Do you know a Kansas-based small business that’s making big strides in international markets? Nominate that company for the 2018 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award!

The Kansas Department of Commerce will recognize the winner next June during Business Appreciation Month.

The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Jan. 26, and self-nominations are welcomed.

Nominees will be judged on several factors, including the number of countries they export to, how many jobs they’ve added as a result of export growth, partnerships with international distributors and more.

Exporting represents an important part of the Sunflower State’s economy. Kansas exported $10.18 billion in 2016, accounting for almost 7 percent of the state’s GDP.

“It’s a vast world out there, which provides enormous opportunities for Kansas businesses to grow their business through exporting,” said Interim Kansas Commerce Secretary Nick Jordan.

“Through this award, we want to honor those businesses that are contributing to our growing Kansas economy by making it big in international markets.”

The benefits of winning Exporter of the Year extend beyond next year’s awards banquet. The winner will receive a site visit from the governor, membership in the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council, and increased opportunities for publicity and networking.

You can download nomination forms at www.kansascommerce.gov/exporter. Completed forms can be sent to April Chiang at april.chiang@ks.gov, at fax number (785) 296-3490 or at:

Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council
c/o Kansas Department of Commerce, April Chiang
1000 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 100
Topeka, KS  66612-1354