The Iola Register reports that after years of attracting investment and helping businesses grow under Thrive Allen County, Thrive will continue to host ACED during the transition toward independence.
At the center of the change is Camille Lavon, vice president of economic development, who said the county’s approach serves all of Allen County rather than a single municipality—unlike separate chambers serving Iola and Humboldt.
Lavon also explained that Thrive and ACED will have different missions: Thrive has historically identified community needs and developed programs to address them, while ACED will focus on economic development with specialized knowledge and experience. Thrive will maintain its role in hosting ACED while the new organization sets up its own governance and financial systems.