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PLC WBE Certified

Pine Landscape Center Receives Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification

Lawrence, KS | September 14, 2023  
Pine Landscape Center is proud to announce that it is officially certified as a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) by the State of Kansas, Office of Minority and Women Business Development. This certification acknowledges that Pine Landscape meets the stringent eligibility criteria established by the Kansas Statewide Certification Program (KSCP).
 
Additionally, Pine Landscape Center has been named Kansas Women’s Business of the Year Supplier/Distributor Firm by the Kansas Department of Commerce and will be honored at the 38th Annual Awards Luncheon on September 29, 2023.
 
“Being recognized as a WBE presents an exceptional opportunity to enhance our offerings for current partners and customers while exploring new avenues for future expansion,” stated Kathy Pine, Owner of Pine Landscape Center. “I am excited to have achieved this designation and look forward to propelling Pine Landscape Center to greater heights as a member of the WBE community.”
 
The state of Kansas’ rigorous certification process involves a detailed review of a company’s ownership, management, financials, and operations to ensure that it is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women. The WBE certification is highly valued by corporations and government agencies that are committed to supplier diversity and seek to work with companies that are owned and operated by underrepresented groups.

 About Kathy Pine
Kathy Pine is an experienced and knowledgeable small business owner with a 10-year record of success spearheading the daily operations of Pine Landscape Center. She is a “lead from the trenches” owner who, in all aspects of business, operates with integrity, honesty, and confidentiality. Kathy effectively inspires her team members to generate high levels of customer satisfaction and positively impacts company profitability and overall growth with strategic goal setting and creative problem-solving.
 
About Pine Landscape Center
Pine Landscape Center is a full-service landscape supply center with a focus on hardscape, landscape, and building supply products. We offer quality products at competitive prices with superior customer service. Our experience, quality, and knowledge make Pine Landscape Center a destination for all your landscape needs. Visit https://pinelandscape.com/ for more information.

Governor Kelly Celebrates Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses

TOPEKA (September 29, 2023) – Governor Laura Kelly joined the Kansas Department of Commerce for the 38th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon at Townsite Tower in Topeka. The luncheon, hosted by Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development, recognizes minority- and women-owned businesses from across the state and is part of Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.

The awards luncheon and celebration recognized 12 companies, three individuals, and one corporation from across the state for their support and efforts to create new economic development opportunities.

A & H Farm, a fourth-generation family farm in Manhattan, was presented with the inaugural Governor’s Distinguished Business Award. The award will be given annually to recognize a best-in-class company or individual making a significant impact on their community and on the economy.

“Minority- and women-owned businesses are vital contributors to the Kansas economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “MED Week is a time to recognize their individual and collective successes. Congratulations to A & H Farm, and all the other award winners. Thanks for your contributions to our economy and your communities.”

MED Week is 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 luncheon to recognize the economic contributions of woman- and minority-owned businesses in communities throughout Kansas.

“We are committed to ensuring the state’s business ecosystem is representative of all Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By supporting and promoting our state’s minority- and women-owned businesses, we are recognizing and unlocking even more of our state’s true economic potential.”

Today, minority- and women-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.

“The companies and individuals honored today reflect great pride on themselves, their communities, and the entire state,” Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Rhonda Harris said. “It has been a true honor to work with each and every one of them. They are worthy of our attention and praise.”

The 2023 Kansas MED Week award-winners include:

Women-Owned Businesses

  • Construction Firm
    Top Notch Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, Lenexa
  • Manufacturing Firm
    Eck & Eck Machine Co., Wichita
  • Professional Service Firm
    KG Medical, Arlington 
  • Retail Firm
    Artistic Works By Lu, Leavenworth
  • Service Industry Firm
    All Smiles Dental Care, Minneapolis
  • Supplier/Distributor Firm
    Pine Landscape Center, Lawrence

Minority-Owned Businesses

  • Construction Firm
    1 Core Construction, Kansas City 
  • Manufacturing Firm
    KML Steel, Augusta
  • Professional Service Firm
    400 North Creative, Manhattan
  • Retail Firm
    Sunrise Donuts dba Daylight Donuts, Ulysses
  • Service Industry Firm
    Cortez Transportation Company, Topeka 
  • Supplier/Distributor Firm
    First Global Manufacturing, Wichita 

Minority Business Advocate

  • Bob Dale
    Grant County Economic Development, Ulysses

Women’s Business Advocate

  • Julie Cortes
    Julie Cortes Freelance Rockstar, Overland Park

Young Entrepreneur

  • Tremaine Glasper
    Tre’s Squeeze, Manhattan 

Corporation of the Year

  • C2FO, Leawood

Governor’s Distinguished Business Award

  • A & H Farm, Manhattan

The Office of Minority and Women Business Development certifies businesses with designations of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). Certified companies receive preferential selection for public and private contracts and for business-related financial assistance programs. MBE, WBE, and DBEs can also participate in business education workshops and seminars through the office.