1. Networking Lunch (12:00pm) 2. Welcome, Introductions, and Announcements: Mayor Shelley Hansel, Chair (12:30pm)

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1 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda ~ 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Sumner County Economic Development Office, 314 N. Washington, Wellington, KS Networking Lunch (12:00pm) 2. Welcome, Introductions, and Announcements: Mayor Shelley Hansel, Chair (12:30pm) 3. Board of Directors Business: (12:40pm) A. Approval of Minutes from January 19, 2016: Mayor Shelley Hansel (pp. 2-5) Recommended action: approve the minutes from the January 19, 2017 meeting as presented. B. Membership Update: Marla Canfield (pp. 6-7) Provided a 2017 Budget and listing of current members and paid 2017 assessments and new membership submission for associate membership from Commissioner Mike Wheeler, Butler County. Recommended action: approve Commissioner Mike Wheeler for membership. C. Proposal for strategic planning services: Marla Canfield (pp.8-14) This was a recommended item from the REAP Executive Committee meeting. The purpose of this proposal is to begin strategic planning for REAP in summer of Recommended Action: approve proposal for strategic planning services. D Legislative Session Update: Marla Canfield A. REAP Priorities Update (pp ) B. South Central Delegation Lunch (pp.18-19) REAP hosted a lunch for the delegation on March 22 nd in Topeka. Recommended action: take appreciate action. E. Alaska Airlines Inaugural: Marla Canfield (pg.20) The Wichita Airport Authority extended an invitation for REAP members to attend the Alaska Airlines inaugural on April 13, Recommended action: take appreciate action. 4. Regional Spotlight Topic: President Dennis Rittle and Stacy Davis: Mayor Shelley Hansel (1:25pm) President Dennis Rittle, Cowley College, and Stacy Davis, Sumner County Economic Development, will discuss the successful sales tax campaign in Sumner County to build a Cowley College Campus in Wellington and how they are meeting and impacting businesses workforce needs in the region. Recommended action: take appreciate action. 5. Adjourn (2:00pm) The is scheduled to meet on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will begin at 12:00p.m.

2 Submitted by: Mayor Shelley Hansel Item #2.A Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January ~ 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Bel Aire City Hall, 7651 East Central Park Ave., Bel Aire, KS Welcome, Introductions, and Announcements Mayor Shelley Hansel, Chair, welcomed attendees and asked for self-introductions. 2. Board of Directors Business A. Approval of Minutes from October 20, 2016 Council member Carl Koster, Cheney, (Council Member Tom Jones, Park City) moved to approve the minutes from October 20, 2016 as presented. Motion adopted. B. Leadership Changes in 2017: Mayor Shelley Hansel (pg. 8) The bylaws call for the REAP Chair to appoint a nominating committee of at least 5 members to present names of REAP member for Chair and Vice Chair. These are one year terms. Commissioner Voran appointed Mayor Longwell, Mayor Somers, Mayor Haines, and John Walter to serve on the nominating committee along with her. The Nominating Committee selected Mayor Shelley Hansel as Chair, Commissioner Chip Westfall as Vice Chair, and Mayor Vince Haines as Treasure for 2017 leadership. Nominations for Chair and Vice Chair were approved as presented. Motion adopted. C. Executive Committee and Legislative Committee appointments for 2017 Mayor Hansel presented the appointments for the 2017 Executive Committee and Legislative Committee 2017 REAP Executive Committee: Mayor Shelley Hansel, Wellington, Chair Commissioner Chip Westfall, Harvey County, Vice Chair Mayor Vince Haines, El Dorado, Treasurer Bob Myers, Newton, Legislative Chair Kathy Sexton, Derby, TAC Chair Mayor Jeff Longwell, Wichita, At large city Mayor Jon Daveline, Hutchinson, At large city Mayor Terry Somers, Mount Hope, At large city Council Member Diane Wynn, Bel Aire, At large city Commissioner Dave Unruh, Sedgwick County, At large county 2017 REAP Legislative Committee: Bob Myers, Newton, Legislative Chair Commissioner Chip Westfall, Harvey County Council Member Pete Meitzner, Wichita Commissioner Dave Unruh, Sedgwick County Council Member Diane Wynn, Bel Aire Mayor Marcey Gregory, Goddard Council Member Ramona Becker, Bel Aire 2

3 Submitted by: Mayor Shelley Hansel Item #2.A Council Member Carl Koster, Cheney Mayor Rex Satterthwaite, Bentley Mayor Terry Somers, Mount Hope Jack Witson, Park City Kathy Sexton, Derby Kaylene Haug, K96 Corridor Austin Gilley, Rose Hill Appointments approved for Executive Committee and Legislative Committee for Motion adopted. D. Membership Update The City of Moundridge submitted the Interlocal Agreement for REAP membership and Westar Energy submitted the Associate Membership Agreement. City of Moundridge and Westar Energy approved for membership. Motion adopted. Marla Canfield provided an update of the 2017 Budget and Current Membership listing with assessments update. In December 2016, REAP assessment invoices were sent to all REAP members. The 2017 Budget and current assessment received to date was provided. E Legislative Priorities REAP presented to the South Central Delegation on Mayor Shelley Hansel discussed REAP s mission to guide state actions that affect economic development in the region to enhance the regional economy. She highlighted the natural assets of the region including the I- 35 corridor, location, businesses/industry, and high quality of life. The REAP infographic distributed is attached. There was great attendance by the delegation and REAP members. Representative Brandon Whipple is the South Central delegation chairman in 2017 and Representative John Whitmer, is vice chairman. After the meeting concluded REAP and WSU co-hosted an event. Several members of the delegation attended and REAP received a positive feedback on the event Staff reached out to Representative Whipple s office to arrange hosting a lunch for the delegation. The 2017 Legislative Priorities were provided. Council Member Meitzner discussion/update about the recent cell-micro tower issue. He reported what Wichita has accomplished and the strategy and monitoring of events over the coming months. He offered to share the new agreement with Mobilitie as an example of a good working contract, and a model for others. It will be distributed when received. F. Eisenhower Airport Update It was recently reported that Southwest Airlines is leaving some markets. Eisenhower Airport is not among those, but this news reinforces the need for the region to continue to support 3

4 Submitted by: Mayor Shelley Hansel Item #2.A Eisenhower Airport and keep our business community engaged. Southwest released their latest schedule, which is through August 14 and is available now for booking. Staff sent out social media posts and encourages communities share the information. The City of Derby also was provided to members as an example of what communities can do to promote the airport. REAP staff coordinated presentations with the Airport Authority and the Newton Chamber of Commerce and a meeting of Economic Development officials in the BREG region. REAP staff are available to assist in arranging a presentation about the airport to any community group (i.e., Chambers of Commerce). G. WSU Update Misty Bruckner provided an overview of the 2017 work plan and discussed some of the new items. 3. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plan as part of the Global Cities Initiative (GCI) In 2014 REAP supported a Regional Export Plan. The Brookings FDI plan is the next step in implementing the regional export plan. The FDI is a strategy to identify foreign companies interested on locating in South Central Kansas thorough new business expansion or acquisitions/mergers of existing companies. It is a strategy that can strengthen the economic base of a regional economy. The FDI funding comes from the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Greater Wichita Partnership, Wichita State University (for data support), and Kansas Global (pro bono administrative overhead). Currently there is a financial gap in implementing the plan. REAP invested $10,000 to support the Export Plan. It was recommend by the REAP Executive Committee to assist with the FDI plan at the same level if funds allow in the 2017 budget. Ray Garvey, Export Manager for Grasshopper Company, presented on the impact of exports to them. Some of the highlights include how exports make a better product. Reinforces industry leadership Fast pace, perfect cut, sweet ride. Additional Benefits: Economies of Scale Lower component costs Allows us to be more competitively priced at home and abroad. Like Exporting, FDI brings outside money into Kansas. Creates jobs and salaries that pay for homes, streets, schools, utilities, etc. Brings jobs we would NEVER have otherwise (e.g. wind energy, pharmaceuticals) Karyn Page, Kansas Global discussed how exports and FDI are impacting businesses in the region. Discussed the goal of FDI and the strategies being used to expand the South Central Kansas economy. 4

5 Submitted by: Mayor Shelley Hansel Item #2.A 4. Adjourned at 1:50pm Board Members and Alternates Mayor Shelley Hansel, Wellington Council Member Tom Keil, Derby Council Member Ramona Becker, Bel Aire Mayor Terry Somers, Mount Hope Mayor Vince Haines, Eldorado Council Member Gil Burgan, Moundridge Council Member Pete Meitzner, Wichita (phone) Willis Heck Council Member Carl Koster, Cheney Council Member Tom Jones, Park City Council Member Donna Clasen, Maize Council Member Diane Wynn, Bel Aire Bob Conger, Kechi John Waltner, Harvey County Scott Hildebrand, Valley Center Karyn Page, Kansas Global Guests/Presenters/Staff Commissioner David Dennis, Sedgwick County Michael Scholes, Sedgwick County AJ Anderson, U.S. Dept. of Commerce Heather Denker, Greater Wichita Partnership Andrew Nave, Greater Wichita Partnership Ray Garvery, Grasshopper Mowers Marla Canfield, REAP Shirley Lindhorst, REAP Staff Misty Bruckner, WSU 5

6 Submitted by: Marla Canfield Item #2.B Item: Membership Update Background: 2017 Current Membership listing with assessments update: In December 2016, REAP assessment invoices were sent to all REAP members. Attached is the 2017 Budget and current assessment received and payment dates. Staff reached out to all of the outstanding assessment fees. Reno County is waiting for a REAP presentation on March 7 th before paying and the rest responded they would be paid within the week. The projected revenue from assessments for 2017 was $132,440 as of today the revenue is $133,166. New members in the past year include: City of South Hutchinson, City of Moundridge and new associate members Westar Energy. Jurisdiction 2015 Certified Population* 2017 Assessments 2017 Returned Assessments Under 3k $200+(0.16*population) Bentley 523 $ 284 $ 284 Mount Hope 813 $ 330 $ 330 Garden Plain 897 $ 344 $ 344 Conway Springs 1,237 $ 398 $ 398 Moundridge 1,726 $ 476 $ 476 Kechi 1,996 $ 519 $ 519 Cheney 2,159 $ 545 $ 545 Clearwater 2,537 $ 606 $ 606 South Hutchinson 2,556 $ 609 $ 609 $1000+(0.16* 3k-10k $1000+(0.16*population) population) Maize 4,362 $ 1,698 $ 1,698 Hesston 3,813 $ 1,610 $ 1,610 Rose Hill 3,995 $ 1,639 $ 1,639 Goddard 4,719 $ 1,755 $ 1,755 Bel Aire 7,435 $ 2,190 $ 2,190 Valley Center 7,222 $ 2,156 $ 2,156 Park City 7,618 $2,219 $ 2,219 Wellington 7,987 $2,278 $ 2,278 Over 10k $3000+(0.16*population) $3000+(0.16* population) Andover 12,745 $5,039 $5,039 El Dorado 12,931 $ 5,069 $5,069 Newton 19,216 $6,075 $6,075 Derby 23,509 $6,761 $6,761 Hutchinson 41,569 $9,651 $9,651 Wichita 389,965 $65,394 $65,394 Counties Under 10k $1000+(0.065*population) $1000+(0.065 *population) Kingman County 7,687 $1,500 $1,500 Over 10k $3000+(0.065*population) $3000+(0.065 *population) Reno County 63,718 $7,142 $7,142 Harvey County 35,073 $ 5,280 $5,280 6

7 Submitted by: Marla Canfield Item #2.B Total Cities & Counties $131,566 $131,566 Associate Memberships $250 or $50 $250 or $50 Mr. Willis Heck $50 $50 Black Hills Energy $250 $250 Greater Wichita Partnership $250 $250 K-96 Corridor $250 $250 Kansas Global Trade Services $250 $250 Sumner County ED $250 $250 Westar Energy $250 $250 Total Associate Members $1,600 $1,600 Total 2017 Projected Revenue from Membership $133,166 $133,166 Staff presented to Butler County about rejoining REAP. After some discussion they opted to pay for Commissioner Wheeler to have an associate membership for a year. He will provide feedback to the commission during the year and they will consider a on a full membership next year. Staff are presenting to Augusta on to engage them in rejoining. Recommended action: approve Commissioner Mike Wheeler for membership. 7

8 Submitted by: Marla Canfield Item #2.C Item: Proposal for strategic planning services Background: This was a recommended item from the REAP Executive Committee meeting. The purpose of this proposal is to begin strategic planning for REAP in summer of At the REAP Executive Committee meeting it was discussed at was recommended that there be more than the 8-10 interviews of partners proposed. This adjusted the cost of the proposal. The REAP Executive Committee approved this plan coming before the full Board of Directors. Recommended Action: approve proposal for strategic planning services. 8

9 REAP STRATEGIC PLANNING PROJECT APRIL 2017 DRAFT PREPARED BY WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs Public Policy and Management Center Misty R. Bruckner, Director Lisa Dodson, Senior Project Manager 9

10 BACKGROUND In response to a request from the Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP) of Southcentral Kansas, the Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) at Wichita State University s is proposing to assist REAP with a planning and visioning process resulting in a comprehensive strategic plan. Strategic planning is an inclusive planning process, allowing for the creation of a community plan that establishes a vision for the community, and goals and strategies to accomplish that vision. The WSU Public Policy and Management Center, housed in the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, believes that every community and organization is unique and, as such, we are dedicated to understanding the needs and nuances of each community. The WSU Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs is a nonprofit organization driven by the mission of public service, and is committed to a quality product that serves the needs of each organization and their community. PURPOSE & PROCESS The purpose of the strategic planning project is to create a roadmap for REAP to guide future priorities, structure and decisions. Specifically, the plan will address: Purpose Effectiveness and Efficiencies Structure Partnerships The plan will help guide REAP s financial decisions, resource allocation and project priorities. At the direction of the REAP Board, the WSU Public Policy and Management Center will work with leadership, staff and other members in developing the plan. The Public Policy and Management Center will assist REAP with an environmental scan (stakeholder matrix); stakeholder interviews; issue identification and prioritization; development of goals, objectives and strategies; and planning document preparation. The Public Policy and Management Center works closely with local government, nonprofit and various community organizations. The team will be able to provide independent facilitation and issue identification throughout the project. The following steps outline the proposed process: 1. Develop an Environmental Scan Report The WSU Public Policy and Management Center will develop an environmental scan to provide a matrix of other regional efforts in Southcentral Kansas, including activities, membership, funding and geographical components. In addition, the PPMC will review the organizational assessment completed by Management Partners, other planning 10

11 documents and relevant materials. A summary report will be provided by the PPMC and presented to REAP. 2. Conduct Stakeholder Interviews The WSU Public Policy and Management Center will interview leaders from organizations in Southcentral Kansas that also provide regional services regarding economic development, local government support services or planning functions. The PPMC will also conduct interviews or small group sessions with key state representatives, REAP leadership and others as directed by the REAP Executive Committee. To achieve this goal, the Public Policy and Management Center will conduct interviews with individuals or small groups. 3. Engage the Membership The WSU Public Policy and Management Center will organize and conduct a two hour retreat with all REAP Members and other stakeholder/partner representatives. Information from the environmental scan and interviews will be presented. The purpose of the retreat will be to discuss the following items: Deliberate purpose and functions of REAP Identify opportunities to improve effectiveness Discuss roles and partnership opportunities 4. Develop Strategic Plan The Public Policy and Management Center will work with the Executive Committee, designees and REAP Staff to develop a draft strategic plan for REAP. Components of the plan will include: Purpose and Function (Mission) Structure Strategic Initiatives Implementation Plan Timeline 5. REAP Board Review The PPMC will create a draft document for the Executive Committee to be presented and discussed by the full. 6. Final Report 11

12 The PPMC will create a final strategic plan based upon the review and final recommendations of the. FINAL WORK PRODUCT A final written report will be prepared by the WSU Public Policy and Management Center in cooperation with REAP staff, which will include a summary of the environmental scan, interviews, identified strategies and implementation plan. The PPMC will provide 10 professionally formatted and printed report copies. TIMEFRAME All work will be completed six months after contract completion. BUDGET Expense Personnel Expenses (Faculty, Staff and Graduate Assistants) estimated at 70 hours. Operational expenses (travel, supplies, printing, etc.) and administrative expenses Cost $5,100 $1,150 TOTAL $6,250 ABOUT THE WSU PUBLIC POLICY AND MANAGEMENT CENTER The WSU Public Policy and Management Center at the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs works to enhance the quality of public affairs by assisting public officials and community organizations to meet the challenges of governance and improve service delivery. This assistance takes the form of: Consultation on community goal setting and strategic planning Community and organizational surveys Customized executive, management and professional development training Facilitation of governing body retreats and community forums Education and certification for members of professional associations Applied research on issues identified by state and local officials Technical support on public and nonprofit policy, administrative and programmatic efforts Faculty and staff at the Public Policy and Management Center serve as content experts, neutral facilitators and researchers for a variety of public and nonprofit organizations. Requests come 12

13 from local governing bodies, community agencies and organizations and community interest groups. The Public Policy and Management Center has more than 55 years of experience working directly with local and state governments, and nonprofit organizations, in the areas of applied research, technical assistance, facilitation and professional development. The solid history in serving organizations and communities in Kansas, and throughout the Midwest, ensures the Public Policy and Management Center has the professional knowledge and financial ability to implement, manage and ensure completion of projects. RECENT RELATED PROJECTS City of Valley Center, Strategic Plan City of Moundridge, Strategic Plan and Capital Improvement Plan Development City of Roeland Park Strategic Planning Project/On-line Community Feedback City of Rose Hill Strategic Planning Project City of Goddard Strategic Planning Project City of South Hutchinson Strategic Planning Project City of Wichita Recreation Restructuring and Strategic Plan PUBLIC POLICY AND MANAGEMENT CENTER PROJECT TEAM Misty R. Bruckner Director Misty joined the Hugo Wall School at Wichita State University in She is responsible for assisting governments and nonprofits with special projects, policy development, program evaluation, community surveys, facilitation and training efforts. Misty completed her MPA degree at the Hugo Wall School in From 1994 through 2000, she worked in the Office of the City Manager, City of Wichita, as assistant to the city manager, and after 2000, was selfemployed as a consultant to local governments and nonprofit agencies prior to joining the Hugo Wall School. Misty is a recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award and the Sedgwick County Sheriff s Office Bronze Medal Award for Public Service the highest honor for a civilian. In 2010, she was selected to participate in the Kansas Leadership Center s Community Collaboration Academy aimed at advancing facilitation and collaboration efforts across the state of Kansas. 13

14 Lisa Dodson Senior Project Manager Lisa Dodson joined the Hugo Wall School team in 2016 to lead projects involving applied research, project management, and technical support. Lisa has provided program evaluation, board consulting grant writing, grant evaluation, research and consulting services through her company Dodson Research, Inc. She also serves as the part-time executive director of the Kansas Museum Association. Dodson s work experience includes serving as research analyst for Kansas State University Institute for Academic Alliances, Interim Executive Director for the Kansas African American Museum, Program Director of Business Administration at Tabor College in Wichita, Director of the Southside Education Center for Wichita State University, Public Affairs Associate for the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, Wichita State University, and Research Economist for the Center for Business & Economic Research, Wichita State University. Her degrees include a B.S. in Business Finance from Kansas State University, M.A. in Economics and a M.Ed. from Wichita State University. CONTACT Misty R. Bruckner Director, Public Policy and Management Center (316) misty.bruckner@wichita.edu 14

15 Submitted by: Marla Canfield Item #2.D.A Item: REAP Legislative Priorities Update Analysis: The Legislature is on break until May 1. Most other items of interest to REAP will not be heard until the veto session beginning May 1. Tax / Spending Lid Lobbyists for the League of Kansas Municipalities and Kansas Association of Counties say they believe property tax lid legislation will not be debated in the Kansas House of Representatives until the veto session. The property tax lid legislation is HB It is still in the House Taxation Committee after a hearing two weeks ago. HB 2376 changes the current law from a required election to a protest petition election to exceed the tax lid. WATC/WSU Affiliation The Senate passed the bill that allows the affiliation of Wichita State University and the Wichita Area Technical College. The bill moved to the House for its consideration on 3/23 and voted to advance it the same day it passed final action on 3/30. REAP provided written testimony to the Kansas House Education Committee for SB 174. WSU met with the Governor, and he s agreed to do a signing ceremony for the affiliation legislation. They are working out the details and REAP will be invited to the ceremony. Medicaid Expansion Governor Sam Brownback vetoed HB 2044 on 3/30/17. The House's vote on failed to override the Medicaid expansion bill veto. 44 representatives voted to support the veto, 81 legislators voted to override. 82% of Kansans support Medicaid expansion. There may be an attempt for revisiting Medicaid Expansion this year as St. Francis in Topeka may close as a result of the absence of this funding. Funding for Transportation Infrastructure The Kansas House Appropriations Committee passed their version of a two-year budget on to the full House for debate. It is House Bill There are two items that provide some positive outcomes for transportation funds that have been reallocated to fill budget gaps, delays of major projects, and a dramatic drop on basic preservation (maintenance). The bill suspends the 18 percent limit on annual debt service to the highway fund for FY 2018 and It also provides authority to bond an additional $400 million for KDOT, which would provide a much needed infusion of funds. During a presentation to the Senate Ways and Means Committee January 25, KDOT predicted a substantial decrease in preservation projects under Governor Brownback s proposed budget at that time. KDOT officials said only $28 million was available for preservation projects, compared to $88 million in FY

16 Submitted by: Marla Canfield Item #2.D.A Passenger Rail Service Wichita Mayor Longwell and Council Member Pete Meitzner met with Amtrak in Oklahoma City, OK. Amtrak officials are pleased Oklahoma and Texas legislature are supporting continued funding for the Flyer and it is a positive step. April will be one year since the charter bus service started and numbers continue to increase monthly. Amtrak has indicated their support to provide a cost/revenue analysis about the extension, based on data accumulated from the charter bus statistics. Amtrak is pleased with the positive outcomes to date. Fast Act has had some positive support/outcomes in investing services to areas previously abandoned (i.e., service between New Orleans and Florida abandoned after Katerina hit). And, the extension of the Northern Flyer to connect in Newton is one of their top 5 opportunities. In the federal budget there is a proposal that would cut passenger rail service. According to the National Association of Railroad Passengers all federal funding for AMTRAK would be cut eliminating service to 23 state. This would impact Southwest Chief. Other items: Slot machines at Greyhound Park A bill in the Kansas House could let Sedgwick County voters vote on whether to allow slot machines at the shuttered Wichita Greyhound Park. Under HB 2173, residents would have to gather at least 5,000 signatures to put the issue on the ballot. The ballot question would read: Shall the operation of electronic gaming machines at the Wichita Greyhound Park by the Kansas lottery be permitted in Sedgwick County? On 3/23 there was a hearing scheduled with the House Appropriation Committee. REAP has previously voiced support to hold elections on ballot issues that impact the regional economy. Tax bill and budget On , lawmakers passed a rescission bill that deals with the current year s fiscal imbalance, a deficit of about $290 million. That sets up adjournment. Revenues for the current fiscal year will not be enough to fund the budget for the remaining three months, so the budget had to change to fit the revenues. House and Senate negotiators had reached an agreement, but the Kansas House of Representatives rejected the agreement, sending the bill back to the negotiating table. The House objected to using some money that was to go to KPERS to balance the budget. Senators agreed to remove part of that provision and the budget was passed by the House, 108 to 15. The bill does not cut K-12 education or higher education. Economic development 16

17 Submitted by: Marla Canfield Item #2.D.A The Senate Commerce Committee has been probing economic development programs and incentives of the state, asking if they work and/or if they need to be changed. Lobbyists for the League of Kansas Municipalities and Kansas Association of Counties say they believe STAR Bonds legislation will not be debated in the Kansas House of Representatives until the veto session. Without legislation, STAR Bonds could not be used as an economic development tool. HB 2184 passed out of the House Appropriations Committee. Sources: Bernie Koch, Wichita Eagle, Topeka Capital Journal, Kansas League of Municipalities, Hawver News Company. 17

18 Submitted by: Marla Canfield Item #2.D.A Background: REAP hosted lunch for the South Central Delegation on Mayor Shelley Hansel, Chair, thanked the delegation s support of policies that affect economic development in the region. She highlighted the WATC/WSU affiliation and Medicaid Expansion as two of REAP s priorities. Bob Myers, Legislative Chair, shared the importance of transportation infrastructure to the region and continuing to grow South Central Kansas. He also discussed the importance of Medicaid Expansion to the South Central economy. Mayor Longwell highlighted some of the economic development wins for the region as well. There was some great conversation between the delegation and REAP members. The delegation requested more information sharing as they may not always hear in a timely manner some of the positive economic development activities in the region. REAP staff will work with the delegation and dispersing this information to them. In total throughout the day, 26 members of the delegation had stopped by and met with REAP members: Rep. Blake Carpenter Derby Rep. Brandon Whipple Wichita Sen. Carolyn McGinn Sedgwick Rep. Chuck Weber Wichita Rep. Dan Hawkins Wichita Rep. Don Schroeder Hesston Rep. Elizabeth Bishop Wichita Sen. Gene Suellentrop Wichita Rep. Jim Ward Wichita Rep. John Whitmer Wichita Rep. KC Ohaebosim Wichita Rep. Kristey Williams Augusta Rep. Kyle Hoffman Coldwater Rep. Leo Delperdang Wichita Sen. Les Osterman Wichita Sen. Lynn Rogers Wichita Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau Wichita Rep. Patsy Terrell Hutchinson Sen. Richard Wilborn McPherson Rep. Roger Elliott Wichita Rep. Steve Huebert Valley Center Rep. Steve Crum Haysville Sen. Susan Wagle Wichita Rep. Tim Hodge North Newton Rep. Anita Judd-Jenkins Arkansas City Rep. Larry Alley Winfield 18

19 There were many REAP members and partners in attendance as well including: Mayor Shelley Hansel, Wellington; Bob Myers, Newton; Mayor Jeff Longwell, Wichita; Council Member Roger Pernyn and Austin Gilley, Rose Hill; Commissioner Chip Westfall and Anthony Swartzendruber, Harvey County; Erik Satorius, LKM; Jennifer Burch, McPherson Chamber of Commerce; Beth Shelton, Harvey County Economic Development; Pam Stevens, Newton Chamber; Bruce Witt, Via Christi; Marlee Carpenter and Bernie Koch. Recommended action: take appreciate action. 19

20 Submitted by: Marla Canfield Item #2.E Item: Alaska Airlines Inaugural Background: The Wichita Airport Authority extended an invitation for REAP members to attend the Alaska Airlines inaugural on April 13, REAP has a long history in providing a leadership role to commercial air service in South Central Kansas. In April 2016, REAP acted to take a position of leadership to help promote air service from Eisenhower Airport such as the Southwest Airlines awareness campaign for the new routes to Phoenix and St. Louis. As REAP continues to support air service and Eisenhower Airport as an ongoing regional priority this was great opportunity to learn about Alaska Airlines' new nonstop route and its impact on keeping fares competitive. REAP Members/staff in attendance: Mayor Jeff Longwell, Wichita Mayor Randy White, Derby Council Member Roger Perryn, Rose Hill Council Member Carl Koster, Cheney Randy Frazer, Moundridge Austin Gilley, Rose Hill Keith Lawing, REAP Another event is being hosted by the Wichita Region Chamber of Commerce on May 4, 2017 from 11:30 to 1:00pm to meet with Alaska Airlines officials. Bob Myers, Newton, and Marla Canfield, REAP, will attend this meeting. If any other REAP members are interest please let staff know and a ticket will be purchased. Recommended action: take appreciate action. 20