Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed an executive order today establishing the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors.

“The economic future of Kansas depends on the growth of existing businesses and the development of new industries. Economic competitiveness requires a detailed understanding of regional, national and international economic conditions and trends,” Gov. Brownback said. “This council will operate as a board of directors for economic development in Kansas, working closely with me to assure strategy integration, coordination and accountability across all of the state’s economic development-related initiatives and agencies.”

Brownback will serve as the council’s chairman. The council will have up to 20 members from various industries and business sectors.

“The individuals named to the council today have varied skills and backgrounds in business that will bring a good balance of ideas to the table,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. “The administration will rely on their expertise and experience as we move forward to create an environment in which Kansas companies can flourish and create jobs.”

The council will have three main responsibilities:
--Coordinate strategic planning and economic development resources.
--Evaluate state policies and agencies performances.
--Conduct research on topics such as Kansas’ basic industries, tax competitiveness, and regulatory structure.

“In addition to representing the diversity of our state’s economy, they also embody the different sizes, scopes and geographic nuances that will lend a new level of guidance and counseling to my administration’s efforts to lead our state through these tough economic times and will position us well into the future,” Brownback said. “I appreciate their willingness to give of their time, energy and knowledge for the betterment of our great state.”

Stan Ahlerich will serve as the council’s executive director.

The council members are:

Patti Bossert, Key Staffing, Topeka
Services sector

Jody Horner, Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita
Agriculture sector

Gerry O’Shaunghnessy, Lario Enterprises, Wichita
Oil and Gas sector

Ivan Crossland, Crossland Construction, Columbus
Manufacturing sector

Cliff Illig, Cerner, Kansas City, Mo.
Healthcare sector

Bob Wheeler (retired), Hills Pet Nutrition, Topeka
Agriculture sector

Patty Koehler, JR Custom Metals, Wichita
Manufacturing sector

Jim Lewis,Lewis Automotive Group, Hays
Services sector

David Murfin, Murfin Drilling, Wichita
Finance/Energy sector

Larry Sevier, Nex-Tech Wireless, Lenora
Services sector

Dan Tasset, Nueterra, Leawood
Healthcare sector

Bob Page, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan.
Healthcare sector

Jan Lyons, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Manhattan
Agriculture sector

Steve Ortiz, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Mayetta
Services sector

Larry Jones, J O Cattle Company, Holcomb
Finney County Commissioner
Agriculture sector

Jeff Turner, Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita
Aviation sector