The opening video celebrated Wichita’s muscle, tenacity and visionary spirit, calling on today’s generation to carry the region’s legacy forward.
Wichita’s future was brought to life at the Partnership’s 2024 Annual Meeting, where the region’s growth as a leading hub of innovation, talent and economic development was reimagined.
Industry professionals and community leaders engaged in the unforgettable evening on Oct. 30 at the Digital Research and Transformation Hub (DRTH) on Wichita State University’s (WSU) campus.
Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), prominent speakers leaned into the theme, “The Future is…” They offered captivating insights into global advancements in research, biomedical engineering and innovative educational programs that are shaping Wichita’s future.
Welcome and Community Achievements
Partnership Co-Chairs Aaron Bastian and Charlie Chandler kicked off the event by reflecting on the remarkable strides the Partnership has made as it prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary. They noted recent community wins including the organization’s growing success and impact at the Farnborough and Paris Airshows.
“This year the Partnership engaged in more than 100 meetings, a record number, at the Farnborough International Airshow. More than 460 exclusive partners, dignitaries and special guests from around the globe attended the Air Capital of the World Reception with honorary host U.S. Senator Jerry Moran,” shared Bastian. “Thanks to your investment and dedication to the Partnership, we are propelling our region forward for generations to come.”
They also emphasized the strategic work of the economic development teams in business attraction and retention; the four successful Talent Talks of 2024 and the transformational investment downtown.
“We are witnessing one of the most robust project pipelines and prospect activity in our region’s history,” said Chandler. “Not to mention we have seen more than $1.7 billion in investment downtown since 2010 with another $760 million in the project pipeline. This is remarkable and we thank you, our investors and community champions, for believing in the Partnership and its mission to bring vision to reality.”
Holograms Take Attendees to Future
The future truly came to life as child holograms beamed into the meeting. They introduced the remaining speakers, giving the audience members a glimpse into what the future of Wichita could look like if individuals aligned around a comprehensive vision.
Standing 14 feet in the air, Partnership President Jeff Fluhr thanked the hologram for the futuristic introduction. He addressed the crowd, illustrating how collaboration and strategic investments have created tangible results and ongoing opportunities for Wichita and the 10-county south-central region.
“Tonight, we’re here to dream big and cast a vision for the future of our city, our region. We ALL build Wichita. Each one of us has a role to play, and we’re grateful for your commitment to that vision. Thank you for your investments and for driving incredible progress,” Fluhr said to the audience.
He highlighted the Partnership’s impressive return on investment (ROI) of 156:1, noting that since 2015 the Partnership has helped bring in $3.4 billion in capital investment, 13,800 jobs and $673 million in total annual payroll. There is an additional $5.9 billion capital investment in the prospective pipeline.
Fluhr acknowledged the collective efforts to reach this point, emphasizing the Partnership’s strategic priorities: jobs, talent and quality of place – all essential to ensuring Wichita’s future as a thriving, global city.
Dr. Rick Muma, Wichita State University (WSU) President
After another AI introduction, this time from the “future” president of WSU, Dr. Rick Muma welcomed the audience to DRTH, emphasizing the university’s role in advancing innovation and collaboration across the city.
He highlighted WSU’s growing presence, noting it and WSU Tech’s more than 10 locations, including the soon-to-be Wichita Biomedical Campus℠.
The Wichita Biomedical Campus℠ will be part of a burgeoning healthcare corridor that includes key institutions such as the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, the future home of COMCARE of Sedgwick County and Heartspring’s pediatric outpatient services.
“This proximity is designed to enhance collaboration and innovation, fostering an environment where cutting-edge medical advancements can thrive,” shared Dr. Muma. “As we look to the future, WSU is excited about how we have positioned ourselves to grow our regional economy and how it will lead into the next industrial revolution.”
Dr. John Tomblin, WSU Research and Industry Defense Programs EVP, NIAR Executive Director
Dr. John Tomblin showcased Wichita’s rise as the Air Capital of the World and a global manufacturing leader. He traced how the city’s industry has evolved and where it’s headed. From the early steam-powered revolution to today’s digital transformation, he emphasized Wichita continues to be at the forefront of change.
Currently, in the midst of Industry 4.0, Tomblin explained how the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR) is leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT), AI and automation to optimize manufacturing processes. He offered a behind-the-scenes look into the university’s groundbreaking work from advancements in additive manufacturing to collaborative robotics, where humans and machines work together to improve efficiency.
Tomblin revealed that a major project will be announced in the coming weeks. While he couldn’t share full details, he mentioned the project will center on digital data, marking yet another step in positioning Wichita as a leader in cutting-edge technology.
Looking forward, he said Industry 5.0 promises an even deeper integration of human creativity and machine precision. Digital twin technology, for instance, is already reshaping industries like healthcare, allowing for personalized and innovative solutions.
Tomblin closed by saying that the road ahead is full of exciting possibilities, and with the right partnerships in place, Wichita is poised to thrive in this new industrial age.
“The future growth of the Wichita region depends on partnerships between government, academia and industry, beginning with meetings like this one. Wichita has a precedented history of activating cross-industry collaborative partnerships for the mutual benefit of all parties. While continued diversification of Wichita’s power industries is critical, strong support for aviation industry growth will ensure job growth in nearly every sector in the region,” Tomblin shared.
Kelly Bielefeld, Wichita Public Schools (WPS) Superintendent
Bielefeld focused on the vital role education and workforce development play in Wichita’s future. He highlighted the district’s efforts to ensure every student, regardless of background, is prepared for success after high school.
With 115 languages spoken within WPS, he emphasized the district’s diversity and mission to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Innovative programs such as the FutureReady Centers and Creative Minds Vertical Classroom are central to this vision, helping to prepare students for emerging jobs in AI, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT and more.
In 2024, 78 WPS students graduated from the Healthcare FutureReady Center and 52 from the Manufacturing FutureReady Center. Currently, there are 259 students enrolled in healthcare and 149 in manufacturing with more expected in the spring.
Bielefeld noted the district is expanding the FutureReady Centers to include the Hub for Advanced Computer Knowledge (HACK) in 2026 and Construction Trades in 2027. He thanked the Partnership for its strategic efforts to identify jobs of the future and align education with industry needs.
“The future of our schools is the future of our community. By preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow, we are not just building a better workforce, we are building a better Wichita,” Bielefeld said.
The Future is Now
Ben Hutton, CEO of Hutton, followed by Bastian and Chandler, concluded the presentation. They encouraged attendees to invest in the greater Wichita region's future.
Hutton emphasized the importance of visionary thinking and bold action. He asked the leaders in the room to reflect on the investments made years ago, such as WSU’s Innovation Campus, WPS’s FutureReady Centers and the formation of the Partnership. He noted how those efforts are now bearing fruit and tangible results.
“Tonight, we are here to be inspired and to hear about what’s next. It’s also an opportunity to participate,” stated Hutton. “This is your invitation to join us. The Partnership has big plans, but for them to become a reality it will require investment from all of us. I’m already committed to stepping up my contribution. Will you join me?”
Bastian and Chandler, who have also increased their investments, reinforced Hutton’s call to action. They accentuated that an investment in the Partnership is an investment in our children's future and the Wichita region's economic vitality. Bastian noted, “Frankly, the Partnership is one of the best investments we make.”
A Lasting Impression
As Fluhr returned to the stage following the event, he was struck by the magnitude of the leaders in the room.
He later said, "As I took a quiet moment to scan the room before I welcomed our guests to stay and network, I was struck by the unity of private and public representatives with us, all of whom are poised to bring the Wichita region to the next level. What a powerful start to our next decade."
