This month, the first Excellence in Commerce Awards will be presented to area businesses by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
Eighteen companies in six categories have been nominated for the awards, which will be presented at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 17 at the Lawrence Holidome.
Here are brief profiles of the three nominees for the Manufacturing/Distribution award, from information provided on each company’s application for the award. Profiles of the nominees in the other categories will be published before Oct. 17.

Sauer-Danfoss Co.
Address: 3840 Greenway Circle, East Hills Business Park, Lawrence.
Area representative: Keith Folkmann, director of plant operations.
Area employees: 104
Years at current location: Five. The production work in Lawrence was moved from Ames, Iowa.
Main products/services: The plant manufactures and supplies hydrostatic transmissions, steering components, motors, valves, and controls to companies across the globe.
Company vision: Provide the highest value solutions to customers. Be recognized as the most competent supplier in the industry. Be seen as the company easiest to do business with.
Hallmark Cards
Address: 101 McDonald Drive, Lawrence.
Area representative: Mary Beth Brown, production center manager.
Area Employees: 795
Years at current location: 45 years. The Lawrence plant was built in 1958. The company was founded in 1910 in Kansas City, Mo.
Main products/services: Manufactures stickers, invitations, ribbons, bows and greeting cards, including the company’s Shoebox Greetings line.
Company vision: To provide products and services that enrich the lives of its customers.

Allen Press Inc.
Address: 1041 N.H., Lawrence.
Area representative: Rand Allen, chief executive.
Area Employees: 344
Years at current location: 68 years at 1041 N.H. and 14 years at a manufacturing facility at 810 E. 10th St., Lawrence.
Main products/services: Publishes scholarly, environmental, scientific and technical and medical publications and journals. Also provides editorial services, management and executive director services for scholarly, environmental and medical associations.
Company vision: To never follow but always lead, and to provide leadership that is always focused on the benefit of its nonprofit customers.