K.S.A. 74-5001a: Purpose of department.

The purpose of the department of commerce shall be to develop and implement strategies to:

(a) Facilitate the growth, diversification and expansion of existing enterprises and the creation by Kansans of new wealth-generating enterprises;

(b) promote economic diversification and innovation within the basic industries and sectors of the state;

(c) promote increased productivity and value added products, processes and services among wealth-generating enterprises and the export of those goods and services created by small and large Kansas enterprises to the nation and world;

(d) maintain and revitalize economically depressed rural areas and urban neighborhoods by annually targeting scarce resources by size, sector and location to communities and enterprises of particular need and opportunity and by working in close collaboration with local communities;

(e) protect and enhance the environmental quality of the state in ways consistent with dynamic economic growth; and

(f) forge a supportive partnership with the standing committee on commerce of the senate, the standing committee on commerce, labor and economic development of the house of representatives, Kansas venture capital, inc., Kansas certified development companies, Kansas small business development centers, Kansas public and private educational institutions, and other appropriate private and public sector organizations in achieving the economic goals of the state.