Frankfort, Ky.- Nicholasville-based Alltech is among 10 national business organizations singled out for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the arts. The global animal nutrition company founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons has been selected to receive a prestigious award recognizing the nation's leading nonprofit organization advancing arts and arts education.
Alltech Inc. is a winner of The BCA 10: Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America for 2012. The BCA 10 is awarded annually by Americans for the Arts Business Committee for the Arts (BCA). The awards recognize American companies that demonstrate tremendous support of the arts through grants, local partnerships, volunteer programs, matching gifts, sponsorships and board membership.
Since its founding in 1980, Alltech has woven an artistic sensibility into its scientific mission. Nearly all of it can be traced to Dr. Lyons' wife, Deirdre Lyons, who serves as Alltech's director of corporate image and design.
"The arts in Kentucky will continue to thrive as long as there are people like Dr. and Mrs. Lyons whose enduring support sets an example for all and contributes to Alltech's legacy as a leader in business," said Gov. Steve Beshear. "I congratulate Dr. and Mrs. Lyons on receiving this award and thank them for all they do for the arts in the Commonwealth."
For 32 years, Alltech has believed the arts are essential to creating a thriving community. In designing offices around the world, Mrs. Lyons works closely with local and regional artists to integrate artistic and cultural design that reflects the locale's traditions, values and identity.
"As a biotechnology company, Alltech's support of the arts may be a surprise to some people. However, we are committed to being a good neighbor by investing globally in the life and culture of local communities and, along the way, inspiring people," said Mrs. Lyons. "Creativity and innovation go hand-in-hand, and we believe the arts cultivate strong communities and bright employees."
In conjunction with the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Alltech developed the Alltech Fortnight Festival, which featured musical entertainment in 14 cities across Kentucky as a means of building excitement throughout the state for the games while investing in the development of the arts in local communities. Additionally, Alltech has partnered with the University of Kentucky's Opera Theatre department to create the annual Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition that awards more than $500,000 in prizes. The company also created the Haitian Harmony Children's Choir as a means to inspire children in the earthquake-ravaged country. They continue to sponsor two primary schools, including their music education programs, in Haiti.
Alltech is the fourth Kentucky business to be included in The BCA 10 since 2001. The Kentucky Arts Council nominated Alltech for the award.
"Alltech aligns itself with the arts and artists in a way that is unique among businesses," said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. "I congratulate Dr. and Mrs. Lyons for receiving the award. The arts council is grateful to have had the opportunity to work so closely with Alltech during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010."
All awardees will be honored at a gala Oct. 4 in New York City.