Governor Laura Kelly Secures Prestigious Economic Development Award for Fourth Straight Year in a Row

TOPEKA –– Governor Laura Kelly recently announced that Kansas has earned another prestigious economic development award – the Gold Shovel – from Area Development magazine for the fourth consecutive year. This award highlights the state’s ability to attract high-value economic investment projects in Kansas spearheaded by the Kelly administration.

“A fourth Gold Shovel is a testament to Governor Kelly’s laser-focus on the Kansas economy,” Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass said. “Since taking office, the Governor’s administration has led the charge to rebuild our state, attract new job opportunities and businesses to Kansas, and to make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. It also demonstrates the economic growth we get when Kansas Democrats lead the way.”

Since 2019, Governor Kelly has brought 1,180 new economic development projects to Kansas – which boosts nearly $19 billion in private sector investment into our economy. The Kelly administration has created and retained more than 67,000 jobs statewide.