The Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) has announced the 2013 Emerging and Existing Businesses of the Year. Each of the eight KSBDC regional centers selected one emerging and one existing business for the award.

In total, 16 Kansas small businesses will be recognized at a ceremony in Topeka on Tuesday, March 12. The businesses were selected from more than 2,700 entrepreneurs who received KSBDC services in 2012.

"The businesses were selected after careful consideration by our regional directors and consultants," said Greg Panichello, KSBDC state director. "The continuing difficult national economy has provided numerous opportunities for small businesses to adapt and prosper in response. Collectively, we feel these 16 small businesses are excellent examples of small business adaptation and success in challenging times."

Award recipients will be recognized by the Kansas House and Kansas Senate. Resolutions recognizing the business owners will be presented by Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, and Rep. Don Hill, R-Emporia. Both are KSBDC Advisory Board members.

Ken Daniel, chair of the board of Midway Wholesale and managing partner of Wohlgemuth & Daniel Investments LLP, both of Topeka, is the 2013 keynote speaker for the event.

"My business degree provided a framework for the nuts and bolts of running a business," said Daniel, "but it was my exposure to my small business owner/bosses that really inspired me to try to develop my own business." Daniel founded both companies within seven years of his graduation from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond.

Emerging and Existing Businesses of the Year

ash llc
Amy & Steve Harmon, owners
Emporia

Kessler Kreations
Marie Kessler, owner
Hillsboro

Oberlin Knife Shop
J.W. & Deb Smith, owners
Oberlin

Hays Fire and Rescue Sales & Service LLC
Kelvin & DeAnn Meyers, owners
Hays

Pumpkin Paradise LLC
Steve & Janet Weidner, owners
Sublette

Sunflower Creations
Gerald & Lois Nichols, owners
Copeland

New York Dawg Pound
Sal Frustaci & Will Brown, owners
Overland Park

hr-haven inc.
Belinda Waggoner, owner
Overland Park

Molly's Table
Donna Nagle, owner
Paola

Lawrence Montessori School
Purvis & Tiraz Birdie, owners
Lawrence

Mid Star Lab
Kari & Ron Wagner
Edwardsville

Sweet Designs Cakery
Heather & Roger Horton Jr., owners
Pittsburg

HayesBrand Molding Inc.
The Hayes family, owners
Garnett

Absolute Dimensions LLC
Stephen Brittain & Michael Rickords, owners
Wichita

Ohlde's Dairy Inc.
Steve & Cindi Ohlde, Justin & Becky Ohlde, Kyler Ohlde, owners
Linn

Seneca Variety
Dona & Jack Willmeth, owners
Seneca

Pat the Plumber
Pat & Jennifer Grogan, owners
Topeka

About the Kansas Small Business Development Center
The KSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Kansas Department of Commerce. KSBDC is nationally accredited through the Association of Small Business Development Centers by congressional mandate.

KSBDC receives funding from and partners with higher education and economic development organizations to provide Kansas entrepreneurs with no-cost business consulting and resources for starting, maintaining and growing their businesses. The statewide host for the KSBDC is Fort Hays State University.

For more information on the KSBDC Network, go to www.kansas.gov/ksbdcor call 877-625-7232.

Contact: Lisa Roberts, KSBDC marketing and project manager, 316-789-3139 or lisa.roberts@wichita.edu.