The inaugural EMPOWER Business Awards were presented this week by the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation.

And the winners are:

• Plowboys Barbeque, Entrepreneur of the Year

• Foster Dental Care, Small Business of the Year

• Fike Corporation, Large Business of the Year

• Lyle Shaver, Civic Leader of the Year

“Our EMPOWER Awards founding task-force members did a wonderful job getting this inaugural event planned and executed,” said Brien Starner, president of the Blue Springs EDC. “We received many qualified nominations for all of the categories, which made their final decisions difficult. I would like to congratulate each of the winners and thank everyone who submitted an application.”

The EMPOWER Business Awards honor business and entrepreneurship in Blue Springs and the civic spirit that they encourage in the community. The award winners were chosen for economic growth, development, capital investment, job creation or retention, and leadership.