May 21, 2022

FHSU alum, Sharon Springs native joins growing staff of Grow Hays

Posted May 21, 2022 3:50 PM
James Robben 
James Robben 

Grow Hays

James Robben has accepted the new position with Grow Hays as the director of business development and special projects.

Robben is currently employed as a district representative for the office of U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. Previously he served as an equipment sales representative at Carrico Implement in Hays. Robben has been active in the Chamber of Hays, Hays Area Young Professionals organization. He is 2013 graduate of Fort Hays State University and a native of Sharon Springs.

“With James having grown up in a rural farm community and then serving as a district representative for Sen. Moran we believe that he has a very good understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities when it comes to economic growth” said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director. “His experience and western Kansas work ethic give me every confidence that he will do a terrific job for our community in this role.”

Robben will begin June 1.

Grow Hays, Inc. is a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County and Western Kansas. Known for its efforts to promote a robust local economy through business creation, retention, expansion, and recruitment, Grow Hays has offered instrumental support toward numerous community successes, including the RHID housing project, development of innovative job training initiatives, and BriefSpace, a coworking space and business incubator located in downtown Hays. Grow Hays also administers a housing redevelopment program and training programs designed to offer skilled-trade training to area workers.