Ovations 2016: SPOTLIGHTING THE REGION’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST

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

Favorite Restaurant

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

Excellence in Manufacturing

Crossville Inc., Cumberland County *

Micro Metals, Fentress County

Jackson Kayak, White County

ATC Automation, Putnam County *

Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Lagniappe Spice Co., Putnam County

Fitzgerald Glider Kits, Fentress/Cumberland/Pickett County

Naked Salsa, Putnam County

Ground Up Recycling, Putnam County

Favorite Retail Establishment

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

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