Kansas Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland will be the keynote speaker Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the annual meeting of Ellsworth County Economic Development.

The meeting is at 5:30 p.m. at the Ellsworth American Legion building.

Toland is the state’s 52nd lieutenant governor and also serves as secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.

A seventh-generation Kansan, Toland was appointed secretary of commerce by Gov. Laura Kelly in January 2019 and lieutenant governor in January 2021. Under the current administration, 2021 was the most successful economic development year in Kansas history, with investments topping over $3.5 billion, according to figures from state commerce leaders.

Those figures were accomplished during a period that included disruptions in the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Yet from the beginning Gov. Kelly’s economic development team has worked day and night to create opportunities for Kansans in these unprecedented times. We are proud of these historic investment and job numbers, but nowhere close to satisfied,” Toland said.

Under his leadership, the department also has rebuilt its in-state, domestic, and international business recruitment teams; launched the state’s Office of Broadband Development; re-established a Community Development division and the Kansas Main Street Program; and launched the state’s first new economic development strategic planning process since 1986.

Reservations are required and seating is limited. Register by calling (785) 810-8303 or e-mailing ewcountyeconomicdevelopment@gmail.com