Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards

MED Week has been celebrated nationally to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority business enterprises that support the U.S. economy and generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development holds this annual awards program to recognize economic contributions of woman- and minority-owned businesses and communities around our state.

Today, minority- and woman-owned businesses have a major economic impact that translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. These jobs not only sustain the individual worker, but contribute to the economic security of their families, the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.

“Our theme, ‘Heritage to Legacy,’ embodies the journey of Kansas businesses, rooted in tradition and cultural identity, yet paving the way for a thriving and inclusive future,” Director of the Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship Taylor Overton said. “Throughout the evening, we will honor the resilience, innovation and contributions of minority- and women-owned businesses, acknowledging their role in shaping our economy and society.”

Options:

• Individual
• VIP Experience (includes premium seating, exclusive networking opportunities and a special gift)

What’s Included:

• Access to the Awards Gala
• Gourmet Kansas Sourced Dinner
• Live entertainment
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers
• Commemorative program booklet

Why attend?

• Celebrate and honor the achievements of minority- and woman-owned businesses
• Be inspired by powerful success stories
• Connect with influential business leaders and community supporters
• Experience a night of elegance, recognition and celebration

Seating is limited, so act fast to ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible night!

Suggested Hotel Accommodations

Best Western Plus Stevens County Inn
1004 E 11th Street, Hugoton, Kansas 67951 United States

CHECK-IN: 3:00 p.m. CST
CHECK-OUT: 11:00 a.m. CST

• Complimentary full breakfast, hot and fresh omelets and scrambled eggs, fresh and crispy bacon, fresh sausage patties and links, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruits bananas, apples, oranges, delicious hot oatmeal, five different kinds of cereals, cranberry and apple juice.
• Multilingual staff, English and Spanish
• Indoor pool, heated
• Mention MED WEEK when booking!

Catering for the event is prepared by From the Land of Kansas Member: Wholly Cow Market. Featuring Eudora’s own Torched Goodness Crème Brûlée.

First Course:

• Station 1:
• Wholly Cow Assorted Flavor Wings

• Station 2:
• Kansas Charcuterie – Featuring a Selection of Meats, Cheeses, and More from Across Kansas

• Station 3:
• Southwest Kansas Pork Belly Pops

Second Course

• Station 1:
• Wholly Cow Braised Beef Short Ribs accompanied by Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Station 2:
• Wholly Cow Sirloin Beef Crostini with Horseradish Garlic Sauce

• Station 3:
• Blanched Asparagus served with Assorted Dips

Third Course

• Station 1:
• Crème Brûlée Station – Featuring Torched Goodness Crème Brûlée

• Station 2:
• Coffee Bar with Assorted Flavorful Add-ins

• Station 3:
• Fruit, Goat Cheese, and Chocolate Charcuterie

We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please note any restrictions or preferences on your ticket purchase or email [email protected] with requests.

We encourage attendees to dress in business formal to formal attire or cultural attire that reflects your business and heritage. Our theme this year is “Heritage to Legacy,” and we invite you to embody this through your wardrobe.

Examples:

• Business Formal: Suits, blazers, ties, dress shirts, formal dresses, and dress shoes.
• Formal Attire: Evening gowns, tuxedos, and formal evening wear.

Embrace your heritage and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our collective legacy through your attire.

For access questions or accommodation requests to comfortably participate in the Gala, please contact Dandi Owens at [email protected]. Attendees are encouraged to specify any accommodations needed, such as materials in large print, text-only, electronic formats, communication aids like American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, or other interpreting services. Please complete the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Event Accommodation Request Protocol and send it to Dandi.