Governor Laura Kelly Congratulates Recipients of Annual Minority and Women Business Awards
TOPEKA – Minority- and woman-owned businesses were honored this week as part of Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development hosted its 37th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon at the Hotel Topeka at City Center. The awards luncheon recognized 12 companies, three individuals, and one corporation from across the state for their support and efforts to create new economic development opportunities.
“I am impressed by the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of our state’s minority- and women-owned companies honored this week,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “When these businesses succeed, everyone succeeds: our economy, our communities, and our state. My administration will continue to support them in reaching their full potential.”
MED Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority-owned business enterprises that support the U.S. economy and generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development holds this annual luncheon to recognize the economic contributions of woman- and minority-owned businesses in communities throughout Kansas.
“We are committed to supporting the incredible talent found at our state’s minority- and woman-owned businesses,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The businesses and businesspeople honored play an essential role in our pursuit of even higher levels of economic growth throughout Kansas.”
“It’s such an honor to play a role in the journey many of these businesses experience to become successful,” Rhonda Harris, director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, said. “Their growth and development are critical to our Kansas economy and I’m excited to see the progression of these businesses moving forward. My sincere congratulations are extended to the winners.”
Companies recognized by category during the awards luncheon include:
Woman-Owned Businesses
Construction Firm
Lutz Plumbing, Inc., Shawnee
Manufacturing Firm
Curtis Machine Company, Dodge City
Professional Service Firm
Anna Crable Agency, Farmers Insurance, Hutchinson
Retail Firm
Sew Loved Quilt Shop, Elkhart
Service Industry Firm
Interim HealthCare, Topeka
Supplier/Distributor Firm
Phast Parts Enterprise, LLC, Wichita
Minority-Owned Businesses
Construction Firm
Professional Landscaping Services, Wichita
Manufacturing Firm
Spirit Life Apparel & Screenprinting, Merriam
Professional Service Firm
KORE Lab Solutions, Overland Park
Retail Firm
Leeway Franks, LLC, Lawrence
Service Industry Firm
Dare to Dream Event Management, Topeka
Supplier/Distributor Firm
GLOBAL Link, LLC, Kansas City
Young Entrepreneur
Kate Smith
Kate Smith Soiree/Butterfield’s Bakery, Lenexa
Minority Business Advocate
Dave Sotelo
City of Hutchinson
Women Business Advocate
Glenda Washington
Greater Topeka Partnership/MWBD, Topeka
Corporation of the Year
Terracon, Olathe
The Office of Minority and Women Business Development certifies businesses with designations of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). MBE, WBE, and DBEs can participate in business education workshops and seminars through the office. Click here to learn more about the Office of Minority and Women Business Development.
A photo of the award recipients for media use can be found here.
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