GLASGOW — Barren Inc. recognized several local business and community leaders during its 2026 Achievement in Business Awards Luncheon held Thursday in Glasgow.

The annual event honored recipients in five categories: Administrative Professional of the Year, Farmer of the Year, Small Business of the Year, the Magnolia Award and Small Business Person of the Year.

Administrative Professional of the Year Award

Mariel Casian, human resources director for the Barren County Family YMCA, received the Administrative Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by NuWay Custom Portable Buildings.

Barren Inc. recognized Casian for her leadership and community outreach efforts, including launching and leading the YMCA’s Hispanic Heritage event and helping connect Hispanic and immigrant residents with local resources.

Casian was also selected as one of 18 participants nationwide for the YMCA’s Employee Resource Group and Inclusive Leadership Initiative and received a national YMCA scholarship to attend the YMCA General Assembly.

The Farmer of the Year Award

The Farmer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Barren County Farm Bureau Federation, was presented to Ken Wininger of Wininger Homestead Farm.

Wininger represents the fifth generation of his family to operate the farm, which produces beef cattle and hay near the Veterans Outer Loop.

He also serves with the Barren County and Kentucky Cattlemen’s Associations as crew chief of the organizations’ cooking crew and has held leadership roles with the Barren County Extension Service, including past chairman and current treasurer.

Small Business of the Year Award

Lockshield Partners Accounting Services received the Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by German American Bank.

Barren Inc. said the firm was recognized for its client-centered approach, workplace culture and community involvement.

The business was named Best of Barren Accounting Firm in both 2024 and 2025 and has partnered with local schools and Western Kentucky University on financial literacy and personal finance education initiatives.

The company also provides paid internship opportunities for local high school students.

Magnolia Award

Mallie Boston of the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County received the 2026 Magnolia Award, sponsored by Houchens Food Group.

The award recognizes women for leadership, service and community impact.

Barren Inc. cited Boston’s role in expanding the organization’s reach, building partnerships and mentoring young people throughout the community.

Boston was unable to attend the ceremony, and Wade Copas accepted the award on her behalf.

Small Business Person of the Year Award

The 2026 Small Business Person of the Year Award, sponsored by The Peoples Bank, was awarded to Zac Ross of Ross Wealth Advisory.

Barren Inc. recognized Ross for leadership in business and community involvement, including volunteer work with Barren Inc., the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County and local youth initiatives.

Ross also teaches financial wellness courses in the community and launched Ross Wealth Advisory to better serve clients in Barren County.

“These recipients represent the very best of Barren County,” Barren Inc. President and CEO Maureen Carpenter said in a statement. “Their commitment to excellence, service, and community is what drives our region forward.”

Barren Inc. is the combined branding of the Barren County Chamber of Commerce and Barren County Economic Authority.