Twelve Kentucky companies recognized as 'Pacesetters'

Twelve businesses have been selected for the inaugural class of the Pacesetter Business Recognition Program, which honors high-performing, second-stage companies across Kentucky.

The program is a collaboration of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, based at the University of Kentucky's Office of Commercialization and Economic Development; the U.S. Small Business Administration; the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development; and the Louisville branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

The inaugural class is: Lawrence & Associates, Louisville; Big Meadow Oil Co. Inc., Knob Lick; Custom Tool & Manufacturing Co., Lawrenceburg; Hitcents Inc., Bowling Green; Interstate Natural Gas Co., Pikeville; LCM Co., Lexington; Oscarware Inc., Bonnieville; Pendleton Data Farm, Falmouth; SouthEast Telephone, Pikeville; The Gallaher Group, Ashland; Twin Rivers Inc., Livermore; and Walbert Trucking Inc., Glasgow.

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These companies were chosen because they are "changing the economic landscape of Kentucky" by introducing innovative products, increasing sales and employment and serving their communities, according to a news release. They also have demonstrated the intent and capacity to further grow, the release said.

The companies will be recognized at the Kentucky Celebrates Small Business event on Wednesday, April 23, at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.