A local businessman is the winner of the 2022 Governor's Award of Excellence in the Under 30 Entrepreneur and Businessperson category. Akul A Patel with A-1 Computers in Fredonia saw a need for a computer repair business and started very small.

A-1 Computers and Patel were recognized by the Governor as a business that is driving local success with their entrepreneurial spirit and because they are doers, she has challenged the winners of the amazing businesses and business people to help normalize the incredible run she feels the state is on.

Textron Aviation was also recognized by the Governor with the Exporter of the Year Award. The Wichita-based aviation company is the manufacturer of Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands. Textron also has manufacturing facilities in the Independence Industrial Park.