Local names recognized as winners at Excellence Awards Luncheon

Introduction

Bowling Green, KY- The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Excellence Awards Luncheon on May 14, 2024. This year, the luncheon was led by Doug and Michelle Gorman, previous recipients of the Excellence Awards. A diverse range of awards were given out and local names from various industries were recognized for their exemplary contributions to the local community.

Awards and Recipients

The coveted awards handed out at the event included the 2024 ATHENA, ATHENA Young Professional, Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the year, Nonprofit of the Year, and Small Business Person of the Year. The anticipated announcements were finally made and the honorees included Melinda Hill from CASA of South Central KY(named the 2024 ATHENA), Spence Sheldon from Donatos Pizza (Small Business Person of the Year), Maegan Hance from Triple Crown Auto Glass SOKY (ATHENA Young Professional), Be Happy Yoga and Salt Cave (Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the Year), and The Salvation Army of Bowling Green (Nonprofit of the Year).

Chamber President and CEO Comments

Ron Bunch, the Chamber’s President and CEO, spoke highly of the winners during the event, stating, “It’s a privilege to have such outstanding individuals in this community. Their dedication and willingness to serve others exemplifies our community’s spirit and drive.” He also emphasized that these award ceremonies are aimed at acknowledging their dedicated service and remarkable contributions to the local region.

Support from Local Partners

Rick Seadler, the regional president of Pinnacle Financial Partners expressed his company’s immense pleasure at being able to support the event and lauded the achievements of the individuals and businesses being recognized. He stressed that these kinds of events are pivotal to spotlight the outstanding contributions that promote the dynamism and innovation that propels the local community.

The chamber also extended a special thanks to Pinnacle Financial Partners for their generous title sponsorship, along with all the additional award and event sponsors including Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM, German American Bank, Gerald Printing, and English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP amongst others.

Significance of the Awards

The awards are highly significant – they celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of local individuals and businesses. For instance, the ATHENA Award was brought to Bowling Green in the 1980s by the late Cornelius Martin as a tribute to women in business. The award continues in his memory, and this year it recognized Melinda Hill’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and contribution to the growth of other leaders, particularly women. Similar significance encapsulates the other awards handed out, and they aim to boost and acknowledge the commendable work done in the Bowling Green community.

Conclusion

The awards presented represent recognition for excellence, professionalism, innovation, and above all, dedication to serving the local Bowling Green community. In recognizing both individual and business achievements, they help to foster an environment of camaraderie and mutual respect that encourages continued growth and success. As the evening drew to a close, the winners’ names resonated with attendees, embodying not just the achievements of the past year, but the exciting potential for the year ahead.