Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Annual Award Nominees
Dozens of local businesses, educators, professionals, and community organizations recognized across 10 award categories
MOREHEAD, Ky. — The Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce has announced its nominees for the 2026 Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations whose contributions have helped strengthen the local community.
The annual awards celebrate excellence in business, education, leadership, community service, and professional achievement throughout Morehead and Rowan County.
This year's nominees represent a wide range of industries and organizations, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, nonprofit services, tourism, and small business.
The Chamber has announced nominees in 10 award categories.
Outstanding Young Professional of the Year
This award recognizes emerging professionals who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence, and a commitment to their community.
The 2026 nominees are:
Amanda Maynard — Morehead State University
Chelsey Lewis — UK St. Claire Healthcare
Hannah Curreri — Morehead State University
Ora L. Cline Award
The nominees for the Ora L. Cline Award are:
Diana Collins — Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance
Joy Brown — Morehead-Rowan County Tourism
Gene Porter — The Porter Group Insurance Group
Ashley Adkins — Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Damon Ballinger — The Postal Square
Robin Mirus — First Federal Savings and Loan
Tracy C. Williams Service Above Self Award
The Tracy C. Williams Service Above Self Award recognizes the importance of service and community involvement.
The nominees are:
Waylan Coffey — Rowan County Arts Center
Jill Vice — AdVice Media
Josh Alfrey — MoreLove
Bill Redwine — Morehead Optimist Club
Fred Howes — Friends of Rodburn
Maryann Stevens — Fork and Flame Catering
Brooke Thomas — Holbrook Drug
Educator of the Year
Educators play a vital role in preparing future generations and strengthening the community.
The nominees for Educator of the Year are:
Dr. Janet Ratliff — Morehead State University
April Adkins — Rowan County Public Schools, Bluegrass Discovery Academy
James Hood — Rodburn Elementary
Lindsey Johnson — Rowan County Senior High School
Service Professional of the Year
The Service Professional of the Year category recognizes individuals working in service-oriented professions.
The nominees are:
Dr. Josh Blair — Cave Run Veterinary Clinic
Andrew Preston — Coffee Tree Books
Whitney Wattercutter — Rowan County Family Resource Centers
Dr. Rebecca Todd — UK St. Claire Healthcare
Megan Hughes-Richmond — City of Morehead
Kristen James — Pathways Inc.
Shannon Malone — Homeland Real Estate
Diana Collins — Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance
New Business of the Year
New businesses contribute to economic growth, create opportunities, and bring additional services and attractions to the community.
The nominees are:
Jolted Cup Coffee Company
Cave Run Slingshots
Stay on the Edge Glamping Getaway
Fork and Flame Catering
Small Business of the Year
Small businesses are an essential part of the local economy, providing employment, goods, services, and community investment.
The nominees are:
Coffee Tree Books
Holbrook Drug
The Porter Group Insurance Group
Elliott's Pizzeria
BD Home Improvement
The Blushing Bride, Inc.
Maysville Community and Technical College
Large Business of the Year
The Large Business of the Year category recognizes major employers and businesses that contribute to the area's economy.
The nominees are:
GreenTree Forest Products
ISC Commonwealth Cooperage
UK St. Claire Healthcare
Community Organization of the Year
Community organizations provide essential programs, charitable assistance, volunteer opportunities, and services that improve the quality of life for local residents.
The nominees are:
Doves of Gateway
Pathways Inc.
God's Pantry Food Bank
Cats' Meow Feline Fosters, Inc.
MoreLove
CASA
Community Partners Award
The Community Partners Award recognizes collaborative efforts involving businesses, organizations, and public entities working together to benefit the community.
The nominated partnerships and initiatives are:
Doves of Gateway, UK St. Claire Healthcare, Frontier Housing, Rowan County Fiscal Court, and Sisters of Notre Dame
God's Pantry Food Bank and Sisters of Notre Dame
Coffee Tree Books and Rowan County Arts Center
Holley Aviation and Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Airport
UK St. Claire Healthcare and NEKY AHEC
Pathways Inc. and Jake Bowman Foundation
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
America 250 Committee: City of Morehead and Rowan County Public Schools
Downtown Morehead Merchants Committee
Celebrating Community Achievement
The nominations highlight the diverse contributions of individuals and organizations throughout Rowan County.
Several businesses and individuals received recognition in multiple categories.
Diana Collins of Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, for example, is nominated for both the Ora L. Cline Award and Service Professional of the Year.
Coffee Tree Books appears in the Small Business of the Year category, while Andrew Preston is nominated for Service Professional of the Year. The business is also part of a nominated community partnership with the Rowan County Arts Center.
UK St. Claire Healthcare is represented in several categories, including Large Business of the Year and Community Partners Award, in addition to nominations recognizing individual healthcare professionals.
Fork and Flame Catering is nominated for New Business of the Year, while Maryann Stevens is nominated for the Tracy C. Williams Service Above Self Award.
These nominations reflect the variety of ways local businesses, professionals, and organizations contribute to Rowan County's economic and civic life.
Annual Awards Banquet
The Chamber's Annual Awards Banquet provides an opportunity for local business leaders, community members, and organizations to come together and celebrate the achievements of those nominated.
The Chamber is also offering sponsorship opportunities and tickets for those wishing to attend the celebration.
Additional banquet information, including ticket availability and sponsorship opportunities, can be found through the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and its official website at business.moreheadchamber.com.
The Chamber has not identified the award recipients in its nominee announcement.
The Morehead Minute congratulates all of the 2026 nominees for their recognition and contributions to the Morehead-Rowan County community.
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Source: Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, 2026 Annual Awards nominee announcements.