Forty-six northwest Kansas businesses were recognized for their contributions to their communities and the sate economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s annual Kansas Business Appreciation Month (BAM) Northwest Regional Awards ceremony held in Wakeeney on June 14. Five of the businesses were from Rooks County.

"We are thrilled to visit Wakeeney and recognize the northwest 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."

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.

Merit Award winners from Rooks County included:

• Simple Business Solutions of Plainville which provides general office assistance including bookkeeping, payroll, data processing, bill paying, word processing and temporary services. They were nominated by the Fort Hays Small Business Development Center.

• Solomon Valley Manor of Stockton which is a city-owned skilled nursing facility. They provide long- and short-term senior care, adult day care, and outpatient therapy. They were nominated by the Stockton PRIDE Committee.

• Farm Implement and Supply of Plainville, a farm equipment sales and service business that was established in Plainville in 1945. They were nominated by Rooks County Economic Development.
• Plainville Short Stop, LLC of Plainville, a locally owned convenience store that includes a car wash and U-Haul rental. They also serve homemade meals each day. They were nominated by Rooks County Economic Development.
• Westhusings, Inc. of Stockton which sells, installs and services complete fuel systems for fuel distribution businesses. They were nominated by Rooks County Economic Development.

Rooks County businessman Ron Overlease was also a recipient as part of Solomon Valley Funeral Company, Inc. out of Hill City.