Human capital provides the spark

Human capital is the best resource rural communities have and putting that brain trust to work in a collaborative manner produces achievement.

Sometimes sights are lowered to match reality, but starting with a dream is a good place to begin, and that was the premise of a Rural Excellence Initiative meeting Oct. 29 in Dodge City, Kansas. Hosted by Kansas State University, the Kansas Department of Commerce and Great Plains Development Inc., small-table discussions provided participants from public and private sectors to put on their thinking hats.

The state has eight regions, and the Dodge City gathering, which represented southwest Kansas, was the third of eight planned meetings. Organizers said the information will be compiled from all the regions to provide helpful information to private and public sectors.

Presenters from each of the three entities in advance said to dream big takes ideas, vision, innovation, leadership, and leveraging resources. They also reminded attendees that keeping up on technology and trends is a must.

Not every community is looking to build a large manufacturing plant. In small towns even having a grocery store or restaurant fosters hope for the future and provides an immediate need. Regardless of the scope of the project—large or small—understanding what resources are available provides a competitive advantage.

Any rural region in any of the High Plains states faces the same challenges. What might be good for Kansas City may not be a good fit for Dodge City. What works in Lincoln, Nebraska, won’t match up with McCook. Certainly, what is a natural for Denver, Colorado, won’t work for Burlington.

In much of the High Plains, finding ways to build on agriculture’s strengths can provide a manufacturing opportunity for an existing company or for a new enterprise. That means having a trained and educated labor force, childcare, housing, education, utilities, medical services, banks, and local governments. Likely, that also means drawing upon regional, state, and federal partners.

In an interesting part of the small-table discussion, facilitators asked participants to think about what could be accomplished by 2030—regardless of the size of the project. Participants had to consider what was realistic, and it didn’t take long to figure out that any project has to draw on local leaders and keep citizens informed. Finding local investors, which could include identifying tax monies, was going to be important.

Another component was during the wrap-up each table provided an overview of their discussion points, and it spawned a greater sense of understanding of the uniqueness within a region. It fits with the Kansas theme of “Ad Astra Per Aspera,” which means “to the stars through difficulties.”

It is a reminder that changing a community’s trajectory is never easy, but with the right human capital and vision a positive course can occur that benefits today and future generations. The Rural Excellence Initiative opened a window into the possibilities.

Thanks to Kansas State University, Kansas Department of Commerce and Great Plains Development, there are resources that can help businesses, manufacturers and ultimately communities to grow.

Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].