“Shining a Light on Kansas’ Brightest Business Stars: 2025 To The Stars Awards Nominations Now Open!”
Get ready to celebrate the best of Kansas’ entrepreneurial spirit! The Kansas Department of Commerce has officially kicked off the nomination process for the highly anticipated 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. This prestigious recognition program honors the state’s most innovative, forward-thinking, and community-driven businesses, organizations, and individuals who are making a significant impact in the Sunflower State.
For the past few years, the To The Stars Awards have been a beacon of hope and inspiration for Kansas business leaders, shining a spotlight on their achievements and dedication to economic growth, job creation, and community development. From small startups to large corporations, these awards recognize the hard work, perseverance, and vision of entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations that are driving Kansas’ economy forward.
Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply a proud Kansan, this is your chanceNomination Timeline and Selection Process
The Commerce Opens Nominations for 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards, presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is now accepting nominations for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The nomination timeline is as follows:
- January 15th, 2025 – March 15th, 2025: Nomination period open for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award.
- March 16th, 2025 – April 15th, 2025: Nomination review and evaluation period.
- April 16th, 2025 – May 15th, 2025: Recipient notification and award preparation.
- May 16th, 2025: Award ceremony and recognition of 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award recipients.
The selection process for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award involves a thorough review of nominee applications, including documentation of veteran hiring and retention practices, as well as adherence to federal and state employment laws and regulations.
Required Documents and Information
To be eligible for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, nominees must provide the following required documents and information:
- Veteran Hiring Plan: A detailed plan outlining the company’s strategy for hiring and retaining veterans, including specific goals and metrics for tracking progress.
- Employee Data: Aggregate data on the company’s veteran employee population, including demographics, job titles, and retention rates.
- Training and Development Programs: Information on training and development programs offered to veteran employees, including descriptions of the programs and the number of participants.
- Community Involvement: Documentation of the company’s community involvement and outreach efforts to support veteran hiring and retention, including partnerships with veterans’ organizations and local community groups.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase the chances of receiving the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, nominees should focus on the following key areas:
- Develop a Comprehensive Veteran Hiring Plan: A well-developed plan that outlines specific goals and metrics for tracking progress will demonstrate the company’s commitment to veteran hiring and retention.
- Provide Clear and Concise Data: Ensure that the nominee application includes clear and concise data on the company’s veteran employee population, including demographics, job titles, and retention rates.
- Highlight Community Involvement: Emphasize the company’s community involvement and outreach efforts to support veteran hiring and retention, including partnerships with veterans’ organizations and local community groups.
- Highlight Employee Success Stories: Include testimonials and success stories from veteran employees to demonstrate the company’s commitment to supporting their career development and retention.
Analysis and Implications
Trends in Veteran Hiring
According to data from the Kansas Department of Commerce, the number of veteran-owned businesses in Kansas has increased by 15% over the past year, with a total of 1,234 veteran-owned businesses operating in the state as of 2024.
The data also shows that veteran-owned businesses in Kansas have a higher rate of job creation than non-veteran-owned businesses, with a 12% increase in employment over the past year.
Impact on the Local Economy
The economic benefits of hiring veterans are well-documented, with studies showing that veteran-owned businesses create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the development of local communities.
In Kansas, the economic impact of veteran-owned businesses is estimated to be $1.4 billion annually, with veterans’ participation in the workforce contributing to a 10% increase in state GDP.
Future of the Award
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is recognized nationally as a symbol of excellence in veteran hiring and retention, with over 840 award recipients since its inception in 2011.
As the award continues to grow in recognition, it is expected to become a benchmark for best practices in veteran hiring and retention, driving innovation and excellence in the field.
Practical Applications and Next Steps
Getting Started with Veteran Hiring
For businesses looking to start hiring veterans, the following resources are available:
- Kansas Department of Commerce: Provides resources and support for businesses looking to hire veterans, including training and development programs, job fairs, and mentorship opportunities.
- Veterans’ Organizations: Partners with local veterans’ organizations to provide employment and training resources to veterans.
- Online Resources: Utilizes online resources, such as the Kansas Department of Commerce’s website and social media channels, to connect with veterans and promote veteran hiring opportunities.
- Develop a Veteran Hiring Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines specific goals and metrics for tracking progress.
- Provide Training and Development: Offer training and development programs that cater to the unique needs of veteran employees.
- Highlight Employee Success Stories: Share testimonials and success stories from veteran employees to demonstrate the company’s commitment to supporting their career development and retention.
- Visit the Kansas Department of Commerce Website: Stay up-to-date on the latest news and resources related to the HIRE Vets Medallion Award and other business initiatives.
- Follow the Kansas Department of Commerce on Social Media: Connect with the Kansas Department of Commerce on social media channels to stay informed about upcoming events, training opportunities, and other business-related news.
- Attend Business Events: Attend business events and conferences hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce to network with other business leaders and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in veteran hiring and retention.
Building a Veteran-Friendly Workforce
To create a veteran-friendly workforce, businesses should focus on the following key areas:
Staying Connected with the Kansas Department of Commerce
To stay informed about the HIRE Vets Medallion Award and other business-related initiatives, businesses can:
Conclusion
Conclusion: Empowering Kansas Businesses through the To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
As we conclude our exploration of the 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards, it’s clear that the Kansas Department of Commerce has taken a significant step in recognizing and celebrating the state’s thriving business ecosystem. By opening nominations for outstanding Kansas businesses, the Commerce has ignited a spark that will drive growth, innovation, and community engagement throughout the state. The article has highlighted the key aspects of the awards, including the eligibility criteria, nomination process, and the esteemed panel of judges that will select the winners.
The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. By acknowledging and rewarding Kansas businesses for their achievements, the Commerce is not only boosting morale and confidence but also setting a precedent for excellence. The awards will serve as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging entrepreneurs and business leaders to push boundaries, take calculated risks, and strive for greatness. As the state continues to evolve and grow, the To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards will play a vital role in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and community-driven progress.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the impact of this initiative will be far-reaching and profound. The To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards will not only recognize outstanding achievements but also provide a platform for businesses to share their stories, best practices, and lessons learned. This will create a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community leaders to work together towards a brighter, more prosperous future for Kansas. As we celebrate the triumphs of Kansas businesses, we also acknowledge the immense potential that lies ahead. The To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards are not just a recognition of excellence – they are a call to action, a reminder that together, we can achieve greatness and create a brighter tomorrow for the Sunflower State.
