Recent research suggests that Emporia, Kansas, is making strides in economic diversification through small businesses and technological growth. A study presented on Wednesday by the Center on Rural Innovation indicates that these developments are beginning to reshape the local economy.
Study Highlights Economic Shifts
The report, titled “From Recovery to Resilience: How Emporia is Rethinking Economic Development,” was unveiled during a conference at the Granada Theatre focused on rural economic initiatives. The research utilized economic data, historical analysis, and interviews with community members. It drew comparisons to other counties facing similar economic challenges before the Great Recession.
Key findings from the study reveal that the percentage of technology jobs in Emporia has grown from 0.5% in 2019 to 1.2% in 2024. Although this figure remains lower than the statewide average of 3.2%, the increase is noteworthy. Additionally, the number of technology-intensive businesses expanded from approximately 2.5% of local establishments to nearly 6% in the same timeframe.
According to Casey Woods, executive director of Emporia Main Street, the contributions of tech workers are often overlooked compared to more visible sectors like retail and hospitality. “These tech workers often don’t interact with people the same way that a retailer or a bar or a restaurant would. So they’re the invisible part of the local economy,” Woods stated.
The analysis also emphasized the role of younger businesses, which consistently generated more jobs than they lost after 2019. This contrasts with older businesses that did not exhibit the same net job growth trend. The findings underscore the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs in conjunction with efforts to attract larger employers.
Historically, Emporia’s manufacturing sector significantly contributed to job creation, especially during the 1990s when more than 2,800 jobs were added. However, the community’s reliance on a few large employers created vulnerabilities, as illustrated by the loss of around 1,500 jobs at Tyson Foods in 2008 during the Great Recession.
To build resilience, the study advocates for a greater focus on entrepreneurship, technology, and professional services. Promising developments include what researchers call “tradable services,” such as software and consulting, which benefit the local economy by generating income from outside customers.
The report notes that average wages in the tradable-services sector have surpassed those in manufacturing for the first time in nearly two decades, although these services still account for only 10% of local employment. Emporia’s robust broadband infrastructure, covering almost 85% of the area, provides a competitive advantage for remote work opportunities.
Future growth strategies hinges on collaboration among local educators, businesses, and government entities. Woods emphasized the need for community engagement to navigate emerging economic opportunities, stating, “This is not the economy of 20 years ago, and that economy isn’t coming back.”
Why It Matters
The findings of this study are significant for community leaders and policymakers as they seek to foster economic resilience and growth in Emporia. By shifting focus to small businesses and the technology sector, the community aims to mitigate the risks associated with economic dependency on large employers, ultimately creating a more stable and diverse economic landscape.
