Commerce Global Resources Team to Promote Cuisines and Cultures Week

Kansas Department of Commerce International Director Laura Lombard today announced the division’s new Global Resources unit will be on the road this fall to promote Kansas Global Cuisines and Cultures Week. Global Resources staff will make more than 80 stops across the state in September and October, visiting businesses and organizations to introduce its programs and raise awareness of the inaugural campaign taking place in the spring. The team traveled almost 1,400 miles this week alone, having 35 meetings in 19 different Kansas communities.

The first Kansas Global Cuisines and Cultures Week will be March 16-22, 2025. It promises to be a celebration of the many international foods, cultures, arts and other interests that exist in the state. While cuisines and cultures provide local and regional flair throughout Kansas, they also contribute significantly to the state economy and help stimulate cultural exchanges with other regions of the world.

“Food, music, dance and art are all fun ways to create interest in international cultures,” International Director Laura Lombard said. “Commerce is encouraging businesses, organizations and communities to get involved by holding internationally themed events, classes, menus or specials that week.”

Created to bolster the international ecosystem in Kansas, the Global Resources team also will focus on business talent development, trade infrastructure, supply chain and research in order to strengthen and expand the state’s global initiatives.

“By getting our businesses and communities involved in featuring what Kansas has to offer,” International Assistant Director for Global Resources Laurie Pieper said, “Kansas Global Cuisines and Cultures Week will help showcase the state as an attractive location for international business.”

To learn more about how to participate in Kansas Global Cuisines and Cultures Week, individuals can attend one the many webinars planned by the Global Resources team as the event gets closer. Businesses and organizations will be encouraged to register their events here. Your event, activity or business also could be selected for featured marketing and promotion. Applications are due December 14.

For more information, contact International Representative Cassidy Nolan here.