On September 29th, Governor Laura Kelly joined the Kansas Department of Commerce for the 38th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon held in Topeka, KS. Hosted by the Commerce’s Office of Minority and Business Development, this luncheon recognizes minority and women-owned businesses from all over the state of Kansas. The luncheon is part of what is known as Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.

Several businesses in the KCLY listening area received awards. One of the businesses was A&H Farm in Manhattan, KS. They were selected as the winner for the first ever Governor’s Distinguished Business Award.

Two other businesses in Manhattan won awards: Tre’s Squeeze received the Young Entrepreneur Award, and 400 North Creative received a Minority-Owned Business Award for Professional Service Firm.

All Smiles Dental Care, located in Minneapolis, Kansas won the award for Kansas Women Owned 2023 Business of the Year – Service Industry Film.

“Minority-and women owned-businesses are vital contributors to the Kansas economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said when talking about the importance of MED Week.