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To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards recognize area enterprises
To the Stars Awards

To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards recognize area enterprises 


By Tribune Staff


Businesses and individuals from across the state were honored last week at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state’s economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2023 To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony. The annual awards program recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities. 

Governor Laura Kelly announced at the Oct. 12 ceremony that Atwood-based SurePoint Ag Systems has won the 2023 Governor’s Award of Excellence and Tank Connection in Parsons earned the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award.

A record 297 businesses, organizations and individuals were nominated in nine categories for this year’s To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria such as business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investments, and support of local community events. A total of 245 Merit Awards and 43 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence. 

“The Kansas economy is booming because of these innovative entrepreneurs,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “When we talk about Kansas being the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family, we know it is possible because of great companies driving success in their communities. It is an honor to celebrate their achievements.”


Area Winners

• Wheatland Electric Cooperative was a statewide winner in the Apprenticeship Champions and Partners category.

• MaiCo Industries, Ellsworth, |was a statewide winner in the Manufacturing/Distribution category.


Merit Award Winners

AgriBusiness

United Ag Services


Healthcare and Nonprofits

Pawnee Mental Health Services

St. John Hospital

McCracken Historical Museum


Non-Traditional Talent Pools

Allmetal Recycling 


Manufacturing/Distribution

Hudson Cream Flour


Retail/Sales

Dilly & Doc Creative Studio

Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co.

Lucas-Sylvan News


Under 30 Entrepreneurs

Lyons Luxury Parlor LLC

Peoples Bank and Trust