From the office of Gov. Laura Kelly

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly this week announced 14 new appointments to state boards and committees, celebrated Kansas businesses at the 2025 To The Stars awards ceremony, and highlighted the Kansas Department of Labor's national recognition for technological advancement.

The appointments fill leadership positions across state government in education, workforce services, emergency medical response and other critical areas.

Business Awards Ceremony Honors Kansas Entrepreneurs

Nearly 500 people gathered Thursday night at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University to honor Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs at the Kansas Department of Commerce's 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony. Grey Snow Management Solutions, based in Cloud, won the 2025 Governor's Award of Excellence, while GeoProbe Systems was named the 2025 Governor's Exporter of the Year. Grey Snow is an economic development enterprise that supports tribal sovereignty and provides expert services for government and commercial clients. GeoProbe Systems, founded in 1987, pioneered direct push drilling technology and has garnered a global reputation as an industry leader.

"Grey Snow and GeoProbe have dynamic missions and visions that align with our commitment to moving Kansas forward and supporting customers and communities across the state," Governor Kelly said. "Companies like these advance our state's exporting efforts, contribute significantly to their local economies, and are more than deserving of these awards." A record 431 businesses, organizations, and individuals were nominated in 11 different categories for the awards. Nominees were evaluated on business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investment, and support for local community events. A total of 372 Merit Awards and 59 Regional Awards were presented.

The Kansas Department of Commerce introduced two new award categories: the Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award and the Mainstreet Momentum Award. The Kansas Business Hall of Fame recognized Marci Penner, a rural champion and author from Inman, and Emerson Carey, Sr., an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hutchinson known as a salt manufacturer and industrial leader. Additionally, the inaugural Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Development Award was presented to James "Jamie" Hall, Vice President of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina. The award was named in honor of Randi Tveitaraas Jack, who recently retired from the Kansas Department of Commerce after more than 37 years of outstanding service.

2025 Statewide Award Winners

• Agribusiness: Liquid Art Winery and Estate, Manhattan
• Apprenticeship Champions and Partners: American Implement, Garden City
• Business Innovation: Shed Lifestyles, LLC, Kansas City
• Healthcare/Nonprofit: Special Olympics Kansas, Inc., Mission
• Mainstreet Momentum: Grand Central Hotel and Grill, Cottonwood Falls
• Manufacturing/Distribution: LeDuc Memorial Designs, Concordia
• Non-Traditional Talent Pools: AllMetal Recycling, LLC, Wichita
• Retail/Service: Grey Snow Management Solutions, Cloud
• Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner: Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc., Norton
• Under 30 Entrepreneur: Braiden Werth, Werth Eye Group, P.A., Hays
• Welcome Back: Davey and Kim Froman, Miners and Monroe, Pittsburg

KDOL Receives National Technology Recognition

The Kansas Department of Labor received the 2025 State Information Technology Recognition Award from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) in the category of Digital Experience: Agency/Program Solutions.

The award recognizes KDOL's innovative approach to modernizing the state's aging unemployment benefits system and improving digital services for Kansas workers and employers. The initiative has resulted in faster, more secure, and more accessible interactions for Kansans seeking unemployment benefits, workforce services, and employer-related resources, with significantly reduced wait times and improved accessibility.

"The improvements that have been made to Kansas' Unemployment Insurance system not only protect taxpayer dollars, but also simplify the process of applying for benefits while increasing security against fraud and safeguarding the system for years to come," Governor Kelly said. "Thanks to the hard work of Secretary Amber Shultz and her team at the Kansas Department of Labor, our state is now at the forefront of modernization."

Secretary of Labor Amber Shultz said the award demonstrates the department's commitment to serving Kansans with integrity, innovation, and efficiency.

Governor's Statements on National Issues

Governor Kelly released a statement regarding the Middle East ceasefire, saying: "Yesterday, after 738 days, the hostages held by Hamas were finally released, and the horrific war in the Middle East has reached a ceasefire. I appreciate the leaders who have worked diligently to put an end to this conflict. I'm hopeful that the hostages and the region will be able to heal as recovery begins."

She also condemned reported messages from young Republican leaders, calling on Republican Party leaders to reflect on their own language and behavior. "Those in positions of leadership have a responsibility to lead by example in both word and deed. They also need to remember that they represent our state and that Kansans celebrate diversity, not mock or condemn it," Governor Kelly stated.

Listening Tour Continues

Governor Kelly will continue her "The People's Budget" statewide listening tour with stops in Hays and Garden City on Wednesday, October 29. More information and RSVP details are available through the Governor's office.

Complete List of Administration Appointments

Kansas Board of Regents

• Peter Johnston, Salina
• Matt Crocker, Manhattan

Wichita State University Board of Trustees

• Laurie Labarca, Wichita (reappointment)
• Aaron Bastian, Wichita (reappointment)
• John Frederick, Wichita

Emergency Medical Services Board

• Jake Power, Norwich

Workers Compensation and Employment Services Board Nominating Committee

• Phil Hayes, Haysville (reappointment)
• Elizabeth Maisberger-Clark, Carbondale (reappointment)

Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

• Trenton James, Topeka
• Erin Hicks, Topeka
• Willie Grays, Topeka
• Maurice Brewer, Kansas City
• Dustin Browning, Lawrence

Board of Cosmetology

• Nichole Hines, Leawood