Emporia Regional Development Assoc. of East Central Kansas

The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas (RDA) proactively promotes economic growth of the East Central Kansas region through industry recruitment, expansion and training enhancements. The primary goal of the RDA is to create skilled jobs that benefit the community, encourage the retention of existing employment within the community, and create an atmosphere that provides growth opportunities to industry.

One of Emporia's strategic strengths are food processing companies, which include animal nutrition companies - Hill's Pet Nutrition, Simmons Pet Food and Cargill Animal Nutrition. Emporia is a natural fit into the Animal Health Corridor. 

The RDA is a collaborative effort between the City of Emporia, Lyon County, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, Emporia Enterprises, Emporia Main Street, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College.