KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE HONORS NORTHEAST KANSAS BUSINESSES
(Posted on Friday, June 22, 2007)
Nineteen northeast Kansas businesses were recognized today for their contributions to their communities and the state economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce's annual Kansas Business Appreciation Month (BAM) Northeast Regional Awards ceremony in Holton.

"We are thrilled to visit Holton and recognize the northeast Kansas businesses that make this state strong," said Commerce Secretary David Kerr. "By designating June as Business Appreciation Month, we foster a year-long appreciation for the crucial role our Kansas businesses play in the state's prosperity and quality of life."

Today's event in Holton is the last of seven regional events to be held throughout June. At each ceremony, one company in each of three categories (Manufacturing/Distribution, Service and Retail) is awarded a Business Excellence Award, with remaining companies given either a Business Achievement Award or a Merit Award.

This year, 270 companies were nominated for BAM Awards. A panel of judges from the business community selected one Business Excellence Award winner and recognized Business Achievement and Merit winners in each category for all seven regions of the state. The judges then selected five finalists for the Governor's Award of Excellence, the top award given to a business by the State, which will be presented at the Kansas Cavalry Encampment in Junction City on June 27.

For photos of business owners at today's event, visit www.kansascommerce.com or contact Joe Monaco at jmonaco@kansascommerce.com.

This year's northeast Business Excellence Awards go to:

Manufacturing/Distribution:

• PT's Coffee Company, Topeka

Service:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Topeka

Retail:

• Porters Building Center, Elwood

This year's northeast Business Achievement Awards go to:

Manufacturing/Distribution:

• Ernest-Spencer Metals Inc., Meriden

Service:

• Jayhawk File Express, LLC, Topeka
• Jefferson County Insurance, Oskaloosa

Retail:

• Lasting Impressions, Holton

The following companies received Merit Awards:

Manufacturing/ Distribution:

• Hemisphere GPS, Hiawatha
• Meriden Machine Shop, Inc., Meriden
• Snorkel International, Wathena
• Summit Truck Bodies, Wathena

Service:

• Abundant Life Hospice, Horton
• Parrish Management Corp., Topeka
• Pat the Plumber®, LLC, Topeka
• Rainbow Communications, Everest

Retail:

• Brown's Shoe Fit Company, Topeka
• First State Bank of Goff, Goff
• Highland Hardware, Highland
• Steve's Corner Drug, Hiawatha