Our History

The Kansas Cavalry was organized in 1973 following the return to Kansas from Japan of a delegation of Kansans led by Governor Robert Docking. This successful mission had been aided by the contribution of private citizens who were part of the delegation for this visit, which was focused on reverse investment for Kansas.

The Governor, Lt. Governor Dave Owen and Terence Scanlon, then head of the Kansas Department of Economic Development, determined that such private participation would also be an asset in efforts closer to home and would provide valuable assistance to the state's economic development efforts. The organization, which developed from that seed, became the Kansas Cavalry and Overland Park banker Ben Craig was recruited as the Cavalry's first Commanding General. Initially the organization was made up of between 50 and 75 individuals and has grown since that time to around 200 active members.

These members represent a cross section of the business and economic development leadership from across the state. In partnership, they use their personal expertise and success to open doors and promote economic development in Kansas.

The concept of the Kansas Cavalry, ambassadors for Kansas continues today as an important thread in the economic development effort of our state.

To learn more about how this unique blend of private business people and government officials is organized, visit the organizational structure page of this web site.