Susette Taylor, Atchison County Clerk, talked about the programs that have benefited the county like Tax Increment Financing along with our Enhanced Enterprise Zone. Both programs have been put into place thanks to the work of the Atchison County Development Corporation and the help of our county commissioners.

Shauna Farmer, Rock Port R-II High School guidance counselor, was first to talk about what ACDC and Monica Bailey have done over the years with the youth of the county. She touched on the many workshops that are designed to get the students from all three schools the exposure to what careers are available in Atchison County.

Atchison County Development Corporation (ACDC) hosted its 2024 community lunch for the Rock Port/Watson area at Dusty Trail on March 13, where over 45 attendees enjoyed a wonderful meal. W.C. Farmer, ACDC board member, welcomed all to the meeting and offered a prayer of thanks and blessing for the meal.

Susette Taylor, Atchison County Clerk, mentioned the upcoming renewal of the 1/4-cent economic development sales tax and discussed the benefits of having an office that is dedicated to the development of Atchison County. Over the years, the county has been able to attract new businesses and industry, largely due to ACDC’s efforts to establish the Enhanced Enterprise Zone and Tax Increment Financing incentives and ongoing work to maintain those boards. She discussed the impact of ACDC’s career events that connect youth to opportunities in their home county.

Shauna Farmer, Rock Port High School counselor, discussed the longstanding relationship between ACDC and all three county schools and ACDC’s coordination of multiple county-wide career education events. She also mentioned the importance of their youth beautification grant in fostering volunteerism and the scholarships available to graduating seniors.

ACDC Director Monica Bailey highlighted ACDC’s mission and activities (growing existing businesses, encouraging new business, promoting the county, advocating for the county, developing economic development tools, and creating career development opportunities for youth). She asked supporters to vote yes to renew the 1/4-cent sales tax on April 2, so that ACDC’s work can continue.