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BOWLING GREEN, KY., May 12, 2026 – Created to celebrate difference?makers shaping our community, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Excellence Awards Luncheon today, honoring this year’s top business leaders and organizations. Held during Small Business Appreciation Month and attended by more than 400 professionals, the event recognized the 2026 recipients of the Chamber’s most prestigious 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.
This year’s program was emceed by Doug and Michelle Gorman.
Award recipients included:
- 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 ATHENA Leadership: Tracey Young, Warren County Public Schools
- 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 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. 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 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award was presented to Ashlee Wilson Quinn.
2026 ATHENA Leadership Award
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. The late Cornelius Martin of Martin Management Group first brought this award to Bowling Green in 1985 as a salute to women in business. The Martin family continues to support his legacy with this award. This award recognizes individuals who excel in their professions, give back to their communities, and help raise other leaders, especially women. The 2026 ATHENA Award was presented to Dr. Tracey Young.
2026 Small Business Person of the Year Award
Sponsored by German American Bank
This award, introduced in 1985, recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are the foundation of the local economy. Individuals who receive this award have made great contributions to both the community and the Chamber. The 2026 Small Business Person of the Year award was presented to Kevin Kirby.
2026 Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the Year
Sponsored by Gerald Printing
This award is presented to a business that is 51% minority and/or woman owned and represents business growth and diversity. This award recognizes the enterprising entrepreneurs who fuel the local economy through their innovations, making a significant impact on their clients, profession, and community. The 2026 Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the Year was presented to Three Springs Hospitality Management
2026 Nonprofit of the Year
Sponsored by The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky
This 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. The 2026 Nonprofit of the Year Award was presented to HOTEL INC.
The Chamber extends special thanks to the Excellence Awards sponsors:
- Title Sponsor: Pinnacle Financial Partners
- Presenting Sponsor: English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP
- ATHENA Leadership and ATHENA Young Professional Sponsor: Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM
- Small Business Person of the Year Sponsor: German American Bank
- Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the Year Sponsor: Gerald Printing
- Nonprofit of the Year Sponsor: The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky
- Community Sponsors: Arnold Consulting Engineering Services, Inc., Banterra Bank, Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, CROWN Cork & Seal, Houchens Insurance Group, The Murphy Construction Group, Stewart Richey Service Group
About the Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation
The Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation supports the Chamber of Commerce through community-wide programs, education, research, and workforce talent attraction initiatives. Key programs include SCK LAUNCH, which partners with local schools and businesses to prepare students for successful careers, and Leadership Bowling Green, which develops informed and engaged community leaders. These initiatives reflect the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening the economic well-being of Bowling Green’s workforce and ensuring a bright future for the entire community.