Dear Hutchinson and Reno County,
We own a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship, and you can see it alive today. From many decades of local individuals with ingenuity who have grown business names we all recognize, our people have repeatedly raised the bar, unlocked new opportunities and created products, experiences and services at the forefront of their industries. Their leadership is part of what makes us unique as a community. Numerous innovators planted roots in Reno County, improved our quality of life, created jobs, and expanded to draw business and attention to our region.
So when national or international corporations choose to leave our community, the future is in our own, capable hands.
That’s why we have joined together as an Entrepreneurship Task Force with the vision of providing an inclusive local system that inspires and supports innovators for a thriving economy. With each of our organizations bringing our own talents and resources together, we intend to work collaboratively to cultivate and celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in Hutchinson and Reno County through mentoring, networking, education, incubation, and funding to strengthen and grow the economic landscape.
We seek to rewrite our narrative together. We believe in investing in our people and our places, building from the wealth of talent and assets we have among us. We are committed to a future we design for ourselves.
If you have an idea for a business, pursue it here. If you have capital that can be leveraged for innovation, invest it here. If you love any part of our community, support it to keep it here. It will take all of us doing our share to improve every corner of our county and individuals to come forth with ideas to grow and nurture.
We’re just getting started. Join us as we rally and reclaim Reno County as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Contact us at InnovateRenoCounty@gmail.com.
In partnership and solidarity,
Entrepreneurship Task Force
David Inskeep, Hutchinson City Council
Connie Johnson, City of Hutchinson
Matt Stiles, City of South Hutchinson
Ron Hirst, Reno County Commission
Debra Teufel, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
Abby Stockebrand, Greater Hutch, an Economic Development Partnership for Reno County
LeAnn Cox, Visit Hutch
Jim Seitnater, Downtown Hutch
Dave Dukart, Quest Center for Entrepreneurs
Dave Mullins, Hutchinson Community College Business and Industry Institute
Aubrey Abbott Patterson, Hutchinson Community Foundation
Lloyd Armstrong, Entrepreneur
Jason Probst, State Representative
Ciara Thyfault, Network Kansas
Reno County E-Partners