LUB is 2023 Business of The Year

The award was presented Thursday night by the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

TOP PHOTO: Kenny Baird, general manager of La Follette Utilities Board, displays the Business of the Year award.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – “The Chamber of Commerce and Tourism 2023 “Business of the Year” is La Follette Utilities Board. The award was presented on Thursday evening during the chamber’s annual meeting and awards dinner held at the Ball Farm Event Center.

“It is truly an honor to have been chosen for this distinguished award,” said Kenny Baird, LUB general manager.

“The Business of the Year awards are presented to businesses that have contributed to the economic vitality and demonstrated an unusual faith in the future business climate of the area,” said Missy Tackett, executive director of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Baird, who has been with LUB for over 30 years, shared some of the history of LUB upon accepting the award for the utility on Thursday evening explaining that the City of LaFollette went into the utility business in 1939, signing the first wholesale power contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority in August of that year. “I would like to thank all of the people who have been instrumental in making LUB successful throughout its history, including the mayors, council members, board members, but especially the fine employees of LUB down through the years. Working together, we have improved the lives of the people of our community with the utility services that are essential to modern life,” said Baird.

“I’m just so honored and humbled to have been a part of it. Finally, I would like to thank the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce for their confidence in choosing LUB for this distinguished award. Working together, we can continue to meet the challenges that face our community in the years to come,” said Baird.

The utility has been in good hands during Baird’s tenure as general manager. Last month LUB’s board of directors extended Baird’s contract for five more years likely making him the longest serving GM in LUB’s history. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 06/09/2023-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)