GLASGOW, Ky. – On Tuesday morning, Barren Inc. The Barren County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Achievement in Business Awards News Conference.
At the event, the chamber announced its Magnolia Award recipient, Small Business Person of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, all in an effort to show appreciation and honor the local business community.
The event took place at the Western Kentucky University campus in Glasgow, Kentucky.
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The Magnolia Award sponsored by Houchens Industries 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,
According to a release by the chamber, Somerville is strategic in placing staff in positions where their strengths shine and provides them with a platform to grow. According to her friends and family, she refers to her team as the heart of SpanTech. She also works endless hours for multiple nonprofits in the community. She leads by example to support Barren County, which challenges others and businesses to do the same. The chamber says Somerville has set the bar high for herself and others.
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. Hurt 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, the chamber says he has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, ensuring the continued success of his business.
Hurt is also an avid community supporter, according to the chamber. He is a longtime sponsor of local clubs and organizations for local school systems, little league teams, fundraising events, and more. He was also an instrumental part of the Glasgow Highland Games, where he served as Vice President for 25 years. Hurt has also served as a deacon at First Christian Church, led the Trash Master’s Cleanup, has served on state boards related to tourism and restaurant management and served for many years as a chamber board member and tourism commission member. The chamber says Hurt’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.
Matthews, 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. He attended WKU and began his career as a substitute teacher and bus driver. Matthews has served many roles from coach, bus driver, teacher, principal, superintendent and more with the school system, impacting thousands of students and families in the Barren County Community, the chamber says. Matthews’ commitment to excellence in education and his dedication to the community made him the ideal recipient of this award.
Community leaders and small businesses play a vital role in creating a thriving community. Barren County is fortunate to be in a region where there is a bountiful supply of leaders and where local businesses are embraced and supported by the community. “Tiffany, Bobby Lee, and Bo are great examples of excellence in the Barren County community. Individuals like them help continue to lead our community forward and provide a positive and lasting impact on our region” said Chamber president & CEO Maureen Carpenter.
On May 7, 2024 Somerville, Hurt and Matthews 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 [email protected] or online at Barreninc.com.
