A UCBJ Special
COOKEVILLE – The Upper Cumberland is brimming with talent, imagination and creativity. Each year, the Upper Cumberland Business Journal dedicates an entire print edition to highlighting just a handful of those folks. We call them our Ovation Award winners.
This year, a common theme existed among many of the nominees. All were impacting by the Great Recession – which, to some degree, is not unique – but the downturn drove them deeper into their respective niches. Many have emerged stronger than ever. Their stories can be found on the subsequent pages.
“I always say that Ovation Award season is my favorite. This year is no exception,” UCBJ Editor Liz Engel said. “It’s no secret that there’s a lot of ground to cover in the Upper Cumberland, but these awards really give us a chance to highlight not only the well-known companies and individuals, but those who are quietly making this a better place to live, work and play. There’s definitely no shortage of creative, driven and talented people. They all should be proud to be included.”
The 2016 list includes 28 total winners across seven categories. They represent 10 of the region’s 14 counties. A whopping 22 are first-time recipients.
“I think that says a lot about the diversity of our region,” Engel added. “We continue to uncover ‘hidden gems’ with this list. That’s what makes the Ovation Awards so special.”
Since 2008, Ovation Award winners have been nominated by Upper Cumberland Business Journal readers and selected by the UCBJ staff. For more information or to nominate a business or business leader for 2017, call (931) 528-8852, visit ucbjournal.com/ovation-awards/ or email contact@ucbjournal.com.
THE SHORT LIST
Excellence in Tourism Promotion
Cumberland Caverns, Warren County *
Smooth Rapids Outfitters, Warren County
ZIPStream Fall Creek Falls, Van Buren County
CG’s Pizza, Jackson County
Foglight Foodhouse, White County *
The Butcher’s Block, Cumberland County
Bull & Thistle, Jackson County *
Blue Water Grille, DeKalb County
The Back Room Bistro, Putnam County
Best Individual Citizen/Excellence in Business Leadership
Lanny Dunn, Putnam County
Heart of the City Playground Committee, Putnam County
Eddie Parker, Parker Charcoal, Fentress County
Crossville Inc., Cumberland County *
Micro Metals, Fentress County
Jackson Kayak, White County
ATC Automation, Putnam County *
Lagniappe Spice Co., Putnam County
Fitzgerald Glider Kits, Fentress/Cumberland/Pickett County
Naked Salsa, Putnam County
Ground Up Recycling, Putnam County
The Lamp & Lighthouse, Putnam County
HomeCORR, Putnam County
Shaffield’s Furniture, White/Putnam County *
Smith County Drug Center, Smith County
Excellence in Professional Services
Cookeville Kitchen Sales, Putnam County
J. Cumby Construction, Putnam County
Winell Lee Hardwoods, Putnam County
Cravens & Company Advisors LLC
Institutional Wholesale Company Inc.
* Indicates past Ovation Award winner