Local leaders honored at annual chamber Excellence Awards

Carlyle Coppins,

BOWLING GREEN, KY.- Hundreds of city leaders and community members gathered at the 2026 Excellence Awards to honor those dedicated to serving the community. Winners included small business of the year, Kevin Kirby, J.C. Kirby and Son; minority or woman-owned business of the year, Three Springs Hospitality Management; and non-profit of the year, Hotel Inc. News 40’s Ashlee Wilson Quinn received the Athena Young Professional award, while Dr. Tracey Young earned the Athena Leadership award.

Dr. Tracey Young, the 2026 Athena Leadership Winner, says, “It’s about Bowling Green and Warren County and the community in which we live. That is just an amazing community where people really do lift each other up. We try to pour into those who need us the most. It’s about Bowling Green and Warren County, and the community in which we live. That is just an amazing community where people really do lift each other up. We try to pour into those WHO need us the most.”

Tracey says the selflessness is displayed by everyone WHO’s nominated for each award and is an inspiration.

“To break down boundaries and collaborate with folks, to bring up those that need us the most at our most vulnerable in our community. We are constantly looking for role models that, that we can stand on their shoulders, and they can stand on our shoulders. I feel a deep responsibility and growing leadership across our community. We need leaders of all kinds in the community, both male and female, young, old, all colors, all backgrounds.”

Nominees (Winners in Bold)

ATHENA Young Professional
– Kayla Bitner, Sublime Media Group, LLC
– Lydia Gilliam, Houchens Insurance Group
– Olivia Hester, Morgan & Morgan
– Hillary Rickel, BBG Events
– Kendall Roper, Edward Jones Investments
– Katie Tabor, Foreman Watson Land Title
– Abby Thomas, Franklin Bank & Trust Company
– Cierra Waller, Western Kentucky University
– Ashlee Wilson Quinn, WNKY News 40
Minority and/or Woman-Owned Business of the Year
– Eden Title & Escrow
– Portales Building & Remodeling, LLC
– Taquería Los Vasquez
– Three Springs Hospitality Management, LLC
– Zimmerman Interiors

Nonprofit of the Year

– Glory Baby Ministry
– Hotel Inc.
– House on the Hill Inc.
– Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky
– Kentucky Small Business Development Center
– Refuge Bowling Green, LLC
– Center For Courageous Kids
ATHENA Leadership
– Janel Doyle, Shop at Home Carpets
– Dr. Sherryl Reed, Graves Gilbert Clinic
– Lindsey Sanson, American Bank& Trust Company
– Lisa Whitney, Atmos Energy
– Dr. Tracey Young, Warren County Public Schools
Small Business Person of the Year
– Denton Cable, On Target Cleaning & Restoration
– Cory Gearlds, RENEW by Optimum Rejuvenation
– Kevin Kirby, J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Chapels & Crematory
– Sam Kirby, Vid Monster Productions
– Quintin Littrell, Sunbelt Construction, Inc.

GUIDE: How to Watch WNKY News 40 Broadcasts >

Download WNKY News 40 Apps

The Latest