K-State President Kirk Schulz has signed a proclamation for KBED….Knowledge Based Economic Development.

KBED was a partnership created between KSU and Manhattan community constituents in 2008. The goal is to create knowledge based economic development. The idea is to create economic growth to advance the KSU mission and interests of partner companies.

Schulz stated the partnership has received national recognition as a model for “town gown relations. ” The goal is to take the partnership to a new level. “Our shared goal is to create 5,000 new jobs for our community by the year 2035. These jobs will create annual payroll and operating budgets totaling $450 million. We must work together to plan, invest and execute a strategy to achieve these potential gains.”

Schulz said the strategy woudl include attracting new companies and working with those that already exist. “To memorialize this commitment, KBED, the City of Manhattan, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and Kansas State University have agreed to the principles of proclamation promoting economic development for Manhattan and the region.”

Schulz noted during his comments with the NBAF facility under construction, Manhattan and K-State have the opportunity to lay a lasting foundation of economic growth for the community.