Argonia Community

Development

04/10/08

History

• Argonia– Population = 530– South Central Kansas– K-12 school– Along highway 160

• Previous community activities– Swimming pool—2002– River park and trail & RV park---

2000 to 2004

Argonia Development

• Formed in 2003 as an LLC• Made up of 4 Argonia High School

Alumni• Goal:

– To help the community grow and prosper and not become a “ghost town”

– To help build the community to ensure the school system is viable

– Read more about us at: www.argoniadevelopment.com

A-Mart

• Began in 2003• Leased to local grocery

operator• Access to 160• Took over lease in 2006• Gross sales good

– Profit marginal

Housing Development

• Purchased 57 acres in 2005• Replatted and zoned• Asked city to kick in utilities• Free lots—1 acre or more• 95% property tax abatement---5

years• Began first house in December

2006– Learned to get good contractor

• 4 houses to date

How to organize

• Partners with common goal• Partners must be willing to loose

initial investment• There will be criticism• Takes time• No regrets

– Pride within

• Major highway good attribute• Involve community in decisions

– Survey & meetings

Question and Answer