WHO WE ARE
What We Are About
Our MISSION is to improve the economic quality of life for the working families of the community.
We will do this by:
Creating jobs, through retention, recruitment and expansion of businesses
Strengthening workforce through recruitment, education and training
Improving and increasing the number of living wage jobs
Expanding the tax base through increase capital investment
2022-2023 Annual Report
Great Bend Economic Development
The Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. is a public/private partnership focusing on the economic development efforts in Barton County, KS. The board is made up of City Council members, County Commissioners, Chamber Representatives, various leaders in the community, and the general public. We are a dedicated group of business sector stakeholders. This board employs an Executive Director to implement and oversee the efforts of the Economic Development.
Sara Arnberger
Meet Our Executive Director
As a native to Great Bend, I am thrilled to be back in the community as an integral part of the force that will make our community thrive. With my 10+ years of public relations experience and my Bachelor of Arts dergree from Friends University, I am experienced and ready to form the relationships that will help to develop our community. Great Bend has the charm of small-town living with the conveniences of modern-day living; I hope to invite many more to join our midwestern utopia. Please contact me today with questions about what Great Bend can do for you.
(620) 796-2407
Lee Ann June
Meet Our Communications Director
As a dedicated community member with a passion for Barton County, I am thrilled to be on staff at Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. in promoting and expanding our city. With a well-rounded skill set encompassing marketing, planning, and communication. As a creative, former business owner and mother of two, I offer a unique perspective to my role. I am inspired by the progress we have made and committed to ensuring the continued prosperity of Great Bend and its surrounding areas.
(620) 796-2407
Charley Sander
Meet Our Marketing and Events Intern
Hi! I’m Charley Sander, the newest addition to the team at Great Bend Economic Development. Born and raised in Great Bend, I am continuing my academic career at Barton Community College with a focus on marketing. I hope to further my skills in marketing while I learn alongside my new team! I’m excited to be a part of something so big and have the opportunity to give back to my hometown.
Meet Our Board
Paul Snapp
President/CEO at First Kansas Bank
Ryan Fairchild
Tech Specialist at Innovative Livestock, Services, INC. and Co-Founder at Dry Lake Brewing.
Shawn Hutchinson
Owner of Satellite Pros and CPS Security and a County Commissioner.
Dennis Neeland
Coldwell Banker Real Estate full-time independent sales associate.
Kevyn Soupiset
Owner of Advanced Physical Therapy and a City Council Member
MelEesa Stueder
Owner/Corporate Officer at Stueder Contractors.
John Worden
PharmD, MS, BCPS, Interim Great Bend Campus Administrator and Executive Director System Integration for Clinical Operations at The University of Kansas Health System.
Ex-Officio Members: Cody Schmidt, Christina Hayes, Megan Barfield, Jerry Renk, and Matt Patzner
