Nominations for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Business Appreciation Month awards are now open. The awards serve as a statewide tribute to businesses for their contributions to Kansas and their local communities.

The awards are announced each June. Regional finalists are recognized at an awards ceremony during the Team Kansas/Kansas Cavalry awards banquet, with the top nominee receiving the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the highest award given to a business by the state. The 2012 winner was Nex-Tech Inc. of Lenora.

Nominations are accepted from chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, small business development centers, organizations and individuals. Companies may also nominate themselves.

Nominations are accepted through 5 p.m., April 3, 2013 and will be evaluated during the following month, with regional winners selected in the manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/non-profit categories. In May, the overall finalists give a presentation about their company and community involvement to the panel of judges. The recipient of the Governor’s Award of Excellence is then announced at the Team Kansas/Kansas Cavalry awards ceremony in June.
Award qualifications include:

• Business expansion in Kansas.
• Successful employee retention and recruitment practices.
• Employee training/educational programs.
• Capital investment in Kansas.
• Support of local activities including school activities, community events, economic development and leadership programs.

To submit an online nomination, visit KansasCommerce.com/BAM. For more information, contact the Department’s Krista Mellen at (785) 296-7911 or [email protected].