Date:            March 14, 2006         

Contact:        Ryan Entz, (316) 268-1152                                

The Chamber’s Top 10 small businesses combine for more than 500 years in

Wichita area

Wichita, Kan. – From nearly 200 nominated businesses, a panel of judges selected this year’s Top 10 for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Awards program.

The 2006 honorees demonstrate a tremendous commitment to the Wichita metro area. Combined, these companies represent 503 years in business, ranging from 15 years to 120. They average nearly 50 full-time equivalent employees (FTE) for a total of 487, with 95 employees representing the largest business and 21 the smallest. Most impressive, these 10 businesses support 105 local nonprofits—with many of those 105 supported by multiple Top 10 honorees.

“This year’s Top 10 were chosen based on their outstanding business success and exceptional commitment to our community,” says Martha Linsner, vice president and trust officer at TCK Trust and Financial Advisors and chair of the Wichita Metro Chamber’s Small Business Awards committee. “These honorees truly personify the entrepreneurial spirit and generosity that make this community better. We’re pleased to honor them with this award and some much-deserved recognition.”

The 2006 Top 10 Small Businesses:

Equity Bank                   

Fahnestock Heating, A/C & Electric

Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch, LLC

iSi Integrated Solutions Inc.

Law/Kingdon Inc.

Murdock Companies, Inc.

Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper

Scott Rice Office Interiors

The Law Company, Inc

WDM Architects

Judges rated the companies based on growth, financial strength, employee relations, community service and company history. Eligible companies had to be for-profit, headquartered in the Wichita metro area, employ no more than 100 FTE employees and be in business a minimum of three years. The panel will select the top small business based on a site visit, events participation and community involvement.

The Top 10 will be honored at multiple Chamber events in the coming months before the Small Business Awards Program culminates with the naming of one Small Business of the Year at the Small Business Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 16 at the Hyatt Regency, 400 W. Waterman. Tickets are $25.

Other events to honor the Top 10:

• April 13: Small Business Awards Top 10 Showcase, 5:30-7 p.m., Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., cost is $10 per person in advance and $13 at the door.
• April 16: Sunrise Scrambler featuring a Top 10 businesses panel,  
  7:30 - 9 a.m., Best Western Wichita North/Park City, 915 E. 53rd St. North,
  cost is $10 per person in advance and $13 at the door.
  

All Small Business Awards events are open to the public. Registration is available online at www.wichitachamber.org by clicking on the calendar or by contacting Kristy Vogel at 268-1117 or kvogel@wichitachamber.org.

Presenting Sponsor: NCRI – National Catastrophe Restoration Inc.; Gold Sponsor: The Wichita Eagle; Luncheon Host Sponsor: Coventry HealthCare of Kansas; Showcase Host Sponsors: TCK Trust & Financial Advisors; Wichita Art Museum; Showcase Sponsors: Armstrong Shank Advertising, Boeing Wichita Credit Union, Kelly Services, Inc., Towne East Square/Simon Property Group; Print Sponsors: Bank of the West, Bradley Fair and Emprise Bank.