Four Lawrence companies were among those receiving Merit Awards on Tuesday from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The companies – Deciphera Pharmaceuticals LLC, Prosoco Inc., Z’s Divine Espresso and The World Company, which owns the Journal-World – were among 274 firms to be honored.

The awards recognize businesses with significant economic development and expansion, quality employee-training programs and contributions to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy.

The Lawrence businesses were nominated by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, which honored all four last year with its own Excellence in Commerce Awards.

“It is with great pleasure we recognize these and other outstanding Kansas companies, which have been nominated by people and organizations in their communities,” Commerce Secretary Howard Fricke said Tuesday.

“While June is set aside for Business Appreciation Month, it is my hope that Kansans will recognize the crucial role local businesses play in their communities throughout the year.”

The Lawrence companies received their awards during the East Central Region ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn, Reardon Center in Kansas City, Kan.

Watco Cos., of Pittsburg, won the top award, the Governor’s Award of Excellence, last week during a ceremony at the Kansas Cavalry Encampment in Topeka.