Barren Inc. gives awards to honor leadership, excellence in local community
GLASGOW, Ky. – On Thursday morning, Barren Inc., the Barren County Chamber of Commerce, held their inaugural Achievement in Business Awards News Conference and announced their award recipients.
Recipients were announced for both the Magnolia Award and the Small Business Person of the Year. The event was created to show appreciation and to honor the local small business community, according to a release by Barren Inc.
The Magnolia Award sponsored by Houchens Industries recognizes a female leader who shows excellence in the Barren County community. This year, the Magnolia Award went to Sonya Davis with the Barren County Board of Education.
“Sonya, like a magnolia tree, has produced a mighty system of roots that have created a strong foundation for the community,” said CheyAnne Fant, who nominated Davis for this award.
Davis is a local leader in workforce development where she has spearheaded the development of the first apprenticeship program in early child care that has put eight local high school students in a nationally registered apprenticeship program in the Barren Beyond the Bell Afterschool & Childcare Centers.
Davis also serves in the community through her board position with the Boys & Girls Club and by co-leading the BC Reads and Feeds program, a community project that helps gather funds for weekend meal bags, books and educational materials for local families.
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, Danny Williams with Fine Arts Bistro was announced as the 2022 Small Business Person of the Year. Williams was nominated by Kellie McKay with Commonwealth Broadcasting.
“During the pandemic shut downs, Danny was able to pivot and reinvent his entire business process in order to keep the majority of his full-time employees and keep his business open, all while providing delicious take home meals to the community,” said McKay.
The release stated Williams is not only business savvy but is also an avid supporter of the community since he uses local vendors and products for his restaurant, supports local artists by providing them a space to display their work and recently donated plastic utensils and serving wear to volunteers that provided soup and meals to individuals affected by the tornados.
“Both Sonya and Danny are strong assets to Barren County and our Chamber. Individuals and members like them help lead our community forward and provide a positive impact to our region,” said Chamber President & CEO Maureen Carpenter.
