MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Tuefel said 2025 marked a strong year for business growth and strategic planning, with momentum expected to continue into 2026.
Tuefel cited roughly $7 million in new investment announced or underway across Hutchinson and Reno County, including major expansions by APAC, Wichita Tractor, Superior Boiler, Collins Bus, and continued workforce stabilization at Tyson Foods. She also pointed to community-changing projects such as the GunBros attraction, the Meyer Landmark redevelopment, and STAR Bond-supported improvements tied to the Cosmosphere and Memorial Hall.
Looking ahead, Tuefel said the Chamber’s new economic development strategy, Elevate Reno County, will guide efforts to grow quality jobs, attract new employers, and prepare shovel-ready sites. Key infrastructure work includes engineering for a new roadway serving the Kimball Industrial Park along K-96, improving access for future industrial development and the planned Evergy power generation site.
Tuefel said Evergy continues to advance agreements with Reno County and local cities, including a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes framework, with construction possibly beginning in late 2026 or early 2027 and operations targeted by 2030.
Housing readiness, tourism, and convention activity are also priorities. Tuefel highlighted the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn, expansion of event hosting capacity, and continued preparation of new residential subdivisions to support workforce growth.
She added that the Reno County Chamber of Commerce enters 2026 with strong engagement, welcoming about 45 new members and hosting 25 ribbon cuttings in 2025, while continuing to connect businesses, recruit investment prospects, and promote Hutchinson as a regional destination for events, conferences, and economic opportunity.