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Cargill is donating $25,000 to fund Wichita's comprehensive downtown plan. Cargill is the largest employer in downtown Wichita with 900 employees in four locations.

"We believe it's important to take a leadership position when it comes to supporting our community's future," said Jody Horner, president Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation. "We look forward to building a vibrant central business district that will enrich the lives of our employees and enhance recruitment of employees now and in future."

The $25,000 donation will be used as part of the private sector funding of a comprehensive downtown plan. It will join previously announced funding of $10,000 from Michael Garvey of Builder's Incorporated. The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) hopes to raise at least $100,000 from the private sector to help fund the plan.

"Cargill is a great corporate citizen and leader in our community," said Mayor Carl Brewer. "This significant gift shows Cargill's commitment to our city, our downtown and to their employees here. We thank them for this leadership gift and for everything they do for Wichita."

In addition to the private sector funding, the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation committed $175,000 to the project. On May 5, the Wichita City Council voted unanimously to put $225,000 toward a comprehensive plan.

"The momentum of this effort demonstrates both the interest and the need for this initiative," said WDDC Chairman Larry Weber. "Cargill is to be applauded for a significant donation, and their involvement will make this plan even better. The private sector is quickly responding to this great opportunity."

A recent report from WDDC showed that Wichita has seen success from previous downtown plans, including the last comprehensive plan from 20 years ago. One theme heard from the public is that Wichita needs overall strategies that connect the numerous downtown assets. The document also highlighted case studies of what it takes to create successful downtown revitalization over time.

"Cargill is very committed to Wichita and we want to see the business district flourish and grow," said Steve Willardsen, president, Cargill Value Added Meats Retail. "With help from local businesses like ours, we can realize our goals."

About Cargill

Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services.

Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 160,000 people in 67 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed
through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit www.cargill.com.

WDDC's mission is to drive development in downtown Wichita. According to case studies, downtown revitalization benefits communities through new and retained jobs, increased private investment, increased property tax revenue, increased tourism revenue and improved perceptions.

The WDDC has established a website where the community may provide input on the vision for downtown. The site is www.momentum-ict.com.

The WDDC is a non-profit organization focused on stimulating interest and investment in downtown. The organization is governed by its board of directors consisting of property and business owners from the downtown area. The Board represents more than 1,400 businesses in the center of the city and directs and manages the WDDC's efforts to revitalize the downtown area.

For more information on the WDDC, call 316.264.6005 or go online at www.downtownwichita.org.