The Kansas City Business Journal has recently announced the honorees for the 2023 Champions of Business awards, and we are thrilled to be among them. This prestigious annual event recognizes outstanding companies in the Kansas City area that have demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and community impact. We are honored to be recognized for our achievements alongside these other exceptional organizations. The awards ceremony, which will take place on May 18th, promises to be a memorable evening celebrating the best in Kansas City business. We look forward to being part of this exciting event and celebrating the success of our fellow honorees.

Below is a list of the winners for the 2023 Champions Of Business.

1. Apollo Insurance Group

Since 2010, Apollo Insurance Group has provided clients with custom built coverage on their health insurance plans. Our clients value what we do for them, and often refer us to their friends and relatives. To Apollo, that says our clients trust us and know we truly care about their healthcare needs. We didn’t want to be another healthcare brokerage, we wanted to show our clients we are their eyes and ears in this volatile healthcare industry. We pride ourselves in ensuring we help keep our clients money in their pocket instead of giving it to the insurance company. Contact us today for free help with your health insurance needs. At Apollo, we treat all of our clients just like family.

2. ARCO National Construction KC

ARCO was established in 1992 with a belief that construction should be a pleasant and beneficial experience for both associates and customers. Today, it has grown into a design-build industry leader, with a presence in 38 major markets throughout the United States. Being the 5th largest design-build general contractor in the country, ARCO has the advantage of a national builder with the personalized touch of a small firm. Their professional and skilled team of architects, engineers, project managers, and superintendents are proficient in handling complex projects anywhere in the country. Their commitment to providing the finest, most cost-effective single-source solutions adds value to every project they undertake.

3. Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc.

AWG, short for Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., is the leading cooperative food wholesaler in the country, providing services to independently owned supermarkets. It serves over 1,100 member companies and over 3,100 locations across 28 states through 8 full-line wholesale divisions, with consolidated sales of around $10.6 billion. Along with cooperative wholesale operations, AWG also manages several subsidiary firms that offer real estate and supermarket development services, print and digital marketing services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods, natural and organic products, among others.

4. Chicken N Pickle

Chicken N Pickle is a distinctive family entertainment hub that provides both indoor and outdoor options. It comprises a laid-back restaurant and sports bar run by skilled chefs, pickleball courts with expert coaching, outdoor seating for relaxation and playing yard games, and pet-friendly areas. The establishment is ideal for both public and private events, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available, and a range of events on the schedule, including benefit concerts, viewing parties, and more. It fosters a friendly atmosphere that brings people of all ages together and celebrates the simple pleasures of life.

5. Commerce Bank

Commerce Bank understands that life’s most significant moments may present financial obstacles. Their objective is to assist individuals and businesses in overcoming financial difficulties so that they can concentrate on their top priorities. For more than 155 years, they have been delivering inventive solutions and personalized care to people, enterprises, and communities, enabling them to realize their aspirations. Commerce Bank provides customers with both personalized attention and cutting-edge solutions, allowing them to bank in the manner, location, and time that best suits them.

6. Crux KC

Crux is the initial non-agency in Kansas City that combines top-level business strategy with marketing to provide clients with a cost-effective, intelligent, and uncomplicated marketing approach. As a business leader seeking expansion, you prefer directness and efficacy, and Crux understands that. They function as an outsourced marketing department for your business, providing all the necessary services without any unnecessary additions.

7. Freedom Interiors

Freedom Interiors specializes in creating customized learning and workspace designs, providing architectural products, and offering education and office furniture. Their goal is to bring your vision to life by leveraging innovative design technology and ensuring every detail is executed precisely as you have imagined it.

With their Live Design process, you are fully immersed in your virtual space, enabling you to visualize and make informed decisions about your project. Additionally, the team tracks your budget throughout the process, ensuring that you stay within your financial means. This approach delivers outstanding results that you will surely love.

8. GBA

GBA has expanded its team and services over the course of 50 years to cater to clients operating in intricate and distinct markets throughout the United States. By assessing clients’ requirements, they provide comprehensive solutions that encompass architectural and engineering design as well as construction services (AEC). They prioritize the application of advanced AEC technology that provides GBA’s professionals with data-driven solutions.

9. H&R Block Inc.

H&R Block is more than just a company – it is a team that is committed to upholding the values of integrity, excellence, and community. Their primary focus is to provide exceptional service to our clients, while also creating a positive impact in the communities we serve.

Their mission is centered around doing what is right for their clients, employees, and the community at large. They aim to deliver superior financial solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients, while also fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and accountability.

At H&R Block, community involvement is an integral part of who they are. They believe in giving back to the communities where they live and work, and strive to make a positive impact through various philanthropic initiatives.

10. KCAS Bioanalytical and Biomarker Services

As a leading CRO organization, KCAS is experiencing rapid growth and have a team of exceptional scientific talent in their lab, along with supportive front-office staff that provide excellent customer service. Their unique position enables them to offer comprehensive GLP/GCP compliant development services to clients, starting from early discovery support and continuing through product registration and beyond. The three entities working together can provide global support in bioanalytical, biomarker, and cellular and molecular assay services, as well as clinical kitting and storage management. KCAS’s family of companies operates from state-of-the-art facilities located in Kansas City and Philadelphia, USA, Milan, Italy, and Lyon, France, with significant opportunities for expansion. Their combined business structure has the ability to support customers worldwide and to continue providing high-quality services to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

11. MMC Corp.

Founded in 1932, MMC Corp is a commercial construction services company with a national presence, headquartered in Overland Park, KS. As a holding company, MMC Corp is the proud owner and operator of several successful brands, including MMC Contractors, MW Builders, Countywide Mechanical, and Building Control Services.

With a rich history of excellence in construction, MMC Corp has established itself as a leader in the industry. They are committed to quality, safety, and innovation in every project they undertake.

Their brands are dedicated to delivering exceptional results, and they specialize in a range of construction services, from design-build to mechanical systems, and much more. With a focus on collaboration and partnership, they work closely with their clients to ensure that every project is completed on time, within budget, and to their satisfaction.

12. Propio Language Services

Propio Language Services is committed to becoming the biggest language services provider in the United States. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, their primary objective is to use cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to bridge the language divide, regardless of the location or time. Their comprehensive range of language services, coupled with rapid connection times, top-notch customer service, and the industry’s finest interpreters, allow them to fulfill their primary objective of simplifying their clients’ lives while maintaining the highest quality standards.

13. SnapIT Solutions

SnapIT Solutions® is a highly regarded small business with an ambitious mission to drive innovation. Established in 2015 by Neelima Parasker, SnapIT® is a woman-owned tech solutions firm that thrives on innovation and operates at a start-up pace. Their team of creators, innovators, and inventors delivers state-of-the-art software and hardware design solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible. They specialize in designing and developing cutting-edge products that are challenging and offer Smart IT Solutions, Faster…Guaranteed!

Moreover, they are committed to creating opportunities for exceptionally talented young adults by screening, training, and preparing them for in-demand tech positions. Their services also include building web-based or mobile-based Minimum Viable Product and expanding your team with additional, risk-free SOW-Based teams.

14. TreviPay

TreviPay is dedicated to tackling the obstacles confronting buyers and sellers in the present-day B2B Commerce landscape. Leveraging cutting-edge technology while maintaining a personalized approach, they strive to simplify merchant interactions with their customers and enhance their overall experience.

15. WellSky

WellSky is a renowned technology firm spearheading the global drive for intelligent and well-coordinated healthcare. With advanced software, analytics, and services, we are enabling stakeholders throughout the health and community care spectrum to achieve better results and reduce expenses.

In today’s value-based care landscape, WellSky is empowering healthcare providers, payers, health systems, and community organizations to tackle difficult issues, foster growth through enhanced collaboration, leverage the potential of data analytics, and attain improved outcomes by better integrating clinical and social care.

In conclusion, being recognized as one of the honorees for the 2023 Champions of Business awards by the Kansas City Business Journal is a tremendous honor for our company. We are proud to be part of a community of businesses that are committed to driving innovation, growth, and positive change in the Kansas City area. We would like to extend our congratulations to all the other honorees and express our gratitude to the Kansas City Business Journal for recognizing our hard work and dedication. We are excited to celebrate this achievement with our colleagues, friends, and family at the upcoming awards ceremony on May 18th. Thank you for this incredible recognition, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in our community.