Suppliers interested in expanding into wind energy manufacturing industry have two upcoming opportunities to learn more --

First, the Kansas Department of Commerce is compiling a database of supplier companies that will be used to link national firms looking for supplier sourcing and capabilities. Area companies can be included by completing a simple survey at www.kansaswindindustry.com by this Friday, Nov. 13.

Second, the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition (GWEDC), the Kansas Department of Commerce and several other sponsors will host a South Central Kansas Wind Supply Chain Workshop on Jan. 14, 2010 at the Hyatt Wichita. The workshop will provide an overview for companies interested in becoming a supplier to the wind energy manufacturing industry. Consultants from Great Lakes Wind Network, an international supply chain advisory group and network of manufacturers, will be providing detailed information about this opportunity for suppliers to diversify. To find out more about the conference, companies can call GWEDC at 268-1128 or e-mail tnolan@gwedc.org. Cost for the workshop is $35 with early-bird registration before December 22.

"There are so many firms interested in exploring the wind energy manufacturing area," said Randi Tveitaraas Jack, International Development Manager for the Kansas Department of Commerce. "The survey and workshops are about helping our Kansas companies get a quick and efficient start in learning what it takes to work with international and national wind energy manufacturing companies, from certification to supplier expectations."

Vicki Pratt Gerbino, GWEDC President said, "These are great opportunities for our area businesses to get their capabilities listed for potential customers, while also getting inside information on what it takes to be competitive in this industry. We have amazing supplier expertise that with smart planning and careful consideration may make sense for some to diversify into the wind supply chain."

The Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition is the regional public/private partnership managed by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce and charged with creating and executing the community’s business recruitment, retention and expansion plans and marketing the region.

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Located in the center of a revitalizing area of downtown Wichita, the INTRUST Bank Arena will be a modern, first-class, sports and entertainment venue in the center city of Sedgwick County with a 15,000 seat arena (for basketball) and 20 executive and 2 party suites designed to provide maximum "fan experience" for all guests. The facility will be bordered by William Street on the North, Waterman Street on the South, the tracks on the East and Emporia Street on the West.

The exterior will be brick and limestone facades, and the expansive lobby view toward Kellogg will welcome visitors and blend with the surrounding architectural heritage.

Other venues neighboring the new arena include the Old Town entertainment district, the WaterWalk, the Proposed Art District, & the historic Eaton Place block.

Visitors will be a part of the "new urbanist" life in Wichita, where hotels, trendy restaurants, classic residential living and entertainment options co-exist in a pedestrian-friendly environment.