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JACKSON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
105 W. 4th | PO Box 128
Holton, KS 66436
785-364-2101
Fax: 785-364-2045
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Home  News News
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Two Local Businesses Receive Kansas Department of Commerce Awards |
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Two Holton businesses, Hammersmith Manufacturing and Sales and Oldham’s LLC, recently received Kansas Business Appreciation Month (BAM) Awards from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The awards were presented during a luncheon ceremony held in Topeka on June 12, 2008, where 16 northeast Kansas businesses were recognized for their contributions to their communities and the Kansas economy.
In all, more than 196 Kansas companies were nominated in three award categories- Manufacturing/Distribution, Service and Retail. “We are thrilled to recognize these Kansas businesses that make this state strong,” said Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary Dave 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.”
Hammersmith Manufacturing and Sales was presented a Merit Award in the Manufacturing/Distribution category. A third generation family owned steel fabrication, assembly and sales company, Hammersmith employees more than 90 at their facilities in Holton and Horton. The company provides support for a wide range of school and community activities including yearbook programs, PTO raffles, summer basketball programs, Boy Scout troops, Christmas Bureau and other community initiatives. Hammersmith Manufacturing and Sales was nominated by the Jackson County Development Corporation.
Oldham’s LLC was presented a Business Achievement Award in the Manufacturing/Distribution category. Oldham’s LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnsonville Sausage, which processes and manufactures fresh pork Johnsonville Bratwurst and Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage products. Since purchasing the Holton facility in 2003, the company has made capital improvements of more than $7 million and now has 160 employees. In addition to a making a great product, the company has been recognized by a number of outside organizations as one of the best businesses for which to work. The company has been a strong supporter of various school activities for Holton, Jackson Heights, Royal Valley, Valley Falls and Wetmore school districts. The company also supports dozens of events throughout the region and is active four different economic development organizations and six leadership groups. Oldham’s LLC was nominated by the Jackson County Development Corporation.
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Johnsonville Sausage Honored with Presidential Export Award |
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Washington – Today Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined President Bush at the White House to present Johnsonville of Sheboygan Falls, Wis., with the Presidential ‘E’ Award for excellence in exporting.
“Johnsonville Sausage is helping to keep
America competitive in the global marketplace. I commend them for contributing to last year’s record in goods and services. Thanks to Johnsonville and the thousands of others that compete in the global market, U.S. exports last year rose 12.6 percent over the previous year to more than $1.6 trillion, making an important contribution to
U.S. economic growth,” said Gutierrez.
The ‘E’ Award is the highest honor the federal government can give to American people, firms or organizations that have made significant contributions to the increase of American exports. This marks the 46th Anniversary of the Presidential E-Award created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
“Johnsonville made the strategic decision years ago to invest in expanding the company’s activities outside the
United States , as a way to increase channels for growth,” said Bill Morgan, president, Johnsonville. “This strategy, based upon brand development in international markets and building an international infrastructure, has allowed us to grow so that we’re currently exporting to 30 countries around the world.”
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the number one national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links. The company employs more than 1,400 members. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.
Background:
With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global network and international resources to connect
U.S. companies with international buyers worldwide. For more information on the U.S. Commercial Service, please visit www.export.gov.
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Jackson County Developemnt Corporation Awards Expansion Grants |
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Friday, May 2, 2008
The Jackson County Development Corporation has awarded $3,000 in grant funding to two local businesses for expansion projects JCDC Board President Jim Potter announced today.
All Around Sweets, a locally owned and family operated pie and candy shop, was awarded $500 to assist with their expansion to include a gourmet coffee and espresso bar. The grant funds will be used to pay for building modification costs neccessary to house the new product line. The business expansion will create one new job and All Around Sweets will match the funds granted.
"All Around Sweets continues to look at new ways to enhance the products and services they offer and these funds will allow them to continue to tap into new markets. They will also be filling a void left by the closing of the former coffee and espresso bar," Potter said.
Eubanks Custom Woodworks, Inc., a locally owned cabinet and wood shop, was awarded a $2,500 grant to assist with their expansion to enhance their showroom and office area. This business expansion will create one additional job and Eubanks will match the grant funds.
"These grant funds will allow Eubanks to showcase additional product lines by providing more showroom space. The office area will also be enhanced to allow increased space for their designers, " Potter said.
The Jackson County Development Corporation works with existing County businesses on business expansion and job retention projects, as well as recruitment of new businesses to Jackson County. Since 2006, JCDC has assisted in creating 53 new jobs, more than $2.78 million in capital investment and more than $1.69 million in additional payroll to Jackson County.
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The new Jackson County logos are now available for download. Click here to visit our Logos page.
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JCK Event Calendar Now Online! |
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The Jackson County Calendar of Events is now online. Click here to check out what's happening.
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