The Kansas Department of Commerce is awarded the Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council or I-E-D-C.

Commerce received the award for the agency’s work in the Special Event category that impacts the entire state population. I-E-D-C singled out the Commerce Department's Community Impact Tour which highlighted many projects across the state to engage with local stakeholders and celebrate community progress during National Community Development Week. The tour made stops in Bartlett, Fort Scott, and Independence in southeast Kansas.

 Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland called the impact tour a chance to connect face-to-face with the people and organizations making positive change happen throughout Kansas.