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U.S. Sen. Rand Paul visited Crume Drug Store in Bardstown last Tuesday to recognize the longtime local pharmacy as his U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week, presenting owners Derrick Greenwell and Ashley Coomes with a copy of the business’ official recognition entered into the Congressional Record.
Crume Drug Store has served the Bardstown community since 1852, making it one of the community’s longest-standing businesses. Greenwell, a pharmacist, and Coomes, a certified pharmacy technician, purchased the business as equal partners in 2019 and have continued its tradition as an independently owned neighborhood pharmacy.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the community. That’s absolutely true,” Paul said during the presentation.
Paul said Crume Drug Store’s ability to remain successful for more than 170 years reflects the importance of locally owned businesses and the entrepreneurs willing to invest in their communities.
“Government doesn’t create the kind of success we see at Crume Drug Store — entrepreneurs like Derrick and Ashley do,” Paul said. “The best thing government can do for small businesses is keep taxes low, cut unnecessary regulations and give them the freedom to compete, grow and serve their communities.”
The Senate Small Business of the Week recognition highlights Kentucky businesses that demonstrate entrepreneurship, perseverance and service to their communities. Through the program, Paul recognizes locally owned businesses from across the Commonwealth and places their stories into the Congressional Record.
For Greenwell and Coomes, the recognition also celebrates the generations of customers, employees and community members who have helped sustain Crume Drug Store throughout its history.
“There’s something special about being able to carry on a business that has been part of Bardstown since 1852,” Greenwell said. “We’re proud of that history, but what matters most is continuing to take care of the people who trust us with their pharmacy and health care needs every day.”
“This recognition really belongs to our employees, our customers and the community that has supported Crume Drug Store for generations,” Coomes said. “Being locally owned means the people we serve aren’t just customers — they’re our friends and neighbors, and we’re grateful to be part of this community.”
Tuesday’s presentation brought together Crume Drug Store employees, customers, community members and local officials to recognize the business and its contribution to Bardstown and Nelson County.
Paul said honoring businesses such as Crume provides an opportunity to recognize the people behind Kentucky’s local economy and the small-business owners who continue investing their time, resources and livelihoods in the communities they call home.
“Being associated with a business that has been around for so long is pretty special,” Paul said. “Not all small businesses make it, so it’s great to see a business like Crume continuing to serve its community generation after generation.”
