Chamber Celebrates the Business Community at 2025 Annual Banquet

The London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce held its highly anticipated Annual Banquet on Tuesday, April 15th, at the London Community Center. Presented by CHI Saint Joseph Health, the event welcomed more than 380 community and business leaders, showcasing strong local support for the Chamber and its initiatives.

The evening kicked off with a vibrant recap video produced by Michael Sliter of Hotwire Productions, highlighting the Chamber’s significant accomplishments over the past year. Chamber CEO Deanna Herrmann then took the stage to introduce the newly elected slate of officers:

• President: Donna Gregorich, CENTURY 21 Advantage
• President Elect: Kyle Gray, WB Transport, LLC
• Vice President: Donevon Storm, Donevon Storm Insurance, Kentucky Farm Bureau
• Secretary: Sharon Benge, Benge Farm Supply
• Treasurer: Ward Stokes, Cumberland Valley National Bank & Trust

Joining them on the board are:

• Donnie Cox, Abner & Cox, PLLC
• Garry Conley, Minuteman Press
• Lisa Baker, Jackson Energy Cooperative
• Michael Sliter, Hotwire Productions
• Winston Griffin, Laurel Grocery Company
• Karen Hyde, Legacy Nissan
• Brandon Keck, JBK Commercial Roofing
• John Yanes, CHI Saint Joseph London
• Eric Sproles, AISIN Automotive Casting, LLC
• Scott Websters, Tooms, Dunaway & Webster, PLLC (Ex-Officio)

New Board President Donna Gregorich thanked Immediate Past President Scott Webster of Tooms, Dunaway & Webster, PLLC with a plaque in recognition of his dedicated service.

Committee chairs were also introduced, including:

• Education Committee: Tina Cook, Laurel County Adult Education
• Ambassador Club: Michael Sliter, Hotwire Productions
• Junior Achievement & Work Ethic Seal Program: Garry Conley, Minuteman Press
• Women In Business: Magen Zawko, MZ Media
• Health & Wellness Committee: Rebecca Webster, UK Healthcare
• Business Training & Development Committee: Sandi Curd, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation

Deanna Herrmann provided an update on the Chamber’s non-profit Foundation, highlighting their ongoing partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide free books to all Laurel County children, ages 0–5. Foundation Board members include:

• Levi Alley (PNC Bank)
• Donnie Cox (Abner & Cox, PLLC)
• Jane Dyche (Dyche Law Office)
• Crystal McQueen (KeyLife Principle Brokerage)
• David Vickers (Retired – Edward Jones Investments)

Michael Sliter, Ambassador Club Chair, introduced the dedicated 2025 Ambassador Club:

• April Goodin, Home Helpers Home Care
• Brent Jackson, Jackson Energy Cooperative
• Jessie Eldridge, The Sentinel-Echo
• Julie Rea, Julie Ross Rea Media
• Wendi Dizney, Forcht Bank
• Keyla Stubblefield, The Job Shop
• Braxston Hicks, London Insurance Agency
• Heather Gilreath, Walmart Supply Chain 6097
• Anthony Ortega, Kinetic
• Renee Nicholson, London Women’s Care
• Josh Good, Forcht Broadcasting
• Caleb Taylor, Edward Jones Investments
• Abby Harris, CENTURY 21 Advantage Realty
• Amy Reynolds, Don Franklin Auto Group

Michael also thanked outgoing Ambassador Kandalisha Gilbert of PNC Bank.

The Chamber proudly introduced a new award, the Ambassador of the Year, recognizing exceptional work ethic, enthusiastic participation, teamwork, and dedication. The inaugural winner was Keyla Stubblefield from The Job Shop Staffing Services.

Entertainment, sponsored by Appalachian Wireless, featured comedian Dave Dyer, whose lively performance delighted guests. With a career spanning over 25 years, Dyer’s humor has been showcased on national television and renowned comedy tours.

Highlighting the evening, Michael Sliter of Hotwire Productions presented the prestigious Business of the Year awards, accompanied by compelling videos celebrating each recipient:

• Large Business of the Year: AISIN Automotive Casting, LLC. Recognized for excellence in automotive component manufacturing, industry-leading innovation, and outstanding community service, AISIN exemplifies corporate responsibility and exceptional quality.
• Small Business of the Year: Katee Loftis Collett State Farm. With personalized customer service, a commitment to community involvement, and a dedication to employee satisfaction, this agency demonstrates excellence in every facet of their operations.
• Non-Profit of the Year: Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services, Inc. Honored for their tireless commitment to serving vulnerable populations, providing critical support, and raising awareness around domestic violence, their impact significantly improves lives throughout the region.

Laurel County Farm Bureau, serving as the Education Sponsor, generously presented each Teacher of the Year recipient with a $1,000 check. Honorees included:

• Bridgett McWhorter, Bush Elementary School (Elementary Teacher of the Year)
• Tonya Allen, North Laurel Middle School (Middle School Teacher of the Year)
• Mary King, South Laurel High School (High School Teacher of the Year)

Thanks to numerous generous donations from local businesses, the Chamber’s silent auction was a great success, raising additional funds to support Chamber initiatives.

The London-Laurel County Chamber extends heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the community for making the 2025 Annual Banquet an unforgettable event.

Event Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors: CHI Saint Joseph Health (Presenting Sponsor), Appalachian Wireless, Laurel County Farm Bureau, AISIN Automotive Casting LLC, Baptist Health Corbin, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Bluegrass Care Navigators, Century 21 Advantage Realty, City of London, CK Tactical Security, Community Trust Bank, Cumberland Valley National Bank & Trust, First National Bank of Manchester, Forcht Bank, God’s Pantry Food Bank, Heartstrings Mental Health, Hey Sweet Angie Photography, Highlands Diversified Services, Hometown Bank, Hotwire Productions, Jackson Energy Cooperative, JBK Commercial Roofing, Katee Loftis State Farm Insurance Agency Inc., Kentucky 811, Kentucky Utilities, Kinetic, L&N Federal Credit Union, Laurel County Fiscal Court, Legacy Nissan, Minuteman Press, Optimize U Center, Parkinson’s in Motion, Precision Duplicating Solutions, Inc., CHI Saint Joseph London, Second Mile Behavioral Health, Somerset Community College, Texas Roadhouse, The Job Shop Staffing Services, and Walmart Supply Chain 6097.