The Christian County Chamber of Commerce’s 137th annual dinner Thursday night at the James E. Bruce Convention Center highlighted a look back in local history and provided commentary on the community’s current standing and potential for the future.
The theme for the evening was “Rooted in Community, Growing Our Future.”
Alissa Keller, executive director of the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County, and William T. Turner, local historian, led a discussion of significant milestones in local history. They touched on agriculture, industry, education, the arts and culture.
The program also included the presentation of awards traditionally given during the annual meeting.
The President’s Award, recognized as one of the chamber’s top honors for leadership in the organization, was presented to Bennett Greene.
Greene, an attorney, is finishing her year as the chamber’s board chair. She is involved in several local organizations, including the Pennyroyal Arts Council and the Hopkinsville YMCA, and at her church, First Baptist.
Taylor Hayes, chamber president, praised Greene’s work with the chamber. And despite their age difference, Hayes said Greene has been a mentor to him during her time on the chamber board.
Ginnie Pruitt received the Bob Kelso Ambassador of the Year Award, which is given in memory of devoted chamber advocate Kelso, who died in 2008. Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers who help host chamber events, such as ribbon cuttings and “After Hour” gatherings, and demonstrate support for the chamber membership.
Pruitt, who oversees finance and operations for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Convention and Visitors Bureau, was praised for her enthusiastic support of many community projects.
Kristin Knight was named Christian County Young Professional of the Year.
Knight is a board member of the chamber’s HYPE group, which stands for Hopkinsville Young Professionals Engage.
An accountant for Hopkinsville Electric, she is a graduate of Leadership Christian County. She serves as a volunteer for a number of nonprofits, including United Way of the Pennyrile.
At the conclusion of the dinner meeting, outgoing board chair Greene handed over the gavel to the new chair, Landan Stallons. He is senior vice president of commercial leading at Planters Bank.
Presenting sponsors for the dinner were Jennie Stuart Health and Planters Bank.
