Forcht honored by Boy Scouts as a visionary

Kentucky State Senate President David Williams, left, and 21st District Senator Tom Jensen, right, presented Forcht Group of Kentucky Founder and CEO Terry Forcht with a special Senate citation Monday night. Forcht was honored by the Mountain Laurel District of the Bluegrass  Council of Boy Scouts wth the Daniel Boone Visionary Award for 2012.

A Corbin businessman was honored at a special banquet Monday night for embodying the values of the Boy Scouts of America.

The Mountain Laurel District of the Bluegrass Council of Boy Scouts presented Forcht Group of Kentucky Founder and CEO Terry Forcht with the Second Annual Daniel Boone Visionary Award during a special ceremony held at the Corbin Center for Technology and Community Activities.

"I can’t think of anyone I know that exemplifies all the great attributes of the great scouts than Mr. Terry Forcht," said Kentucky Senate President David Williams to the crowd of roughly 300.

"He’s an individual that has committed his entire life to a community and an area that wasn’t even where he’s from … I have significant respect for him."

Williams’ remarks were only the first in an avalanche of praise for Forcht that included presentations of special citations from both the Kentucky Senate and the state’s House of Representatives.

Fifth District U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (R-Somerset) lauded Forcht as having a "truly remarkable career," and noted that he’s kept faith with the people of smaller, more rural southeastern Kentucky even after becoming highly successful in his business ventures.

"How many times do people from our region of the state make money and move off to Lexington or Louisville … and never return?" Rogers said. "Terry Forcht is one of the very few who has chosen to live among us. For that, I am most grateful."

For his part, Forcht graciously accepted the compliments, and seemed genuinely appreciative that the Boy Scouts had chosen him for the award.

"It means a lot to me to be here tonight," Forcht told audience. "As a person, the Boy Scouts and their influence has seen me through many obstacles in life."

Forcht was a Boy Scout himself as a young man, serving in Troop 100 in Louisville.

Scouting, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in America in 2010, sets out "clear and concise" values, Forcht said, that help people be successful in life.

"It is no accident that the leaders of most communities have had some connection with scouting," he said.

"Such guidance is needed now, more than ever. At times when companies, governments and even non-profit organizations are under increased scrutiny amid allegations of wrongdoing we need to keep an eye on our moral compass. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that the Boy Scouts of America provides the moral compass and a right path for our nations young people."

Forcht is a graduate of Shawnee High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree and Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Louisville. He also completed law school at the University of Louisville.

He moved to Corbin after completing his education and became an instructor at Cumberland College before opening his law practice in Corbin. He started what is now named Forcht Group of Kentucky in 1972 when he purchased his first nursing home, Hillcrest Nursing Home, in Corbin.

In 1985, Forcht founded Tri-County National Bank, now known as Forcht Bank. Forcht Bank currently has 35 banking centers in 12 Kentucky Counties with nearly $1 billion in assets.

Forcht Group’s businesses are now comprised of nursing homes, banks, pharmacy, broadcasting, publishing, financial services, technology services, construction, retail, real estate and other ventures. The company employs over 2,100 employees.
Forcht said that the number one virtue of Boy Scouts, trustworthiness, is one of the most important things in his company as well.

"At Forcht Group, like so many of your companies, trustworthiness is at the top of the list along with consistency, discipline, ingenuity and integrity," Forcht said. "These values are fundamental to our success and our ability to take on tomorrows tough challenges."

Forcht is the second person to receive the Visionary Award. Rogers’ longtime District Director Bob Mitchell was the first to receive the award.

The event served as a fundraiser for the Scouts, raising $41,200.