Salute to Small BusinessSince 1986, Commerce Lexington’s Salute to Small Business Awards presented by Forcht Bank has been the premier opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact that small businesses have on our local economy and community. As small businesses continue to drive innovation and fuel growth across the region, this event series puts the spotlight on the best of the best — including one outstanding nonprofit organization.
Mark your calendar for August 11–15, 2025, as we roll out a full week of inspiration, connection, and celebration! You'll meet the 2025 Category Award winners through behind-the-scenes videos, special features, and live event experiences — all leading up to the Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon on Friday, August 15, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington. |
Presented by:
Photos by Mahan Multimedia.
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2025 Salute to Small Business Award Applications
To be considered for a Salute to Small Business Award, interested businesses must complete an application. All applications are reviewed and scored by a committee of volunteer business leaders from across the region, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation process.
Both self-applications and nominations are welcome—however, nominated businesses must complete an application to be eligible for consideration. If you have questions about the award process or application, please contact Angela Carlos, Director of Events and Programs, here.
Both self-applications and nominations are welcome—however, nominated businesses must complete an application to be eligible for consideration. If you have questions about the award process or application, please contact Angela Carlos, Director of Events and Programs, here.
Why You Should Apply for a Salute to Small Business Award:
Crinda Francke, president and CEO of ExecuTrain, last year’s Small Business of the Year, said, “Winning the Commerce Lexington Small Business of the Year Award is an incredible honor that validates the dedication and heart we've put into our business. Beyond the recognition, it has significantly boosted our visibility in the community, opening doors to new opportunities and helping us grow in ways we hadn’t imagined. This award is a reminder of the power of perseverance—and the importance of community in building something meaningful."
2024 Salute to Small Business Category Award Winners:
ENTREPRENEUR:
Mahan Multimedia
1434 N. Forbes Road, Lexington, KY 40511 www.mahanmultimedia.com Founded by Mark Mahan in 2010, Mahan Multimedia is a dynamic photography, videography, and live webcasting firm, delivering visual storytelling to businesses and organizations across Kentucky. BUSINESS SUCCESS:
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MINORITY BUSINESS:
The JCC Group
2351 Versailles Road, Suite 200, Lexington, 40504 www.thejccgroup.com The JCC Group is a consortium of companies focused on providing quality services in the areas of bookkeeping, payroll, tax, and accounting, as well as insurance and IT consulting. NONPROFIT COMMUNITY IMPACT:
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ExecuTrain
220 Lexington Green Circle, Suite 520, Lexington, 40503 www.executrain.com Since its establishment in 1994, ExecuTrain has been a trailblazer in professional training, sculpting the skills and expertise of more than 12 million people across diverse business sectors. |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass
101 W. Lowry Lane, Suite 150, Lexington, KY 40503 www.bbbs-bluegrass.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass is a nonprofit organization that fosters one-to-one mentoring relationships for Central Kentucky children and teens primarily from single-parent homes and under-resourced communities. |
2024 Small Business of the Year:
At the 2024 Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon presented by Forcht Bank, ExecuTrain was honored as Commerce Lexington’s 2024 Small Business of the Year, following their recognition in the Business Success Award category.
Founded in 1994, ExecuTrain has been a pioneer in professional training, helping over 12 million people across a wide range of industries sharpen their skills and elevate their careers. Under the leadership of President & CEO Crinda Francke, ExecuTrain has evolved into a national powerhouse, serving clients across the U.S. and Mexico with customized learning solutions, project staffing, and curriculum design. |
Steve Byars, Commerce Lexington 2024 Board Chair (left), Crinda Francke, ExecuTrain President & CEO (middle), Houston Hall, Lexington Market President, Forcht Bank (right).
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Crinda began her journey with ExecuTrain as a sales manager before purchasing the Lexington franchise, expanding into Louisville, and eventually acquiring ExecuTrain U.S. in 2020. Her leadership has positioned the company as a trusted resource for Fortune 500 clients and a model of growth and innovation in the training industry.
With over three decades of success, ExecuTrain stands as a testament to the strength, adaptability, and lasting impact of small businesses in our region.
Commerce Lexington 2024 Board Chair Steve Byars (Moneywatch Advisors), said, “Commerce Lexington’s annual Salute to Small Business Awards program is the perfect opportunity for the business community to come together, say thank you, and recognize our area small businesses that are so vital to our economy. With over 30 years in business, ExecuTrain has achieved a longevity for which many small businesses strive. Each of our category award winners should be proud of what they have accomplished, and our community appreciates them greatly.”
With over three decades of success, ExecuTrain stands as a testament to the strength, adaptability, and lasting impact of small businesses in our region.
Commerce Lexington 2024 Board Chair Steve Byars (Moneywatch Advisors), said, “Commerce Lexington’s annual Salute to Small Business Awards program is the perfect opportunity for the business community to come together, say thank you, and recognize our area small businesses that are so vital to our economy. With over 30 years in business, ExecuTrain has achieved a longevity for which many small businesses strive. Each of our category award winners should be proud of what they have accomplished, and our community appreciates them greatly.”