2/29/16 lr/sry
HAYS, Kan. -- The Kansas Small Business Development Center statewide network has announced the 2016 Existing, Emerging and Exporting Businesses of the Year. Each of the eight Kansas SBDC regional centers has selected one emerging and one existing business for the award. One exporter will be recognized for the first time this year.

A ceremony in Topeka on Tuesday, March 8, will recognize 17 Kansas small businesses. The businesses were selected from more than 2,000 that received Kansas SBDC services in 2015.

"The selected businesses were given careful consideration by our Kansas SBDC regional directors and consultants," said Greg Panichello, Kansas SBDC state director. "Collectively, the Kansas SBDC team feels these 17 small businesses are excellent examples of small business adaptation and success in challenging times."

WIBW-TV Anchor Melissa Brunner will emcee the evening ceremony and U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins will address the group to start the awards portion.

Existing Businesses of the Year
DV Enterprises LLC, Don & Vicky Brunkhardt, Liberal
Colby Glass & Sign Co. Inc., Rod Rodenbeck, Colby
Eric Fisher Academy Inc., Eric and Mary Fisher, Wichita
B&P Inc., Brett & Carly Fletcher, Holton
Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Amber Haag, Emporia
The Gun Guys, Tim VanLeiden, Ottawa
CTe Learning, Steve Waddell, Olathe
Progressive Products Inc., Todd Allison, Pittsburg

Emerging Businesses of the Year
Duck Salt, Matthew Deighton, Greensburg
Sake2me Sushi Rolls LLC, Michael Huskey and Stacie Rupp, Hays
Sleeptopia, Kevin Kunz, Wichita
Brickhouse Antiques, Tom & Mary Norskov, Topeka
Chisholm Trail Outfitters LLC, Craig Dodd, Hillsboro
Kids Calendar, Beth McKeon, Lawrence
Athletic Testing Solutions, David Kuluva and Eric Schroeder, Overland Park
Sleep Inn & Suites, Bill Michaud, Fort Scott

Exporting Business of the Year
Custom Storefronts Inc., Jon Roberts, Olathe

About Kansas Small Business Development Center: The Kansas Small Business Development Center is an advising, consulting, and training service for small businesses (generally less than 500 employees). The center is funded by federal, state, and local partners. Funding through your tax dollars allows the Kansas SBDC to provide advising and training (i.e. cash flow, marketing, and market data) to businesses across the state at low or no cost. The SBDC is part of a larger national association committed to helping small businesses reach their development, improvement, and transition goals.

To learn more, visit www.kansassbdc.net or call 877-625-7232.