Minority- and women-owned businesses were honored during Kansas’ Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development hosted the 39th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Gala at The Wild Sage Ranch in Hugoton. The event recognized companies and individuals from across the state in 14 categories, including the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence.
MED Week is a national celebration recognizing the over 9.2 million minority-owned businesses that contribute to the U.S. economy, generating more than $1.8 trillion in annual revenue. Kansas’ gala highlights the role minority- and women-owned businesses play in supporting the state’s economy and enriching local communities.
Companies and individuals recognized by category during the awards gala include:
- 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
