By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow and Barren County community members were honored by Barren Inc for their contributions to the chamber of commerce during the Sybil Leamon Volunteer Awards on Jan. 22.
Four awards — the Young Professional of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Board Member of the Year and the namesake Sybil Leamon Volunteer of the Year — were presented during the course of the ceremony, which was held at Western Kentucky University’s campus in Glasgow.
Janis Turner was the 2026 recipient of the Sybil Leamon Volunteer of the Year award. It was named in honor of Sybil Leamon, according to Barren Inc, and recognizes “an individual whose lifelong commitment to service embodies the heart of the Chamber and community.”
Apart from the numerous Barren Inc accolades, Turner has various leadership roles in the community, including with the Glasgow Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Joint City-County Planning Commission, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southern Kentucky, and the Rotary Club of Glasgow-Barren County.
Turner got emotional as she listened to past-award-recipient Scott Kerley heap kind words on her, and as her family and friends filed into the red-and-white-painted room.
“You have no idea how much this means to me,” Turner said. “We’re so blessed to have this community…it’s been an honor to work [with Barren Inc].”
Ryan Hinkley was awarded the Young Professional of the Year award. Revived in 2024, the award was “established to recognize an emerging leader who demonstrates professional excellence and community involvement,” according to Barren Inc.
“Thank you, I really appreciate this,” Hinkley said. “Without young people [Barren County] is not going to grow.”
Two-year ambassador Cathy Jo Wilson received the Ambassador of the Year award for “exceeding expectations” in her role as a chamber of commerce ambassador, according to information provided by Barren Inc.
“She actively supports the Chamber by volunteering at numerous events, attending ribbon cuttings and member celebrations, and assisting with member recruitment and retention efforts,” Barren Inc stated.
Chris Houchens, general manager at Commonwealth Broadcasting, was given the Board Member of the Year award, particularly for playing an important role in “strengthening the chamber’s marketing and outreach efforts,” according to the chamber of commerce.
Barren Inc President and Chief Executive Officer Maureen Carpenter said volunteers are “the heartbeat” of the community.
“Each of this year’s award recipients has made a meaningful impact on our organization and our community,” Carpenter said. “We sincerely thank them for their unwavering dedication and service.”
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