FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 12, 2021
Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recognized Southcentral Veterinary Services of Bowling Green, Kentucky, as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week.
Dr. Paul entered the following into the Congressional Record:
MR. PAUL. Mr. President, as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Southcentral Veterinary Services, a family-owned small business in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
In 2011, Dr. Eddie Grimes and his wife, Nicole Grimes, founded Southcentral Veterinary Services (SVS) in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Growing up in Warren County, Dr. Grimes and Nicole were childhood friends and both attended Western Kentucky University (WKU), where Dr. Grimes majored in animal science and Nicole studied finance. The couple, high school sweethearts, married after graduating from WKU in 2000. Dr. Grimes went on to earn his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University, and worked as a veterinarian for a few years before moving back to Bowling Green. With Nicole, who had experience in the banking industry, by his side, Dr. Grimes established Southcentral Veterinary Services.
Today, Southcentral Veterinary Services provides exceptional mixed animal care in Warren County, Kentucky. Initially, Dr. Grimes worked out of his truck and provided ambulatory veterinary services, however, the business grew quickly and expanded to a physical location that provides grooming and boarding services, in addition to veterinary care. Being very hands on with the daily operations at SVS, in addition to being co-owners, Dr. Grimes is one of the veterinarians and Nicole is the Human Resource Manager. Together, they lead a team of more than ten employees, including a second veterinarian, to meet the animal needs of the community. Since opening its doors, Southcentral Veterinary Services has been recognized by local and industry publications for its outstanding, high-quality veterinary care. Furthermore, for the last three years, Southcentral Veterinary Services was recognized as Bowling Green’s Best Veterinarian, and in 2020, SVS earned the title of Bowling Green’s Best Pet Groomer.
Outside of being business owners, Dr. Grimes and Nicole can be found giving back to their community. Southcentral Veterinary Services has sponsored local youth sports teams and regularly hires local high school and college students, providing training and mentoring to students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. One of these students is the Grimes’ son, Garrett, who works part-time as a veterinary assistant and one day aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps becoming a veterinarian himself. Dr. Grimes and Nicole’s charitable acts don’t stop at mentoring students. Notably, the Grimes established 4AnnieGirl, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), after their second child, Annie, who was born with SMA, passed away from the terminal disease that causes weakness and loss of voluntary muscles. After cherishing nine precious months with their baby girl, the Grimes sought to help other families affected by this disease by promoting early testing, research, and fundraising to combat SMA through 4AnnieGirl. By hosting speaking engagements and fundraisers, 4AnnieGirl has raised over $30,000 for SMA research and awareness. To honor Annie’s memory, the Grimes family remains committed to raising awareness for SMA and to advocating for more research.
Southcentral Veterinary Services is a remarkable example of the positive role that family-owned small businesses play in their communities. Local veterinary practices, like Southcentral Veterinary Services, form the heart of towns across Kentucky, regularly stepping up to support their communities. Congratulations to Dr. Grimes, Nicole, and the entire team at Southcentral Veterinary Services. I wish SVS the best of luck, and I look forward to watching this small business’ continued growth and success in Kentucky.
As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Paul continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America’s small businesses.
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