The Logan County Chamber of Commerce celebrated a successful year with its 2025 Annual Dinner, an evening filled with recognition, gratitude, and community spirit. The event, held on March 13, welcomed chamber members, local leaders, and honored guests to reflect on the past year's achievements and set the stage for continued growth.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Board Chairman Brad Rogers, followed by an invocation and the LCHS Student Choir’s stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Chamber President Polly Steenbergen took the stage to highlight the Chamber’s remarkable accomplishments in 2024, including welcoming 34 new members, hosting 18 ribbon cuttings, and organizing the successful Tobacco & Heritage Festival with over 20,000 attendees on parade day.
Special thanks were extended to key contributors, including event sponsors, Bilyeus’ Grill on Wheels for catering, Morgan Atkinson for photography, Russellville High School Media classes for making the award videos, LCHS student Ambassadors and FBLA students for helping at the dinner, and Jailer Joshua Toomey and the Logan County Detention Center Inmates for their help setting up and cleaning up.
The event featured the recognition of the Chamber’s Board Members and Ambassadors, who play a vital role in fostering connections and supporting local businesses. Board members took their Oath of Service, reaffirming their commitment to the Chamber’s mission.
The Chamber also recognized various committees, including Logan County Renew Committee, which focuses on community beautification and economic growth; Annual Dinner Planning Committee, responsible for the success of the evening; and Tobacco & Heritage Festival Committee, which organizes Logan County’s largest annual event.
The highlight of the night was the awards ceremony, honoring individuals and businesses that have made a significant impact on Logan County:
• Ambassador of the Year: Lucas Celsor, recognized for his dedication to Chamber initiatives.
• Farm Family of the Year: Simmons Farms, a multi-generational family farm known for its sustainability and agricultural excellence.
• Educator of the Year: Tammy Duncan, a special education teacher at Chandlers Elementary, for her commitment to students. Principal BobbiSue Jones speaks in the video. https://youtu.be/KBiZD7FDO84
• Small Business of the Year: The Giving Plate, a local business dedicated to fighting food insecurity. Founders Alvy Holloway and Shawn Lowery speak in the video. https://youtu.be/Jov1UNNoBHM
• Volunteer of the Year: Elleana Lowe, honored for her selfless contributions to the community. https://youtu.be/SC25pOHQv5s
• Corporate Recognition Award: Logan Aluminum, acknowledged for its support of Logan County’s economic and community development. Logan Aluminum President Steven Clarke, Plant Manager Jason Goodman, Environmental Engineer Laura Hardy and Executive Assistant to the President Melissa Dodson speak. https://youtu.be/efTHr6b358M
• Logan United Award: Isaiah 117, recognized for its outstanding work in supporting foster children. Isaiah House Location Leader Lori Gafford, Support Coordinator Paula Washington, Care Coordinator Alissa Page and L.A.T. Lead Emily Driskill speak in the video. https://youtu.be/zdVWEEjseQM
• Logan Lifetime Achievement Award: Judge William Fuqua, former Circuit Judge and Associate Justice on the Kentucky Supreme Court, for his decades of public service.
As the evening concluded, outgoing Chamber Board Chairman Carl Seidler was honored with a commemorative clock, and past Chamber Presidents joined in the “Passing of the Gavel” ceremony to welcome new leadership. Brad Rogers is the current chairman.
Finally, the much-anticipated Dessert Dash winners were announced, wrapping up a night of celebration, camaraderie, and excitement for the future.
With another successful year in the books, the Logan County Chamber of Commerce remains committed to fostering a thriving business community, supporting local initiatives, and ensuring continued progress for Logan County.