Business View Civil & Municipal Apr-2023

140 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 the final stages of adding a nursing building and simulation hospital, a project totaling $8 million. Six years ago, the last state-sponsored casino, known as Kansas Crossing Casino, was built in Pittsburg, bringing with it a hotel, restaurant, and entertainment venue, an $80 million investment, and further adding to the diversity of the city. Benson says, “That’s one of the best things about our economy, it is diversified. Manufacturing represents 18% of all of the projects that have been completed in the city in the last 10 years. The rest is made up of healthcare, infrastructure projects, and projects at Pittsburg State. What that does is it really helps insulate our economy from big swings, because we’re not necessarily tied to just one sector of the economy.” To support the small and medium business community, an economic development incentive fund was introduced. Benson offers the example of Limelight Marketing, which started out as a one-person operation in Pittsburg. As the only marketing firm in southeast Kansas, operations quickly grew, and the need for expansion was soon realized. Reaching out to the city, the owner was granted some funding to help purchase and revitalize a dilapidated property downtown, with a goal of growing to 50 employees within the next two years. In 2022, Limelight made the Inc. 5000 list, and was recognized as one of the fastest-growing independent companies in the county. “When you’re a small business owner, and you’re looking at a $400,000 investment, that’s a big jump. If the city is able to step in and reimburse some of that, it’s not only helpful for our local businesses, but it’s a great sign that the city is behind them and wants to do anything they can to help them succeed,” he asserts. Along with its small-town charm and entrepreneurial spirit, Pittsburg has also noted increased interest from national chains, with well-known names like Buffalo Wild Wings, Panda Express, Marshalls, and IHop located in the city. “Those chains weren’t interested in Pittsburg previously,” Byers conveys. “I think we’re certainly on a map somewhere, we are getting the attention.” The relocation of Pittsburg State University’s business school into downtown Pittsburg will be another positive change to the landscape of the city. This $34 million project will be completed in 2026, coinciding with the city’s