Several local and regional entrepreneurs were among owners of 19 Kansas small businesses honored during the fifth annual Emerging and Existing Business of the Year program.

The honorees were chosen for recognition from among more than 2,200 businesses statewide that received services last year through a network of Small Business Development Centers.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius addressed the winners during a presentation at the Kansas Capitol, thanking them for contributing to the economic prosperity of Kansas and encouraging them to help others who may want to go into business for themselves.

Among honorees in the Existing Business category: Dan Chavez, Trinidad Chavez and Richard Chavez, owners of Chavez Restoration, of Lawrence and Topeka; Larry Heilman, owner of Smith Audio Visual Inc., Topeka; and Marlina and Gary Poff, owners of Sensei Salon LLC, Emporia.

Among honorees in the Emerging Business category: Brenda Gentry, owner of JC Mortgage & Title Company, Junction City; and Ryan Murphy, owner of Wheat State Pizza LLC, Lawrence.