Left to right:  Steve Jack and Ashley Hardin (Leavenworth County Development Corporation), Robert W. Hatch, CEO and Kimberly Krauss (Cereal Ingredients, Inc.), Monica Brede (Kansas Department of Commerce)
From left: Steve Jack, executive director, Leavenworth County Development Corp.; Ashley Hardin, economic development coordinator, Leavenworth County Development Corp.; Robert W. Hatch, chief executive officer, Cereal Ingredients; Kimberly Krauss, executive and legal assistant, Cereal Ingredients, Inc.; and Monica Brede, regional project manager, Kansas Department of Commerce.
 

LEAVENWORTH, KAS. — Cereal Ingredients, Inc. (CII), Leavenworth, was awarded the Kansas Governor’s Award of Excellence, the top award given to a business by the state of Kansas, at an awards banquet in Emporia, Kas., on June 6. The company was recognized based on its contribution to the local and state economy for its success, business growth, its investment and community involvement.

In 2016, CII invested more than $13 million in new facilities and equipment, resulting in an additional 68,000 square feet of warehouse, additional production capacity and 80 new jobs. The company moved its headquarters to Kansas in 2005 with 32 jobs and now employs 184.

CII’s community efforts over the years have included contributing to many local activities, including public schools, scholarships, festivals, donating fresh baked foods to local food kitchens and participating in local fundraisers for a medical clinic for low-income and uninsured individuals. The company also hosts the Leavenworth-Lansing Leadership class each year and is actively involved in the Leavenworth County Development Corp.

In 2009, CII was awarded Kansas Exporter of the Year, honoring its international marketing success.

CII was founded in 1990 by Robert W. Hatch and is a manufacturer of specialty food ingredients that add flavor, texture and color to bread, baked foods, waffles, cereals, ice cream and snacks. In addition, CII addresses the health and wellness sector with direct expanded protein and whole grain crisps.