Travis Haggard

By: Jordan K. 

Travis Haggard, the economic developer for Ogallala and Keith County, took time out of his day to interview with me. Travis has been doing this job for a little over year now. His job is to coordinate with organizations and people to help local businesses grow and to help bring new businesses to Ogallala. He said “I like to see Ogallala grow in hopes that the entire area will make more money, create new jobs and establish a community for the youth.” Mr. Haggard does this job with the support and encouragement from his family, friends, and the business owners. Travis gets up every morning and does this job because he wants to make a difference in the community.

The state government helps Travis with resources while the community helps him when looking for answers. Mr. Haggard said “God helps me the most.”

He retained Tri State Generation and Transmission to save jobs while changing the attitude of Ogallala in a positive way. Travis plans on growing and expanding current businesses in Keith county and Ogallala while bringing new businesses in. When he talks and communicates with the business in the community, he involves the community.  Mr. Haggard likes to get input from the community, after all he works for the community. Working with the Keith County Chamber of Commerce, and clubs like the Optimists, Kiwanis, Rotary, KCAD, CRA and REDI Boards, he has a constant stream of information that gives him his direction.

His take on social action is just being involved in the community and being in the public’s eye. Mr. Haggard has done a lot in a year to help the community and plans to do a lot more.