Dodge City Hosts Western Kansas Leaders for WKREDA Quarterly Conference

Dodge City proudly welcomed over 50 members of the Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (WKREDA) for the June 2025 Quarterly Conference, held June 4–5 at the Santa Fe Depot. The two-day event brought together economic development professionals, civic leaders, and workforce partners from across 55 counties to share insights, strengthen partnerships, and explore opportunities shaping the future of rural Kansas.

The conference kicked off Wednesday afternoon with a warm welcome and a lively presentation from local historian and Boot Hill Gunfighter Josh Roesener, who shared stories from Dodge City’s colorful past. Attendees then heard from Mark Heidlage, Site Director at Hilmar Cheese Company, who highlighted the company’s growth and commitment to operational excellence in its new Dodge City facility.

Following a brief infrastructure update from Jason Fizell of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, attendees enjoyed refreshments sponsored by Victory Electric before diving into a robust workforce development panel. Facilitated by Joann Knight, Executive Director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, the panel featured voices from education, higher education, workforce agencies, and local industry. Panelists included Kyla Keller (REWA), Maria Kane (USD 443), Dr. Clayton Tatro (Dodge City Community College), and Tucky Allen (Kansas WorkforceONE), all of whom shared innovative strategies for growing and retaining a skilled rural workforce.

The day wrapped up with a guided Downtown Dodge City Streetscape Walking Tour led by City of Dodge City Assistant Director Melissa McCoy and Main Street Director Hugo Hernandez, followed by dinner, drinks, and entertainment at the Boot Hill Museum, complete with a live gunfight reenactment sponsored by Hutton Construction.

Thursday morning began with breakfast sponsored by ONE Gas and included a business meeting, resource updates, and a state legislative briefing by Allie Devine of Devine and Donley. The conference concluded with a Federal Legislative Panel by Hunter Carson and Rebecca Swindler and a closing lunch generously sponsored by Black Hills Energy.

The Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation was honored to host this important event and showcase the momentum, collaboration, and community spirit that defines Dodge City. Events like these are a testament to the power of regional cooperation in strengthening rural economies and building a brighter future for generations to come.