The E-Center became operational in 2003, and was established to support and strengthen Phillips County. The E-Center has helped to leverage economic development assets of the region with internet connectivity, has promoted rural living with a safe and clean environment, has assisted with potential workforce, and provided upcoming entrepreneurs with the educational tools and support that they needed. While the initial intent was for the E- Center to support Phillips County, the residents of thirty- one adjacent counties in Kansas and Nebraska have utilized and benefited from the offerings of the E-Center as well, thus creating an additional partnership with our rural neighbors.
The E-Center has grown over the years by leaps and bounds and to date has surpassed all expectations. Workshops and computer classes remain at the forefront for requests. A total of six new computers were purchased this past year, and now the Center has 14 working stations for class training increased from the original 4 computer stations in 2003.
In 2004, the E-center added the F8 search and periodicals from The Foundation Center for our local non-profits and grant seekers. Then in August of 2011, the E-Center was designated as a Cooperating Collection for the Foundation Center in New York. This free funding information center provides access to Foundation Directory Online, the leading grantseeking database on the web, Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, Philanthropy In/Sight, an interactive mapping tool that reveals patterns of giving and funding relationships, and a core collection of Foundation Center directories and publications. The Cooperating Collection (CC) also provides a selection of supplementary materials and services in areas useful to grantseekers. The CCs offer educational sessions for the public, including classes on the basics of grantseeking and dialogues with local donors. The E-Center as a CC will serve as hosts for free Center webinars and the Center’s fee-based, full-day grantseeker training courses.
Thanks to the local banking institutions input, a business plan was revamped in 2010, into a ten step plan which is now very user friendly. After completing the business plan class in July of that year, one student who finished her plan opened a dance studio. The Studio launched in January 2011, with 48 students enrolled. The owner commented, “The Business Plan Class made all the difference in the world!”
In July of 2010, GED classes were added to the curriculum with 15 individuals enrolled. Thanks to the collaborative effort between the E-Center and Colby College, the GED classes continue in Phillipsburg.
In the fall of 2011, the center will be offering Career development programs. There will be career assessment tools which will help individuals identify their strengths and how to apply to their career, opportunity to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and/or the Strong Interest Inventory, develop a strategy to advance your career, decide which education path to pursue and enhance your job search.
Located in the Fischer Building, the E-Center has created a partnership with the building that has produced a win win situation for both entities. The E-Center provides a state of the art meeting room as an enhancement for tenants to seek occupancy, and on the other hand while the E-center has grown and is exceeding it’s capacity, the building provides additional meetings rooms.
The E. Center works diligently to support this rural community. The Center has supported or assisted with: PCED retention during the sales tax ballot; Discover Phillips County; The Wellness Center during the transition to an independent 501(c)3; KKAN Radio; The Fischer Building being utilized as incubator space for new businesses; the Red Cross; the Ethanol Plant; the new Phillips County Rural Water District #1; Housing Task Force (specifically working with the USDA on the 10 new houses being built in Plainville, Stockton, & Phillipsburg); the Revitalization Task Force; the “Save the Lake Committee of Agra”; the Kirwin enhancement projects; the Phillips County Hospital; Golden Years; Highway 36 Project; Highway 24 Alliance; The Discover Phillipsburg Main Street Initiative, the 4-Shooters Sports, The Majestic Theatre Project, The Community Care Volunteers, and last but not least, numerous start up businesses each and every year.
If you are interested in scheduling a training for your employees, need help with a business plan to develop your own business or want to attend one of our classes; contact Bridgit Smith, director at 785-540-4110
Phone: 785-540-4110
