A man who began his career as a wine salesman for his family's business has now received a Tri-State area community service award.

Guy Spriggs, owner of Spriggs Distributing and chairman of the board for Anheiser Busch operations in the Tri-State area, has received Leadership Tri-State's (LTS) annual Community Service Award. This award will be presented to him at a noon luncheon Jan. 23 at the Grandview Inn in South Point. The award is presented to those have demonstrated an exceptionally strong commitment to, and have made a significant impact on, the Tri-State community.

"I am extremely humbled," Spriggs said. "To be recognized by an organization like Leadership Tri-State that recognizes people's efforts is a very humbling award."

LTS is a non-profit, community educational program created in 1989 to develop the talents of the Tri-State's present and future leaders. The program includes monthly sessions conducted at different locations throughout the Tri-State. Participants are selected based on their demonstration of leadership ability.

The first person Spriggs delivered the news to was his wife Lisa who he said was very excited and proud.

The Ohio State University graduate was a co-founder of the Malt Beverage Education Corporation, which deals with combating underage drinking in Kentucky, and he currently serves as secretary. In Ohio, he established the employee PAC Payroll Program, which now has more than 1,500 members. He serves on the board of directors of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, where he serves on numerous committees.

His community service also includes a stint as president of King's Daughters Health Foundation and the Geiger Easter Seal board of directors. Currently, he serves on the boards of the Ashland Alliance, Ashland Community College Foundation, Ashland Salvation Army, Paramount Arts Center, Ramey Estep Home, Foundation for the Tri-State Community, and is chairman of the Ohio University Southern Capital Campaign.

However, Spriggs said more work is needed throughout the Tri-State area.

"Because it has humbled me, I want to try to raise the bar for myself and other business individuals," he said.

"We need to offer the children opportunities to better themselves," he continued. "We need to make them aware of opportunities out there, and do what we can to prepare them."

Spriggs is the father of four children, and he believes they have been blessed. He believes it is part of his job and the job of other business leaders to share their blessings with others.

"We need to set examples in our communities in how we operate our businesses, treat our employees and service our customers."