Page 35 - FDI Alliance International Magazine, July 2019 Interactive Issue_Neat

vehicles) and retail (automobile dealerships, grocery expanding their presence and sales in foreign markets but they know how to balance work and play, evolution
stores, department stores, restaurants, service stations) The quest of the international trade team is to provide and history, urban and rural to create a quality of life
trade industries. Government services (public schools, personalized counseling and expertise to Kansas you can’t find anywhere else. As every Kansas local
hospitals, military activities) are the third ranking services companies developing or expanding export markets. can tell you, that’s a unique combination that makes
sector in Kansas. The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant our state stand out.
helps Kansas non-exporters to get started and existing
From open space to aerospace, aviation in Kansas exporters to export more. Kansas companies recruit from some of the nation’s
continues to be on the leading edge of a vibrant industry. best universities and technical schools and benefit
Kansas continues to play a pivotal role in aviation’s Foreign Trade Missions & Shows, in order to help from pro-business legislation and low taxes. Most
impact on our culture, history and economy. There are Kansas small businesses, enter new markets and importantly, Kansas encourages business leaders to
140 public-use airports in the state – eight commercial gain new international customers, the Department of grow, innovate and think big. The Kansas economy has
and 132 general aviation. In aggregate, our airports Commerce will offer several foreign trade mission and expanded from its original base in agribusiness into an
account for $10.4 billion in on-airport economic activity. show opportunities. economy with a diverse mix of professions. The largest
Through innovation, exploration and manufacturing, In order to auxiliary and increase Kansas’ exporter employment sectors are services, wholesale and retail
Kansas continues to exemplify the American spirit. base and upsurge the export value and volume, the trade, manufacturing and government.
Kansas aviation leads the way through a willingness Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas
to look beyond the limits of the possible, forging a path Department of Agriculture have joined forces during Moreover, Kansas has consistently been ranked as
for the next generation. the 2017 grant year to focus on three main areas: having some of the best roads in the country, meaning
export training, foreign trade missions and shows, and you can count on a safe, worry-free drive whenever
Kansas cost of living is nearly 8.74 percent below the market entry support. you get in your car.
national average, ranking the state 6th lowest for cost
of living in the U.S. From food and gasoline to property Kansas’ education system is one of the best in the In 2016, Kansas’ state highway system was ranked the
taxes and car insurance, most of what you need costs nation and a powerful factor in the state’s economic nation’s third best in overall highway performance and
less in Kansas. Housing costs are particularly low, with growth. Ninety (90) percent of Kansas adults have a efficiency in a report released by the Reason Foundation.
the average value of owner-occupied homes nearly 27 high school diploma, ranking Kansas No. 17 in that
percent below the national average. The bottom line is category. Kansas is also among the top states for percent The average daily temperature is 56.4 degrees
this ... your dollar goes further in Kansas. of adults with a college degree. Over 40% of adults, 25 Fahrenheit. And while there’s no official index of “crystal-
and over, in Kansas have an associate college degree. clear days that fade into tranquil starry nights,” we think
With the world’s market at your finger-tips, Kansas is not In some areas, such as Johnson County. we’d rank pretty high on that one, too.
only a boundless place to start and flourish a business,
it’s also a exceptional spot to grow your exports or even Kansans know how to have fun. Yes, they are known for
start exporting. Commerce can assist businesses with hard work and being passionate about their businesses,

FDI ALLIANCE | JULY ISSUE 2019 35