July 27, 2011 –
MAYETTA: Steve Ortiz, tribal chairman, is in Wichita today meeting with Gov. Sam Brownback and 15 other key business leaders from various economic sectors and geographic regions in Kansas who are forming a new Governor’s Economic Council of Advisors.
Brownback signed an executive order establishing the council this morning at Wichita State University and also announced it to the public.
“The economic future of Kansas depends on the growth of existing businesses and the development of new industries,” Brownback said in a news release. “Economic competitiveness requires a detailed understanding of regional, national and international economic conditions and trends.”
The purpose of the council is to coordinate strategic planning and economic development resources, evaluate state policies and agencies performances, and conduct research on topics such as Kansas’ basic industries, tax competitiveness, and regulatory structure.
Ortiz was invited to be on the council along with 15 other key business leaders including: Patti Bossert, Key Staffing, Topeka; Ivan Crossland, Crossland Construction, Columbus; Cliff Illig, Cerner, Kansas City, Mo.; Jody Horner, Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita; Patty Koehler, JR Custom Metals, Wichita; Bob Wheeler, retired from Hills Pet Nutrition; Jim Lewis, Lewis Automotive Group, Hays; David Murfin, Murfin Drilling, Wichita; Larry Sevier, Nex-Tech Wireless, Lenora; Dan Tasset, Nueterra, Leawood; Jeff Turner, Spirit AeroSystems Gerry O’Shaunghnessy, Lario Enterprises; Bob Page, University of Kansas Medical Center; Jan Lyons, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Manhattan; and Larry Jones, J O Cattle Co., Holcomb.
Stan Ahlerich, the executive director of the council, wrote in the invitation email to Ortiz that “in these economic times the Governor believes that it is paramount to get insights and guidance from some of the state’s best and brightest leaders.” Ortiz was asked to be on the council by the Governor and will represent the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Mayetta.