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On Thursday, Aug. 8, Bluegrass Family Farm on Lexington Road featured a who’s who of individuals known throughout Clark County, such as Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, athletic staff of George Rogers Clark High School and many more. 

Bringing them all together was a celebratory event. 

The 2024 Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet occurred, celebrating the year’s highest achievers in business and more. 

“We are boasting [of] 435 members,” said Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cindy Banks, to the roaring applause of the crowd. 

As stated on its website, https://winchesterkychamber.com/about-us-2/, “our members…are from all around central Kentucky. They are businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to connect to each other and to the community of Clark County. Our member-driven programming aims to improve all aspects of community. We’ve been at it since 1940, and with your help we can continue to do more.”

Throughout the year, the chamber recognizes members in a number of ways, such as via ribbon-cutting ceremonies for those who have newly joined. 

It is also involved in the community through various means, such as the annual Chamber Golf Scramble. 

This year’s edition will be occurring on Monday, Sep. 9. 

Certainly not least, through its Leadership Winchester-Clark County program, the Chamber can work with others to increase networking opportunities, gain insight and knowledge of the community, and more. 

After brief introductions last Thursday night, which included an opening prayer by Mayor Reed, guests were treated to dinner that included roast beef, side salad and tea. 

Throughout the night, attendees were also welcomed to add their names among a list of nominees to win selected items in a silent auction. 

Winners included City Commissioner Hannah Toole, City Manager Bruce Manley and many more. 

Later, current Chamber President Tim Duncan briefly spoke, thanking all for their attendance and pointing out that the Chamber’s current operating budget is under $200,000. 

Before long, it was time to announce winners of the year’s various chamber awards. 

However, a very special recognition occurred first. 

Tim Smith, who has regularly hosted the Mornings on Main radio program and is a well-known presence throughout the community, was celebrated to a standing ovation for his recent induction into the Kentucky Broadcasters Hall of Fame. 

Joel Bennett, a frequent radio personality himself who frequently calls George Rogers Clark High School athletic events for WWKY radio, personally introduced Smith. 

“Tim joined only seven other persons in 2024 who are receiving the ‘legacy and excellence in broadcasting award’ later this month,” he said, noting that a formal celebration would be held in September. 

Once the Chamber Awards portion of the event began, the first to be presented was the Director of the Year Award. 

Callie Thornton, owner of The Fly Witches bungee fitness studio, was named recipient and presented a copy of the “Doors of Winchester” poster. 

Soon after, Friends of Parks and Recreation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting the goals and programs of Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation – was named Nonprofit of the Year with Board Chair Gary Wiseman and Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation Assistant Programs Director Tiffany Fletcher accepting the honors. 

Winners also included Woody’s Sports Bar and Grill for Business of the Year, Clark County Public Schools for Partner of the Year, Hamilton Brooks Design and The HighSide Boutique for Business of the Year, La Trattoria restaurant owner Nick Roccanova for the Graham Johns Downtown Volunteer of the Year, and Clark County Community Services Executive Director Laci Scarboro as Community Service Award victor. 

“Every day is a learning experience. Every day is an opportunity for us to grow our community and make things better for people in our community,” Scarboro said. 

Certainly not least, after being introduced by previous Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner, former Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commissioner Nancy Turner – who resigned in May after nearly 25 years in the position – was recognized as Citizen of the Year. 

“Nancy Turner has long been Winchester’s number one cheerleader,” said Burtner. “Through her position…she never missed an opportunity to promote the city and county to both visitors and residents.” 

With this year’s banquet complete, the chamber looks forward to its many opportunities of serving Clark County in the coming year.