Kansas State Fairgrounds Encampment Building Set To Undergo Renovations

SkillsUSA Kansas and the Kansas State Fairgrounds are pleased to announce they are partnering together to renovate the Encampment Building dormitories on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. The existing dormitory facilities will be renovated into eight conference rooms, restrooms, snack area, and commons area that will be used for meeting spaces for companies and educational training workshops.

“Education has always been the Kansas State Fair’s mission,” said Nathan McClanahan, the Fair’s facilities coordinator. “Moreover, the Fair’s long-term vision is to foster more educational opportunities both during the annual 10-day Fair and throughout the non-fair season. There is a great need to train the next-generation of skilled workers, and a project like this provides for hands-on experience for the Kansas’ future workforce. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to grow our relationship with Becky and SkillsUSA to bring this project to the Fair.”

The project will provide hands-on experience for students and include installation of heating and air-conditioning, reconstructing walls, sheet rock, installation of plumbing, rewiring the entire renovation area, painting, installation of flooring and installing projection units.  All student volunteers will be overseen by licensed contractors in their respective fields.

“I’m personally excited about this project, for it creates a space for educational workshops, seminars, and conferences to be conducted in central Kansas. SkillsUSA will utilize these conference rooms for companies to host workshops and training opportunities for our students during our conferences”, stated Becky Warren with SkillsUSA.

SkillsUSA is seeking proposals from local HVACR, construction, electrical and plumbing companies.  Any business that is interested in placing a bid for the project must attend the contractors meeting at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Encampment Building on June 15^th. 

The Contractors Meeting will start at 10 am on June 15, 2020 and the building will remain open until 4 pm if needed.  All bids must be submitted by June 19, 2020.  If you plan to attend the Contractors Meeting and place a bid for the project email Becky Warren at bwarren@ksde.org by June 10, 2020 to register for the meeting.

This project is also seeking financial partners for any companies interested in supporting SkillsUSA.  In addition to monetary donations, in-kind donations are also being sought.  Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 - $12,500 with varying degrees of benefits.  Donations are due by July 30, 2020.

Any company interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities or being a sponsor must register for the Partnership Development Meeting on June 29, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Encampment Building.  To register for this meeting email Becky Warren at  bwarren@ksde.org by June 15th.