#26 Kansas
#21 in Taxation and Regulation
#30 in Workforce Quality
#35 in Living Environment
Right to Work? ✓
Regional Profile – Midwest
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Key Industries
Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Aviation, Bioscience, Clean Energy, Food Services
Key Companies
Cerner Corp.
Crestwood
Seaboard Corp.
Sprint Nextel
YRC Worldwide
Advantages
Investment capital is on the rise in Kansas City.
Women-owned businesses across the state have also increased.
In addition, Kansas City has taken a step toward automation by launching new streetcars equipped with videos. The two-mile stretch that the streetcars drive should result in improved traffic flow and reduced down time for things like traffic lights and parking meters.
Challenges
Kansas finished 2015 with a cash deficit, and had a slow first quarter 2016. The state has tried to compensate by increasing the sales tax rate from from 6.15% to 6.5%, giving it the 8th highest sales tax in the country.
To close the gap, Kansas lawmakers are considering rolling back previous tax cuts.
The FCC reports that Kansas is in the bottom third of states with the fewest exemptions allowing businesses to use drones in their operations.
Key Contacts
Dept. of Commerce
Steve Kelly, Deputy Secretary
785- 296-5298
Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66612
skelly@kansascommerce.com
http://www.kansascommerce.com/
CEO Comments
“Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma are all backward conservative states that don’t attract many young professionals.”
Current Developments
2015 Regional Report: The Midwest
November 13, 2015
In Missouri-Kansas Border Wars Over Companies, Kansas Suggests a Truce
April 18, 2016
7 Best States for Startups
May 8, 2014
States Leading the Crowdfunding Surge
May 8, 2014