By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
The halls of SpanTech — a Glasgow based company that is “recognized as a global leader in developing unique, customizable technical solutions for processing applications in core industries” — were lined with family, friends and coworkers as Maureen Carpenter, president and CEO of Barren Inc., awarded Tiffany Somerville, one of the company’s CEOs, the Magnolia Award.
The Magnolia Award is one of five awards that Barren Inc. will give out as part of the 2024 Achievement in Business Awards, which aims “to recognize someone or a business that embodies excellence throughout Barren County.” The other awards include small business person of the year, small business of the year, farmer of the year and administrative professional of the year.
Erin Hiles, director of Programs and Events at the chamber, said the Magnolia Award is awarded to “a female community leader” and, with the small business person of the year, will serve as keynote speakers at Barren Inc.’s May 7 luncheon, where Somerville will officially receive her award.
Carpenter livestreamed the surprise ceremony on the chamber’s Facebook page as a surprised and, at times, tear-eyed Somerville was met with applause.
Carpenter said Somerville “set the bar high” with her work at several nonprofits and through her work at SpanTech.
“The Magnolia Award…was created to recognize a woman who demonstrates excellence and leadership in our community,” Carpenter said.”Tiffany exemplifies several great qualities of the exceptional leader. Her professional leadership is evident through her dedication to her staff. Not only is Tiffany a wonderful professional role model but her community leadership is just as strong.”
Clutching the flowers Carpenter had presented to her in one hand, and with a tissue in the other, Somerville thanked those present.
“Anything I owe I owe to this group; my family and my SpanTech crew,” she said. “Anything I get to do is because of their support and love. I couldn’t do any of this without them and the good lord above.”
According to Hiles, they made Somerville aware of her recognition because she will be out of town during the April 9 news conference when the other four will be announced.
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