Salina Area Chamber of Commerce
The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Salina at the Statehouse advocacy event on February 10, bringing together a broad coalition of business and community leaders to engage with state legislators on priorities critical to Salina and north central Kansas.
The delegation represented a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, housing, finance, workforce development, and small business, underscoring the diverse economic base that drives Salina and the surrounding region. Participants met with legislators to share a unified message focused on sustaining momentum through continued state investment.
The top priority for the Salina Area Chamber and community leaders this year is securing funding to retain the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy in Salina. A 2024 needs assessment directed by the State Legislature noted significant challenges with the current Marymount Campus location, and recommended reconfiguration to locations in West Salina, along with other KHP assets. The facility plays a vital role not only in public safety but also as a key economic driver for the community and region, supporting jobs, training, and long-term stability.
“Salina is the preferred location for the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Training Academy and Regional Troop Headquarters,” said Murl Riedel, Kansas Highway Patrol Chief of Staff, “Its central location, strong infrastructure, and community support enables us to train and deploy troopers efficiently statewide. Keeping the facility in Salina benefits public safety, supports workforce development, and represents the best path forward for KHP."
Central to the proposal for the training facility is its location on the Kansas State University-Salina campus. This partnership affords dual-use opportunities for auditoriums, cafeteria, residence halls, and gymnasium, which significantly reduces project costs.
For KHP, the partnership provides accreditation potential for trooper trainees and access to a recruiting audience. For KSU-Salina, the partnership adds students to the campus and enhances public safety course offerings in areas such as aviation and drone training.
Initial estimates for building a new training facility were projected at $258 million. The proposal to locate the training facility on the KSU-Salina campus drops that project cost significantly.
Over the past five years, Salina has benefited from several significant investments by the Kansas State Legislature in areas such as housing, workforce development, healthcare, and economic development. During the advocacy event, local leaders emphasized how these strategic investments have strengthened Salina’s quality of life and economic resilience while also reinforcing its role as a regional hub serving north central Kansas.
“Salina’s success is directly tied to thoughtful, sustained partnerships with the State of Kansas,” said Renee Duxler, President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber. “The return on investment extends far beyond our city limits, supporting workforce readiness, public safety, healthcare access, and economic growth across the entire region.”
As an example, the Magnolia Village housing development received a $25 million matching grant to construct 500 units of multifamily and workforce housing in south Salina. This investment—now exceeding $100 million—expanded the city’s housing inventory and attracted new employment candidates to fill recently created positions. Companies benefiting from this growth in the local talent pool include Great Plains Manufacturing/Kubota, Schwan’s, Vortex Companies, and many others throughout Salina.
“Addressing the housing shortage played a critical role in Kubota’s decision to bring new manufacturing opportunities to Salina,” said Jamie Hall, Director of Real Estate for Great Plains Manufacturing/Kubota. “Our recent expansions and new construction were supported by the State of Kansas’ ongoing investment in our community.”
The Salina Area Chamber remains committed to advocating for policies and investments that support a strong business climate, vibrant communities, and long-term regional prosperity. The Chamber partners with the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization, the Salina Airport Authority, and Kansas State University-Salina in its government affairs efforts. This strong collaboration has been key to Salina’s success at the statehouse.
“When a community speaks with one clear, unified voice, it strengthens the case for state investment and helps deliver real results,” said Sen. Scott Hill, R-Abilene, “The collaboration has provided for a dynamic environment that will continue to foster the partnership between the City and State, propelling Salina to be the fastest growing economy in the region.”