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 Business
of the Year 2010
An award was
presented Thursday to a business that is very much a family
affair.
Clark Jewelers received the Small Business of the Year award
from the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Chamber of Commerce at
its monthly luncheon, which also featured the annual small
business expo.
Clark Jewelers was founded by Tom and Martha Clark in 1959.
Now on West Poplar Street in Elizabethtown, it is operated by
their children, Tom Jr., David, Patrick, Chad and Kathy.
“They’ve been a pillar of Elizabethtown for 50 years,” Chamber
Chairman Ronnie Pence said.
Martha Clark and her children were on hand to accept the award
at the luncheon, but most of the family was shocked to receive
it. Patrick Clark had been told about the award and had
brought other members of the family there under false
pretenses. He had told his mother that Tom Jr. was winning an
award and he told Tom Jr. that Martha would be honored.
“I’m a little taken aback here,” Tom Clark Jr. told the crowd.
Clark said his parents “took a leap of faith” when opening the
business and served as teachers for their children as they
took over the business.
 “This is not just a one-person show,” he said. “It’s a family
business.”
Patrick Clark said he was honored to be recognized by their
peers. Martha Clark said she felt it was a family award.
“I am very proud that they received it and I know their father
would also be very proud,” she said.
She said Tom Sr. taught his children to treat customers fairly
and to be honest. She believes that’s why the business has
thrived.
“I think people trust them,” she said.
Tom Clark Jr. said it might be rare for a small business to
still be going after 51 years.
“For that we feel very blessed,” he said.
Kelly R. Cantrall -
News Enterprise
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Clark Jewelers, founded almost 50 years ago, is a business based on
family tradition and community. Tom Clark, Sr. opened
the first store in 1959 along side his wife Martha, in downtown
Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Although Tom Clark, Sr. has since
passed away, he has left a lasting impression on the business and
his children.
Currently Clark Jewelers has two locations. In 1977, the branch in
Bardstown, Kentucky was opened. The Elizabethtown store moved to
its current location in 1990. In 2006, Clark Signature Engraving,
the most recent division of Clark Jewelers was opened.
At Clark Jewelers we pride ourselves on customer service. We have
options for every occasion, from weddings to birthdays and
graduations. Our great selection and our friendly, knowledgeable
staff have helped us to become one of the most respected and
well-known jewelry stores in Central Kentucky. Because there are
four jewelers on staff, almost all work is done in-store. Whether
it be remounting your precious diamonds or color gems or restoring
an item from years gone past, our professional staff, jewelers and
graduate gemologists are here to assist you.
Clark Jewelers was found on principles of honesty, hard work, and
customer service. With the outstanding guidance and leadership of
our parents, Clark Jewelers is still family owned and going strong
50 years later.
CLARK JEWELERS, YOUR
JEWELER YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW.
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