The Christian County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Compass Awards ceremony on Tuesday, where local businesses and agencies were celebrated and received awards recognizing their work in the community.
Chamber of Commerce President, Taylor Hayes started the evening by sharing that this year’s awards cycle had a record number of nominations, marking a growth in membership participation.
The Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority (HWEA) was one of the event’s sponsors, and before awards were given out, HWEA President Derrick Watson congratulated all of the nominees and the winners. Watson said that many of the businesses and organizations in attendance represented generations of hard work, grit and determination.
The first award to be presented was the agriculture award which came as a surprise to the audience and the recipient. Jim Lancaster the regional manager for H&R AgriPower appeared to present the agriculture award, but before he could Watson shared that there was a change to the programming.
Watson ended up presenting the agriculture award to H&R Agripower, and Lancaster shared that he was honored by the surprise and they are proud to be a part of the community.
Continuing with awards, the Hopkinsville Rotary Club was awarded the Century Award which recognizes a business or organization that has been in the community for over 50 years. The club received the award for their work toward the betterment of education opportunities for Christian County youth.
Rotary Club President, Brandon Killebrew thanked the community for their support of the club saying they would not be able to help benefit local youth with it.
Along with the Rotary Club, Hopkinsville Community College was also honored and received the Specialized Service Award. Community College President, Alissa Young shared that it was an honor for the college to receive the award and she is proud to be able to serve her community.
In total, 14 organizations took home compass awards and they are all listed below.
- Agriculture Award: H&R AgriPower
- Century Award: Hopkinsville Rotary Club
- Food Service Award: Holiday Burgers
- Friend to the Community Award: Aaron McNeil House
- Health and Wellness Award: Enhance The Aesthetic & Wellness Company
- Horizon Award: Charter Senior Living
- Industrial Award: Rogers Group Inc.
- Nonprofit Award: Christian County Cattlemen’s Association
- Quality Service Award: Legacy Metals
- Residential Award: Prolift Garage Doors
- Retail Award: Ruffled Willow
- Specialized Service Award: Hopkinsville Community College
- Spirit of Entrepreneurialism Award: Tyler Young
- Sunset Award: Arsha’s House of Flowers