Governor Kelly Visits Geoprobe, 2025 Exporter of the Year

A speaker addresses an audience at a podium under a large "2025 Exporter of the Year" banner. Two flags are behind the podium. Three individuals are seated on the stage. The event takes place in a large indoor space with a vehicle partially visible on the right. — TOP: Kansas Governor Laura Kelly presents the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year award to Geoprobe President Tom Omli.

BOTTOM: Jeff Willis, Chair of the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council, helps celebrate the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, Geoprobe.

Governor Laura Kelly visited Geoprobe Systems in Salina last Thursday to officially honor the company’s selection as the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year. Geoprobe Systems designs, manufactures, and tests drill rigs and tools across a wide range of sectors and has earned a global reputation as a drilling industry leader.

“Geoprobe is an innovative Kansas company that has shown dedication for years to investing in engineering, enhancing designs, and streamlining technology to better serve customers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The company’s worldwide reputation for outstanding products and service continues to push the entire industry forward — making Geoprobe more than deserving of the Governor’s Exporter of the Year award.”

The Governor’s Exporter of the Year award is the top export business award presented by the State of Kansas. Geoprobe received the award last October during the Kansas Department of Commerce’s To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards event at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University. Geoprobe was one of three finalists for the award, joined by Harlan Global in Kansas City and SOR Controls Group in Lenexa.

“It was an honor to be chosen as the 2025 Kansas Exporter of the Year. This award recognizes our team’s dedication to supporting our customers, both here in the U.S. and around the world,” said Geoprobe President Tom Omli. “The program shines a light on Kansas companies driving innovation and global growth, and we’re proud to be part of that story.”

Geoprobe Systems, a Made in Kansas company, was founded in 1987 by two engineers, Tom Christy and Mel Kejr, who manufactured and introduced the first direct push machines and tooling to the environmental industry — changing the way soil, soil gas, and groundwater samples are collected. Geoprobe’s capabilities are made possible through a commitment to intentional research and development to improve the equipment and tools that are used every day.

“Geoprobe is an exporting powerhouse and the type of homegrown company that makes us proud to be Kansans,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “The way they stay on the cutting edge of technology, foster success for their skilled designers and tradespeople, and garner new customers in markets all across the world exemplifies the know-how, grit, and determination of the Sunflower State.”

For more information about the Governor’s Exporter of the Year award, visit here.

Photos from Governor Kelly’s visit to Geoprobe are available for media use: