Governor Laura Kelly today visited Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, LLC. in Arkansas City to honor the company for being named the 2020 Governor’s Exporter of the Year.
“With its designation as Exporter of the Year, Creekstone has joined an elite group of Kansas companies,” Governor Kelly said. “I am confident that the Creekstone brand will continue to grow – both at home and abroad – thanks to the company’s outstanding leadership, savvy approach to global trade, superior products, and hardworking team. Congratulations to Creekstone on its continued success, and this significant accomplishment.”
Creekstone Farms in November 2020 was named Exporter of the Year, which is the top export business award in the state. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented Governor Kelly from presenting the award in person at the time.
Creekstone’s premium beef is sold in 73 foreign markets across the world, making exporting an essential part of its overall business success and sustainability. According to Creekstone, 20% of company sales are generated from exporting.
The company has made a significant impact on the surrounding community, having contracted with more than 300 different vendors annually for a total of approximately $90 million. A $150 million expansion currently is in the works.
In addition to exporting high-quality meats, Creekstone represents the importance of foreign direct investment in Kansas. Creekstone is owned by the Japanese company, Marubeni.
“Creekstone Farms is a sterling testament to how Foreign Direct Investment means jobs for Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “During a trade mission to Japan in 2019, I was honored to meet with representatives from Creekstone’s parent company Marubeni, which does a great deal of business in our state and across the globe. These relationships help grow the international footprint of Kansas and help open up even more markets for Kansas products.”
“We at Creekstone are honored to be recognized as Exporter of the Year and proud to represent the best of what Kansas agriculture has to offer,” said Dan Stewart, Director of Marketing for Creekstone Farms. “On behalf of our more than 1,000 team members, we thank the Governor and the Kansas Department of Commerce for this prestigious award.”
The 2021 Exporter of the Year award process is currently underway, and the winner will be announced later this year. For more information, visit the Exporter of the Year page on the Kansas Department of Commerce website.
The below photos of the event are available for media use:
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About the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award
The Governor’s Exporter of the Year award recognizes Kansas companies committed to expanding sales in international markets and showcases those exporters as role models to other Kansas companies seeking similar success. In 1989, the first Governor’s Exporter of the Year was awarded to Wenger Manufacturing. Operated by the fourth generation of the Wenger family, Wenger Manufacturing continues to succeed in both domestic and international markets. The company is headquartered in Sabetha.
About Creekstone
Founded in 1995 in Campbellsburg, Kentucky, Creekstone Farms moved to Arkansas City in 2003. It is currently owned by the Marubeni Corporation of Japan and employs more than 1,000 people.
Creekstone Farms represents about 1% of the American beef market. It produces beef from genetically verifiable Black Angus cattle using advanced cattle management practices, carefully controlled feeding practices, and a company-owned, state-of-the-art processing facility. Creekstone Farms beef can be found in Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Rome, Monaco, London and Mexico City.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.