2026 Mid-Year Update : Building a Stronger Morris County Together

Economic development is often measured in dollars, jobs, and new businesses. While those numbers certainly matter, they only tell part of the story.

At the Greater Morris County Development Corporation (GMDC), we believe economic development is ultimately about people. It's about helping entrepreneurs pursue their dreams, supporting the businesses that already call Morris County home, strengthening our communities, and creating opportunities that improve quality of life for generations to come.

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, we'd like to share a look at the work we've accomplished together and the impact those efforts are making across Morris County.

What Does Economic Development Really Mean?

When many people hear the words economic development, they picture recruiting large companies or attracting new industries. While business recruitment is certainly an important part of our mission, it represents only one piece of a much larger effort.

Every day, GMDC works to :

• Support local businesses

• Strengthen our communities

• Grow the local economy
  

Whether we're helping a new entrepreneur launch a business, connecting an existing company with financing, pursuing grant funding, or partnering with local governments on community improvements, every project is focused on building a stronger Morris County.

Economic development is really about investing in people, businesses, and communities.

Every project we support and every partnership we build is designed to create vibrant communities where businesses can succeed, families can thrive, and future generations will choose to live, work, and invest.

Supporting Business Growth...

One of GMDC's primary goals is helping businesses succeed, both those that already call Morris County home and those considering investing here.

Since 2023, those efforts have helped support the creation of 66 new jobs throughout the Morris County region.

• 27 jobs were created through new businesses.

• 39 jobs were created by existing businesses expanding and investing in our communities.

  
  

Behind every one of those jobs is a family supported, a business growing, and another reason for people to build their future right here in Morris County.

Investing in Housing...

Strong communities begin with strong neighborhoods.

Quality housing plays a vital role in economic development by helping employers attract workers, encouraging families to stay in our communities, and preserving neighborhoods for future generations.

Since 2023, GMDC has helped :

• Provide more than $532,000 in housing assistance

• Award 39 housing rehabilitation grants

• Rehabilitate 39 homes throughout Morris County

These investments strengthen neighborhoods while helping residents remain safely and comfortably in their homes.

Helping Entrepreneurs Get Started...

Launching or expanding a business often begins with access to affordable financing.

Through Network Kansas' E-Community Loan Fund, GMDC helps entrepreneurs secure the capital they need to turn great ideas into successful businesses.

Since 2021, the program has provided :

• $438,600 loaned to local businesses

• 12 loans disbursed

• Average loan size: $36,550

These investments don't simply help individual businesses, they strengthen our downtowns, create jobs, and keep our local economy moving forward.

Building Confidence Through Investment...

Strong communities attract investment.

Since 2023, GMDC has worked alongside lenders, investors, grant programs, entrepreneurs, and community partners to help generate nearly $4.8 million in business capital investment across Morris County.

That includes :

• $549,000 invested in existing businesses

• More than $4.2 million invested in new business development
  

These investments represent far more than financial figures. They represent storefronts opening, buildings being improved, equipment being purchased, businesses expanding, and entrepreneurs choosing Morris County as the place to invest in their future.

Our Mission Continues...

While every project is unique, all of GMDC's work supports four core priorities :

• Business Recruitment

Attracting new businesses and investment that create jobs and expand opportunities.

• Business Retention & Expansion

Helping existing businesses grow through financing, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships.

• Housing & Infrastructure

Supporting housing rehabilitation, community planning, and infrastructure projects that improve quality of life.

• Legislative Advocacy

Building relationships with state and regional partners to ensure Morris County has a strong voice in funding opportunities, legislation, and economic development initiatives.

Looking Ahead...

None of these accomplishments happen in isolation.

Every success reflected in this update is the result of collaboration between local businesses, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, state agencies, local governments, volunteers, and residents who believe in the future of Morris County.

As we look toward the second half of 2026, we remain committed to creating opportunities that strengthen our communities, support our businesses, and improve the quality of life throughout the Morris County region.

Thank you to everyone who has partnered with GMDC to help make this work possible.

Together, we're continuing to Trailblaze Morris County.