Wichita, better known as the Air Capital of the World, has also been ranked #1 U.S. metro for aviation manufacturing. Wichita has the highest concentration of aircraft and aircraft parts manufacturing employment (skills) in the United States.
Of the 100 largest U.S. metro areas, Wichita ranks #1 in manufacturing jobs and #3 in percent of manufacturing jobs classified as “very high-tech” (Brookings Institution 2012).
Companies in this region are increasing their productivity due to the highly skilled talent available at below national average wages. Kansas is a constitutional right-to-work state with a competitively low-tax environment. Kansas is recognized as the most aggressive state in providing tax advantages for manufacturers, including no property or sales tax on new or relocated equipment or inventories. Our pro-business climate provides a favorable corporate income tax environment and workers’ compensation costs are far below the national average.
Connections Central USA
Wichita is centrally located in the U.S. at major crossroads of rail and interstate transportation routes, making logistics efficient and affordable to destinations anywhere in the domestic U.S. and overseas.
A study conducted by the Brookings Institution has identified Wichita as the metro area that has experienced the greatest growth in exports over the last five years of their study, making Wichita America’s #1 export market.
South Central Kansas – Where Education Means Business
The region is home to 18 universities and technical colleges including Wichita State University and the National Institute for Aviation Research and the National Center for Aviation Training.
Through institutions like the Wichita Area Technical College — that was recently named the lead institution in a consortium of U.S. community colleges developing industry-approved aviation manufacturing training curricula for nationwide implementation — and our trendsetting public school initiatives, including paying the tuition for high school students to take technology classes, Wichita is setting the global standard for technical training.
Wichita – A Great Place to Live and Work
Quality of life and livability impacts not only the attitude and productivity of the existing work force, but also the ability of employers to recruit and retain key personnel. Wichita possesses a wide diversity of cultural, entertainment, and recreational options that compare very well to that of many larger metro areas. Wichita also possesses what many larger metros lack — affordability, short and easy commuting, and a high degree of public safety.
TAMMY NOLAN
Marketing Director
Greater Wichita Economic
Development Coalition
350 W. Douglas
Wichita, KS 67202
Tel: 316-268-1128
tnolan@gwedc.org
www.gwedc.org