PSU partners with city, chamber on economic development

  Monday, December 12, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University and the City of Pittsburg have long enjoyed a unique partnership that has led to growth both on campus and in the community. Beginning in 2017, that partnership will again take another important step.

The Center for Innovation and Business Development at Pittsburg State has signed an agreement with the City of Pittsburg to assist in the city’s economic development efforts. The CIBD will work directly with the city and the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce to retain and grow existing businesses, support entrepreneurship and attract new, innovative businesses and industries.

Shawn Naccarato, executive director of the CIBD, said this type of partnership between the university, city and chamber is one of just a few in the nation.

“This is a very exciting, unique, innovative approach to economic development,” Naccarato said. “Economic development is a team sport, and there is no better team than the one here in Pittsburg, Kansas. The CIBD and PSU are looking forward to working with the city and chamber to help provide growth opportunities for all.”

As part of the agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2017, the CIBD will focus on helping with the creation and attraction of new businesses and industries, while also helping in the growth and expansion of existing businesses.

The CIBD will also work to develop a “Come Home” community marketing campaign aimed at attracting back to Pittsburg PSU alumni and former residents.

“We’ve enjoyed tremendous growth and progress in Pittsburg and at Pittsburg State in the past five to 10 years,” Naccarato said. “Our goal is to promote that growth and provide incentives for PSU alumni or others who have moved away to come back home and be a part of this exciting time in our community’s history.” 

Daron Hall, Pittsburg city manager, said the city is excited to work directly with PSU on economic development efforts.

“The City of Pittsburg is excited about continuing our work to grow and develop our community and region by adding PSU's CIBD as a partner to work with the chamber and the city,” Hall said.

Blake Benson, president of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce said, the partnership “allows us to maximize our resources to the full benefit of economic development.”