De Soto Chamber EDC Breakfast Solution Series – Sponsored by Huhtamaki

The De Soto Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council (EDC) kicked off another EDC Investor Breakfast – Solution Series this week, proudly sponsored and hosted by Huhtamaki. These exclusive gatherings are designed to keep our investors connected, informed, and engaged with the issues shaping our business community.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast, time to network with fellow investors, and the opportunity to share business updates in a collaborative setting.

Featured Program: Kansas Department of Commerce Update

The morning’s program featured Doug Bach, with the Kansas Department of Commerce, who provided a comprehensive update on statewide economic momentum and its impact on De Soto’s future.

Doug highlighted:

• Statewide Success & Momentum – Kansas continues to attract record-setting investment and create new jobs. Since 2019, De Soto has seen $5.15 billion in private business investment and 4,846 new and retained jobs.

• Business Wins in De Soto –

• Panasonic Energy: $4 billion investment, 4,000 jobs

• Merck Animal Health: $860 million investment, 483 jobs

• H&T Battery Components: $110 million investment, 180 jobs

• Huhtamaki: $100 million investment

• Community Wins –

• Caprine Mural – Kansas Mural and Public Art Grant, $7,000

• The Barn at Kill Creek – Tourism Marketing Grant, $3,000

• Alpha Robotics, Inc. – Delivering Residents and Workforce Grant, $300,000

• Flint Commerce Center – BASE Grant, $6 million

• Kansas Department of Commerce Programs Supporting De Soto – High Performance Incentive Program, Kansas Industrial Training, Broadband Acceleration Grant (Midco), Integrated Arts Education (USD 232), Job Creation Fund (H&T Kansas, LLC), Industrial Revenue Bonds (Merck Animal Health, K Ten Place, Original Town De Soto Properties, Golden Lane Commercial & Residential).

Legislative Session Preview

Doug also provided an overview of the recent legislative session, with several key bills passed and signed by Governor Laura Kelly in 2025, including:

• Kansas Tourism Cleanup Bill

• Pre-Employment Screening

• Expansion of the Transparency Database

• Foreign Adversary Bill

• Data Center Sales Tax Exemption

• Exemption of Remediation Costs for Johnson County Properties

Strong Attendance & Engagement

The event was well attended, with lively discussion and questions from the audience. It was a reminder of the power of collaboration and the value of staying connected to both local and statewide economic initiatives.

We are grateful to Huhtamaki for sponsoring and hosting this impactful program, and to Doug Bach and the Kansas Department of Commerce for sharing such valuable insights.

Stay tuned for details on upcoming EDC Solution Series Breakfasts—your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of De Soto.