A longtime participant in the economic development efforts in Junction City, Leon Osbourn has

been presented the Eldon L. Hoyle Economic Development Award for 2014.

The award is named in honor of the late commissioner who served for many years on the Economic Development Commission, and also on the Geary County Commission and Junction City Commission.

The presentation was made during Chamber of Commerce EDC Partner Appreciation Day activities Friday morning at the convention center in Junction City. “I’ve known Eldon for my entire business career here. Even before we started Kaw Valley Engineering I knew Eldon Hoyle. It’s just wonderful, and I’m really honored that they selected me for this award this year.”

Osbourn was one of three founders of Kaw Valley Engineering in Junction City in 1982. Today that business has offices in multiple locations in Junction City and beyond, including Wichita, Salina, and in the Kansas City area.

For many years Osbourn served on the EDC, and at times as the chairman of that board. He still provides assistance in the local economic development arena. “When a site locator comes to town and they’re trying to look at a specific site they want to know a lot of things about utilities, access, elevation as far as floodplain information.  I know the town, I know what’s going on here, I know the best sites.  I have a lot of information that we can put together relatively quickly, and give them those site plans that they need just trying to jump start the project….see if we can get them to come here.”

Osbourn said he volunteers his time because he believes in Junction City. He is a lifelong resident of the community, and plans on retiring in Junction City.