Read Lt. Governor/Secretary David Toland’s blog to learn about current initiatives at the Department of Commerce, catch up on his travels across Kansas or take a deep-dive into Commerce programs. David Toland is the 52nd Lieutenant Governor of Kansas and also serves as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Toland was appointed Secretary of Commerce by Governor Laura Kelly in January 2019 and Lieutenant Governor in January 2021.
Nov 27, 2019
From our team at the Department of Commerce, we wish you all a happy Thanksgiving! I hope you’ll have an opportunity to gather together with family and friends to share in the joy of the holiday season. We have much to be thankful for in our great state and country.…
Read MoreNov 22, 2019
On October 22nd, I was honored to deliver the Anderson Chandler Lecture at the University of Kansas School of Business. This lecture has been delivered by some outstanding leaders throughout its existence, and it was a thrill to be in a room full of bright and engaged students, academics and…
Read MoreNov 15, 2019
It’s National Apprenticeship Week! On Monday, Governor Kelly signed a proclamation recognizing this important week in Kansas. Developing a highly skilled workforce is a critical goal of economic development in Kansas. One way KANSASWORKS helps meet this challenge is through the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways…
Read MoreOct 25, 2019
October is National Arts and Humanities Month! Engaging in the arts is not only good for personal, creative and intellectual growth, it can also provide economic benefit and opportunity. So, today on my blog, I want to share more about what arts and culture can do in our communities across…
Read MoreOct 18, 2019
Business Recruitment is a critical function of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Our team is on the frontlines of showcasing Kansas as a great place to expand or relocate their business. In this blog, I want to take a closer look at how this process works. It’s important for Kansans…
Read MoreOct 11, 2019
Last week, Governor Kelly spoke at the Kansas Renewable Energy Conference in Manhattan. In her speech, she discussed the ways Kansas has risen to the forefront of innovation in renewable energy, and she acknowledged that our work is not finished. In fact, we’re just getting started. “Our state is positioned…
Read MoreOct 4, 2019
This week, I joined Lt. Governor Rogers and our partners with the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas Manufacturing Council to kick off the 2019 Kansas Manufacturing Summit. This important gathering brought together business leaders and industry experts to discuss the future of the manufacturing sector in Kansas. When…
Read MoreSep 27, 2019
As Kansas continues to make strides as a renewable energy leader, it’s also important to recognize the role that oil and gas plays in our state’s energy mix and our overall economy. Oil and gas consistently makes the list of the top three industries in our state. We’re a state…
Read MoreSep 20, 2019
Our trading partners around the world play a big role in helping grow the Kansas economy. Increasing our state's international footprint has been a large priority for Governor Kelly and is a key component to our vision for the Department of Commerce. Here's why: Investment from foreign companies into Kansas has created…
Read MoreSep 13, 2019
Our effort to restore the Department of Commerce involves building capacity and reestablishing successful programs and tools that helped the state facilitate growth and spark investment in key industries for our future. This means getting back to the cutting edge of areas where we were previously invested and leading. During…
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