LEXINGTON, Ky. — TOPS Magazine has been named Commerce Lexington's 2026 Small Business of the Year, receiving the top honor during the organization's annual Salute to Small Business Awards. The Lexington-based media company received the award Aug. 14 during Commerce Lexington's Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon, presented by Forcht Bank.

TOPS Magazine was among four Central Kentucky businesses and organizations recognized during this year's awards program. Goff Tents & Events received the Achievement in Entrepreneurship Award, while Thea's Bass and Biddy Kitchen was honored with the Excellence in Minority Business Award. Children's Law Center received the Nonprofit Community Impact Award. The awards recognize small businesses and organizations for entrepreneurship, growth and their contributions to Lexington and the Central Kentucky economy.

Founded in Lexington in 2005 by Keith Yarber after he left a career in corporate radio, TOPS Magazine initially launched as a website during the early days of digital publishing. The company has since grown into one of Central Kentucky's more recognizable local lifestyle media brands, reaching over 140,000 people monthly through its magazine, website and social media channels, according to recent media audits.

TOP Marketing Group serves as the parent company of TOPS Magazine and Limestone Digital Marketing Agency. The digital marketing agency was launched in 2020 as the company expanded its services beyond traditional publishing and advertising, reflecting broader changes in the local media industry where publishers have increasingly added digital services as consumer habits shifted online.

Commerce Lexington's annual Salute to Small Business program, which began honoring small business contributions to the local economy in 1986, highlights companies and organizations contributing to the Lexington-area economy and business community.