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January 29, 2026 By Robby Payne

LHC: Fort Knox: Leadership, Innovation, and Community Impact

Morning Briefing: The Strategic Landscape of Fort Knox

Our day began with a deep dive into the operations of Fort Knox, led by Garrison Commander Dave Holstead. With 26 years in uniform and a deep commitment to the Kentucky community, Commander Holstead shared his vision for transforming Fort Knox into a premier training hub.

Key Strategic Insights:
โ— Economic Powerhouse: Fort Knox is the second-largest employer in Kentucky,
contributing a staggering $5.6 billion economic impact to the state.

โ— Infrastructure for the Future: Over $488 million is being invested in
modernizing housing, dining facilities, and schools, ensuring the installation
remains a viable and attractive home for soldiers and their families.

โ— Energy Independence: Fort Knox is 100% energy secureโ€”the only Army
installation with this capabilityโ€”utilizing natural gas pipelines and fuel cells to
maintain operations even during external grid failures.

โ— The Vision: The long-term goal is to expand training capacity, potentially bringing
back basic training or major schoolhouses to the base within the next 5-10 years.

Read the full brief from their dayย  ย Group C Fort Knox Blog

Filed Under: Chamber News, LeadershipHC

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Elizabethtown Office
111 West Dixie Avenue
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701

(270) 765-4334

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Copyright © 2026 · Hardin County Chamber

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Annual Awards Nomination Form

Annual Awards Nominations

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Select an award category.

THE CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD recognizes an individual who has committed an exemplary effort toward an initiative or initiatives important to the Chamberโ€™s mission.

To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this person is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD recognizes any official (either elected or appointed) who has performed a particular service or overall effectiveness in office on behalf of the residents of Hardin County and has demonstrated commitment to supporting business. Other criteria:

  • Currently serving in any level of government (local, state, federal) or has been out of office no more than two years

To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE HALL OF FAME AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the CHAMBER HALL OF FAME AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE HALL OF FAME AWARD recognizes a local business or individual for long term contributions to the economy and community. To be considered, the nominee should have been operating in the Hardin County market for ten or more years.

To nominate an individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this person is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD recognizes an individual, entity and/or organization that has made a positive difference in the lives of our citizens and works to make Hardin County a better place to live, work and visit.

Criteria:

  • Has made a significant economic, social or environmental impact on the community
  • Is a public use project, facility or initiative that impacts the community at large
  • Promotes, develops or creates business growth or tourism, recreational, cultural or community assets or amenities

To nominate for this award, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this entity is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD at the 20256 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD recognizes an individual or business who has committed an exemplary effort toward an initiative or initiatives important to the military and community partnership between Fort Knox and Hardin County. It is named in honor of World War II Veteran and Hardin County community leader and icon, Ralph Reese.

To nominate an individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this nominee is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE RISING STAR AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026.

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

A local professional under the age of 40 Demonstrates creativity, innovation, character, consistency and excellence in their field. Exemplifies outstanding professional growth and community engagement Makes significant contributions to the community through work and/or volunteer activities As current member of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

Nominee Information

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Nominee Name(Required)
Nominee Address

Fill out the form below to download the Elizabethtown Fort Knox MSA Transformation Project – Presentation and Report PDFs.

September 19th Economic Impact Report Release

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Fill out the form below to download the Elizabethtown Fort Knox MSA Transformation Project – Presentation and Report PDFs.

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