Anything we can do to recognize businesses that go above and beyond in serving the community is a win for everyone involved.

That is why the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Partner program is so important.

Ten Clark County businesses were honored Tuesday for their contributions to the community during 2017.

Eight of those earned a three-star ranking. One business each earned a two-star and a one-star ranking.

This year, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Central Bank, Clark County Farm Bureau, Clark Regional Medical Center, Kentucky Bank, Leggett and Platt, Neely and Wade Insurance and Peoples Exchange Bank each earned a three-star rating. Those businesses each receive several perks including a proclamation by the mayor or judge-executive, two tickets to the chamber banquet, one free tuition to Leadership Winchester and a business profile by the Chamber.

This year’s two-star business, Partners in Education, and the one-star business, Superior Home Improvements, will also receive perks including a Community Partner Program logo to be used at the business or in communications.

The program is open to chamber members that meet several criteria including having a certain percentage of managers and employees who live in Clark County, offering health and wellness programs and participating in community events. Businesses had to fill out an application detailing how they meet the criteria. The applications are then scored by a committee.

In part, this program is so important because it encourages businesses to strive for excellence and creates clear goals for them to shoot for.

Of course we appreciate all the businesses here in Clark County, but want to offer an extra thank you to the Chamber and these Community Partner award recipients. This says a lot about them and the entire community