Kansas Honored Businesses at To The Stars Ceremony
State officials recognized entrepreneurs and industry leaders during an awards gala held in Overland Park.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Business — General
Live Poll
Do you believe state-sponsored business awards effectively encourage local economic growth in your area?
The Kansas Department of Commerce presented awards to top businesses and entrepreneurs at the annual To The Stars ceremony. The event celebrated contributions to the state economy across a variety of sectors.
Why it matters
These awards recognize leaders for their contributions to community development and the state economy. The program highlights the achievements of companies and individuals who foster growth throughout Kansas.
Nearly 500 people attended the ceremony to celebrate 340 nominees across 11 categories. A total of 55 regional awards were presented during the event.
The players
Kansas Department of Commerce
This state agency is responsible for overseeing business development, workforce training, and economic growth initiatives throughout Kansas.
Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training
This organization provides technical training programs and was selected for the 2026 Governor's Award of Excellence.
NorthWind Technical Services
Based in Sabetha, this firm earned the 2026 Governor's Exporter of the Year award for its long-term growth and global trade efforts.
Dialogue Coffee House-Capper Foundation
This entity was recognized with an award for its commitment to utilizing non-traditional talent pools in its workforce.
The details
The selection process evaluated nominees based on business expansion, capital investment, and employee recruitment efforts. Winning companies like Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training and NorthWind Technical Services were honored alongside Hall of Fame inductees.
Timeline
The To The Stars awards ceremony took place on October 8, 2026.
Kansas began shattering economic records starting in 2019.
Market Landscape
The awards program highlights companies that have flourished during the state's economic expansion that began in 2019. These honors distinguish top-tier firms within the competitive Kansas market against a backdrop of ongoing growth.
These awards provide local residents with insight into the top-performing companies and workforce training opportunities available in their communities. Supporting recognized winners may impact local job seekers and customers looking for stable and expanding regional businesses.
The takeaway
Recognizing top businesses helps to bolster local pride and encourages companies to continue investing in regional development. Readers can support their local economy by learning about award-winning businesses and the apprenticeship programs that prepare the state's future workforce.
Further reading
For more information on the state's corporate environment, visit the Kansas Business — General section.
Live Poll
Do you believe state-sponsored business awards effectively encourage local economic growth in your area?
