Chamber awards 2026: Educator of the Year
2026-05-19 - Adair County, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com
J.R. Thompson was recognized as Educator of the Year for his commitment to helping students succeed. He is pictured with his FBLA student, Natalie Bardin, who said, "As I served as state president, Mr. Thompson was one of my biggest supporters and helped guide me through every challenge and opportunity. He always believed in me, encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, and reminded me of the leader I was capable of becoming." Comments | Permalink
2026-05-19 - Adair County, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com
J.R. Thompson was recognized as Educator of the Year for his commitment to helping students succeed. He is pictured with his FBLA student, Natalie Bardin, who said, "As I served as state president, Mr. Thompson was one of my biggest supporters and helped guide me through every challenge and opportunity. He always believed in me, encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, and reminded me of the leader I was capable of becoming." Comments | Permalink
Chamber awards 2026: Small Business award
2026-05-19 - Adair County, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com
North Century Pharmacy, owned by Easton Bryant, center, earned the Columbia Adair Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award. During the presentation, director Ellen Zornes described Bryant as someone who built the business from the ground up through hard work, long hours and a servant-hearted attitude. Bryant was recognized not only for filling prescriptions, but also for delivering medications after hours, on holidays and during emergencies when customers needed assistance. Family members described him as humble, compassionate and deeply committed to serving others, while chamber officials pointed to the pharmacy's continued growth and strong community reputation. Comments | Permalink
2026-05-19 - Adair County, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com
North Century Pharmacy, owned by Easton Bryant, center, earned the Columbia Adair Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award. During the presentation, director Ellen Zornes described Bryant as someone who built the business from the ground up through hard work, long hours and a servant-hearted attitude. Bryant was recognized not only for filling prescriptions, but also for delivering medications after hours, on holidays and during emergencies when customers needed assistance. Family members described him as humble, compassionate and deeply committed to serving others, while chamber officials pointed to the pharmacy's continued growth and strong community reputation. Comments | Permalink
Chamber awards 2026: Business Man of the Year
2026-05-19 - Adair County, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com
Matthew Loy, second from right, was selected among these nominees to receive the Business/Professional Man Award for his leadership and service through United Citizens Bank. A graduate of Adair County High School and the University of Kentucky, Loy began his banking career in 2003 and eventually became CEO of UCB in 2014. Zornes described him as a leader who values personal relationships and community banking while remaining approachable to customers and active in his children's activities. In addition to his work in banking, Loy spends much of his time supporting youth sports and attending games involving his family. Comments | Permalink
2026-05-19 - Adair County, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com
Matthew Loy, second from right, was selected among these nominees to receive the Business/Professional Man Award for his leadership and service through United Citizens Bank. A graduate of Adair County High School and the University of Kentucky, Loy began his banking career in 2003 and eventually became CEO of UCB in 2014. Zornes described him as a leader who values personal relationships and community banking while remaining approachable to customers and active in his children's activities. In addition to his work in banking, Loy spends much of his time supporting youth sports and attending games involving his family. Comments | Permalink
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