SCRTC, Art Guild Honored at Annual Chamber Banquet

SCRTC Wins Business of the Year, Art Guild Wins Servant of the Year

The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce honored SCRTC with Business of the Year and the Edmonson County Art Guild as Servant of the Year at the annual Chamber Banquet.

Peytin Manor, photos:
Two very deserving organizations were recognized at last night's annual banquet for the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.

SCRTC was presented Chamber Business of the Year while local volunteer organization, The Edmonson County Art Guild, was named Chamber Servant of the Year.

Chamber Board Member Alicia Edwards presents the Edmonson County Art Guild with the Chamber Servant of the Year Award.

Chamber President Darren Doyle presents Business of the Year Award to Jeff Eaton, General Manager of SCRTC.

SCRTC has been instrumental in bringing fiber internet to much of Edmonson County. While the company has been around for over 70 years, they are still relatively new to Edmonson County. As part of a statewide initiative, they helped thousands of local residents enjoy not only high speed internet, but phone, television, and other services.

As a result of their investment, other quality options are now available through competitors throughout the county that have improved their products and services as well. 

The Edmonson County Art Guild has had a significant impact on the community since their organization in 2023. With multiple beautification projects, like painting, photography, and murals, free community events such as Light the Square and live music shows, the group has brought a variation of improvements in the county. This past summer, they placed 200 American flags on all the utility poles in the City of Brownsville in conjunction with the county's 200th anniversary.

The Chamber also unveiled a new logo and new name that will be implemented in January of 2026, "EdmonsonInc." 

New logo unveiled by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.

Outgoing Chamber President Darren Doyle discussed the night.

"These are two very deserving organizations that we've worked closely with over the past few years," he said. "First, the Art Guild is run by tremendous people that were born and raised here that have a deep love for our community. Their projects show how much they truly care about this place."

He then spoke about SCRTC.

"These guys have arguably had the biggest impact in our community in several years, with their investment in bringing fiber here," he said. "For years, we all struggled with the fact that internet service was just simply bad here and there was no sign of it changing until these guys came to town. But not just that, they have become part of our community by giving back to schools, and other organizations and causes. It's obvious they care about Edmonson County, and their example has led other companies to do the same."

He then discussed changes coming within the Chamber. 

"I have served for the past four years in my term as President, and it's time for someone else to take that role. In addition, our Vice President Josh Casey, Treasurer Daniel Bolton, and Board Member Mark Wardlow have also fulfilled their terms. It's been an honor working with these guys. They are fine folks, dear friends, and extremely passionate about Edmonson County. The same can be said about the newer board members as well. We've worked hard and done the best we could to improve the organization, which included a re-organization to better serve our members. The remaining members, Alicia Edwards, Sherrell Thompson, and Corey Culbreth have a great vision for next year with EdmonsonInc., the new name for the Chamber. We will welcome new board members Stacy Raymer and Jessica Turner in January, and they are already working well together. We can't wait to see what direction they go."