11th annual KY Entrepreneur Hall of Fame ceremony
The KY Entrepreneur Hall of Fame inducted three more people.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Tuesday was the 11th annual Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame ceremony. The Hall of Fame board says three people were inducted based on their successes as entrepreneurs.
The Hall of Fame says it wants to celebrate these business people while at the same time inspiring other entrepreneurs to keep on their ambitious endeavors. The Hall of Fame says it hopes to fulfill a dream of former University of Kentucky President Lee Todd, that Kentucky entrepreneurship would be as appreciated as UK basketball, horse racing or bourbon.
“Entrepreneurship is something that is growing very fast in Kentucky. It’s a lot of opportunities out there for anybody who is interested in taking their ideas and turning them into successful businesses,” says Brian Raney, founder of Awesome INC. “I think Kentucky is a state that has a lot of potential and a lot of opportunity for entrepreneurship to really take hold.”
The Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, presented by JPMorgan Chase, was held and Kentucky’s most successful entrepreneurs were acknowledged!
2021 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Inductees:
- Randall Bufford | Founder/Chairman, Trilogy Health Services
- Patrick R. Lancaster, III | Chairman and Co-founder, Lantech
- Cal Turner, Jr. | Retired Chairman/CEO, Dollar General Corporation
- Cal Turner (Posthumous) | Co-founder and Chairman emeritus, Dollar General Corporation
The Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (KEHOF) is a physical and virtual destination that shares and celebrates the stories of Kentucky’s most successful entrepreneurs.
The induction celebration also honored 2021 emerging entrepreneurs, mentor of the year, investor of the year and CEO of the year.
Emerging Entrepreneurs:
- Jeremiah Chapman | Co-founder & CEO, FreshFry
- Matt Dawson | CEO/Founder, Wild Health, Inc.
- Nick Mattingly | Co-founder & CEO, Switcher Inc.
Investor of the Year:
- Dan Beldy | Partner, Airwing Ventures
Mentor of the Year:
- Eric Hartman | Associate Director, Commercialization Team, Office of Technology Commercialization, University of Kentucky
CEO of the Year:
- Luther Deaton | Chairman, President & CEO, Central Bank & Trust Company
KEHOF’s mission is to raise awareness of the impact that entrepreneurship has made in the Commonwealth and encourage others to pursue similar ambitious endeavors.
“Entrepreneurs have made a tremendous impact in the state of Kentucky, and it’s imperative to support the innovation and drive behind these successful business leaders,” said Paul Costel, Region Manager for JPMorgan Chase in Kentucky. “Entrepreneurs have the courage to chase their dreams, and it’s exciting to see that passion within our communities.”
