Tim Couch Named Kentucky Grocer of the Year

The Kentucky Grocers Association and Kentucky Association Convenience Stores (KGA/KACS) named Tim Couch, owner of Hyden Grocery in Hyden, Ky., as its 2014 Kentucky Grocer of the Year. The award honors an association member who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.

Couch was recognized for his leadership as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives in fighting state legislation that would have raised the Kentucky minimum wage above the federal rate and many surrounding states. He has served in the state House of Representatives since 2003.

He also grew the 3,000-square-foot Hyden Grocery’s business 50 percent in his first four years of ownership and expanded the business to include a convenience store. His staff includes 10 full-time and seven part-time employees.

“Couch knows that his business and the customers he serves remain in a very tough economy – despite news reports of economic recovery in other parts of the state and country,” said Stephen Chesnut, Laurel Grocery Co. “Tim is deeply concerned about federal policies and like other businesses in his region, is not confident about what the future holds for his company.”