Several regional businesses earned recognition from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Business Appreciation Month awards, which were distributed June 5. The top award is the 2018 Governor’s Award of Excellence, for which 76 businesses across Kansas were nominated. Out of five finalists, McFarlane Aviation Inc. of Baldwin City received the honor. McFarlane Aviation is a family-owned company that distributes general aviation products and accessories and manufactures replacement parts for a…

Dr. Brian Matthys, founder and chief medical officer of Sunflower Dermatology and Medical Day Spa in North Kansas City, has launched Eclipse Rx, a solar-powered personal UV sun monitor and activity tracker. As a board-certified dermatologist, Matthys knows that while skin cancer affects 1 in 5 people, it’s preventable. Armed with the Eclipse Rx, he’s on a mission to improve that ratio. “As doctors, our goal is really to help…

Prairie Elder Care has created a new housing option for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The local small business officially opened its new Prairie Farmstead at 12441 W. 151st St., Overland Park, on May 30. The facility cares for those living with dementia by creating community, connection and control through its model of care and homes. Prairie Elder Care is a 2016 honoree of Thinking Bigger’s 25 Under…

The Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC), based in Overland Park, has named Tiffany Stovall as its new CEO. MAMTC’s role is to ensure that manufacturers in Kansas have the ability to grow and be competitive in the local and global economy. It is a subsidiary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Stovall has served with MAMTC for over eight years. She began as an energy management projects manager and was…

A local bank took the lead in the 2018 Small Business Celebration from the Greater Kansas City Area Chamber of Commerce. Lead Bank was named as Small Business of the Year. CEO Josh Rowland accepted the Mr. K Award, named for Kansas City entrepreneur Ewing Kauffman. The criteria for the award is based on Kauffman’s philosophy: grow the business, reward employees, give back to the community. Founded 90 years ago,…