Small Business Monthly Publisher Named Women Business Advocate of the Year
The Kansas Department of Commerce's Office of Minority and Women Business Development will host its 22nd Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon on Sept. 25 at noon in the Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel's Emerald Ballroom.
The event will recognize 12 Kansas companies and three individuals for their support of minority- and women-owned businesses and their efforts toward creating opportunities for these traditionally underrepresented firms. The luncheon coincides with Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, the Department's annual celebration of Kansas' minority entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses.
Several Kansas City metro area entrepreneurs and advocates will be recognized, including Small Business Monthly publisher Kelly Scanlon, who will receive the Women Business Advocate award.
"This event is a great opportunity to recognize the Kansas businesses and business leaders who support women- and minority-owned companies across the state," said Rhonda Harris, Office of Minority and Women Business Development director. "By developing relationships with women- and minority-owned companies and addressing the unique challenges faced by such businesses, our award winners serve as role models for all Kansas entrepreneurs and business leaders."
The registration fee for the luncheon is $25 per person, or $225 per table of 10. Pre-registration is required. The deadline for registration is Sept. 15. To register, or for more information, contact Rhonda Harris at (785) 296-5298 or
, or TTY (Hearing Impaired) at (785) 296-3487.
Commerce's Office of Minority and Women Business Development provides assistance in business management, identifying resources for financing and establishing contacts in the public and private sectors. The office publishes an annual statewide directory of minority- and women-owned businesses. It is also responsible for certifying minority- and women-owned businesses as small disadvantaged businesses for procurement and subcontracting opportunities.
This year's winners are as follows:
WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES
Construction Firm Cheryl Mather CTCR, Inc. P.O. Box 4122 Topeka, Kansas 66604 (785) 478-9374
Manufacturing Firm Sidney Garrett Brown Cargo Van, Inc. 807 E. 29th Street Lawrence, Kansas 66046 (785) 842-6506
Professional Service Firm Lora J. Obermueller Land Home Title P.O. Box 341 Lincoln, Kansas 67455 (785) 524-4228
Retail Firm Jennifer Baber Baber's Catering, LLC 11909 S. Hagan Olathe, Kansas 66062 (913) 390-6040
Service Industry Firm Jill Edgett Jill's Helping Hands, Inc. HCR 63 Box 171 Edmond, Kansas 67645 (785) 622-4254
Supplier/Distributor Firm Cleo Brager Mid-State Aerospace, Inc. 710 N. Lindenwood Dr. Olathe, Kansas 66062 (913) 764-3600
MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES
Construction Firm Paul Jay Fulsom Fulsom Brothers, Inc. P.O. Box 522 Cedar Vale, Kansas 67024 (620) 758-2828
Manufacturing Firm Jorge Montoya-Blas JMT Industries, Inc. 1937 S. Mead Wichita, Kansas 67211 (316) 267-1221
Professional Firm Susan Richmeier, Attorney at Law 110 West Chestnut Garden City, Kansas 67846 (620) 275-7600
