Bowling Green, Ky. (April 18, 2023) - The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has awarded two prestigious awards to outstanding business people in our community: the 2023 Small Business Person of the Year and the 2023 ATHENA Recipient.
2023 ATHENA
Dr. Martha Sales of Western Kentucky University was named the 38th recipient of the ATHENA Award presented by the Chamber and Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM. With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, her career has spanned every area of student success. Now, as the Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President of Student Life, she continues to devote her time and resources to support all. As a mentor, coach, leader, and positive light, she uses her platform to advocate for and enhance the growth of the programs she works with. She has created scholarships that help support women of color in continuing their education. There are hundreds of minority students and women professionals over the years that have benefited from her mentorship and professional opportunities. Dr. Sales is a frequent contributor to the community by serving on boards and committees. She has provided expertise to school boards, local police agencies, community organizations, churches, conferences, and events.
"It is a wonderful day when the ATHENA’s can welcome yet another example of a strong, dedicated, professional woman in our community, as we see in Dr. Martha Sales," said Tamara Vogler, 2011 ATHENA Recipient.
This year's ATHENA nominees included:
- Ashley Carter, English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP
- Lisa Martens, Nat’s Outdoor Sports
- Rhondell Miller, HOTEL INC
- Abby Phillips, Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky
- Martha Sales, Western Kentucky University
- Lindsey Sanson, American Bank & Trust Co.
- Kendra Sewell, Pan-Oston
- Christi Turner, Summit Title Company
- Melanie Watts, LifeSkills, Inc.
The ATHENA Award recognizes an individual for professional excellence, providing valuable service to their community, and actively helping women attain professional excellence and leadership skills.
2023 Small Business Person of the Year
Sasa Mandrapa of Burger & Bowl was named the 2023 Small Business Person of the Year, presented by the Chamber and German American Bank. Sasa has an incredible work ethic, commitment, and passion for business and his community. He is a leader and someone who is highly motivated but still displays humility and instills confidence in others. Tenacity, perseverance, creativity, imagination, and expert problem solver are some words used to describe him. His business growth is significant, has had a definite impact on the labor force in our area, and offers opportunities to the culturally diverse. He first came to the United States in 1996 as a refugee from Bosnia that did not speak English. He now owns six restaurants in Bowling Green.
Since 1985, the Chamber has named a community member the Small Business Person of the Year annually. The award recognizes a business leader who:
- Owns and operates a for-profit company that employs 100 or fewer full-time employees
- Has invested his or her own money in that small business
- Has experienced recent business growth
- Is involved in the development and growth of the Bowling Green community
This year's 2023 Small Business Person of the Year nominees included:
- Thomas Birkenhauer & Dr. Andrew Burt, Bluegrass Oral Health Care
- Justin Gearlds, RENEW by Optimum Rejuvenation
- Jackie & Jeff Green, Jeff Green Home Improvements, LLC
- Susan Hoechner, Barbara Stewart Interiors
- Sasa Mandrapa, The Bistro, Burger & Bowl, Novo Dolce, Speeza, The Pub by Novo, and Toro.
- Ada Beth Oliver, Oliver Creative
- Spence Sheldon, Donatos Pizza
Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch stated, “The selection committee is presented with a difficult decision each year as they navigate through an impressive list of nominees. The small business community boasts a group of outstanding entrepreneurs who represent the highest level of quality. It is with great pride that the Chamber recognizes its leadership through this prestigious award. The contribution of small businesses is invaluable to the Chamber's partnership, accounting for more than 85 percent of our collaborative efforts."
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About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce: Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As the fourth largest Chamber in Kentucky, it is a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. It is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives, and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region