Meet the Small Biz of the Year Finalists: KC Chamber Surprises Top 10 Mr. K Contenders

Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chamber has announced the top 10 finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year award, also known as the “Mr. K Award”. The announcement took the finalists by surprise at a recent event sponsored by UMB Bank. The honor, named after renowned Kansas City entrepreneur Ewing Marion Kauffman, recognizes businesses that have demonstrated growth, excellent employee relations, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) initiatives, while maintaining a record of giving back to the community.

The Finalists

The 10 businesses vying for this prestigious award span a wide range of industries:

• Blue Symphony: A technology and marketing agency specializing in custom web development, software, marketing, and brand building.
• DMC Service, Inc.: Offering HVAC and plumbing services to keep people comfortable, safe, and healthy.
• Overflow: A Certified Women’s Business Enterprise that helps change-makers create compelling stories and experiences to promote the adoption of new ideas.
• Perfect Promotions: A merchandising agency handling everything from small custom-designed promotions to major product launches.
• Quantum Resource Professionals: Meeting the growing need for allied and nursing health professionals in the Midwest.
• SnapIT Solutions: Offering IT services, solutions, and placements while providing underrepresented populations with access to education, resources, and training.
• Stellar Image Studios: A women-owned video production company aiming to inspire viewers to take action.
• Taliaferro & Browne: An award-winning firm offering a range of services from civil and structural engineering to architecture, landscape architecture, survey, and inspection.
• The Next Paige Agency: Helping creatives pursue their dreams by providing resources, opportunities, and training.
• Walz Tetrick Advertising: Assisting ambitious brands to outsmart the competition.

A Celebration of Small Businesses

Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, expressed admiration for the finalists. “Year after year, it is clear that our region’s small business community is vibrant and so deserving of recognition”, said Reardon, adding, “From recognizing our small business superstars to showcasing the award candidates, this celebration is an incredible opportunity to support our small businesses.”

The Big Reveal

The Small Business of the Year winner will be announced on June 13 at the Small Business Awards Luncheon at the Westin Crown Center. In addition to the Small Business of the Year recognition, several specialty awards will also be presented at the event:

• The KC Chamber Emerging Business Award
• The KC Chamber Small Business Equity Award
• The KC Chamber Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year
• The KC Chamber Legacy of Kansas City Award
• The KC Chamber Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award

A Major Impact

The KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration has become one of the largest small business celebrations in the country, showcasing the significant impact small businesses have on the local economy and culture. More information about the event, including how to attend, can be found on the KC Chamber’s website.