A two-year tax abatement helped bring CCI Telemarketing, and 50 jobs, to this Butler County town of 3,000. Bethany Pope never felt as though youngsters had much to choose from while job hunting in Rose Hill. All fine jobs, but for more variety young people had to drive to Wichita. That idea wasn't real popular with most parents, including hers.
Gasoline prices are high, and roads are crowded.
So when the city and Butler County Economic Development lured Jeff Johnson, his business CCI Telemarketing and about 50 jobs to town last month, Pope jumped at the chance. New businesses aren't exactly flocking to the town of about 3,000, but city officials say they think they're on the path toward boosting economic development. The city is working with Larry Powell, director of Butler County Economic Development, on a two-year tax abatement that helped persuade Johnson to bring his telemarketing firm to Rose Hill. The city also is studying sewer and road problems around its vacant industrial park with hopes of leasing it soon. Sonic, Prairie State Bank, a beauty shop and a bar and grill are about the only businesses to come to town in the past three years, said Mayor Dan Woydziak.