Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards - Kansas Department of Commerce
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:41
Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards - Kansas Department of Commerce
Skip Navigation
Business News
Governor Kelly Announces Indra Group to Invest Nearly $7.5M to Manufacture Air Traffic Radars in Kansas
March 23, 2026
Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas
December 22, 2025
Governor Kelly Celebrates Grand Opening of Panasonic EV Battery Manufacturing Facility in De Soto
July 14, 2025
Governor Kelly Announces Grand Opening of Heartland Coca-Cola Olathe Production Campus
June 10, 2025
View All
Business in Kansas
Quality of Life
Demographics
Skilled Workforce
Infrastructure
Incentives & Financing
Taxes, Credits, & Exemptions
Entrepreneurial Culture
Sites & Buildings
International
To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
Key Industries
Advanced Manufacturing
Corporate & Professional Services
Logistics & Distribution
Food Processing and Manufacturing
Aerospace & Defense
Animal Health
Bioscience
Agriculture
Energy & Natural Resources
Publications
Initiatives & Incentives
Transparency Database
Chiefs in Kansas
Notices
Governor Kelly Visits Geoprobe, 2025 Exporter of the Year
Governor Laura Kelly visited Geoprobe Systems in Salina last Thursday to officially honor the company’s selection as the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year.
Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $16.3 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program.
Spring Into a New Career at KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair.
Kansas Commerce Selects Third Round of Rural Champions
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Department of Commerce has selected the third cohort of Rural Champions to solve pressing needs in their local communities.
View All
Our Department
Business Resources
Incentives & Financing, Taxes, Credits & Exemptions, Site Selection, Doing Business in Kansas
Quality Places
Infrastructure assessment, community planning, development support, and downtown activation
Workforce Services
Find a Job, Job Seeker Services, Employer Services
Travel Kansas
Plan your trip to Kansas. Places to visit, things to do. Order a free Travel Guide.
International
Exporting Programs & Services, Investment, Reshoring
Love, Kansas
Resources for your move to Kansas.
Athletic Commission
Broadband
Careers
Innovation
Kansas Arts Commission
News & Events
Programs & Services
Partners
Rural Prosperity
Kansas Small Business Office
Tourism
Publications
Initiatives & Incentives
Transparency Database
Chiefs in Kansas
Menu
Business
Regions
Made in Kansas
Our Department
Publications
Initiatives & Incentives
Transparency Database
Chiefs in Kansas
Notices
Contact
Back
Business in Kansas
Quality of Life
Demographics
Skilled Workforce
Infrastructure
Incentives & Financing
Taxes, Credits, & Exemptions
Entrepreneurial Culture
Sites & Buildings
International
To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
Key Industries
Advanced Manufacturing
Corporate & Professional Services
Logistics & Distribution
Food Processing and Manufacturing
Aerospace & Defense
Animal Health
Bioscience
Agriculture
Energy & Natural Resources
Business News
Back
Our Department
Business Resources
Quality Places
Workforce Services
Travel Kansas
International
Love, Kansas
Athletic Commission
Broadband
Careers
Innovation
Kansas Arts Commission
News & Events
Programs & Services
Partners
Rural Prosperity
Kansas Small Business Office
Tourism
Apr 13, 2026
Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026
To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and on their local communities.
During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2026 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, The Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Award and two new inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. This year’s gala will be held Oct. 8 at the Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.
“Kansas businesses are fueling real economic growth — creating jobs, opening new markets, and building communities worth investing in and calling home,”
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said
. “Our state’s continued economic success isn’t possible without them, and To The Stars is the highlight of my year because it puts a spotlight on the companies and individuals leading the charge. Nominate the businesses that are moving Kansas forward — they’ve earned it.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:
AgriBusiness
– Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, agri-tourism or products and services
Apprenticeship Champion
– Companies and other entities that excel in providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation
– Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit
– Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Main Street Momentum
– Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
Manufacturing/Distribution
– Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools
– Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service
– Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award
– Honors one corporation statewide that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
Under 30 Entrepreneur
– Young entrepreneurs, under the age of 30, who are achieving business success
Welcome Back
– Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
“Businesses are investing in Kansas at unprecedented levels statewide — and small businesses play a leading role in how our communities are growing and building for the future,”
Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said
. “It’s local businesses that keep our state attractive and vibrant, and their momentum sets the stage for even more business wins throughout Kansas.”
Award nominations will be accepted until Monday, June 15. To learn more, view past winners and submit nominations, click
here
.
SHARE THIS POST
Previous post
Next post
RELATED POSTS
April 21, 2026
Governor Kelly Visits Geoprobe, 2025 Exporter of the Year
Read More
>
April 21, 2026
Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding
Read More
>
April 16, 2026
Spring Into a New Career at KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair
Read More
>
April 15, 2026
Kansas Commerce Selects Third Round of Rural Champions
Read More
>
April 10, 2026
Taiwanese Battery Manufacturer Selects Liberal for New U.S. Facility
Read More
>
April 8, 2026
Pony Express Historic Byway Designated as Kansas’ 13th Scenic Byway
Read More
>
Business Resources
Incentives & Financing, Taxes, Credits & Exemptions, Site Selection, Doing Business in Kansas
Quality Places
Infrastructure assessment, community planning, development support, and downtown activation
Workforce Services
Find a Job, Job Seeker Services, Employer Services
TRAVEL KANSAS
Plan your trip to Kansas. Places to visit, things to do. Order a free Travel Guide.
International
Exporting Programs & Services, Investment, Reshoring
Transparency Database
Quality Places
Broadband
Careers
Federal Compliance
Sitemap
․
Accessibility
․
Privacy Policy
․
Cookie Policy
․
Terms of Use
․
All content © 2006-2026 Kansas Department of Commerce, KS and its representatives. All rights reserved.
Facebook
Twitter
Linked In
Instagram
Youtube
Website by Imagemakers
Back to Top
We use cookies essential for this site to function well. Please click "Accept" to help us improve its usefulness with additional cookies. Learn about our use of cookies
here
.
ACCEPT
Opt Out
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
English
Español
日本語
English
Sign up for the latest news in
Kansas economic development
Skip Navigation
Business News
Governor Kelly Announces Indra Group to Invest Nearly $7.5M to Manufacture Air Traffic Radars in Kansas
March 23, 2026
Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas
December 22, 2025
Governor Kelly Celebrates Grand Opening of Panasonic EV Battery Manufacturing Facility in De Soto
July 14, 2025
Governor Kelly Announces Grand Opening of Heartland Coca-Cola Olathe Production Campus
June 10, 2025
View All
Business in Kansas
Quality of Life
Demographics
Skilled Workforce
Infrastructure
Incentives & Financing
Taxes, Credits, & Exemptions
Entrepreneurial Culture
Sites & Buildings
International
To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
Key Industries
Advanced Manufacturing
Corporate & Professional Services
Logistics & Distribution
Food Processing and Manufacturing
Aerospace & Defense
Animal Health
Bioscience
Agriculture
Energy & Natural Resources
Publications
Initiatives & Incentives
Transparency Database
Chiefs in Kansas
Notices
Governor Kelly Visits Geoprobe, 2025 Exporter of the Year
Governor Laura Kelly visited Geoprobe Systems in Salina last Thursday to officially honor the company’s selection as the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year.
Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $16.3 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program.
Spring Into a New Career at KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair.
Kansas Commerce Selects Third Round of Rural Champions
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Department of Commerce has selected the third cohort of Rural Champions to solve pressing needs in their local communities.
View All
Our Department
Business Resources
Incentives & Financing, Taxes, Credits & Exemptions, Site Selection, Doing Business in Kansas
Quality Places
Infrastructure assessment, community planning, development support, and downtown activation
Workforce Services
Find a Job, Job Seeker Services, Employer Services
Travel Kansas
Plan your trip to Kansas. Places to visit, things to do. Order a free Travel Guide.
International
Exporting Programs & Services, Investment, Reshoring
Love, Kansas
Resources for your move to Kansas.
Athletic Commission
Broadband
Careers
Innovation
Kansas Arts Commission
News & Events
Programs & Services
Partners
Rural Prosperity
Kansas Small Business Office
Tourism
Publications
Initiatives & Incentives
Transparency Database
Chiefs in Kansas
Menu
Business
Regions
Made in Kansas
Our Department
Publications
Initiatives & Incentives
Transparency Database
Chiefs in Kansas
Notices
Contact
Back
Business in Kansas
Quality of Life
Demographics
Skilled Workforce
Infrastructure
Incentives & Financing
Taxes, Credits, & Exemptions
Entrepreneurial Culture
Sites & Buildings
International
To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
Key Industries
Advanced Manufacturing
Corporate & Professional Services
Logistics & Distribution
Food Processing and Manufacturing
Aerospace & Defense
Animal Health
Bioscience
Agriculture
Energy & Natural Resources
Business News
Back
Our Department
Business Resources
Quality Places
Workforce Services
Travel Kansas
International
Love, Kansas
Athletic Commission
Broadband
Careers
Innovation
Kansas Arts Commission
News & Events
Programs & Services
Partners
Rural Prosperity
Kansas Small Business Office
Tourism
Apr 13, 2026
Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026
To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and on their local communities.
During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2026 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, The Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Award and two new inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. This year’s gala will be held Oct. 8 at the Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.
“Kansas businesses are fueling real economic growth — creating jobs, opening new markets, and building communities worth investing in and calling home,”
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said
. “Our state’s continued economic success isn’t possible without them, and To The Stars is the highlight of my year because it puts a spotlight on the companies and individuals leading the charge. Nominate the businesses that are moving Kansas forward — they’ve earned it.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:
AgriBusiness
– Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, agri-tourism or products and services
Apprenticeship Champion
– Companies and other entities that excel in providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation
– Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit
– Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Main Street Momentum
– Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
Manufacturing/Distribution
– Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools
– Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service
– Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award
– Honors one corporation statewide that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
Under 30 Entrepreneur
– Young entrepreneurs, under the age of 30, who are achieving business success
Welcome Back
– Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
“Businesses are investing in Kansas at unprecedented levels statewide — and small businesses play a leading role in how our communities are growing and building for the future,”
Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said
. “It’s local businesses that keep our state attractive and vibrant, and their momentum sets the stage for even more business wins throughout Kansas.”
Award nominations will be accepted until Monday, June 15. To learn more, view past winners and submit nominations, click
here
.
SHARE THIS POST
Previous post
Next post
RELATED POSTS
April 21, 2026
Governor Kelly Visits Geoprobe, 2025 Exporter of the Year
Read More
>
April 21, 2026
Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding
Read More
>
April 16, 2026
Spring Into a New Career at KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair
Read More
>
April 15, 2026
Kansas Commerce Selects Third Round of Rural Champions
Read More
>
April 10, 2026
Taiwanese Battery Manufacturer Selects Liberal for New U.S. Facility
Read More
>
April 8, 2026
Pony Express Historic Byway Designated as Kansas’ 13th Scenic Byway
Read More
>
Business Resources
Incentives & Financing, Taxes, Credits & Exemptions, Site Selection, Doing Business in Kansas
Quality Places
Infrastructure assessment, community planning, development support, and downtown activation
Workforce Services
Find a Job, Job Seeker Services, Employer Services
TRAVEL KANSAS
Plan your trip to Kansas. Places to visit, things to do. Order a free Travel Guide.
International
Exporting Programs & Services, Investment, Reshoring
Transparency Database
Quality Places
Broadband
Careers
Federal Compliance
Sitemap
․
Accessibility
․
Privacy Policy
․
Cookie Policy
․
Terms of Use
․
All content © 2006-2026 Kansas Department of Commerce, KS and its representatives. All rights reserved.
Linked In
Youtube
Website by Imagemakers
Back to Top
We use cookies essential for this site to function well. Please click "Accept" to help us improve its usefulness with additional cookies. Learn about our use of cookies
here
.
ACCEPT
Opt Out
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
English
Español
日本語
English
Sign up for the latest news in
Kansas economic development