By BILL MARDIS, Editor Emeritus
Several businesses and individuals were recognized and honored Friday night during the annual banquet of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. Businesses were nominated and selected for recognition based on growth and community service. Individuals and groups were cited for their contributions to the community.
Following are synopses of the honorees:
• The Job Shop was selected as 2008 Business of the Year in the 2-5 employee category. Headed by Christina Finley, founder and CEO, The Job Shop found employment for 723 Pulaski countians in 2008.
• Corder’s Jewelry also was honored as the 2008 Business of the Year in the 2-5 employee category. The jewelry store was founded by George Corder and is currently owned and operated by his son, Harold, and wife, Gerema. The store originally was downtown on the north side of Fountain Square but has been at its present location in Tradewind Center for 40 years.
• Anderson Office Supply is the 2008 Business of the Year in the 6-10 employee category. Owners Harold and Teresa Hurt said customer service is what has kept the business going for 45 years.
• Paul’s Discount, operated by Joe Frank and Jamie Neikirk, is the 2008 Business of the Year in the 11-20 employee category. Founded in 1974 by their father, Paul Neikirk, Paul’s Discount has a motto: “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Often referred to as The Men’s Mall, the more than 20,000-square-foot store caters to both men and women.
• Branch Bank & Trust Company (BB&T;) –– A 2008 Business of the Year in the 21-50 category, BB&T;, with offices in Somerset and from Paducah to Pikeville, ranks fourth in market share in Kentucky and is ranked highest in customer service satisfaction.
• NewWave Communications was honored as 2008 Business of the Year in the 51 to 100 employee category. New Wave Communications is a growing company providing cable television, high speed internet and digital telephone service.
• Somerset Food Service, headed by President Tim Williams and CEO Melvin “Mac” Godby, is the 2008 Business of the Year in the 100-200 employee category. In slightly more than 20 years, Somerset Food Service has grown from a $2 million annual operation to a company with a $75 million annual business with 135 employees.
• Blue Grass Oakwood is the 2008 business of the year in the 201-500 employee category. For more than 40 years, Bluegrass Regional Mental Health-Mental Retardation Board, Inc. has been a leader in the field of mental retardation services while maintaining the positive aspects of community service as a nonprofit organization. As they have invested in a mission for the betterment of their clients, Bluegrass has not forgotten its most valuable and significant resource –– its employees.
• Pulaski County Public Library –– The magnificent new library complex on South Main Street was cited by the chamber as the nonprofit organization of the year. Probably no business or organization touches more lives than the local library and its four branches. Judy Burdine is librarian.
• Virginia Molden, owner of Don Molden Pipe and Supply and president of Don Molden Multiple Services, was honored at the chamber’s 2008 Woman in Business. Since her husband’s untimely death in 1985, she has continued to operate the businesses and provide employment for up to 20 people.
• Somerset Rotary Club, a noon-meeting civic group currently headed by President John Clay, is the 2008 Civic Club of the Year. The Somerset Rotary Club has been a part of Somerset and Pulaski County since 1923 and currently has 47 members.
• Sarah Short, owner and operator of Comfort Keepers, received the Young Professional of the Year Award. Active in Young Chamber Professionals of Lake Cumberland, Short has turned a passion for working with seniors into her business focus.
• The Pink Bee, owned and operated by sisters Teresa Carter and Lisa Milby, is the Entrepreneurial Success Story. Their goal is to create a shopping experience reminiscent of a time past when customer service was gracious and packages were wrapped with presentation.
• Presidium Learning Inc, headed by Michael Bryant, site manager, is the 2008 Newcomer Business of the Year. This technology-based business is a partner for more than 450 leaders in post-secondary education. They don’t just answer the telephone, but spend every day earning the confidence and trust of their partners and shareholders.
• Cheryll McCrarey, an employee of Citizens Bank, was honored as Chamber Ambassador of the Year. McCrarey is present at most chamber activities and was a dedicated supporter of the chamber-sponsored Festival of Trees.
Special appreciation was extended to Southern Belle Dairy, Lake Cumberland Shell, Hinkle Contracting Corporation and Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital for support of the chamber of commerce during 2008.
