R & R Heating and Air Conditioning Take Home 2018 Chamber's Business of the Year

Double Amputee Jason Koger Shares Inspiring Story Of Faith, Hope, Determination

L-R: Edmonson Chamber Board Member Bob Kleier presents Holly Hayes and Ross Wells of R&R "Business of the Year."

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A capacity crowd filled the Heritage Centre across from Patton Funeral Home on Thursday, November 29th for the 2018 Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and awards presentation. 

This year's guest speaker was Jason Koger, a 33-year old father of three who was critically injured in an ATV accident that resulted in both arms being amputated. Koger shared his inspirational story of hope, faith, and determination and how he became the world's first recipient of double bionic arms.

Koger has made multiple TV, movie, and national news network appearances, and travels extensively all over the world sharing his positive message. He demonstrated several features of his high-tech electronic arms and shared how he drives, works, hunts, and even holds his children the same as one with no disability would. Koger and his family are from the Owensboro area. He received a heartfelt standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech.

Guest speaker Jason Koger gave an inspirational speech.

The 2018 "Business of the Year" award was presented to R&R Heating and Air Conditioning, owned by the family of Rex Wells. The 32-employee company recently moved into a brand new facility just south of the Brownsville city limits on Veterans Memorial Highway. R&R is a full service HVAC company that works in multiple states and handles all types of residential and commercial heating and cooling. 

Siblings Holly Hayes and Ross Wells accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons said it was one of the largest crowds yet.

"We're thrilled at tonight's attendance and for the wonderful hospitality shown by the Patton and Brantley families at the Heritage Centre," she said. "We also thank Laura's Hilltop for tonight's delicious catered meal and for all our chamber and community members for attending tonight. Having Mr. Koger as our guest speaker tonight was very moving. We heard nothing but positive things about his appearance. Our chamber is funded by our members, so it's a true example of local businesses sticking together and helping each other. We congratulate all our winners tonight."