Barren Inc. celebrates excellence at 2026 Achievement in Business Awards luncheon

GLASGOW, Ky. – Community leaders, nonprofit advocates and local business owners gathered Thursday in Glasgow as Barren Inc. honored individuals and organizations making an impact across Barren County during the 2026 Achievement in Business Awards Luncheon.

The annual event, hosted by the Barren County Chamber of Commerce, recognized recipients in five categories: Administrative Professional of the Year, Farmer of the Year, Small Business of the Year, the Magnolia Award and Small Business Person of the Year.

Barren Inc. President and CEO Maureen Carpenter said the recipients represent the people helping move the community forward through leadership, service and innovation.

“These recipients represent the very best of Barren County,” Carpenter said. “Their commitment to excellence, service and community is what drives our region forward.”

The Administrative Professional of the Year Award went to Mariel Casian, human resources director for the Barren County Family YMCA. Casian was recognized for her leadership, community outreach and efforts to strengthen connections between Hispanic and immigrant families and local resources.

The Farmer of the Year Award was presented to Ken Wininger of Wininger Homestead Farm. Wininger, a fifth-generation farmer, was honored for his dedication to agriculture, mentorship and volunteer leadership within Barren County’s farming community.

Lockshield Partners Accounting Services received the Small Business of the Year Award for its commitment to financial literacy, mentorship and community involvement.

Managing Partner Drew Thompson said keeping the business rooted in Glasgow was important because of the company’s connection to the community.

“Glasgow has always been home to me,” Thompson said. “I grew up in this community, raising my kids in this community, and so there was no other place that I wanted to go.”

Thompson said the company places a major focus on financial education, including speaking with local high school students and participating in financial literacy initiatives throughout the community.

“We’re really big on financial literacy,” Thompson said. “The more that you know and the more knowledge you have, the better decisions you can make as an individual, as a business, for your household.”

He said the business also works to balance professional success with community service by focusing on relationships rather than transactions.

“Our business is built off relationships,” Thompson said. “We want to balance that with being able to give back to our community.”

The 2026 Magnolia Award was presented to Mallie Boston of the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County for her leadership and commitment to youth advocacy and mentorship.

Boston was unable to attend the luncheon, with Boys & Girls Club Director of Operations Wade Copas accepting the award on her behalf.

“I know that this award means a lot to her,” Copas said. “One of the younger, if not the youngest one to ever receive this award in our community, and that’s solely because of the work and effort and relationships and connections that she has built for our young people in our community.”

Copas said the recognition reflects not only Boston’s work, but also the support the organization receives from the community.

“It takes a community to do what any nonprofit does, especially ours when it comes to the benefit of our kids,” Copas said.

The Small Business Person of the Year Award was presented to Zac Ross, founder and financial advisor at Ross Wealth Advisory.

Ross said launching his business in Glasgow gave him an opportunity to invest back into the community that helped shape him.

“Being able to give back to a community that, quite frankly, has given a lot to me, whether that be opportunity or support over the last 30 years, has been very, very important,” Ross said.

Ross also emphasized the importance of financial education in building stronger families and communities.

“A more financially sound community is going to be a stronger community,” Ross said. “That’s one less worry someone may have at the end of the day.”

The annual Achievement in Business Awards Luncheon highlights the impact local businesses, nonprofits and community leaders continue to have on Barren County’s growth and future.