OLIVE HILL, Ky. — Olive Hill businesses and community leaders were well represented at the 2026 Northeast Kentucky Small Business Awards, with local entrepreneurs and professionals earning nominations across six award categories.
Hosted by the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, the annual awards recognize the contributions, accomplishments and community involvement of small businesses throughout Northeast Kentucky.
Several Olive Hill businesses and individuals were nominated for this year’s awards, highlighting the variety of entrepreneurs, professionals and community-minded business owners who contribute to the local economy.
The Olive Hill nominees and award recipients included:
New Business of the Year
- Bare Beauty Bar
- Bare Bottom Tanning
- Day’s Seasoning
- The Write Touch Studio
- Threads by Coco
Legacy Award
- Bubba’s Towing and Recovery
- Porter Tire & Auto Service — Winner
- Tyler’s Pizza
Porter Tire & Auto Service was recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Legacy Award. The family-owned business traces its history in Olive Hill to 1960 and has remained a part of the community for more than six decades.
Healthcare Professional of the Year
- Dr. Charla Burchett and Kristin Yarman, Carter Healthcare — Winner
Carter Healthcare’s Dr. Charla Burchett, DNP, APRN, and Kristin Yarman, APRN, were recognized as the 2026 NEKY Healthcare Professionals of the Year. The twin sisters were honored for their commitment to providing accessible, compassionate healthcare and serving the people of their hometown and surrounding communities.
Service Business of the Year
- Garbage Grabbers
- Johnny’s Gadget Repair
Small Business Philanthropy Award
- Jason Barker, Barkers Construction — Winner
- Jennifer Madden, Paws Inn Keeper
Barkers Construction was recognized with the 2026 Small Business Philanthropy Award for their commitment to giving back and supporting organizations, events and individuals throughout Olive Hill and the surrounding communities.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- MaKaylen Genung, Olive Branch Market
“It is truly wonderful to see so many of our Olive Hill small businesses receiving the recognition they deserve,” said Crystal Branham, president of the Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce. “These businesses are the heart of our community, and every nomination and award is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion they pour into what they do each day. We are incredibly proud to see Olive Hill so well represented and to celebrate the people who continue to invest in and make a difference in our community.”
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