Bowling Green Area Chamber names award winners at Excellence Awards luncheon
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated their annual Excellence Awards Luncheon Tuesday where they recognized this year’s recipients of the ATHENA, ATHENA Young Professional, Administrative Professional of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year awards.
This year’s program was emceed by Doug and Michelle Gorman, both past Excellence Awards recipients. Award recipients included 2021 ATHENA, Julie Milam of WNKY-TV; 2021 Small Business Person of the Year, Tahir Zukic of TAZ Trucking, Inc.; 2021 ATHENA Young Professional, Heather Hawkins of FirstBank; and 2021 Administrative Professional of the Year, Dixie Nunnally of American Engineers, Inc.
“It’s a privilege to have such outstanding individuals in this community. Their dedication and willingness to serve others exemplifies our community’s spirit and drive,” said Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch. “This event honors these remarkable people and shows our appreciation for their dedication and contributions to our region.”
2021 ATHENA
Sponsored by Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM
The ATHENA Award was created by a female board member of a Michigan Chamber in the 1980s and has grown to receive global recognition. This award recognizes individuals who excel in their professions, give back to their communities, and help raise other leaders, especially women. The ATHENA Award was presented to Julie Milam, general manager at WNKY-TV.
2021 Small Business Person of the Year
Sponsored by German American Bank
This award was introduced in 1985 and recognizes those outstanding entrepreneurs that are the foundation of our local economy. Individuals that receive this award have made great contributions to both the community and the Chamber. The 2021 Small Business Person of the Year was presented to Tahir Zukic, founder and owner of TAZ Trucking, Inc.
2021 Young ATHENA
Sponsored by Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM
This award is presented to an area young woman who has emerged as a leader, demonstrates excellence, and provides valuable service to her business, profession, and community. This person exhibits initiative and creativity, exemplifies and upholds the goals of the professional woman, and serves as a role model for young women personally and professionally. The Young ATHENA was presented to Heather Hawkins, mortgage lender at FirstBank.
2021 Administrative Professional of the Year
Sponsored by Gerald Printing
This award recognizes an administrative professional who shows pride in his or her job, repeatedly exhibits excellent job performance, goes above and beyond expectations, and displays a cooperative attitude with coworkers and the community. The 2021 Administrative Professional of the Year was presented to Dixie Nunnally, executive administrative assistant at American Engineers, Inc.
The award presentations were sponsored by: Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM, German American Bank and Gerald Printing. The event sponsors include: Arnold Consulting Engineering Services, Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, The Murphy Construction Group, Stewart-Richey Construction, Houchens Insurance Group, TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, U.S. Bank, and Vid Monster Productions.
To learn more about the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.bgchamber.com.
