Governor Kelly Congratulates Recipients of 39th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards

TOPEKA – Minority- and women-owned businesses that were honored and celebrated as a part of Kansas’ Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development hosted the 39^th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Gala this evening at The Wild Sage Ranch in Hugoton. The gala recognizes companies and individuals from across the state in 14 categories, including the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

“Kansas’ minority- and women-owned businesses have greatly contributed to the economic development success our state has experienced over the past five years,” La Gobernadora Laura Kelly declaró. “These companies and individuals are crucial to growing our economy and making Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family. These businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we celebrate their efforts and their future success in our state.”

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 more than $1.8 trillion in revenue annually. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development holds this annual gala to recognize the economic contributions of woman- and minority-owned businesses in communities throughout Kansas.

“It is truly an honor to support such incredible businesses and the talents they bring to our state,” El Vicegobernador y Secretario de Comercio, David Toland, declaró. “The efforts of these businesses and individuals are instrumental in the historic economic growth we continue to see in Kansas, and we are happy to highlight their stories and recognize their amazing work.”

Companies and individuals recognized by category during the awards gala include:

Defensor Empresarial del Año – Raquel Arellano, Seward County Development Corporation
Premio al Compromiso Artístico de la Comunidad – Catherine Bell, Sew Simple Sewing
Premio al Impacto Comunitario – Brandi Lahey, The Wild Sage Ranch, LLC
Corporación del año – Tammy Martin, Burns & McDonnell
Empresario del año – Troy Brooks, Greatness Vodka
Premio a la Excelencia de la Empresa Familiar – Breanna Bell, Curlology
Premio a la innovación – Ashley Bettis, PTMW, Inc.
Premio a toda una vida– Lisa Sisley, New Boston Creative Group, LLC
Premio a los medios de comunicación– Diana and Edward Reyes, Reyes Media Group
Empresa propiedad de minorías del año– Junior Bridgeman, Heartland Coca-Cola
Empresa femenina del año– Cori Kohlmeier, Advantage Marketing
Premio al impacto turístico– Marcia Rozell, Visit Manhattan
Joven empresario– Ellie Bowman, Prickly Pear Farm & Home
Premio del Gobernador a la Excelencia– Gabriel Munoz, The Toolbox: Small Business Resource Center

“It’s incredibly rewarding being able to play a part in the future of these businesses,” Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Christian Hopkins said. “They play such a critical role in our state’s overall success, and I am ecstatic to continue supporting and assisting them in reaching for the stars. Congratulations to all our 2024 winners.”

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). MBEs, WBEs, and DBEs can participate in business education workshops and seminars through the office.

Haga clic en aquí to learn more about the Office of Minority and Women Business Development.