2026 Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Awards

The Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Awards celebrate Douglas County businesses that continue to grow the economy while also positively impacting the local community

On March 31, the 13th annual Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Awards event was uncorked. An effervescent group of businesspeople gathered to celebrate the investments in individuals and the community as a whole. Some of the top business movers and shakers of Lawrence proved to be a great mix, creating a splash. For the third year in a row, the event was a sold out.

Conversations flowed; reconnections and introductions were many. KLWN’s Kevin Romary and Lawrence Business Magazine’s (LBM) Co-Publisher and Chief Photographer, Steven Hertzog, were interviewing people live throughout the first part of the evening. Romary says, “The overall response to the interview sessions at the Foundation Awards was fantastic. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and, at the same time, to showcase some of the great businesses in this town.”

It was great to recognize the businesses in this city that have not only grown but made a real investment into the community, he continues. “It always amazes me the positive impact these owners and employees make locally on a day-to-day basis.”

The energy and encouragement were lively, the enthusiasm palpable and the hors d’oeuvres and drinks fabulous. However, the main focus was to honor the businesses that invested in the citizens of Lawrence, Kansas.

The buzz continued for an hour and a half of networking, then the crowd moved into the auditorium for the main event. LBM Editor-in-Chief and Co-Publisher Ann Frame Hertzog opened the awards ceremony. “It is great when we can come together one night a year to applaud each other’s achievements. Celebrating what each one of these businesses does individually and recognizing them for the contributions and impacts they have on the community at large.” “… The mission of the magazine is to cover the people and the businesses making a positive impact on Lawrence and our community. And these awards really embody that.”

Hertzog explained that even considering the economic volatility and concerns of the time, this was the second-largest number of awards given in their history. Twenty-five companies fit the award criteria and have added jobs during this time. Hertzog gratefully thanked the presenting sponsor, INTRUST Bank, and acknowledged its roll in supporting the Foundation Awards since the beginning.

She then introduced the shared masters of ceremonies for this year, Beth Easter, market president at INTRUST Bank, and Heidi Simon, senior associate director of The University of Kansas (KU) Office of Admissions. Both were graduates of Leadership Lawrence in 2012, and both attended KU.

Easter and Simon took turns addressing attendees. Easter began: “I would like to thank Ann and Steven Hertzog, and Lawrence Business Magazine and their support of the local community and everything they do to advocate for local businesses.” She continued with some important facts about the Lawrence area. “Eighty percent of local job growth is created by existing businesses in the community. Tonight, we are celebrating 25 of the companies that have created a grand total of 168 new jobs in the last year. Including this evening, 181 Foundation Awards have been given out, representing 1,928 new jobs in the community. That is something to be very proud of, celebrated and honored.”

“To be a business, to be risk-takers, to really commit to your community—this is something I find as an inspiration,” Simon continued. “It is truly an honor to be here. … I really wanted to let you know tonight how critical you are to the work my team does in the Admissions office. We have differentiators that we talk about with KU with every single student who visits the KU campus. We talk about academics; we talk about the Jayhawk community. But one of the biggest and most favorite is the City of Lawrence and how that impacts their experience at KU. Without the work you do, we have one less differentiator, so we really thank you for what you do.”

The Foundation Awards are presented to businesses located in Douglas County that have been in business for three years or more and have shown job growth in the past year, adding 20 employees or 20% in 2025. These businesses contribute to the local economy through jobs and services, and are an extremely committed group, impacting the community and dedicated to a local footprint of mutually beneficial relationships. Supporting local businesses and keeping it local supports the community as a whole, which is why the Impact Awards are important. Those include the Footprint Impact Award, Minority-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award and the Women-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award.

“This 13th year was extremely exciting for all of us,” Easter explained. “We had a beautiful venue, engaging speaker who I could listen to daily and the Hertzogs, who are the magic behind making this a successful event. They are organized and connected, and know what businesses need in order to make this a worthwhile experience.”

She proudly introduced the keynote speaker, Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). “Tim leads strategic direction and vision for the KCADC, guiding efforts that position the region as a top destination for business and talent. Under his leadership, KCADC is consistently ranked the leading regional economic development group in the country, one that is recognized globally for its robust marketing communication strategies in collaboration with 300 corporate leaders and more than 50 community partners across the two-state, 18-county region. The KCADC has helped attract 9.5 billion in new capital investment and 15,000 jobs to the area over the past five years.”

Cowden shared his deep connection and appreciation of Lawrence and the community. He laid out how important seeing our region as one area was—the exciting new growth, the powerful momentum and the success of Lawrence and the Kansas City territory. “We are all connected together … you may say that is really contrite … but we really are one,” he explained. Showing a map of the Kansas City counties that KCADC represents, he shared that this is the product that they market, showing the way the organization works in terms of how each person at the event and their business has its own product and market. KCADC’s local customers know where the boundaries are, he explained, but out-of-state customers may not know whether they are in Kansas or Missouri; in the end, they all think of Kansas City as a whole.

“We have a diverse marketplace … as businesspeople, you know that if you can provide choice underneath your roof, you have a better chance of winning,” he said. Regarding diversity in the region, his team can provide “Lawrence, an amazing college town,” or any number of different types of cities in the area—a suburban market such as Lee’s Summit, Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, or the Country Club Plaza.

He showed a slide of many multiple logos representing a large group of well-known businesses that represent the region, providing an explanation about how KCADC is different from the Chamber of Commerce or the Civic Council. The KCADC does the sales, marketing and branding for the Kansas City area, focusing on bringing new companies to the region to create more jobs. Cowden is not only focused on the business-to-business market and on bringing new businesses to KC, he says, but also on business-to-consumer, hoping to draw in new talent while retaining that talent. To do this, he believes we need strong companies that provide competitive opportunities.

Cowden said Kansas City is growing and that people are moving here from all over the country. “Our brand, our regional brand, is rising. KC is the Top 10 region for Gen Z and is No. 3 (of the) most livable metros in the country. When you win … it’s everybody working together, just like in your business, pulling on that rope in the same direction. There is alignment; we are working together.”

He brings up several developments in the area that are having a positive impact and attracting larger companies that wouldn’t have looked here five years ago. The new Kansas City International Airport has played a big part in helping draw in new business. “It has become a favorable first and last impression,” he says. Another boost to the area is bringing back the streetcar to the city. Other “majors” include “major league sports, major league art, and major league food,” he adds.

Having a winning Super Bowl team with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift: “KC is pretty hot right now,” he quips. However, without all of these “alignments,” would we have the FIFA World Cup? Cowden thinks not. The Kansas City area is the smallest of all 16 areas hosting the World Cup, which will have four base camps for World Cup teams.

After his inspiring speech, the event transitioned to recognizing the Foundation Award recipients followed by the Impact Award winners. The co-masters of ceremonies announced the award winners in alphabetical order and called them to the stage, where Ann Frame Hertzog presented them with a beautiful glass award, and photographer Jason Dailey took their photo. Each awardee group then moved to the Foundation Awards backdrop to have their photo taken by photographer Jeff Burkhead.

The award presentation began with The Foundation Awards. There were a total of 25 businesses that received Foundation Awards this year: Bob Sight Auto Group, Bridge Haven, CEK Insurance, Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, Critter Control of Kaw Valley, Douglas County Historical Society/Watkins Museum of History, Durino Plumbing, Free State Dental, Gameday Men’s Health Lawrence, Good Energy Solutions, Hemel Electric, Icorium Engineering Co., JEO Consulting Group, Kessler Contractors, La Tropicana, Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering, Mass Street Fish House, Multistudio, Neuvant House, New Heights Therapy, Pine Landscape Center, Solomon & Associates, Speech Solutions, Surface Experts of Lawrence and University of Kansas Conference Center.

Multiple organizations from this year’s nominees have received Foundation Awards in the past, and Good Energy Solutions is the leader in this category, with a total of eight years and 58 jobs added. Bridge Haven, which was the 2025 Minority-Owned Business Impact Award winner, received its fifth Foundation Award and has provided 113 jobs in the community.

 

The company is part of the Bob Sight Auto Group, which traces its roots in the Kansas City auto market to 1923. In its fourth generation of Sight family ownership, Bob Sight prides itself on building relationships, not selling cars. Trust is its tradition.

Last year, Bob Sight Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram & Honda added 10 new employees.

FIVE-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Bridge Haven, the 2025 Minority-Owned Business Impact Award Winner, is an assisted living and memory care community providing personalized care and support for seniors. It offers a safe, welcoming environment with 24-hour care, engaging activities and programs designed to enhance quality of life for residents and peace of mind for families.

Last year, Bridge Haven added 35 employees, bringing its workforce to 110.

Established in 1931, CEK Insurance serves the insurance needs of about 8,000 individuals and families as well as 6,000 business concerns in northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. CEK is Douglas County’s oldest locally owned independent insurance agency.

Last year, CEK Insurance added six jobs, bringing its workforce to 36.

TWO-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

The Children’s Advocacy Center ensures that children and families affected by child abuse receive a compassionate, community-based intervention through a multidisciplinary team approach to prevent, identify, investigate, prosecute, and treat child abuse.

Last year, the Children’s Advocacy Center added four employees

TWO-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Critter Control technicians have the experience and training to find nuisance wildlife, trap and remove the pest animal safely, and install wildlife exclusions for long-term pest control.

Critter Control of Kaw Valley added three employees in 2025, bringing its total workforce to eight.

In 1975, the Douglas County Historical Society opened the Elizabeth Miller Watkins Community Museum in the newly refurbished Watkins Bank Building. Since then, the museum has managed the expansion and care of its permanent collection as well as provided programs and public events, educational resources and activities, research support, and changing exhibits that explore the heritage of Lawrence and Douglas County.

Last year, the museum added two jobs, bringing its full-time workforce to seven.

Durino Plumbing is a licensed residential and commercial plumbing company serving Lawrence, Douglas County and surrounding areas. Durino offers a variety of services that include water heaters, fixture installation, leak detection and repair and general maintenance. A small company doing big work for a community it loves.

Last year, Durino Plumbing added one employee, bringing its workforce to three.

TWO-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Free State Dental is a comprehensive, experienced, friendly dentistry that always welcomes new patients looking for a cleaning and exam, restorative options, or cosmetic consultation. They look forward to having you and helping you make the best choice for you and your smile.

Last year, Free State Dental added six new jobs.

Gameday is a specialized men’s health clinic located on the west side of Lawrence. Its mission is to help men regain the vitality in their lives through hormone replacement therapy, sexual health treatments, weight loss, vitamin, and peptide therapies.

Last year, Gameday Men’s Health Lawrence added two new jobs, bringing its workforce to six.

EIGHT-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Good Energy Solutions, the 2020 Footprint Impact Award Winner, is a full-service energy partner that provides comprehensive consulting and services in electrical, renewable energy, and energy management in the central U.S., including Kansas and Missouri. The company is dedicated to customer satisfaction through quality design and installations and backs its promises with long warranties. The company also works with non-profit organizations helping them to lower their utility costs to enable them to use their resources to help others.

Good Energy Solutions added 11 full-time equivalents to its workforce last year.

TWO-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

With Hemel Electric you receive quality work, integrity and fast service every time. Serving Lawrence and the greater northeast Kansas area and specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installation and repair, Hemel’s team brings more than 30 years of experience to each and every job site.

Last year, Hemel Electric added two jobs, increasing its workforce to seven employees.

TWO-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Icorium Engineering Company, woman-owned and women-run, is a chemical engineering startup and University of Kansas spinout developing technologies to make sustainable, circular economies a reality for refrigerants and other complex chemical mixtures.

Last year, Icorium Engineering Company added two employees, bringing its workforce to nine employees.

THREE-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

JEO Consulting Group has been helping communities thrive since 1937, building a reputation on forging lasting partnerships with clients to help them – and our communities – succeed. Today, they have more than 400 people in 15 offices and after almost 90 years is still known for treating clients and employees like family.

Last year, JEO Consulting Group added four new employees, bringing its workforce to 14.

THREE-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Kessler Contractors is dedicated to the maintenance and remodeling of both commercial and residential properties. With seven years of experience, they have had the privilege of collaborating with local businesses and homeowners, taking pride in the quality of their work and the strong relationships they have fostered with their clients.

Last year, Kessler Contractors added one new job, increasing its workforce to six.

La Tropicana Mexican Restaurant has been serving home-cooked Mexican dishes north of the river for more than 50 years. The family-owned business has built a deep trust and friendships with many loyal customers and is proud to have witnessed generations of families grow with them and start their own local businesses.

Last year, La Tropicana added five new jobs.

TWO-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Maceli’s is a 100 percent minority-owned business that offers on-site catering and hospitality services as well as hosting events remotely or here at one of its business sites. Maceli’s cooperates with a large number of local businesses and dedicates time to local organizations that have fundraising events at one of its properties.

Last year, Maceli’s created 14 new positions.

Mass Street Fish House serves quality seafood and top hospitality to the Lawrence community. The business also is a good steward of the community, donating both time and treasure and supporting local businesses whenever possible.

Last year, Mass Street Fish House added five new jobs.

Multistudio is an architecture and design firm operating in five locations across the U.S. – Lawrence, Kansas City, New Orleans, Phoenix and San Francisco. It is a multidisciplinary architecture, design and planning practice with a mission to enrich communities and the human experience through the built environment.

Last year, Multistudio added three employees, increasing its workforce to 14 employees.

Neuvant House of Lawrence is an assisted living and memory care community specializing in assisted living and short-term respite care and adult day stay, providing personalized care and support for older adults, including those with dementia or other cognitive challenges.

Last year, Neuvant House added 11 new employees

FOUR-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

New Heights Therapy, the 2025 Woman-Owned Business Impact Award Winner, updated its company name from Sound Speech Therapy to encompass all the wonderful services it has to offer the community. New Heights Therapy is a private, multi-therapy clinic specializing in speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, myofunctional, physical therapy and reading intervention.

Last year, New Heights Therapy added five new employees, bringing its total workforce to 20.

THREE-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Pine Landscape Center, the 2024 Woman-Owned Business Impact Award Winner, has a mission to help customers sculpt raw ideas into real accomplishments. It brings those ideas to life through a knowledgeable team, thoughtfully curated product lines, competitive pricing and reliable, friendly delivery services. From rock, sod, soil, mulch and any other landscape products, consider Pine Landscape Center was your product partner.

Last year, Pine added four new employees to its workforce for a total of 13 employees.

TWO-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Solomon & Associates is an Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice with five advisors and growing. It offers personalized financial advice based on your goals and provide an upfront overview of costs, so that you can explore how you want to spend retirement.

Last year, Solomon & Associates added three new employees, bringing its total workforce to nine.

TWO-TIME FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE

Speech Solutions is a woman-owned and locally-owned private speech and occupational therapy practice servicing pediatric and adult clients in Lawrence and surrounding areas. It is Speech Solutions’ mission to make a positive difference in the lives of clients by providing highly effective, research-based therapy services to children, teens and adults.

Last year, Speech Solutions added three new employees, increasing its workforce to seven employees.

Surface Experts specializes in professional surface repair for tubs, countertops, cabinets, floors and more. Reliable scheduling, clear communication and quality craftsmanship are at the core of everything they do.

Last year, Surface Experts of Lawrence added two new employees, bringing its total workforce to five.

The University of Kansas Conference Center is directly connected to the beautiful new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. With more than 55,000 square feet of flexible, state-of-the-art space, the conference center accommodates gatherings of all sizes, from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. Modern amenities, customizable layouts and professional support ensure every event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression.

Last year, the University of Kansas Conference Center added 24 new employees.

In the Women-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award category, a total of 13 women-owned businesses were nominated this year:

• BioData Solutions, LLC, owner Stephanie Pasas-Farmer
• Foundations Commercial Real Estate, owner Kirsten Flory
• Free State Dental, a 2-time Foundation recipient, owner Nealy Newkirk
• Free State Vet, owner Miranda Lyon
• Gutter Princess & Roofing, LLC, owner Brooklyn Brungardt
• Icorium Engineering Company, a 2-time Foundation recipient, owner Kalin Baca
• Kessler Contractors, LLC, a 3-time Foundation recipient, owner Dynelle Kessler
• La Tropicana, a Foundation recipient, owner Severina Martin Del Campo
• Lawrence Pet Friends, owner Sheree Miller
• L.e.s.s., owner Jasmine Hyde
• Mass Street Fish House, a Foundation recipient, owner Laura Klein and Samantha
• New Heights Therapy, a 4-time Foundation recipient and 2025 WO Impact Winner, owner Kimberly Williams
• Speech Solutions, LLC, a 2-time Foundation recipient, owner Lisa Graves

This year’s Women-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award was awarded to Free State Dental, owner Nealy Newkirk. Not only does Free State Dental advertise with more than a dozen local businesses and media outlets, but it also donates time to local organizations such as Family Promise, Lawrence Parks and Rec for park cleanups, Ballard Center, and Kansas Mission of Mercy, where employees donate time for dental treatments. Nealy Newkirk has served on the board of the National Charity League for two years.

“It validates all of our hard work and inspires continued growth, motivating us to set even higher goals for the future,” Free State dentist Dr. Neeli Newkirk says.

There were eight businesses nominated for the Minority-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award:

• Kessler Contractors, LLC, a 3-time Foundation recipient, owner Dynelle Kessler
• La Tropicana, a Foundation recipient, owner Severina Martin del Campo
• L.e.s.s., owner Jasmine Hyde
• Maceli’s, a 2-time Foundation recipient, owner Steve Maceli
• MyoDynamics, owners Isaac & Sydney Combs
• Neuvant House, a Foundation recipient, owner Chaitanya Musham
• >Official Sports, owner Aaron Combs
• The Restorative Touch, owner Isaac Combs

The 2026 Minority-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award was presented to La Tropicana, owner Severina Martin del Campo. La Tropicana uses dozens of local companies in the course of operating the long-time business, and members of the del Campo family donate time in many capacities to serve the community, including making food for various fundraising events and donating food to others. It donates to the Ballard Center, Corpus Christi Catholic Parish/school, St. Johns, Boys and Girls Clubs, Toys for Tots and many others. When you’ve been in business 50 years, you learn the importance of community involvement and supporting locally.

“Receiving this award is deeply meaningful to me and my family, not just as a minority woman and business owner, but as someone who is proud of my identity and my heritage,” said owner Severina Martin del Campo. “La Tropicana has always been a labor of love for my family. And to have our work recognized by the Lawrence Business Magazine, it is an incredible honor that validates the long hours, the late nights and the risk we’ve taken to build something lasting since 1967. We started this journey together in every milestone, including this one. This a reflection of the support of our loyal customers in Lawrence.”

On behalf of her grandmother, Severina, and in memory of her grandfather, Jesse April Del Campo shares, “Winning this award reflects shared memories, family recipes and the trust our customers have placed in us generation after generation. After more than 50 years of serving the Lawrence community, it’s an honor to have my grandparents, Severina and Jesse Del Campo’s, hard work, traditions and love for authentic Mexican food recognized. This award belongs as much to our loyal customers as it does to our family—we wouldn’t be here without their support.”

Last, but certainly not least, in the ceremony was the Footprint Impact Award, which recognizes one of this year’s Foundation Award Recipients. One honoree is selected from the list of distinguished businesses, a business that has made a significant effort to develop and support local partnerships, give back to the community, and through their actions as a business and individuals, cause a ripple effect that positively impacts the entire community.

The 2026 Footprint Impact Award was presented to CEK Insurance. CEK Insurance is a remarkable community partner for Lawrence and Douglas County. In addition to partnering with dozens of local companies in its own course of business, the company encourages its employees to get involved locally, donating their time to boards, schools, and civic organizations like United Way, Junior Achievement, The Ballard Center, Bert Nash and Leadership Lawrence.

CEK also belongs to the Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence Restaurant Association and Tenants to Homeowners and serves on the boards of Douglas County CASA, Junior Achievement, Van Go, the Lawrence Public Library and many others. They donate money each year to these and many more non-profit organizations and schools.

It is in CEK Insurance’s DNA to be involved in things it is passionate about, and the company wants and strives to have its employees give back to the community it’s called home since 1931.

Mark Buhler, CEK Insurance, on winning this year’s Footprint Impact Award, says they are “proud and very happy that we had been recognized for years of consistent work in our community. Many of us have grown up here, and it is very important that Lawrence and Douglas County private businesses are viable and successful.”

“Being able to sponsor the Footprint Impact Award this year was a highlight,” says Brad Hemel, owner of Hemel Electric. “We brought our full Hemel Electric team and families together, reconnecting with fellow Lawrence businesses and strengthening relationships. Lawrence Business Magazine delivered another well-run event with great turnout, meaningful conversations and well-deserved recognition.”

For more photos, go to the Local Scene and check out the 2026 Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Awards Gallery

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