Oldham Countian of the Year
Hall recognized for his long resume
of community service
He has been actively involved
with many groups in the county
CRESTWOOD, Ky. (December 2018) – Jay Hall has come a long way since his first job of trapping beavers as a boy. His strong work ethic, desire to be successful and instinct to be the overall provider for his family, work and community made him the perfect recipient for the 2018 Oldham Countian of the Year award, presented by the Oldham County Chamber & Economic Development.
“I was surprised and very humbled to have been chosen,” he said. “I had no idea until that night.”
Hall recalls attending last year’s ceremony for his friend John Black. “I remember thinking that I didn’t know half of the people there. But this year when I walked in, I thought, ‘I know almost everyone in this room.’ ” Still, things didn’t click until he realized the speakers for the evening were describing him.
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Photo provided Jay Hall was surprised to learn he is the Oldham Countian of the Year. |
The 2018 award was given to Hall on Nov. 8 at a program held at Taylor Creek Farm in Crestwood. During the program, a video containing remarks from Hall’s friends and colleagues was played, pointing out the many reasons he was chosen.
“The Oldham Countian of the Year is chosen by the majority vote of a selection committee who reviews nominee submissions provided by chamber members and local business leaders,” said David Bizianes, executive director of the Oldham Chamber & Economic Development.
The requirements to be considered Oldham Countian of the year include several factors, all of which Hall exemplified: the applicant must be an employee of or own a business in Oldham County, or he/she must live in Oldham County; service to be recognized must have occurred within the last five years; and the applicant must have made significant contributions to the growth, improvement and overall preservation of Oldham County. These contributions must be made through community service and volunteerism unrelated to the individual’s specific job responsibilities.
The presentation of the award was done because “our chamber believes that in order to continue to cultivate tremendous leaders in our community it is important to shine a light and celebrate those who make our community a better place through their contributions in improving and growing the county,” Bizianes said.
Most people know Hall through his insurance business, Insurance Associates. When deciding on a career, he “had no intention of being in the insurance business,” and following in his parents’ footsteps.
He reluctantly attended Eastern Kentucky University, which had started an insurance program that remains the only one in the state. “I met the chair and he offered me a scholarship. So I ended up going into the insurance business.”
Beginning in June 1981, he and his brother, Steve, worked full time for their parent’s company, J.W. Hall & Sons. He began his own company, Insurance Associates Inc., in 1985. The business has offices in La Grange, Carrollton and New Castle.
Henry County Judge-Executive John Logan Brent is acquainted with Hall through his business interests in Henry County. “He cares about that community as well,” said Brent.
Hall has served his community in many ways by holding positions on the Board of Directors for United Citizens Bank & Trust, Samuel Peyton Head Charitable Trust, and the Mallory Taylor Foundation Charitable Trust. He has been Commissioner and Chairman of the Oldham County Water District, lifetime member and trustee of Crestwood Christian Church, member and past Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Kentucky, past Chairman of the Education Committee for the State of Kentucky, member of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Oldham County History Center.
Hall said he is glad to have had the chance to bring in certain developments within the La Grange area. He cited Applebees, Tractor Supply and Papa John’s as some of these projects. As a result, he is pleased with “how many folks were able to be employed” as well.
“He is good for the community and has been good to the community,” said local business owner and magistrate Wayne Theiss. “He gives through his time.”
Hall’s drive and commitment to family and community may have been instilled in him in part due to the many mentors he had during his high school years when he worked various jobs. He worked for Craig Kidwell at the Crestwood Pharmacy, Clayton Stoess Sr. at his hardware store, and Milton Stoess at Stoess Funeral Home.
Hall said he has to give “credit to my parents and the friends of my parents, whom I grew up mostly working for. Those folks gave me a good solid background for what I’m doing today, along with the Lord.”
Hall was introduced by friend, fellow award recipient, and the executive director of the Oldham County History Center, Nancy Stearns Theiss. She said that “through his mentors, including his parents (Ethel and Jay W. Hall II), who were lifetime residents of Oldham County, he found people who were successful, who were honest and who believed that you always give back.”
She said that such people “have become woven into the stories and memories that Jay shares, if you are lucky enough to spend time with this very private person.”
Referring to Hall and his family, Theiss said, “This family has been very generous to Oldham County through the Peyton Samuel Head Trust. The Trust began when his parents became trustees of the Louise Duncan Head estate.” Hall’s parents turned the trust into the Peyton Samuel Head Foundation which has distributed $9 million in grant money to 170 recipients. Many feel that his work with the Head Trust has been significant.