Glasgow, KY – Barren Inc. held their annual Achievement in Business luncheon on Tuesday. This event is held to celebrate the business community and the growth it has seen of late. It’s also a time to recognize businesses and individuals who go above and beyond in their role, and those whose innovations have made an impact locally. Annual awards were presented, as well during the luncheon held at the Parkview Event Center and catered by Esters Farm..
The 2024 Administrative Professional of the Year was awarded to Teresa Kitchens of The Barn Lot Theater. Noted for being a community fixture and always pitching in when needed, Kitchens was proud to accept the award. She recently even helped save a co-workers life, because of her steady and quick response whenever someone needs help. The award was sponsored by Patton Funeral Home.
The Southern States Glasgow Co-op Farmer of the Year winner was Clay Chase of Chase Farms. Chase runs a 1,300 acre grain operation in Barren and Metcalfe counties.
The first ever Young Entrepreneur of the Year award was given to Myles Shirley with MCS Lawn Care. Shirley was humble in his acceptance. His willingness to be a community partner and sponsor for youth and local events, along with his steady growth contributed to the honor. Amazingly enough, Shirley is just a Senior at Barren County High School.
Another inaugural award wrapped up the event; the Lifetime Achievement Award. Winner and Keynote speaker was Bo Matthews, Superintendent of Barren County Schools. As Matthews draws just a few weeks from retirement, his accomplishments and contributions were highlighted at Barren Inc.’s event, Tuesday. In his remarks, Matthews cited the well-known Bible verse, Psalms 29:11, also known as the “Serenity Prayer”, saying that he truly asked for that guidance and wisdom he needed to make Barren County Schools the best school system it could be.
In other awards, Small Business of the Year, presented by German American Bank, was awarded to the Luxury Garden Center. After 11 years in Glasgow, the company is credited with being a champion of the community, and consistently looking to give back…citing the company’s donation of the downtown public Christmas Tree on Glasgow’s square, last year.
The Houchens Industries Magnolia Award winner, given to a female person in business who, like the Magnolia tree, is a symbol of everlasting connections, was Tiffany Somerville with Span Tech. Somerville gave an inspiring speech about leadership and how influencing others makes you a leader, not just in title-only.
The Small Business Person of the Year, presented by The People’s Bank, was given to Bobby Lee Hurt of Hurt Auto Sales, which started 50 years ago. Hurt has a long career of success in many fields, but his true love has always been the automotive business. The People’s Bank President Terry Bunnell said Hurt was “charismatic” and “had what it takes to be successful”. That charisma showed in Hurt’s address to the crowd.
Congratulations to the 2024 Achievement in Business Awards winners.