Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026 スターたちへカンザス・ビジネス・アワード. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and on their local communities.

During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2026 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, The Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Award and two new inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. This year’s gala will be held Oct. 8 at the Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.

“Kansas businesses are fueling real economic growth — creating jobs, opening new markets, and building communities worth investing in and calling home,” デビッド・トーランド副知事兼商務長官は次のように述べた。. “Our state’s continued economic success isn’t possible without them, and To The Stars is the highlight of my year because it puts a spotlight on the companies and individuals leading the charge. Nominate the businesses that are moving Kansas forward — they’ve earned it.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:

アグリビジネス – Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, agri-tourism or products and services
Apprenticeship Champion – Companies and other entities that excel in providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
ビジネス・イノベーション - 革新的な技術をビジネスに取り入れているあらゆる分野の企業
ヘルスケア/非営利 - 医療施設または非営利団体が提供する特筆すべきサービス
Main Street Momentum – Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
製造/流通 - 製造業と流通業に携わるあらゆる規模の企業にとって傑出した業績
非伝統的な人材プール - 司法制度に関与したことのある人、若者、高齢者、障がい者を雇用するために、それ以上の努力をしている企業
小売/サービス - 商品、製品、サービスを販売する企業による卓越した業績
Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award – Honors one corporation statewide that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
Under 30 Entrepreneur – Young entrepreneurs, under the age of 30, who are achieving business success
ウェルカムバック - 一度はカンザス州を離れたものの、再びカンザス州に戻り、ひまわりの州で成功を収めた起業家やビジネスパーソンたち。

“Businesses are investing in Kansas at unprecedented levels statewide — and small businesses play a leading role in how our communities are growing and building for the future,” Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said. “It’s local businesses that keep our state attractive and vibrant, and their momentum sets the stage for even more business wins throughout Kansas.”

Award nominations will be accepted until Monday, June 15. To learn more, view past winners and submit nominations, click これ.