Kansas Department of Commerce

06/24/2026

It’s a new week which means it’s time to meet another intern!

Meet Evan Haseltine, a rising 2L at the University of Kansas School of Law. Evan is interning with our Legal department over the summer.

Evan is a Kansas native and chose an internship at Commerce to practice his legal skills while also serving his community and home state.

He hopes that during his time here, he will be able to learn more about how Commerce helps communities, businesses and Kansas prosper. Evan is also excited to learn how to apply and refine his legal skills in practice.

Welcome to the Commerce team Evan, and we are so happy to work with you!

06/24/2026

Kansas isn't just hosting the World Cup - it's opening its heart to the world.

Lawrence rolled out one of the most heartfelt World Cup welcomes of 2026 — a full marching band, a handcrafted Algerian flag, and over 800 supporters who showed up just to say: *you belong here.*

Kansas is shining bright on the world stage... and we are doing it through kindness and open arms.

A Kansas college town has embraced the Algerian national team, which is calling the city of Lawrence their home base during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

06/18/2026

For our next intern spotlight, we'd like to introduce Claire Brown.

We're so excited to welcome back Claire for her third summer with Commerce — and her second with our Marketing and Communications team!

Claire is a senior at the The University of Kansas studying journalism and mass communications. She's passionate about videography, editing, and writing, and she brings that energy to every project she takes on. From meaningful collaborations with our team to hands-on experiences that continue to grow her portfolio, Claire makes the most of every opportunity.

Claire, we're thrilled to have you back and can't wait to see everything you help create this summer!

06/18/2026

The Kansas Department of Commerce is proud to be the FIRST organization in Kansas to receive the Family-Friendly Workplace designation from the Kansas Children's Service League.

We celebrated with the people who matter most — our staff's own families. Seeing kids of all ages do fun activities and explore the Docking Building was the perfect reminder of why the work we do matters. At Commerce, we are committed to building the best Kansas we can for our kids and their kids.

Being family-friendly is being business-friendly.

💙

06/15/2026

TODAY'S THE DAY.

This is your last chance to nominate a Kansas business or individual for the 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards — nominations close TONIGHT.

Think of the person who's poured their heart into their business, lifted up their community, and never once asked for credit. This is their moment.

Don't wait. Don't let it slip by.

👉 Nominate now at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/tothestars/ — before it's too late!

06/12/2026

This is what it looks like when Kansas shows up for its own.

Check out this amazing business from last year. Quietly building something extraordinary, lifting up our state, and never doing it for the recognition.

But they deserve to be recognized.

Nominations for the 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards close June 15 — that's just days away. Don't let the deadline pass and wonder "what if I had nominated them?"

Take a few minutes. Make their day. Make their year.

👉 Nominate now at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/tothestars/

Special Olympics Kansas

06/10/2026

Summer internships are officially underway — and that means it's time for our Commerce intern spotlight!

First up is Marcell Dely, a Fort Hays State University senior double majoring in political science and criminal justice and corrections.

This is Marcell's second summer with the Office of the Secretary, and we couldn't be happier to have him back!

Marcell has made the most of his time at Commerce, diving into meaningful, hands-on work while soaking up every learning opportunity along the way. He's also loved connecting with professionals across a wide range of fields — something that's been a highlight of his experience.

This summer, Marcell is focused on continuing to grow his skill set and deepen his understanding of state government and economic development.

Welcome back, Marcell — here's to another great summer!

06/08/2026

Behind every great business is a person pouring their heart into Kansas.

Watch this past winner's story — then tell us: who in YOUR community deserves the spotlight next?

Nominations for the 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards close JUNE 15. Don't let someone amazing get overlooked.

Nominate them now at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/tothestars/

Shed Lifestyles

06/02/2026

⏰ JUNE 15 IS ALMOST HERE — and that Kansas business you've been meaning to nominate? They're waiting.

Stop scrolling. Go nominate them. Right now. Seriously, we'll wait. 👇

The 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards honors the companies and individuals who make Kansas the best state in the nation — and they need YOUR nomination to be recognized.

So spread the word. Tag a Kansas business that deserves to go To The Stars and nominate them today!

👉 https://bit.ly/3No7St1

06/01/2026

It's official. Lockton — the world's largest privately owned insurance brokerage — just broke ground on its new global HQ right here in Leawood.

A 12-story tower. A $300M+ investment. 250 new jobs. And a world-class mixed-use campus coming to the Sunflower State.

The future is being built in Kansas.

Lockton Companies