When you think of innovative technology companies and their headquarters, what locations come to mind? Seattle, Washington? Silicon Valley? Washington, D.C.?
What about on the corner of Pierre and 4th Street in Manhattan, Kansas?
That’s where CivicPlus Inc. — a large technology company that provides civic experience solutions for thousands of local governments and their residents — maintains its headquarters.
The CivicPlus headquarters was built in 2014 to foster better collaboration within its team and increase visibility within the community. Before that, the company was spread across multiple office buildings in downtown Manhattan.
CivicPlus wasn’t always known as CivicPlus. According to Brian Rempe, president of CivicPlus, it evolved from Networks Plus, an IT support business founded by Ward Morgan and Tony Gagnon in 1994.
Rempe shared that local governments began engaging Networks Plus for website services and the demand became so great that CivicPlus became its own entity in 1998. From 1998 until 2014, CivicPlus grew its customer base, focusing largely on helping local governments. From there, CivicPlus began to add solutions to its offerings, which has now grown into a comprehensive suite known as the Modern Civic Experience Platform.
In 2017, CivicPlus began strategically acquiring multiple companies to help enrich its customer offerings, expand its potential as a company and introduce a diverse array of talented individuals. Acquired companies include Rec1, BoardSync, Optimere and Municode.
In 2021, global venture capital and private equity firm Insight Partners purchased majority ownership of CivicPlus for $290 million, which allowed CivicPlus to continue funding strategic acquisitions and accelerate product offerings.
Founder Ward Morgan, who passed the leadership torch to Rempe in 2016, said the company’s journey from inception to thriving has been an incredible adventure.
“It began with a vision to transform how local governments engage with their communities,” said Morgan. “We’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of technology to provide solutions that empower local governments to better serve their constituents.”
Morgan explained the success of the company is a testament to the hard work, innovation and collaboration of its team, as well as the trust and support of its valued clients.
“Our journey is a story of perseverance, adaptability and a shared mission to make a positive impact in communities across the nation.”
When asked why they chose to keep CivicPlus in Manhattan over relocating to one of the other big tech cities across the world, Morgan shared that being in Manhattan has many advantages.
“Its central location in the heart of the U.S. makes it accessible to our clients nationwide, and the vibrant community and welcoming spirit of Manhattan were instrumental in our decision,” Morgan said. “It’s not just our headquarters. It’s our home.”
Morgan went on to explain that the presence of Kansas State University adds a dynamic element of collaboration and talent pool while the sense of community and commitment to innovation in Manhattan align perfectly with the values of CivicPlus.
Rempe echoed Morgan’s sentiment.
“CivicPlus has found a vibrant home in Manhattan, where the essence of our core values and culture is reflected in the community,” Rempe said.
Rempe shared that the support and guidance from the forward-thinking leaders of Manhattan have been instrumental in both the formative years of the company as well as its continued growth.
“Manhattan embraces diversity and is bolstered by the presence of the university and a dedicated Chamber, solidifying our decision to maintain our headquarters in this thriving environment.”
Today, CivicPlus has over 10,000 customers and more than 350 million resident users. It has more than 850 team members, including a beloved office dog, and is located across 45 states.
When asked about the company’s other office locations and its remote employees, Rempe said CivicPlus plans to retain the Manhattan headquarters.
“Before the pandemic, CivicPlus was experiencing success in hiring remote workers,” explained Rempe. “During the pandemic, we found that we functioned well while working from home, so we now give our employees the option to work fully remotely, from an office or with a hybrid schedule that works best for them.”
Acquiring multiple companies with offices and employees spread throughout the U.S. is another factor that contributed to its staff being largely remote. CivicPlus still has a significant base of employees in Manhattan and regularly uses the space to host in-person meetings and to bring team members together from across the country for cross-departmental collaboration.
According to Rempe, businesses that are contemplating a site for their operations should cease their search and dive into the opportunities of the Manhattan area.
“Between Kansas State University, the dedicated Chamber leadership and government officials, a rich pool of skilled candidates, and a tight-knit business community, you will have the support you need to meet your business goals.”
To learn more about CivicPlus, please visit civicplus.com.
To learn more about establishing your business in the Greater Manhattan region, please reach out to Daryn Soldan at daryn@manhattan.org.
