Paul Porter of Iola was named the Welcome Back Award statewide winner Wednesday evening at the “To the Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses” event hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Porter was recognized for returning to Iola to own and operate Big Square Media, which offers full-service video production, real estate and event photography.
“After seeing the revitalization of his hometown, Porter chose to move back home to contribute and build on the momentum,” a press release about the award read.
This year, a total of 178 businesses were honored, including six regional award winners.
They are:
• Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Pittsburg, Hospital/Non-Profit Award
• Dodge City Brewing, Dodge City, Retail Award
• Landoll Corporation, Marysville, Business Innovation Award
• NIC, Inc., Olathe, Service Award
• Waylon Sheetz, Belleville, Under 30 Entrepreneur/Business person Award
• KanPak, Arkansas City Kansas, Manufacturing/ Distribution
“We are grateful to the Kansas business community which supports what we all want to achieve for Kansas: strong communities, healthy families and a high quality of life,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “These businesses are prospering and creating new opportunities for continued growth and opportunity across our state.”
