Left to right: J & B Construction, Jade Millwrights Inc.and Hiawatha ACES

(KNZA)--A recognition of hard work.

That happened Thursday in Hiawatha, during a social mixer held by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development.

Among the guests at the evening event was Lyle Peterson, Regional Project Manager for the Kansas Department of Commerce.

He was there to help recognize three local entities, all named as winners of Merit Awards during Kansas Business Appreciation Month, held in June.

Peterson made presentations of recognition to all three, including the not-for-profit Hiawatha ACES, J & B Construction, and Jade Millwrights Inc., all of Hiawatha.

They were among 63 statewide Merit Award winners named during the Kansas Department of Commerce sponsored Business Appreciation Month, held each year to commend the best of the best from across the state.