NEKY Celebrates Small Business Excellence

NEKY Celebrates Small Business Excellence

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

It is found in the storefronts where familiar faces are greeted by name. It is in the family-owned businesses built one customer at a time. It is in the entrepreneurs who take a chance on an idea, the professionals who pour their talents into their communities, and the businesses that understand success means more when everyone around them has the opportunity to succeed, too.

That spirit was on full display September 1 at the 27th Annual Northeast Kentucky Small Business Awards Breakfast, as the FIVCO region came together to celebrate the entrepreneurs, businesses, professionals and advocates who make Northeast Kentucky such a great place to live, work and do business.

And while every honoree had a story worth celebrating, one organization truly stole the spotlight.

A Well-Deserved Grand Honor

The Greenup County Ambulance Authority took home the 2026 Northeast Kentucky Small Business of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication, growth and commitment to the Northeast Kentucky community. And for an organization whose work revolves around showing up when people need help the most, that recognition could not be more fitting.

The Greenup County Ambulance Authority also received the 2026 Service Business of the Year Award, making the organization a double winner at this year's celebration. That is no small accomplishment.

Behind those awards are more than 60 employees who share a commitment to excellence and a mission that reaches far beyond simply providing a service. Every day, the men and women of the Greenup County Ambulance Authority answer the call—literally.

Their work is measured not only in miles traveled or calls answered, but in lives touched, families comforted and communities strengthened.

In a message shared on Facebook, the Greenup County Ambulance Authority credited the recognition to the organization as a whole: “This is a credit to the Greenup County Fiscal Court and over 60 employees all with the same commitment to excellence.” That humility says a lot.

The Small Business of the Year award may have one organization's name on it, but it represents an entire team working together with purpose. It represents dedication behind the scenes, long hours, professionalism under pressure and a commitment to serving the people of Greenup County and the surrounding region.

It is a reminder that some of Northeast Kentucky's most important businesses aren't simply building businesses—they're building stronger communities.

The NEKY Small Business Awards are about much more than handing out trophies. They are about telling the stories behind the businesses.

They are about recognizing the people who wake up every morning determined to make something better. They are about celebrating businesses that create jobs, provide services, invest locally, give back to their neighbors and inspire the next generation to dream a little bigger. This year's winners represent that spirit beautifully.

Retail Business of the Year: Personal Space Engraving

The 2026 NEKY Retail Business of the Year award went to Personal Space Engraving, a husband-and-wife-owned business located at 500 Winchester Ave.

Specializing in customized and personalized gifts, keepsakes and more, Personal Space Engraving demonstrates exactly why local retailers’ matter.

They don't just sell products. They create meaningful reminders of birthdays, milestones, celebrations and memories—while helping keep Northeast Kentucky's local economy strong.

Legacy Award: Porter Tire Center

Some businesses become more than businesses. They become part of the community's story. That is the spirit behind the 2026 NEKY Legacy Award, presented to Porter Tire Center in Olive Hill.

With services including new and used tires, tractor tires, rubber mulch and tire recycling, Porter Tire Center has built a lasting presence in Northeast Kentucky.

The Legacy Award celebrates the impact a business has made over time—and the legacy it continues to build for the future.

Small Business Philanthropy Award: Barker's Construction

Barker's Construction was the recipient of the 2026 NEKY Small Business Philanthropy Award, recognizing a business that understands that success is about more than the work itself.

With reliable carpenters and experienced professionals ready to assist with all of your carpentry needs, Barker's Construction has built its reputation through quality workmanship and dedication to its customers. But the company's impact goes beyond the projects it completes.

Small businesses do more than provide products and services—they give back, support their neighbors and help strengthen the communities they call home. Barker's Construction exemplifies that spirit, demonstrating the kind of community-minded commitment that makes Northeast Kentucky special.

Healthcare Professional of the Year: Dr. Charla Burchett and Kristin Yarman, APRN

The 2026 NEKY Healthcare Professional of the Year award recognized Dr. Charla Burchett and Kristin Yarman, APRN, of Carter Healthcare.

The family-owned clinic in Olive Hill offers walk-in care, telehealth services, nutritional therapy and occupational therapy, providing important healthcare resources to families throughout the region.

Healthcare professionals are often among the first people communities turn to when they need help, guidance or compassionate care. The work they do touches lives every day, and this recognition celebrates the dedication they bring to that responsibility.

For Dr. Burchett and Yarman, the award is a reflection of their continued service to Northeast Kentucky and their commitment to providing care close to home.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Shane Dennis

The 2026 NEKY Young Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Shane Dennis of All Star Auto Detailing. Awards such as this one are about more than recognizing success today. They are also about celebrating the entrepreneurs who are creating something of their own and setting an example for those who will follow.

Dennis' accomplishments represent the energy, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that Northeast Kentucky needs to continue growing. Young business owners bring new ideas, fresh perspectives and an enthusiasm that can inspire an entire community.

His recognition serves as an encouraging reminder that the next generation of Northeast Kentucky entrepreneurs is already making its mark.

Financial Advocate of the Year: Rachel Burton

Rachel Burton of Citizens Bank of Kentucky was named the 2026 NEKY Financial Advocate of the Year.

Behind every successful small business is often a network of people willing to provide guidance, encouragement and financial support. Financial advocates play an important role in helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses and helping established businesses continue to grow.

Burton's recognition highlights her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Northeast Kentucky and the important impact that work has on the region's economy.

New Business of the Year: Five & Dime Creative

The 2026 NEKY New Business of the Year award went to Five & Dime Creative, a boutique marketing and design studio specializing in brand strategy and design, websites and social media management for places people love.

Founded by Brandy Clark, Madeline Tipton and Courtney Hensley, Five & Dime Creative represents the creativity and entrepreneurial vision that continue to emerge throughout Northeast Kentucky.

For a new business, establishing a name and building a reputation takes courage, creativity and plenty of hard work. The New Business of the Year award recognizes that early success while looking ahead to what the business can accomplish in the years to come.

Five & Dime Creative's recognition is a celebration not only of where the business is today, but of the possibilities ahead.

Celebrating What Makes Northeast Kentucky Special

From emergency medical services to healthcare, retail, construction, financial services, automotive detailing and creative marketing, this year's NEKY Small Business Award winners represent an impressive cross-section of the people and businesses driving Northeast Kentucky forward.

Their industries may be different, but their stories share something in common: a commitment to doing good work and making a difference. That is ultimately what these awards are about.

Small businesses are woven into the fabric of Northeast Kentucky. They are the places where customers become friends, employees become family and business owners become community leaders. They sponsor local events, support charitable causes, create opportunities and invest their time and resources in the places they call home.

The 27th Annual Northeast Kentucky Small Business Awards Breakfast offered a chance to pause and recognize those contributions—and to remind everyone just how much talent, determination and heart exists across the FIVCO region.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 NEKY Small Business Award winners and nominees. Their accomplishments are worth celebrating, but perhaps more importantly, so is the example they set.

Because when local businesses succeed, communities have the opportunity to succeed right alongside them.