By Scout Nelson
Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs were celebrated during the 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony, held by the Kansas Department of Commerce at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The event honoured their significant contributions to the state's economy and local communities.
At the ceremony, it was announced that Nu Life Market from Scott City received the 2024 Governor’s Award of Excellence, and KSi Conveyors from Sabetha earned the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award.
“Nu Life Market and KSi are both large contributors to our state’s growing economic success in the agribusiness and food processing industries,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “By honoring and showcasing their accomplishments, we aim to inspire other businesses to keep reaching for new opportunities across our state.”
This year, a record 346 nominations were received across nine categories. Businesses, organizations, and individuals were evaluated on business expansion, employee recruitment and retention, training programs, capital investment, and community involvement.
A total of 226 Merit Awards and 45 Regional Awards were given, and each category had a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.
“Our state has been reaching unprecedented heights in terms of business investment and economic growth in Kansas thanks to companies such as those we’re honoring here,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “Each of the nominees play a critical role in the new era of Kansas we are creating — they are truly the pillars of our success and more than worthy of being celebrated.”
The 2024 Statewide Award winners are:
- Nu Life Market, Scott City — Agribusiness Award
- Midwest Energy, Hays — Apprenticeship Champions and Partners Award
- Hydrograph Clean Power, Manhattan — Business Innovation Award
- Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Abilene — Health care/Nonprofit Award
- DaVinci Roofscapes, Lenexa — Manufacturing/Distribution Award
- Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Wichita — Non-Traditional Talent Pools Award
- Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods, Ellis — Retail/Service Award
- Ellie Bowman, Prickly Pear Farm & Home, Kinsley — Under 30 Entrepreneur Award
- Julie Lyon, The Cannonball Extended Stay Accommodations, Kingman — Welcome Back Award
The 2024 Exporter of the Year winner, KSi, was recognized for its innovations in agricultural equipment and exporting success.
Photo Credit: awards-credit-kansas-dept-of-commerce
Categories: Kansas, Business