KDC

TOPEKA–Kansas has been awarded a 2016 Silver Shovel Award by Area Development. The publication awarded 2016 Shovel Awards to a number of states across the country in their respective population categories. Kansas has received nine Silver Shovels and one Gold Shovel in the last eleven years.

“Kansas’ long history of receiving Shovel Awards is a reflection of the work of our Commerce team and how we do business within our state and outside of it,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Antonio Soave. “We always have and continue to put our passion and determination into each and every business deal, developing relationships with the companies we work with and creating a business climate that the entire state of Kansas can be proud of.”

The Annual Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers as well as investments in expanded facilities.

Area Development awards Silver Shovels based on five population categories, automotive, e-commerce, solar energy, as well as small cities projects creating in excess of 1,000 jobs. The publication said, “The states receiving this year’s Shovel Awards are being recognized for their large numbers of high-impact economic development projects, including $1 billion+ deals with thousands of new jobs.”