Dessin Fournir finalist for Governor's Award

The Kansas Department of Commerce (Commerce) has announced the finalists for this year’s Governor’s Award of Excellence, the highest honor a business can receive from the state. The Governor’s Award of Excellence is presented annually to a business that exemplifies Kansas values and makes a tremendous contribution to the economy and the quality of life in the community it serves.

This year’s finalists for this prestigious award are:

Dessin Fournir Companies – Plainville
·Five subsidiaries design, manufacture, and market furniture, fabrics, and lighting for the design trade
·Started economic development organization in Plainville
·Established in 1993
·72 employees

Lewis, Hooper & Dick, LLC – Garden City
·Accounting firm offering a broad range of services
·Active in downtown association, community development, and educational activities
·Established in 1955
·38 employees

Shelton Collision Repair, Inc. – Derby
·Provides complete auto repair services
·Participates in program to repair and restore wrecked vehicles for donation to deserving individuals and organizations
·Established in 1976
·10 employees

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation – Hays
·Consumer-owned corporation operated by six rural electric distribution cooperatives
·Instrumental in organizing the western Kansas Economic Development Alliance
·Organized in 1957
·219 employees

“As different as these exceptional businesses are in the type of work they do, they share a common role in their communities,” said Lt. Governor/Commerce Secretary John Moore. “They provide important employment and training opportunities for Kansans; they supply valuable services and products; and they all go the extra mile in giving something back to their communities.”

Governor Kathleen Sebelius will honor the finalists and name the Governor’s Award of Excellence winner at the Kansas Cavalry Encampment to be held the evening of June 8 at Washburn University in Topeka. The Encampment will be held in the Washburn Room, Washburn University Living Learning Center, 1700 College Avenue, Topeka. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., with Governor Sebelius presenting the Governor’s Award of Excellence at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence are chosen from all companies nominated for recognition during Kansas Business Appreciation Month, celebrated in June. An independent panel of chamber of commerce officials, economic development professionals, and business people from across the state select the finalists.

Funding for Business Appreciation Month activities is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF), which is derived from state lottery proceeds, and also by the Kansas Cavalry, a volunteer group whose members support economic development and serve as business ambassadors for the state.

For more information on the Governor’s Award of Excellence or Kansas Business Appreciation Month, contact Kristy Druse at (785) 296-3805 or kdruse@kansascommerce.com.

The mission of the Kansas Department of Commerce is to empower business and communities through bold leadership using strategic resources to realize prosperity in Kansas.