– Michael Hinton, Owner | CEO of TalkingTractors.com, along with an accomplished
group of Kansas businesses, organizations, and individuals, were honored Thursday, October 03, 2024, during the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors
Bureau. The event recognized the outstanding contributions to the state’s economy and communities.
Hinton was bestowed a Merit Award in the category of Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned home to make a mark in the Sunflower State. Born in Newton, KS, and growing up in rural Harvey County; Hinton and his family had relocated to 5-U.S. States over the span of the last 25-years for his career, before moving back home to Kansas (briefly in 2015 and permanently in 2020). TalkingTractors.com was launched in January 2024 and has quickly become Nationally recognized for Antique Tractor Preservation Day, an Ag Heritage celebration that Hinton founded.
A record 346 businesses, organizations, and individuals were nominated in nine categories for this year’s To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards. A total of 53 Merit Awards and 45 Regional Awards were presented at the event. In an October 03, 2024,
Kansas Office of the Governor Media Release, Governor Laura Kelly said, “By honoring and showcasing their accomplishments, we aim to inspire other businesses to keep reaching for new opportunities across our state.”
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland added, “Each of the nominees play a critical role in the new era of Kansas we are creating —they are truly the pillars of our success and more than worthy of being celebrated.”
“I cannot imagine a better life than being born a Kansan, raised a Kansan, and calling Kansas home, stated Michael Hinton, adding, “This award further speaks to my passion for preserving America’s heritage farm machinery for future generations, and bringing continued awareness to our state’s renowned agricultural heritage.”
