Author: KansasBizNews

MGP Ingredients, Inc. – a leading producer of distilled spirits and food ingredients headquartered in Atchison, Kan. – recently announced Matt Krusemark will take on the role of vice president of sales for the Distilling Solutions segment of the company at the start of 2023. Krusemark will succeed David Dykstra, who recently announced plans to retire Dec. 31 after more than 30 years with MGP. The two are working closely to ensure the transition goes smoothly. With extensive knowledge of the company’s alcohol business, the newly named vice president has taken on several roles since starting in 2005 as an…

Tallgrass —headquartered in Leawood, Kan. — has partnered with Equinor to advance large-scale, low- or zero-carbon energy solutions in North America. The partner companies agreed to joint funding of a front-end engineering and design study, focused on hydrogen production that incorporates the capture and isolation of 95% of CO2, coupled with ammonia for efficient transportation and storage. In a press release, the companies shared that developments in the U.S. show the nation’s dedication to low- or zero-carbon energy solutions, in pursuit of the positive impact a full-scale hydrogen economy could have in providing clean energy. “The joint initiative with Tallgrass…

A national human resources organization recently named a Kansas City diversity leader as a finalist for its annual awards. HRO Today honored Emanuel McCrainey — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City’s (Blue KC) Department Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Talent — as a finalist for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Executive of the Year at the First Annual Inclusion Awards presented at the HRO Today Inclusion Summit in Atlanta, GA. A judging panel determines the finalists based on nominees’ commitment to inclusivity in the workplace, brand strengthening and employee engagement and retention. HR and other business…

Sporting Kansas City recently signed a five-year partnership with Tequila Don Neron – its first ever tequila partner. The tequila maker’s products will be available in Sporting Kansas City-branded bottles at the Major League Soccer club’s home stadium, Children’s Mercy Park, in the summer of 2023, according to a news release. The club’s new official tequila is aged in white oak barrels from 100% Blue Weber Agave, with a line of flavors including Silver Pink Tequila, Reposado Black Tequila, Silver Tequila and Reposado Tequila. Founded in 2018, Tequila Don Neron produces high-end tequila according to the company’s website: “Our process…

The Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC) on Thursday announced the CoolView Aircraft Window built by Lee Aerospace in Wichita is the winner of the 2022 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas – Coolest Innovation. “The KMC is excited to celebrate the CoolView Aircraft Window as the 2022 Coolest Innovation,” said KMC Executive Director Brandie McPherson. “Our panel of judges had a very difficult job in narrowing it down from the 40 products nominated to just one.” Presented by FORVIS, the KMC added this new contest category this year to highlight the many ways Kansas manufacturers research and develop new products and work to improve products to address…

After six weeks of competition, the Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC) on Thursday announced the Terramac Crawler built by Ernest-Spencer is the winner of the 2022 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas – People’s Choice. “The KMC is excited to celebrate the Terramac Crawler as the 2022 Coolest Thing Made in Kansas. Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for their favorite Kansas-made products. It has been a fun competition,” said KMC Executive Director Brandie McPherson. “The manufacturing industry is an important part of the Kansas economy. The KMC launched the Coolest Thing competition as a way to promote the manufacturing industry and to raise…

The Kansas Chamber on Thursday released its Kansas Competitiveness Analysis and Strategic Action Agenda to make Kansas a top state to do business. “The Chamber’s advocacy work at the statehouse focuses on reducing the burden government places on Kansas businesses so they can thrive, create more jobs, and invest in their communities. We launched the business community’s Vision 2025 Action Plan because there’s still work to be done so Kansas can compete and win,” said Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb. “Today’s analysis and proposed strategic action agenda build on Vision 2025 and provide a path to making Kansas more competitive and a top state…

Your Bottom-Line Kansas News Publication A new website launched this month, reports on something that often gets overlooked by larger media outlets – the Kansas business community. KansasBizNews.com covers breaking news important to business leaders, the latest happenings at the Kansas Statehouse, and interviews with Kansas movers and shakers. “This first-of-its-kind, spin-free online Kansas business news publication will help bring clarity and understanding to the challenges Kansas businesses and their employees face and celebrate their successes,” said Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb. “It’s frustrating sifting through online news sources to stay informed about issues and stories that matter…

Mars Wrigley — a manufacturer that operates a state-of-the-art, roughly 500,000-square-foot candy production facility in Topeka, Kansas — announced the latest product innovation of its M&M’S® brand: M&M’S Caramel Cold Brew. The sweet new product will be available across the U.S. in February 2023, packaged in sizes ranging from 1.41 to 9.05 oz, with prices ranging from $1.19 to $4.99. According to Allison Miazga-Bedrick, Senior Marketing Director at Mars Wrigley, the organization has seen trends in coffee drinkers, especially Gen Zs, seeking out cold brew coffee beverages with varying flavor combinations. “Mars’ M&M’S brand decided to tap into the booming cold…

Employee-owned engineering firm is recognized for employee satisfaction. Bartlett & West, an engineering firm headquartered in Topeka, Kansas, recently was named one of 50 best places to work in the September 2022 issue of Prairie Business magazine, a business magazine published out of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Employees throughout that region nominated their companies, highlighting qualities that make their places of employment exceptional. Topics included workplace culture, opportunities for employee growth and employee morale. The top 50 companies were selected out of nearly 1,700 nominations. With 18 offices in eight states (including northern Midwest offices in Bismarck, North Dakota, and…