We all know that it takes effort to get to Liberal, Kansas. We're almost as close to Denver, Santa Fe, and Oklahoma City as we are to our own state capital: Topeka. When our geographic location is combined with modern technology, it's difficult to convince site selectors and companies to physically visit the community. For this reason, it's even more important that we as an economic development corporation showcase our available sites, buildings, and communities in the best possible way, and anymore that means through aerial footage.

I know that there are others in the area that can provide these services, but I've been fortunate enough to work with three highly-skilled drone photographers through the Seward County Development Corporation. Austin Applebee, Thomas Benson, and Gabe Salgado have all supported local economic development efforts through their expertise. In some instances, this was aerial footage of an empty field. In others, this footage included building flyovers with continuous flight into and out of opened bay doors and shop space.

These videos have been shared with companies across the United States and even to international manufacturers looking to on-shore their operations to Kansas. Traditional maps and property descriptions are very important and still a critical part of any site selection packet, but it's great to have local expertise for drone footage. The recipients of these videos get a true perspective of what these sites and buildings are like and how those locations are positioned within our communities and counties.

I recognize that not everyone needs drone footage in their line of work, but if you do, please know that we have some of the best drone pilots and drone photographers around. Their work is helping to bring new jobs and new companies to Liberal and Seward County, and I am grateful to have resources like that available in our city.