ATCHISON, Kan., November 27, 2012—The Kansas Department of Commerce recently honored MGP as one of 22 Regional Business Award winners across the state in recognition of the company’s business achievements and high level of community support and involvement. The award was presented during a local ceremony as part of the Commerce Department’s Annual Business Appreciation Program, which celebrates Kansas businesses and their contributions to their communities and the state economy.

“I want to congratulate all of the businesses recognized this year,” Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George said in a news release announcing the awards. “They represent the very best of their communities and Kansas. These awards are a way the state recognizes the business accomplishments and contributions that allow Kansas to be the best place to live and work.”

Divided into six regions of the state, the awards program recognizes businesses from nominations submitted across four categories: manufacturing/distribution; service; retail; and hospital/non-profit. Nominated by the City of Atchison in the manufacturing/distribution category, MGP was one of three regional award winners from the state’s northeast region. The other winners in this 19-county region received awards in the hospital/non-profit and service categories.

“Our city is fortunate to have great companies which have invested and supported our community for many years,” said Atchison Community Development Director Stefanie Leif. “MGP is an example of our long-time strong corporate citizens, and we appreciate the company’s continued investment in Atchison, its provision of diverse job opportunities and support of community events. The city is very pleased with the recognition MGP has received from the Kansas Department of Commerce for its contributions to the regional and state economies.”

Tim Newkirk, MGP president and chief executive officer, said: “Our company is deeply grateful for having been nominated and ultimately chosen as a recipient of this distinguished award. Since MGP’s founding in Atchison 71 years ago, our generations of employees have never lost focus on pursuing methods of continually improving the business and delivering on initiatives that provide value and benefits to our community neighbors, as well as customers, investors and other key stakeholders.”

Support of community enhancement activities and programs related to the recruitment and retention of employees were among criteria on which award selections were based. Through its Corporate Gifts Program and the volunteer involvement of a number of employees, MGP supports multiple non-profit organizations, projects and events in Atchison and the surrounding area, as well as in Onaga, Kan., and Lawrenceburg, Ind., sites of the company’s other facilities.

Principal types of activities and initiatives which the company traditionally has assisted include education, youth development programs, senior citizen programs, health and wellness, social services and cultural events. MGP maintains active involvement in Chamber of Commerce board, council and committee functions. The company additionally has had significant involvement and performed leadership roles in local and area economic development projects for many decades.

Regarding personnel programs and practices, MGP attracts prospective employees with career opportunities in multiple disciplines, such as manufacturing and other supply chain functions, engineering, finance and administration, research and development and technical applications, to name a few. The company offers employees various internal and external training programs and has an online university for all staff to strengthen their expertise and build leadership competencies. MGP additionally provides programs to cross train employees in all areas of the organization.

About MGP

In business since 1941, MGP is a recognized pioneer in the development and production of value-added, grain-based starches, proteins and food-grade alcohol products for the branded packaged goods industry. The Company’s facilities in Atchison, Kan., Onaga, Kan, and the adjoined towns of Lawrenceburg and Greendale, Ind., are dedicated to utilizing the latest technologies and innovations to assure high quality products and to maintain efficient production and service capabilities.