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Kentucky’s Top Businesses Honored with Pacestter Award

5-30-09

This year, ten high performing second-stage businesses were inducted into the second class of the Pacesetter Business Recognition Program. The winners represent a diverse group of industries from across the Commonwealth that are strengthening our economy and our communities. They were presented with the Pacesetter award at the Kentucky Celebrates Small Businesses event which was held in the Capitol Rotunda earlier this month. University of Kentucky President Lee Todd Jr. presented the awards.

The businesses honored for their impact on Kentucky’s economy and communities include:

Bella Rose Lexington
Celerity Automation Paintsville
Chaney’s Dairy Barn Bowling Green
City Wide Maintenance of Cincinnati Fort Wright
Digitech Services Inc. Glasgow
Light’s Enterprises Ashland
Comfort Keepers Owensboro
T.E.M. Electric Co. Inc. Louisville
Taylor’s Concrete Cutting Services, LLC Franklin
The Combs Group - CBJ Machine & Hydraulics Pineville

To find out more about the winning businesses, visit their video profiles.

The Pacesetter winners were selected by a panel of independent reviewers based on nominations showing they are changing the economic landscape of Kentucky by introducing innovative products; increasing sales and/or production; boosting employment; and, serving the communities of the Commonwealth. Each of the winning businesses demonstrated the intent and capacity to grow based on employee and sales growth, entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage and additional notable factors that showcase the company’s success.

Additionally, winners had to meet the minimum qualifications of a second-stage business to be considered for the award. A second-stage business is one that has survived the start-up phase and is continuing to grow operations. They must have sales meeting or exceeding $500,000.00, employ six or more individuals and have been in business for several years.

The Pacesetter Business Recognition Program and the Kentucky Celebrates Small Businesses event are a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Small Business Development Center and the United States Small Business Administration.

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