, then we can succeed in fulfilling our mission of preparing all students for their future,” Gibson says.
Additionally, the district maintains a strong focus on creating and sustaining strong connections with community businesses and continuing support of the fine arts program.
Mill Valley High School and De Soto High School offer vibrant fine arts programs, including theater, chorus, band,
From top: Center for Advanced Professional Studies students participate in the bioscience lab at the Cedar Trails Education Center; a student gains on-hands experience with HVAC studies; and students created a wall display of hands illustrating their ability to work together.
us.huhtamaki.com
Hilea
Receptionist
painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, digital design, and photography. Each school maintains its own performing arts center, each with an audience capacity of 750. Mill Valley completed construction on its center in 2020, and DHS opened its center in spring 2022.
Many of these initiatives began under the leadership of Harwood, who, in his retirement, has gone on to support the Kansas State Department of Education as deputy commissioner of fiscal and administrative services.
“Harwood provided stability, as well as growth for the district. As a result, we had a bond issue. We completed the Performing Arts Center and Cedar Trails Exploration Center. Now that Dr. Gibson is here, we’re (again) moving forward,” says Cater.
Cedar Trails Exploration Center (CTEC) opened in 2021 in Lenexa. In addition to housing the district’s early childhood program, the facility is also home to CTEC CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies). The program is dedicated to providing high school students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in a variety of career pathways. There are three strands offered at CTEC: bioscience, design, and emerging technologies.
“With the three strands, the idea is to expose students to as
many jobs and careers within those fields as possible. We want students to have an idea of their interests when they leave high school,” says Cater.
Guided by these strands, students can explore several avenues related to future career paths. The district starts this focus as early as elementary school in some cases.
“We begin career exploration starting in elementary, going into middle school, and then into high school. By the time students get to ninth grade, they have an idea of what their interests are, and then they know what kind of courses they might want to take,” says Cater. “The idea is that they don’t go to college and waste two or three years of tuition trying to figure out what they want to do.”
Client Projects
Another important piece of the strategic plan for students within the district involves exposing students to clientconnected projects such as job shadowing and internships (see sidebar).
Kevin Jeffries, Real World Learning Business to Education Coordinator for the district, assists in connecting students with opportunities that fit their interests and skill sets. Rather
Clockwise from left: Advanced business management students pose with instructor Tom Byers; a CTEC student group tours Rehrig Pacific Co.; and student musicians practice at Starside Elementary.
“With the three strands, the idea is to expose students to as many jobs and careers within those fields as possible. We want students to have an idea of their interests when they leave high school.”
- Alvie Cater,
than simply funnel students into jobs, the program is customizable to allow students to earn college credit, gain work experience, and experiment with possible future career paths.
“Last semester, we had 15 opportunities for students, and next year we’re looking at 30 or more,” says Jeffries. “We look at everything from HVAC and commercial plumbing to pre-med-type programs to early childhood (education). We even have some students working as interns with some of the teachers here in the district.”
The district has been fortunate to connect with one of the larger business operations in De Soto, Huhtamaki, which manufactures on-the-shelf and on-the-go packaging.
“Connecting Huhtamaki with the district shows that, as a company, it wants to embed and give back to the community. We are hearing the same thing from Panasonic, as well,” says Cater. “These organizations want to get connected to the school district because they want to develop that workforce. If we can support our business partners by connecting them with students who have an interest in that career field, it just continues to grow the community. Investing in the school district is investing in the future of the community.”
USD 232 assistant superintendent for administration and communications USD
35200 W. 91ST ST. DE SOTO, KS 66018
913-667-6200
INFORMATION@USD232.ORG WWW.USD232.ORG
Packaging Manufacturer Calls De Soto Home
Huhtamaki plant brings jobs, community involvement, and sustainability initiatives to town.
ARTICLE BY Jill Dutton
PHOTOS
COURTESY
Huhtamaki
Since its current facility was built in 1994, Huhtamaki has been a major part of the business force and community of De Soto. Huhtamaki demonstrates this commitment to community welfare with a wealth of employment opportunities and sustainability endeavors, as well as partnerships with the De Soto school district, local charities including the De Soto Food Pantry, and other citywide events. The company embodies the essence of a true community member not only by being a member of the chamber of commerce but also by serving in leadership roles within the organization.
Huhtamaki
Huhtamaki North America leads the industry with sustainable packaging innovation. This business segment serves local markets with Chinet disposable tableware, packaging for consumer goods and foodservice packaging produced in 18 manufacturing plants in the United States and Mexico with approximately 4,000 employees.
The De Soto production facility converts paperboard for both frozen and dry goods, servicing numerous fast-moving consumer good brands and retail outlets.
The Road to De Soto
The De Soto location serves as the corporate headquarters for Huhtamaki North America and houses the finance, human resources, sales, marketing and information technology departments as well as other professional functions.
The company arrived in De Soto in 1994 as Sealright and was later acquired by Huhtamaki, a Finland-based global leader of molded fiber, paperboard, flexible and plastic packaging.
“While Huhtamaki was originally a more diverse company that manufactured other items, over time it started to specialize in packaging. As part of the journey to specialize, the company started to acquire businesses around the world. North America, and De Soto in particular, was one of those areas,” says Ann O’Hara, president of Huhtamaki North America. The company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020.
Community Involvement
As part of their commitment to community involvement, the company provides volunteers and monetary and material donations for community events and invests locally with great jobs.
“We manufacture and convert paper into packaging in De Soto, so that means we need printers, die cutters, forming, maintenance, mechanics, and warehouse employees. We also work with packaging engineers who make better equipment for our customers’ use. There are also great roles in HR, finance, IT, sales and marketing right here in De Soto,” O’Hara says.
“First and foremost in the community, we provide jobs with great benefits to residents in the greater Kansas City region. Secondly, we make contributions to nonprofits, both those that align with our mission of being a source of sustainable packaging solutions and to what we call passion projects such
as the Boys or Girls Clubs. In addition to these, we have people volunteering in the community, (and we donate) to local organizations such as the fire department, police department, and schools.”
The company’s recruiting efforts also look to the future by creating meaningful roles for young professionals.
“We’re seeking to help people get into manufacturing and tech programs (and recruit) heavily from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and the University of Missouri, as well as schools in the metro Kansas City area,” O’Hara says.
Huhtamaki’s excellence and leadership in packaging are frequently recognized with awards from industry associations and customers. Each year, Huhtamaki competes in the Kansas City Corporate Challenge (KCCC) and was awarded the 2023 Sportsmanship Award for its enthusiasm and commitment to the spirit of the games.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is embedded in everything the company does and is at the core of its strategy. This comprehensive approach employs the use of renewable or recyclable materials for packaging while preserving food to eliminate waste.
“It’s a key focus to figure out how we can make all the packaging out of renewable materials and also to make the products recyclable, compostable or reusable,” says O’Hara.
Each facility in North America also strives to become a “zero-waste to landfill” facility, and progress is being made—three plants have already achieved that status. Working toward zero waste, the De Soto plant has sustainability practices in place that include recycling, composting and cultivating a pollinator garden.
“Combined with De Soto Operations, by utilizing recycling, composting, and other methods, we expect to reduce waste in landfills by 40 percent from 2023 to 2024, which equals 100 tons of waste back into the circular economy,” says Scott Earley, operations controller.
To ensure that the facility’s waste becomes compost, Huhtamaki works with Missouri Organics in Kansas City, a company that provides compost, topsoil and mulch to customers across the metro area.
“The De Soto pollinator garden is about one-tenth of an acre. We used a truckload of compost from Missouri Organics for planting and partner with Missouri Organics in our onsite composting
From top: Huhtamaki employees show their concentration and dedication to their work; Ann O’Hara is president of Huhtamaki North America.
Photo by: Kevin Anderson
“First and foremost in the community, we provide jobs with great benefits to residents in the greater Kansas City region.”
-
Ann O’Hara, president of Huhtamaki North America
program. Adding Huhtamaki De Soto to an existing route (that services the University of Kansas) helps (in) the utilization of the truck. It opens the door for interested parties in the De Soto area to partner in composting,” Earley says.
Composting, recycling and eliminating waste is not an empty promise at Huhtamaki. “Our goal is zero waste to landfill, and we will continue to focus on how to achieve this,” says O’Hara.
Moving Forward
The De Soto Chamber of Commerce recently named Huhtamaki its Business of the Year at the annual dinner on April 27. O’Hara believes that De Soto perfectly complements the company’s mission to work with the community, implement sustainability practices, and give back as often as possible to the community in which they live and work.
“I came from a one-traffic-light town in New Jersey,” O’Hara says. “Like De Soto, there was one traffic light, businesses along Main Street, and kids walked to school. De Soto has this great sense of community, and Huhtamaki intends to remain as a great community member. We’re here for De Soto, and it feels like home.”
FOR MORE
Learn more about the entire company on the website, www.hutamaki.com/en; and for more on Huhtamaki North America, click on www.huhtamaki.com /en-us/north-america.
De Soto chamber of commerce board of directors
Chamber Board Chair
SHERELLE WITT
WEICHERT, REALTORS WELCH & CO. AND OASIS NUTRITION
EDC Committee Chair ANDY HEITMANN TURNER CONSTRUCTION CO.
Treasurer BEN BRODERICK GREAT AMERICAN BANK
WESTON ELDER ADVENTHEALTH MID-AMERICA
ROBERT DANIELS TECH WYZE INC.
Past Chair
ANDREW JACOBER EDWARD JONES
ALVIE CATER USD 232
HEATHER CALLAWAY HUHTAMAKI INC.
MIKE BRUNGARDT CITY OF DE SOTO
BRIAN GAY MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH
ROBERTA ROWLAND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP
De Soto economic development council advisory committee
Chamber Board Chair
SHERELLE WITT
WEICHERT, REALTORS WELCH & CO. AND OASIS NUTRITION
EDC Committee Chair ANDY HEITMANN TURNER CONSTRUCTION CO.
EDC Vice Chair
City Administrator
City Councilman
DUSTIN BAKER ALCOVE DEVELOPMENT
BRIAN GAY MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH
AMY PETERSON HUHTAMAKI INC.
KEVIN HONOMICHL CITY OF DE SOTO
MIKE BRUNGARDT CITY OF DE SOTO
KATIE HANDLEY STUCKY GEORGE BUTLER ASSOCIATES INC.
DAVID CLARK GREAT AMERICAN BANK
SCOTT JONES EVERGY
DAVID ANDERSON KBS CONSTRUCTORS
Mayor
RICK WALKER CITY OF DE SOTO
population of De Soto (2023 data)
254.24 people per sq. mile
Economic Profile
DE SOTO, KS
Age Characteristics
Source: www.census.gov
2023 Building Stats
new single family residences permits 21 nonresidential construction $750,828,962.12
Source: City of De Soto
6,539 USD 232/De Soto School District
7,423
26.7 De Soto estimate is provided by JoCo Sheriff, which reports for all areas in county.
25.72 sq. miles No. 2 in state of Kansas
13
Source: USD 232
Households
$102,685
$371,811 media appraised value of single family homes
2,220 number of households
2.79 people per household
$1,003 average rent
Source: www.census.gov
De Soto chamber and edc calendar of events
For a full list of events, please scan the QR code below.
membershiplisting
Advertising/Marketing/Media
Branding Stop
Carrie Peterson
8330 Nieman Road
Overland Park, KS 66214
913-232-8970
carrie@brandingstop.com brandingstop.com
Mays Communications
Nancy Mays 2114 W. 51st St. Mission, KS 66205 913-568-3605
nancy@mayscomm.com mayscomm.com
Sourcepoint by Kim
Kim Schieber
500 Grand Blvd., Ste 201B Kansas City, MO 64106
816-719-2865
kim.schieber@proforma.com source-point.com
Agritourism & Farming
Bowlin Farms
Steve Bowlin 31915 W. 115th Olathe, KS 66061
913-208-1186
steve@bowlinfarms.net bowlinfarms.net
Happy Valley Farm
Patti Raether
29080 W. 95th St.
De Soto, KS 66018
913-375-3624
info@happyvalleyfarm.org happyvalleyfarm-ks.com
Architecture, Engineering & Survey
BHC
Kevin Honomichl
7101 College Blvd., Ste 400 Overland Park, KS 66210
913-663-1900
kevin.honomichl@ibhc.com ibhc.com
Blanchard AE Group
Laura Blanchard
1425 Wakarusa Drive, Ste B Lawrence, KS 66049
785-993-0300
lblanchard@bae.group bae.group
Cook, Flat & Strobel, Engineers, P.A.
Aaron Gaspers
1421 E. 104th St., Ste 100 Kansas City, MO 64131 816-333-4477 agaspers@cfse.com cfse.com
DLR Group
Rachel Treanor
7290 W. 133rd St. Overland Park, KS 66213 913-897-7811
rtreanor@dlrgroup.com dlrgroup.com
George Butler Associates Inc.
Jim Jarrett
9801 Renner Blvd., Ste 300 Lenexa, KS 66219
913-577-8840
jjarrett@gbateam.com gbateam.com
HDR Inc.
Cory Imhoff, PE, SVP 10450 Holmes Road, Ste 600 Kansas City, MO 64131 816-360-2702
cory.imhoff@hdrinc.com hdrinc.com
Indigo Design Inc.
Doug Pickert
8593 Timber Trails Drive
De Soto, KS 66018
913-583-1370
doug@indigoparks.com
Milburn Civil Engineering
Justin Milburn
33135 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 585 De Soto, KS 66018
913-530-1397
justin@milburnce.com milburnce.com
Terracon
Ramona Rieger 15620 W. 113th St. Lenexa, KS 66219 913-485-1154
ramona.rieger@terracon.com
Arts/Culture/Entertainment
De Soto Arts Council
Leanna Donald 32905 W. 84th St., P.O. Box 501 De Soto, KS 66018 913-349-2250 desotoartsks@gmail.com desotoartsks.org
De Soto Days Festival Inc.
Rhonda Patterson P.O. Box 188
De Soto, KS 66018 816-550-1065 rpatterson33@kc.rr.com desotodays.com
Mill Creek Rifle Club
William Kinsey 7215 Gardner Road
De Soto, KS 66018 913-735-6807 treasurer@millcreekrc.com mcrc.org
Automotive
Crown Toyota Volkswagen of Lawrence
Lacie Ludolph 3430 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66046 785-843-7700
lludolph@crownautomotive.com crownautomotive.com
De Soto Auto Parts
Mike Woods
33530 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 913-585-3180
