Local entrepreneurs recognized at the 2006 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards luncheon on September 11, 2006.

The Center for Rural Development, in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Business and Technology and Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, hosted the 2006 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards at a business luncheon on Monday, September 11, 2006. Eastern Kentucky University president, Joanne Glasser, presided over the ceremonies while U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) was the keynote speaker for the event.

The winners were: J.C. Egnew of Outdoor Venture Corporation in Stearns—For-Profit business with over 25 employees; Christy Henry of Sandy Valley Fasteners, LLC in Paintsville—For-Profit business with less than 25 employees; Dr. Tracy G. Cross, M.D. of Surgical Specialties, PSC in Albany—Start-up business; and Judge Jeff Choate of The Foothills Academy in Albany—Not-For-Profit.

“A strong small business sector is critical to strengthening the economy not only in our region but in our nation,” said Congressman Rogers.

In addition, Enoch Doyle of Nicholas County, Amanda Stephens of Pulaski County and Elizabeth Heston of Lawrence County, were presented with a presidential scholarship to attend Eastern Kentucky University. The scholarship covers one-half in-state tuition and is renewable for up to eight semesters. The team presented the best business concept during the inaugural Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute held at The Center during the summer of 2006.

The 2006 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards featured a new category; the Collegiate Business Concept Challenge. The winner of the challenge was EKU student Travis Manter. He was presented with a $1,000 cash award and EKU received a $250 cash award for the faculty sponsor of the winning concept along with a trophy.

The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award was established in 2001 to honor excellence in entrepreneurship throughout Eastern and Southern Kentucky. Award recipients were selected based on nominations received from 55 Eastern and Southern Kentucky counties.

Anyone interested in more information about the annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship program should visit www.centertech.com and click on the Excellence program link, or call The Center at 606-677-6000.

Contact:
Amanda White
(606) 677-6000
awhite@centertech.com

Date: September 28, 2006

2006 Awards Recipients

For-Profit Business With Over 25 Employees

Left to right: Bob Rogow, EKU College of Business and Technology;
J.C. Egnew, Outdoor Venture Corp.; Sen. Hal Rogers;
Joanne Glasser, EKU President; Jerry Rickett, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp.;
and Lonnie Lawson, The Center for Rural Development

For Profit Business With Fewer Than 25 Employees

Left to right: Rogow, Christy Henry of Sandy Valley Fasteners,
Rogers, Glasser, Rickett, and Lawson

Start-Up Business

Left to right: Rogow, Tracy Cross of Surgical Specialties,
Rogers, Glasser, Rickett, and Lawson

Not-for-Profit Entity

Left to right: Rogow, Jeff Choate of Foothills Academy,
Rogers, Glasser, Rickett, and Lawson

Collegiate Business Concept Challenge

Left to right: Rogow, Faculty Adviser Tony Adams of the EKU Aviation Program,
Award Recipient Travis Manter, Rogers, Glasser, Rickett, and Lawson

High School Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute

Left to right: Rogow; High School Recipients Amanda Stephens, Elizabeth Heston
and Enoch Doyle; Rogers; Glasser; Rickett and Lawson

EKU ROTC Cadets Present the Colors and
Page Lucky Sings The National Anthem