The longtime Wamego Area Chamber of Commerce executive director is coming to work for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Manhattan Chamber announced Monday the appointment of Daryn Soldan as its new Director of Economic Development. Soldan takes over for Trent Armbrust, who took a position with the Kansas Department of Commerce last year.
“We couldn’t be more pleased that Daryn has accepted this position,” said Jason Smith, President and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “His experience in business and economic development is impressive. He also has a strong love for this region and wants to be a part of improving the economic standing of our residents.”
Soldan will be responsible for implementing economic prosperity strategies outlined in Region Reimagined and the Greater Manhattan Project. That includes overseeing business attraction, retention and expansion and entrepreneurial activities for the Chamber’s economic development program.
“I’m very excited about the Chamber’s strategic vision for economic development and the growth opportunities that exist in the Manhattan region,” said Soldan. “I look forward to leading efforts to create jobs, attract talent and expand entrepreneurial activity.”
Prior to his role with the Wamego Chamber, Soldan also was director for the Small Business Development Center in Manhattan. He’s also held positions with the Junction City Chamber and spent two years in the economic development division of the Manhattan Chamber. Soldan begins his duties March 9.
Additionally, Smith announced the recent transition of George Kandt into the business retention and expansion manager role for the Chamber. Kandt recently moved back to Manhattan after a long career with Sprint in Overland Park, where he also served as a City Commissioner.
