Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently honored minority- and women-owned businesses (M/WBE)  during the 39th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Gala. Hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development at The Wild Sage Ranch in Hugoton, the event recognized businesses across 14 categories for their contributions to the state’s economy.

Governor Kelly praised the recipients, stating, “These businesses are the backbone of our economy.” Lt. Governor David Toland added that their efforts are vital to Kansas’ ongoing economic growth.

This year’s honorees included:

• Business Advocate of the Year: Raquel Arellano, Seward County Development Corporation
• Community Arts Engagement Award: Catherine Bell, Sew Simple Sewing
• Community Impact Award: Brandi Lahey, The Wild Sage Ranch, LLC
• Corporation of the Year: Tammy Martin, Burns & McDonnell
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Troy Brooks, Greatness Vodka
• Family Business Excellence Award: Breanna Bell, Curlology
• Innovation Award: Ashley Bettis, PTMW, Inc.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Lisa Sisley, New Boston Creative Group, LLC
• Media Achievement Award: Diana and Edward Reyes, Reyes Media Group
• Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Junior Bridgeman, Heartland Coca-Cola
• Women-Owned Business of the Year: Cori Kohlmeier, Advantage Marketing
• Tourism Impact Award: Marcia Rozell, Visit Manhattan
• Young Entrepreneur: Ellie Bowman, Prickly Pear Farm & Home
• Governor’s Award of Excellence: Gabriel Munoz, The Toolbox: Small Business Resource Center

The gala is part of the national celebration of Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, which honors the contributions of more than 9.2 million minority-owned businesses across the U.S. These businesses generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue annually. 

The Kansas Office of Minority and Women Business Development, which certifies businesses as Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Woman Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), provides resources and workshops to help these businesses thrive. Director Christian Hopkins expressed pride in supporting these enterprises, stating they play a critical role in Kansas’ success.