Glasgow, KY – Barren Inc. The Barren County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Achievement in Business Awards News Conference to show appreciation and honor the local business community, Tuesday. According to board member Scott Kerley, the organization has grown by over 230 members in the past two years. Three awards were announced Tuesday; the Magnolia Award, the Small Business Person of the Year, and the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award.
According to a Barren Inc. press release, the Magnolia Award is sponsored by Houchens Industries and recognizes a female leader who demonstrates excellence in the Barren County community. This year the Magnolia Award went to Tiffany Somerville with SpanTech, LLC. Tiffany’s leadership is evident in both the professional and civic settings. In her role as Co-CEO of SpanTech, Tiffany is strategic in placing staff in positions where their strengths shine and provides them with a platform to grow.
Somerville was unable to attend the news conference, but was surprised by the staff of Span Tech and Barren Inc. president and CEO, Maureen Carpenter just days ahead. Those in attendance watched a video of that taking place on the Span Tech Campus.
The next award announced was the Small Business Person of the Year sponsored by The Peoples Bank. This award recognizes a local business owner who demonstrates excellence in entrepreneurship and operating a successful small business. This year Bobby Lee Hurt with Hurt Auto Sales was announced as the recipient. Bobby Lee opened his first business in his early twenties in Monticello, Kentucky. In the early 2000s, he moved his business to Glasgow, and it has since become a thriving small business and cornerstone of the community. Over the years he has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, ensuring the continued success of his business. Bobby Lee is also an avid community supporter.
Hurt’s family and supporters were there, but Bobby Lee was very surprised to receive the recognition. Community leader Terry Bunnell presented the award wearing full Scottish attire and kilt to show appreciation for the groundwork Hurt laid for the foundation of the Glasgow Highland Games, and for commerce and tourism, in general, in the Barrens.
Bobby Lee’s steadfast dedication to serving both his customers and his community solidified his win for the 2024 Small Business Person of the Year.
The final award presented was the Lifetime Achievement Award. This is Barren Inc.’s first year recognizing an individual with this honor and it was created to celebrate an individual whose extraordinary contributions have left an incredible mark on their field of endeavor and community. Bo Matthews with Barren County Schools was announced as Barren Inc.’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Bo, who will be retiring from his role as Superintendent of Barren County Schools at the end of this school year has been with the school system for over 30 years and has served in the role as superintendent for the past 13.
Matthews was surprised, as well, as a room full of Barren County Schools staff marched in one-by-one. Matthews was so surprised, he was even filming the award introduction on his mobile device while the faculty filled the back of the room at the WKU Glasgow Campus
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On May 7th, 2024 Tiffany, Bobby Lee, and Bo will be recognized and presented with their official awards at the Achievement in Business Awards Luncheon, where they will serve as the keynote speakers for the event. The Chamber will also be announcing the 2024 Administrative Professional of the Year, Farmer of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and Small Business of the Year at the luncheon. The luncheon serves as a kick-off for Small Business Appreciation Month and a way to celebrate local businesses and community leaders. Tickets are on sale now through the beginning of May and can be purchased by contacting Erin Hiles at erin@barreninc.com or online at www.barreninc.com
