Riley County commissioners were informed of a Chamber of Commerce program based in economic development.
“One of the things we’ve talked to this commission about is a community-driven economic development plan,” Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce president Lyle Butler told commissioners Thursday. “This is sort of our vision for where does Manhattan/Riley County (go), what are we going to look like in the future?”
Butler’s presentation introduced the Advantage Manhattan program titled, “Power Our Potential.” Butler said the program, which will kick off in January, hopes to create 600 primary jobs and more than 465 secondary jobs in the area over five years.
The program is funded with contributions from local businesses and organizations. Butler said it hopes to raise $3 million by 2021.
“This is our fourth Advantage Manhattan campaign since I’ve been in our community,” Butler said. “And it’s building on the successful track record that we’ve had over the last 15 years.”
Butler said targets are newly-created primary jobs that would pay annual salaries greater than $60,000 and secondary jobs with annual salaries greater than $35,000.
Butler said estimates show $300 million in new commercial capital investment could be generated.
According to literature on the program, its key areas of implementation include a community driven economic development plan, business health, workforce solutions, advocacy and outreach, regionalism and partnerships, and finally business recruitment and entrepreneurship.
