As executive director of the Smoky Hill Development Corporation, Stacie Schmidt figures she should have a lot of help in promoting the benefits of Ellsworth County as a great place to live and work. Phrases such as “There’s nothing to do in Ellsworth County” are not part of her vocabulary. She encourages others to follow her example. “Everyone in this community is an economic development director,” Schmidt said. Schmidt, who grew up in Ellsworth, was hired 18 months ago by the Smoky Hill board to manage the organization that is funded by local governments and business memberships. Her two major goals, she said during a recent interview, are bringing new residents to Ellsworth County and business retention.

That has not always been the case over the years.

The old model of economic development had cities and counties scrambling to attract that one major employer who would bring jobs and people to a region. It was a kind of “Build it and they will come” approach.

However, with the unemployment rate at 3.4 percent — and even less at times — it’s difficult for Ellsworth County to convince a prospective employer there is a big enough worker pool to meet a company’s needs.

A week ago, Smoky Hill and other organizations sponsored a jobs fair at the Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course. Several local employers were represented, including the Ellsworth Correctional Facility, which the day of this interview had openings for 20 guards.

What comes first? The chicken or the egg? A potential employee or a job?

Right now, Schmidt said, a perspective employer looks at the county’s unemployment rate and says, “we can’t go there.”

Ellsworth County has been fortunate, she said, in that its population has held steady. That compares to other counties in rural Kansas, too many of which have seen dramatic declines.

Another change has been the availability of housing. Twenty years ago, Ellsworth city had two houses on the market. This summer, there are between 30 and 40.

Schmidt has tried to pinpoint a reason for the change; however, it appears to be part of the life cycle — older residents moving elsewhere to be closer to their adult children, job transfers ... there doesn’t appear to be one specific cause for the turnaround.

At the same time, new housing continues to be built in Ellsworth and that has raised questions, especially from those with homes on the market.

Joiner Construction has broken ground for four townhomes in north Ellsworth. And a Missouri developer plans to build 12 rental houses in Ellsworth and two in Kanopolis.

Schmidt said the questions are valid; however, studies have shown there is a need in Ellsworth County for the kind of rental housing the two projects will offer.

Schmidt said Ellsworth County is fortunate to have good schools and medical facilities and other services and recreational opportunities. If it’s not here, drive 30 miles to Salina and you should be able to find it — stage entertainment, movies — the list is endless.

Technology also has made distance less relevant. Schmidt said Ellsworth County has good wifi access, which means individuals can live here and work elsewhere by using the internet.

It’s an argument she often makes, using an economic development tool that also has come into its own in recent times.

Today, it’s not just about the workforce; it’s about how that workforce fits into the community. And the quality of life that community can provide.

“I don’t believe that was ever part of the conversation before,” Schmidt said.

Smoky Hill Development Corporation Board members

• Justin Lindsley, Ellsworth, president

• Leland Francis, Wilson, vice president

• Debbie Kootz, Geneseo, secretary

• Curt Glaser, treasurer

• Machelle Van Trump, Ellsworth

• Jon Halbgewachs, Ellsworth

• Judy Sneath

• Gerry Gebhardt, Kanopolis

• Peter Solie, Lorraine

• Chuck Crawford, Wilson

• Honorary board members (students) — Bransen Schulte and Hayden Rogers.