2023 Bill Young Leadership Award

The Bill Young Leadership Award was established by his widow, Marilyn, in 1984, and is presented annually to an outstanding Leadership Owensboro graduate. The award is presented by the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation to honor Bill Young and his commitment to Field Packing and his extensive community leadership.

Together Bill and Susie Tyler operated the Weatherberry Bed and Breakfast for years. They donated 8 acres to start the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in 1993. Under their guidance, the Garden has gone from a soybean field to a valued part of our community, with more than 13 themed gardens, a thriving education program, and a destination for people from 47 states and 4 foreign countries in 2022. They continue to donate countless hours to ensure that everything is running smoothly and operating efficiently. The foundation they laid with their dedication and unlimited enthusiasm for the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden ensures that the Garden will be here for many future generations to enjoy and experience the beauty of nature.

(Pictured is 2022 Chamber Board Chair Brenda Clayton; Carol Bothwell, Board Chair of the Young Foundation; Marcia Carpenter who received the award on behalf of the Tylers; and Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Candance Castlen Brake)