Kansas is being recognized by Area Development magazine for excellence in job creation and business expansion.

The state is a winner in the magazine’s annual Golden Shovel Awards, given to states that have produced the best and most jobs per capita. Kansas was the top performer among states with a populations of 3 million or less.

Kansas also was recognized last year for its job-creation efforts by Area Development.

The 2006 awards will be included in the June edition of Area Management, an executive magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation. It has more than 45,000 subscribers.