The Kansas Department of Commerce announced Thursday that Geary Community Hospital is one of five finalists for the 2014 Governors Award of Excellence.

The award is the highest given to a business by the state and is given as a part of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Business Appreciation Month, a statewide tribute to Kansas Businesses for their contributions to our state. GCH was one of 100 Kansas Businesses nominated for the award.

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce nominated GCH for the award.

Susan Jagerson, Chamber EDC Specialist, explained that GCH fit the criteria for the award.

“The criteria for the award are a great community partner, somebody who invests in the community, somebody who has been in the community for a long time, somebody who invests in their employees, and they really fit that,” Jagerson said.

Dr. Joseph Stratton, GCH CEO, explained that the GCH is the only hospital out of the five finalists.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to represent healthcare in this way within the state, but particularly right here in Geary County and in northeast Kansas being a excellent place to receive healthcare.”

Businesses were nominated for the award in five categories of manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/nonprofit. Award qualifications included: business expansion in Kansas; successful employee retention and recruitment practices; employee training/educational programs; capital investment in Kansas; and support of local activities including school activities, community events, economic development and leadership programs.

GCH will join the other finalists June 17th at the Charles Koch Arena on the Wichita State University campus for the announcement of the Governor’s Award of Excellence winner.