Governor Laura Kelly Announces 2021 Most Successful Business Year in Kansas History

~Since 2019, the Kelly Administration has secured nearly $7.5 billion new business dollars invested in the state, supporting over 40,000 new or retained jobs~

WICHITA– Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas has topped $3.5 billion business dollars invested in Kansas in 2021 at Integra Technologies Inc., a manufacturing service provider based in Wichita. The newly announced $3.5 billion is over $1 billion more than the previous record-breaking $2.5 billion secured in 2020, making 2021 the most successful economic development year in Kansas history.

“This announcement is more proof that, despite the challenges over the last two years, business is booming in Kansas,” Governor Kelly said. “It’s not rocket science, businesses want to be in communities that are growing and attracting families. We will continue building on this success by staying laser focused on the issues that Kansans elected us to take care of – like fully funding our public schools, strengthening our roads, bridges, and high-speed internet, and protecting access to health care.”

In 2021, the Kelly Administration has successfully closed 312 economic development projects representing more than $3.69 billion in investments made by the private sector. More than 12,000 jobs have also been created or retained this calendar year.  

Since the Governor took office in January 2019, over $7.5 billion new business dollars have been invested in the state of Kansas, with nearly 40,000 jobs created or retained.

Today’s announcement comes amid numerous economic development project wins and related accolades this year for the Kelly Administration. Kansas received Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel Award for 2021; was recognized by Site Selection Magazine as having the top business climate in the West North Central region of the United States in 2021; was ranked for the first time ever in the top 20 states for doing business; was named 10^th best state in nation by Site Selection Magazine for projects per capita; and is one of three top states reporting higher employment in rural communities.

“The dynamics of disruption in our economy are very real,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Yet from the beginning Governor Kelly’s economic development team has worked day and night to create opportunities for Kansans in these unprecedented times. We are proud of these historic investment and job numbers, but nowhere close to satisfied.”

Project successes since Governor Kelly took office in 2019 have included a vast array of industries and sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Food Manufacturing/Agriculture, Logistics/Distribution/Transportation, Professional and Technical Services and more, with announcements in every part of the state from companies locating or expanding in Kansas.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.