January 18-19, 2019 marked the official launch of the Region Reimagined Initiative at the 2019 Leaders Retreat.  More than 225 leaders from throughout the Tri-County area participated in a series of breakout sessions focused on Region Reimagined Focus Areas including, Talent Attraction & Retention, Quality of Place, Built Environment and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.  The input collected at the Leaders Retreat and through Work Group discussion, both enhanced the plan through fine-tuning of action items and validated the strategies and tactics as outlined by Market Street Services.   The Plan serves as a living document that will continue to evolve as tactics and action items are vetted further and throughout the implementation process.

More than 200 volunteers from throughout Geary, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties have been working hard to move strategies into action, laying the groundwork, and making lots of progress towards Targeted Economic Diversification, Talent Sustainability and Entrepreneurial Dynamism.  The Advisory Board adopted a Steering Committee Charter, a membership list, and updates to the plan.  The Advisory Board was also provided an overview of plan progress, new social media platforms, a dashboard and website revamp.  Some of the more recent highlights include the creation of a Regional Healthcare Consortium, providing technical assistance for businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the creation of the MHK Talent Consortium and launch of a pilot micro-internship program, first Restaurant Reimagined training and event to improve first impressions, the KEEP Transitioning Soldier community and employer tour, and so much more!  See the Latest Highlight Report for details.