Think MHK Podcast

We are back with season 3 of the Think MHK Podcast! To kick off this season we are joined by the Director of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Karen Hibbard. Karen has worked for Manhattan's CVB since 1997, serving as the director for the last 18 years. At the end of February 2023, Karen plans to retire. During this episode, we highlight some of Karen's biggest accomplishments, her favorite memories, and of course, her best jokes! We even bring in two surprise guests to help us reminisce on Karen's impact on our community over the last two decades.

Learn the facts about the Scorpion Biological Services project! To wrap up season two Jason Smith and Daryn Soldan take over the episode to share an update on the Scorpion Biological Services project. Jason and Daryn dive into the specifics of this project including size, scope, and the details of what exactly Scorpion Biological Services will do here in Manhattan, Kansas.

On the 20th episode of the ThinkMHK podcast, we are joined by Fort Riley Garrison Commander Colonel Michael J. Foote. COL Foote shares his past experiences with the Army. Jason and COL Foote discuss what the community and region can do to best support the soldiers and families stationed at Fort Riley. They discuss opportunities regarding spouse employment, childcare, schooling and engaging soldiers in the community.

These are just a few of the many topics discussed during this episode so be sure to listen in to learn more!

This week we are joined by one of the Chamber's newest staff members, Mike Matson, Director of External Affairs. Mike joined the Chamber team on August 1 in this newly created position. Our leadership created this position to improve how we engage with our policymakers. Throughout this episode, Mike and Jason discuss their goals and objectives for this position as well as what makes Mike a great fit on our team.

This week Kansas State University's Vice President of Research, Dr. David Rosowsky joins us on the ThinkMHK Podcast. Dr. Rosowsky, Jason Smith and Daryn Soldan cover a wide range of topics from his career journey, what attracted him to Manhattan and K-State to why economic development is important to our community. They cover the unique town and gown relationship we have here in Manhattan and the benefits we have received from that. As well as other opportunities and challenges our community has.

In 2022 Board Chair Summer Dierks highlighted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a main priority of her chairmanship. As a result, the Chamber created its own DEI task force beginning in January of 2022. During this episode, we are joined by Summer Dierks, Lisa Sisley, chair of the DEI task force, and Doug Barrett, Chamber Board Member and VP of the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills. During this episode, we cover topics including the current initiatives and specific goals of the task force, how embracing DEI helps our efforts to attract employers and much more.

Did you know 86% of all Manhattan Area Technical College graduates stay in the Manhattan Service Area? Jim Genandt, President of the Manhattan Area Technical College, joins us on episode 16 of the ThinkMHK podcast. Throughout this episode, we discuss all things MATC like their largest programs, partnerships with USD 383 and K-State, new lab editions, their facility strategies and much more. Jim shares the highlights of his tenure at MATC and the most important things people need to know about MATC.

Learn more about our local Kansas Senator Tom Hawk on this episode of the ThinkMHK Podcast. Senator Hawk represents District 22 for the Kansas Senate which includes Clay, Riley, and parts of Geary counties. Throughout this episode he shares his work with many great accomplishments including the State Highway Plan, establishing the 988 hotline and many more. He discusses how politics have changed since he first started serving and the difference between serving with the Kansas Senate vs. House. Plus he shares some interesting fun facts most people don't know about!

Jack Allston, Director of the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation joins season 2 episode 14 of the ThinkMHK podcast. Jack shares his experience in the economic development industry from his first job to his future plans. Plus they discuss the history of the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, the importance of the Greater Manhattan Economic Partnership, and much more. Be sure to listen in!  

This week on the ThinkMHK podcast we are talking about Classroom to Career, one of our region's economic development programs. We are joined by Kiley Moody and Jayme Minton, co-chairs of the classroom to career program.

Classroom to Career was formed as a part of the workforce development initiative and efforts to reinvest in our community schools. Throughout this episode, they share the ins and outs of this program including how businesses can get involved, what the day-to-day activities look like and several success stories.