Our Past Is Present September 5, 2018

September 5, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Plans for the Upland Mutual Insurance Company’s Corporate headquarters to be built in the Jack Lacy Business Park just southwest of Junction were published in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in 2004.  The new facility was to be built on a five acre site at Interstate 70 and Highway 77.  Trudy Britt, who was the Secretary/Treasurer of Upland Mutual, said the company’s board of directors decided on the move because the current building was not ADA accessible.  

            Britt also said that the Upland also considered locations in Chapman and Abilene, but the board ultimately chose Junction City.  Larry Cope who was the Economic Development Director for Junction City, stated that “this shows we can not only entice manufacturing and retail businesses to the community, but also corporate offices.” 

            The Upland Mutual Insurance Company began its business in 1892 when a group of farmers came together to manage risk of fire and lightning.  It was originally formed in Upland, Kansas, which is in Dickinson County. 

            Our EDC continues to work to attract businesses to our community and we need to be supportive of them as well as be positive representatives when we talk to people about Junction City.  And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.