Chamber celebrates small businesses at Compass Awards

Small businesses and local organizations were celebrated for their service to the community at Tuesday’s Christian County Chamber of Commerce Compass Awards Ceremony.

Before several awards were given out, Chamber President Taylor Hayes welcomed guests. Hayes says the Compass Awards is one small way the chamber shows its appreciation for the role small and local businesses play in the community.

He also announced that this year’s nomination cycle saw a record number of votes cast.

Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority was one of the event’s sponsors, and HWEA President Derrick Watson congratulated the nominees. He then whipped out a pair of shades and a guitar and put on a performance.

Turning back to the ceremony, 15 awards were presented spotlighting organizations in fields such as agriculture, food service and health and wellness. Awards were also presented to folks who have encouraged the development of small businesses.

The On Horizon Award honors a new business with great potential for growth and an expansive community impact. The award was presented to the Book and Bottle shop which opened its doors in November. Rachel Sanders owns the hybrid bookstore and wine bar with her husband and says she was surprised by the award and thanked the chamber for the recognition.

The Spirit of Entrepreneurism Award went to Triple M Hospitality which includes Margaret Prim, Mindy Hargrove and Mallory Lawrence who are the owners of the Crusty Pig. Lawrence is happy she partnered with Prim and Hargrove and says she could not have found a better team to open up the pizza joint with.

To conclude the ceremony, the Friend to Small Business Award was presented to Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight. Knight played a key role in launching the Hopkinsville Small Business Commission.

Knight says small businesses have always been a part of his life, being a part of James Knight Appliance Sales and Service which was founded by his father in 1975. He also called small businesses the economic backbone of the community.

The full list of winners includes:

Agriculture Award: Christian County Ag Extension Office

Century Award: Flynn Enterprises

Food Service Award: Butter and Grace

Friend of the Community Award: Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County

Health and Wellness Award: Hopkinsville Family YMCA

On the Horizon Award: Book and Bottle Shop

Industrial/Commercial Services Award: White’s Auto Mall

Nonprofit Award: United Way of the Pennyrile

The 2025 Quality Service Award: UPS Store of Hopkinsville

Residential Award: Pennyroyal Interiors

Retail Award: Herb Hayes Furniture

Specialized Service Award: Silo Event Center

Spirit of Entrepreneurism Award: Triple M Hospitality

Sunset Award: Farmer’s Daughter Boutique

Friend of Small Business Award. Mayor J.R. Knight