BRADD celebrates 57 years, Anderson and Thurmond honored with Tim Lee Carter Award

MUNFORDVILLE, Ky. – Congratulations are in order for two recipients of the Tim Lee Carter award at the Barren River Area Development District 57th Annual Meeting.

On Tuesday, former BRADD chairman Steve Thurmond and Monroe County businessman Kerry Anderson were named the 2025 recipients of the award.

The award started in 1980 to honor a Monroe County physician who served 16 years in Congress, recognized for his support of people over programs, according to a release by BRADD.

Both of this year’s recipients met nomination criteria, honor superior achievement toward BRADD’s goals, the release states.

The release further states Monroe County citizen board member Carter Walden presented the award to Anderson, noting Anderson Forest Products’ legacy in the region. The company has provided more than 200 jobs and helped to bring high-speed fiber internet all across the country, officials say.

Anderson stated, “I am proud to be from the region and contribute to the economy, but I’m most proud to help develop community.”

Anderson is the current president of AFP having worked for the family business since 1983. Anderson has been married to his wife, Kim, for 40 years, and has three children and six grandchildren.

Warren County attorney Amy Hale Chandler introduced the second recipient, Thurmond.

Thurmond served over 33 years on BRADD’s board of directors, the release states, and chaired the board from 2019-22, the longest term in ADD history as chairman. He also chaired the statewide Kentucky Council of Area Development District from 2023-24, according to the release.

Thurmond has reportedly been “very involved in all things Franklin – Simpson County,” the release states.

From 2007, he served on their Industrial Authority and is the executive director for the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce.

Thurmond has helped guide the tremendous growth and quality of life improvement initiatives in the community.

Thurmond said, “You are what is important, the work you do made my previous role as chairman easy, it’s working together that makes this region so special”. Steve has been married to his bride, Brenda Hall Thurmond for 55 years, together raising three children and ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

The event also featured a motivational keynote from native, Capt. Michael Burd (retired) U.S. Navy. Burd delivered remarks supporting regionalism and working together, officials say, drawing from his upbringing in Hart County playing in the state Sweet 16 to this over 30 year Navy career. Burd captivated the crowd with his inspiring message of community and collaboration.

BRADD also released its Fiscal Year 2025 community impact report, highlighting over 14,000 individuals served, $131 million of investment brought to the region, over 180,000 meals served to area seniors and several community-focused initiatives, including the kick-off of the Anchor Project: a regional response to the opioid crisis.

For more information about BRADD’s annual meeting or to see the Fiscal Year 2025 report, “Our Progress, Our Plan, Our Promise,” go to bradd.org.