Kansas Commerce among the best in the nation

Topeka, Kan. –The Kansas Department of Commerce is pleased to announce our own Business Recruitment Director, Alicia Janesko Hutchings was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers for 2020 by Consultant Connect. Congratulations also go to Glenda Washington of GO Topeka, and Linda Jolly of El Dorado Inc., who were also named as Top 50 Economic Developers for 2020.

This is the second time Alicia has received this honor, the first being in 2016.

Hutchings has worked for the Kansas Department of Commerce for 13 years. She was appointed as Director of Business Recruitment by Secretary Toland last year.

“Kansas is extraordinarily lucky to have Alicia working on its behalf to bring new business to the state,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The enthusiasm and passion she has, both for our state and her craft, are contagious. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”

During her tenure, Hutchings has successfully assisted over 300 companies grow or relocate to Kansas, which has resulted in the creation of more than 30,000 jobs and $3 billion in capital investment. Key projects include Walmart, Empirical Foods, Amazon.com, Hostess Brands, LLC, KMT Waterjet Systems, Inc., The Coleman Company, Honeywell, Dairy Farmers of America and Overstock.com.

To learn more about Alicia Janesko Hutchings or to inquire about site selection in Kansas, visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/staff/alicia-hutchings/.