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MUNFORDVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
Former BRADD Chairman, Steve Thurmond and Monroe County businessman Kerry Anderson were named the 2025 recipients of the Tim Lee Carter award at the Barren River Area Development District 57th Annual Meeting today.
The Tim Lee Carter Award was created in 1980 to honor the Monroe County physician who served 16 years in Congress, noted for his support of people not programs. Both Thurmond and Anderson met the nomination criteria, honoring superior achievement toward the goals of the BRADD. Monroe County citizen board member, Carter Walden, presented the award to Anderson, noting Anderson Forest Products (AFP) legacy in the region, providing over 200 jobs and helping bring high-speed fiber internet all across the country with their reel business. Anderson stated "I am proud to be from the region and contribute to the economy, but I'm most proud to help develop community". Kerry Anderson is the current President of AFP having worked for the family business since 1983. Kerry has been married to his wife Kim for 40 years, has three children and six grandchildren and resides in Monroe County.
Warren County Attorney, Amy Hale Chandler introduced the second award recipient, Mr. Steve Thurmond. Thurmond, has served over 33 years on the BRADD’s board of directors and chaired the board from 2019 - 2022, the second longest term in ADD history as Chairman. Steve also holds another unique chairman title, from 2023-2024 he chaired the statewide, Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts. Steve has been very involved in all things Franklin - Simpson County. Since 2007 he has served on their Industrial Authority and is the Executive Director for the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce. Thurmond has helped guide the tremendous growth and quality of life improvement initiatives in his community. Thurmond in his remarks to attendees said, "You are what is important, the work you do made my previous role as chairman easy, it's working together that makes this region so special". Steve has been married to his bride, Brenda Hall Thurmond for 55 years, together raising three children and ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
The event, which took place at the Hart County fairgrounds, also featured a motivational keynote from native, Captain Michael Burd (Retired) US Navy. Burd delivered remarks supporting regionalism and working together, drawing from his upbringing in Hart County playing in the state Sweet 16 to this 30+ year Navy career. Burd captivated the crowd with his inspiring message of community and collaboration. BRADD also released their Fiscal Year 2025 community impact report, highlighting over 14,000 individuals served, $131 million dollars of investment brought to the region, over 180,000 meals served to area seniors and several community-focused initiatives, including the kick-off of the Anchor Project: a regional response to the opioid crisis.
For more information about the Barren River Area Development Districts annual meeting or to see the Fiscal Year 2025 report, Our Progress, Our Plan, Our Promise go to www.bradd.org.
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