Bowling Green Chamber celebrates 2026 Excellence Awards winners
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Excellence Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, honoring this year’s top business leaders and organizations.
More than 400 professionals reportedly attended the event, which recognized the 2026 recipients of multiple awards, including the ATHENA Leadership, ATHENA Young Professional, Minority and/or Woman-Owned Business, Nonprofit of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year.
Awards recipients included the following, according to the chamber:
- 2026 ATHENA Leadership: Dr. Tracey Young, Warren County Public Schools
- 2026 ATHENA Young Professional: Ashlee Wilson Quinn, WNKY News 40
- 2026 Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the Year: Three Springs Hospitality Management
- 2026 Nonprofit of the Year: HOTEL INC
- 2026 Small Business Person of the Year: Kevin Kirby, J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Chapels & Crematory
“Each year, the Excellence Awards highlight the leaders and organizations moving our community forward,” said Meredith Wilson, interim president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. “Their innovation, dedication, and commitment to service make a lasting impact, and we’re honored to recognize the difference they’re making across our region.”
2026 ATHENA Leadership Award
Sponsored by Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM, the award recognizes those who excel in their professions, give back to their communities and help raise other leaders, especially women.
2026 ATHENA Young Professional
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. The chamber says this individual shows initiative and creativity, exemplifies and upholds the goals of the professional woman and serves as a role model for young women, personally and professionally.
2026 Small Business Person of the Year Award
Sponsored by German American Bank, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are the foundation and the local economy. The chamber says it honors individuals who have made great contributions to both the community and the chamber.
2026 Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the Year
Sponsored by Gerald Printing, the award is presented to a business that is 51% minority and/or woman-owned and represents growth and diversity. According to the chamber, the award honors the entrepreneurs who fuel the local economy through innovations and make a significant impact on their clients, profession and community.
2026 Nonprofit of the Year
Sponsored by The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky, the award is presented to a local nonprofit that provides support and guidance through its services to its customers/clients, partnership and collaboration with other local organizations and overall community impact.
Congratulations to all award recipients.
