Wabaunsee County Economic Development Council

BUSINESS

Wabaunsee County is home many traditional as well as unique one-of-a-kind businesses. We promote buying local and have a wide variety of businesses to make that easy!

We are your resource for business development, expansion and retention. WCED supports and encourages local business, aids in community development, tourism opportunities and much more. Working to keep communities in Wabaunsee County viable for generations to come!

RESOURCES: Economic Development Resources
Business Development: Resources for Business
Community Development: Resources for Community Development
Commercial Real Estate Listings: Please call the realtors associated with each site, or contact the Economic Development Office if you are looking for something that is not currently listed.
E-Community Badge
E-Comm Badge
Stone Restoration Resources
Puffys
Maple Hill
Lake Wabaunsee

GOVERNMENT

In order for structure and efficiency we must depend upon our elected officials and other government employees.

GOVERNMENT
Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Neighborhood Revitalization Plan 2012 - Current
Neighborhood Revitalization Application (Commercial Only)

ATTRACTIONS

If you appreciate beautiful scenery, unique experiences and wholesome people—then take a moment to visit Wabaunsee County!

ATTRACTIONS
Alpacas in Wildcat Hollow
Wabaunsee County Historical Museum
Country Bumpkin Pumpkin Patch
Mill Creek Outfitters
Ag Heritage Museum
Beecher Bible & Rifle Church
Prairie Thunder Elk
The Harveyville Project
Bell Wildlife Specialities
Historic Paxico Antique District
Echo Cliff Park
Wabaunsee Pines Golf Course
Public Land Access
Native Stone Scenic Byway
Carousel Banners
Stonebridge
Flint Hills Prairie Bison Reserve
The Volland Store

HISTORY

Wabaunsee County boasts a rich history. The Wabaunsee County Historical Museum, located in Alma has fabulous displays and interpretation of the area’s history. It was in 1855 when the Territorial Legislature defined a certain portion of land west of Shawnee County and named it Richardson County. This county was named after Wm. Richardson, a congressman, who introduced the first Kansas and Nebraska Bill in the House of Representatives, which made certain Indian lands territories in 1854. The county was attached to Shawnee County for business and judicial purposes and had no officers or records. In the early days of the county, the greatest settlements were in present day Wilmington and Wabaunsee Townships. In 1859, a petition was made to the Territorial Legislature to change the name of the county from Richardson to Wabaunsee. This request resulted because Wm. Richardson, whom the county was named after, was pro-slavery while many in the county were abolitionists. Since the population had increased substantially, county residents signed another petition asking that the county be organized into a separate and distinct corporation for revenue and judicial purposes. The request was granted and an election of county officers was held on March 28, 1859. There were two voting precincts in the county -- one at Alma, and one at the village of Wabaunsee. The total number of votes polled was 111. The county seat was located at the Wabaunsee town site and four townships created: Alma, Wabaunsee, Mission Creek and Wilmington. A year later, three commissioner districts were drawn up. In 1860, a strip of land six miles wide and as long was added to the west line of the county. When Morris County was established in 1864, the state legislature took 72 square miles of land from Wabaunsee County. In 1870, a compromise returned to Wabaunsee County one-half of what was originally given to Morris County. In 1871, the state legislature detached most of Zeandale Township from Wabaunsee County and gave it to Riley County. The loss of this land in the northwest corner to Riley County, as well as the loss to Morris County in the Southwest corner, left Wabaunsee County with a stubby panhandle on its west boundary line. When the county organized in 1859, the town site of Wabaunsee was selected as the county seat because it was the only place in the county that resembled a village. No permanent building was constructed for the courthouse, and it was located on the top floor of a general store. The population continued to grow, and those living in the southeast part of the county began to complain about the distance to the county seat and their desire for a more central location. An election was held on March 6, 1866, to determine the county seat location. Alma received 137 votes to Wabaunsee’s 112. However, questions arose about the legality of the vote, and a new election was held on November 22, 1866. Alma again tabbed the most votes of 142, while Wabaunsee received 114. Alma was then declared the county seat. and the records were moved from Wabaunsee to Alma in time for the January, 1867, Board of Commissioners meeting. The records and safe were hauled in two wagons and deposited in the new courthouse known as the Kaufman Building, which was located where the Wabaunsee County Historical Museum building stands today. The first story was used as a general store and post office, with rooms behind that for the county offices. The upper floor was the courtroom and was also used for church and social functions. In 1869, the Pottawatomie Reserve land was thrown open for settlement, and a large area in the northeastern part of the county was formed into Newbury Township in 1870. If you would like to further explore the history of the area, please visit the individual community pages and links on the left side of the page.

History of Wabaunsee County: Wabaunsee County boasts a rich history. The Wabaunsee County Historical Museum, located in Alma, has fabulous displays and interpretation of the area’s history.

ABOUT WCED

Wabaunsee County Economic Development(WCED)
WCED Council: The WCED Council was originally formed in the 1990's with the intention of inspiring economic development in the county. The council consists of two representatives from each commissioner district, one representative from each of the communities in Wabaunsee County as well as one representative from the Lake Wabaunsee Community. The Wabaunsee County Extension Office Director serves as advisor to the council. The council acts as an advisory board to the director. The WCEDC meets the third Thursday of each month at noon with meeting locations rotated throughout the county.
Goals of WCED
WCED Director Job Description
News: Access recent News Items related to Wabaunsee County Economic Development
Position Description
Contact WCED

TAKE A TRIP

Take a Trip to Wabaunsee County! We have all kinds of great things to do and see; here are just a few of the ready-made trip itinerary links we have developed! The 'Take a Trip' tab is In Progress-- keep checking back!

Taste of Wabaunsee County: Come taste part of Wabaunsee County! We are home to a variety of wonderful treats that are made right in our little communities!
Antiquing across Wabaunsee County: Wabaunsee County has all kinds of wonderful antique hot spots-- make a day of it!
Flint Hills Experience of Wabaunsee County: Admire and become a part of the Kansas Flint Hills in Wabaunsee County.
Book Your Stay in Wabaunsee County: Enjoy a night, or several, in the Flint Hills of Wabaunsee County!

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E-Community Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan Fund

The Wabaunsee County Economic Development Council seeks to provide a busi Network KS ness climate where local businesses can be successful. We are here to assist entrepreneurs to accomplish their business goals including: property acquisition, developing a business plan, business financing etc. In 2013 Wabaunsee County received the E-Community designation from the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship allowing us to develop a low interest business loan fund through the use of state tax credits.

The purpose of the Wabaunsee County (Entrepreneurial) E-Community program is to encourage entrepreneurial activity in the county, with a focus on business development resulting in job creation. Qualifying entrepreneurial projects including start-up businesses, existing business purchases, existing business expansions or business relocations may apply for Wabaunsee County E-Community funding.

Applications for financial assistance will be accepted at any time throughout the year. The E-Community Leadership Team and the Financial Advisory Board will review each project. The following list of items should be considered for inclusion with the application. Foremost consideration will be given to applicants providing complete and sufficient information to make a proper evaluation of the project including:

·A complete business plan
·Financial reports and/or a bank financial application
·Resumes and references for the proposed owner (s)
·Employment projections

As part of the approval process, The Financial Review Board will conduct an interview with the applicant focusing the following items:

·Explanation of the applicant’s specific purpose for funding
·Projected sales, employment and other benefits to the community
·Matching funds received from NetWork Kansas partners and other sources
·Local support for the project by various organizations and community leaders
·Involvement of Network Kansas resource partners in the project

Applicants will be notified upon approval or denial for funding by the E-Community Financial Review Board.

For More Information or an Application Contact: badge

Review Committee

785-765-3821

aterrapin@wbcounty.org

114 W 3rd St. Alma, KS 66401

NetWork Kansas E-Community Summary

A NetWork Kansas Entrepreneurship Community has made a commitment to cultivating an entrepreneurial environment by identifying and developing resources to help local entrepreneurs start or grow businesses. E-Communities have assets available to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses, including a locally administered revolving loan fund and connections to resources.

http://www.networkkansas.com