By Trish Svoboda
Every year the Kansas Chamber, along with its members, honors a Kansas enterprise with the Ad Astra Award. This award acknowledges a Kansas business for its role in bolstering the state’s economy and welfare. The award is given to a business that represents excellence in both commercial and civic domains within the state.
“For more than 142 years, Lawrence Paper Company and its employees have been leaders in the paper and corrugated box industry, focused on advancing innovation in their industry and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansas,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “LPC dedication to new products and new markets led to its expansion to three locations and more than 300 employees. The Kansas Chamber and its members are thrilled to recognize Lawrence Paper Company and its employees for their contributions to Kansas with the 2024 Ad Astra Award.”
Established in 1882 by Justin DeWitt Bowersock, the Lawrence Paper Company (LPC) was the first paper mill west of the Mississippi. Initially producing straw wrapping paper, LPC soon became an industry leader, developing corrugated shipping products under the ‘Jayhawk’ brand. The company’s innovative spirit, passed down through four generations of Bowersock’s descendants, has led to the creation of patented manufacturing equipment and expansion into new markets. Today, LPC, with divisions in Hutchinson and Fremont, NE, produces industrial boxes, retail displays, and offers fulfillment services.
“During the last two decades, LPC now operating under fourth and fifth generation ownership, has been able to transform itself into a market leader through substantial investments in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The business and working culture in Kansas and Nebraska have allowed us to leverage our assets to better serve our customers,”said Justin Hill, LPC President. “We are honored to be the recipient of the Chamber’s 2024 Ad Astra Award.”
The 2024 Kansas Chamber Annual Dinner will take place on Monday, April 29 at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, with keynote speaker former United States Attorney General William Barr. You can find more information at KansasChamber.org/AnnualDinner.
