KS: Governor Congratulates Recipients of Annual Minority and Women Business Awards

Minority- and woman-owned businesses were honored recently 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.