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*For Immediate Release:    *     
September 29, 2023
          
*Contact:    *     
Grace Hoge
[email protected]

Governor Kelly Celebrates Minority- and
Women-Owned Businesses

*TOPEKA* – Governor Laura Kelly joined the Kansas Department of Commerce for the 38th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon at Townsite Tower in Topeka. The luncheon, hosted by Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development, recognizes minority- and women-owned businesses from across the state and is part of Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.

The awards luncheon and celebration recognized 12 companies, three individuals, and one corporation from across the state for their support and efforts to create new economic development opportunities.

A & H Farm, a fourth-generation family farm in Manhattan, was presented with the inaugural Governor’s Distinguished Business Award. The award will be given annually to recognize a best-in-class company or individual making a significant impact on their community and on the economy.

“Minority- and women-owned businesses are vital contributors to the Kansas economy,” *Governor Laura Kelly said*.* *“MED Week is a time to recognize their individual and collective successes. Congratulations to A & H Farm, and all the other award winners. Thanks for your contributions to our economy and your communities.”

MED Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority 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 ensuring the state’s business ecosystem is representative of all Kansans,” *Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.* “By supporting and promoting our state’s minority- and women-owned businesses, we are recognizing and unlocking even more of our state’s true economic potential.”

Today, minority- and women-owned businesses have a major economic impact that translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. These jobs not only sustain the individual worker but contribute to the economic security of their families, the economic vitality of their communities, and of the nation.

“The companies and individuals honored today reflect great pride on themselves, their communities, and the entire state,” *Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Rhonda Harris said*. “It has been a true honor to work with each and every one of them. They are worthy of our attention and praise.”

The 2023 Kansas MED Week award-winners include:

*_Women-Owned Businesses_*


* *Construction Firm
*Top Notch Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, Lenexa


* *Manufacturing Firm
*Eck & Eck Machine Co., Wichita


* *Professional Service Firm
*KG Medical, Arlington* 

*
* *Retail Firm
*Artistic Works By Lu, Leavenworth


* *Service Industry Firm
*All Smiles Dental Care, Minneapolis


* *Supplier/Distributor Firm
*Pine Landscape Center, Lawrence

*_Minority-Owned Businesses_*__


* *Construction Firm
*1 Core Construction, Kansas City* 

*
* *Manufacturing Firm
*KML Steel, Augusta


* *Professional Service Firm
*400 North Creative, Manhattan


* *Retail Firm
*Sunrise Donuts dba Daylight Donuts, Ulysses


* *Service Industry Firm
*Cortez Transportation Company, Topeka* 

*
* *Supplier/Distributor Firm
*First Global Manufacturing, Wichita* *

*_Minority Business Advocate_*


* *Bob Dale*
Grant County Economic Development, Ulysses

*_Women’s Business Advocate_*


* *Julie Cortes*
Julie Cortes Freelance Rockstar, Overland Park

*_Young Entrepreneur_*


* *Tremaine Glasper*
Tre’s Squeeze, Manhattan* *

*_Corporation of the Year_*


* *C2FO, Leawood*__

*_Governor’s Distinguished Business Award_*


* *A & H Farm, Manhattan*

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). Certified companies receive preferential selection for public and private contracts and for business-related financial assistance programs. MBE, WBE, and DBEs can also participate in business education workshops and seminars through the office. To learn more, click here [ [link removed] ].

Photos from the event for media use are available below.


* Photo 1 [ [link removed] ]
* Photo 2 [ [link removed] ]
* Photo 3 [ [link removed] ]

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