July/August 2023 Chamber Current

FUELING SUCCESS: LEADERSHIP SUMMIT RECAP p. 62

CHAMBER CURRENT

Addiction Recovery Care

All Blessings, Inc.

Borrowed Hearts Owensboro

Deaconess Clinic

Dispo 4th Street, Inc.

Ever Bin Clean

Infinity Home Inspection

Josh’s Broken Feather, Inc

Kight Home Center... division of the Carter Lumber Company

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS RENEWALS

Allergy and Asthma Specialists, PSC

Allshops Hardware, Inc.

Allstate Insurance, Hayden Agency

Allstate Insurance, James Russell

Alzheimer’s Association

American Red Cross

AT&T

Autry’s Septic Tank Service, Inc.

Bella Ragazza Boutique

Benchmark Family Services

Boulware Mission, Inc.

Bowen Tire Company

Buffalo Wild Wings

Byrider Owensboro Auto Sales

Cayce Mill Supply

Claud Porter

Consolidated Mechanical, Inc.

Cornerstone Information Systems, Inc.

CRS OneSource

Culver’s Restaurant

Custom Audio-Video, Inc.

Danco Construction

Daviess County Detention Center

Daviess County Diabetes Coalition

Daviess Treatment Services

Evergreen Lawn Care Inc./Weed Man

Express Employment Professionals

First United Bank

Five Star Food Services/John Conti

Coffee

Flamingos For Amber, Inc.

Fresh Start for Women, Inc.

Gipe Auto Color Inc.

GMRRLLC doing business as Roto Rooter

Great Harvest, 54

Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp.

Green River Area Community Foundation

Hand Therapy Plus Total Body Rehab

Helena Chemical Company

Help Office of Owensboro

Hermitage Care & Rehabilitation Center

Lillianne Sharp Photography

Mitchel Premier Wholesale Safety Supply, LLC

Peach Cobbler Factory- Owensboro

Peezo’s Pizza

State Farm Insurance, Branden Haines

The Brothers that just do Gutters

THRYV

Western Kentucky Distilling Co.

Strength Renewed

Speaker:

HPC - Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky

Hunter-Douglas, Inc.

Infintech LLC

Judge Jeff S. Taylor

Koorsen Fire & Security

Kroger Co.

Lafarge

Lanham Brothers General Contractors, Inc.

Lee Brick & Block, Inc.

Limestone Bank

Love Yourself Boutique

MentorKids Kentucky

Midwest Communications, Inc WSTO

Murphy Excavating, LLC

Nomad Technology Group of Owensboro

Northwestern Mutual

Owensboro Municipal Utilities

P & H Fabrication & Machine

Pepsi Beverages Company

Pilot Steel, Inc.

ProRehab Owensboro

Qualmedica Research, LLC.

Retirement & Financial Strategies

RiverValley Behavioral Health

SERVPRO of Daviess County

Shady Green Farms, Inc.

Shield Security Shogun

Springs Urgent Care

State Farm Insurance, Candace Crossan

State Farm Insurance, Kathy Hudson

Subway - Hwy 60 West

Swedish Match North America Inc.

TheraTree, LLC.

Vancil Insurance Services LLC

Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center

Willow and Pine Market, LLC

Women’s Guild of Owensboro

Woodward Consulting, LLC

ZEB Metals, LLC

Kyle Cantrell

Sponsor:

Kyle Cantrell had an 18-year run as an Opry announcer, where he also served as host, producer, and music and production director for the station’s Music Country Radio Network. In 2005, Kyle was tapped by XM satellite radio to take over the programming of their bluegrass channel. At XM (which became SiriusXM in 2008), Kyle completely revamped Bluegrass Junction, bringing the music in line with current industry trends while honoring his heritage.

Then, using his knowledge and experience as a broadcaster, he began pioneering everything from live performance to interview shows to highlight the artistry of the format. The enthusiasm and interest with which he has approached the music was warmly received by fans and artists alike, and SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction became regarded as a major influence in bluegrass music. In 2013, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) named Bluegrass Junction Radio Station of the Year, and it has repeated that honor in the nine years since. Meanwhile, for his part, Kyle has been named D.J. of the Year by SPBGMA nine times (20132020, and in 2023), and was named Broadcaster of the Year by the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2021.

Spreading his love for radio, as well as country and bluegrass music, is a continuing passion for Kyle. Now today, through BanjoRadio, a venture he launched in 2023, he continues to interact with fans all over the world.

May’s Rooster Booster was sponsored by Visit Owensboro.

The Visit Owensboro Team is responsible for attracting conventions, sports tournaments, and travel groups to our community in order to drive up tourism dollars.

We’ve seen record amounts of revenue flow into our community in the last two years thanks to people visiting Owensboro. This doesn’t happen by chance. We don’t have an ocean, mountains or sit along a major interstate just waiting for the traveler to discover us. This team is intentional. They work hard with their partners to lure in conventions, sports tournaments and through leisure tourism efforts, create events to attract people to our community.

This agency leverages every dollar they earn and spends countless hours figuring out how to invest it for maximum economic impact. Last year was historic for Daviess County and the future is very bright.

ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP: MAY

THE VOICE OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC AND THE GRAND OLE OPRY

ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP: JUNE

Speaker: Bart Darrell

VICE PRESIDENT COMMONWEALTH WEST INNOVATION ACADEMY AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE

Sponsor:

Bart is a native Texan who was raised in Owensboro and has lived in both Bowling Green and Owensboro during his professional careers in law and higher education. Since graduating from Daviess County High School, Kentucky Wesleyan College (B.A. in Business Management) and the University of Louisville School of Law.

He has practiced law, trying cases all over Kentucky for business, medical, and educational entities. He has also generally represented public school districts, and is a mediator and arbitrator, resolving legal matters across Kentucky. He was named the Kentucky Bar Association’s “Outstanding Young Lawyer,” was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, served as President of the Bowling GreenWarren County Bar Association, along with other recognitions.

Darrell has served in many civic and volunteer roles and is committed to community engagement. His activities included his tenure as Chair of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce board, Chair of the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Board in Bowling Green, board member of the Bowling Green-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, and member and Vice-Chair of Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education.

In 2013 Darrell returned to Owensboro and served as President of Kentucky Wesleyan College until June of 2019. During that time the college has grown in enrollment, investment, increased its civic connection, rebranded itself with “The Wesleyan Way,” and created professional educational partnerships with pharmacy, medical, business, law, and theology schools. In 2018, College Consensus ranked Kentucky Wesleyan #2 among all colleges and universities in Kentucky.

June’s Rooster Booster was sponsored by WKU in Owensboro.

Western Kentucky University continues to celebrate tremendous successes, and WKU in Owensboro shares in that excitement which creates even more opportunities for students throughout this great region.

The fall 2022 to spring 2023 retention rates for degree-seeking undergraduate students and first-year student spring return were their highest since the University began tracking this data in 2010. WKU in Owensboro’s enrollment increased by 12.5% in fall 2022 compared to fall 2021, with over 400 total students taking classes in-person at the WKU in Owensboro campus and online.

This year alone, WKU in Owensboro scholarship support from area organizations, alumni, and friends has also grown, providing over $130,000 in local scholarships to WKU in Owensboro students.

WKU in Owensboro offers degree programs which meet the needs of employers within the region. With a serious teacher shortage facing schools throughout Kentucky, WKU in Owensboro continues to address this issue locally. Elementary Education is the largest program at this campus, and future educators can also select a Dual Certification in Elementary Education and Special Education. Beginning this fall, WKU in Owensboro will also offer Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.

Other top programs in Owensboro include Social Work, Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Business Management, Public Health, and Health Sciences.

WKU remains focused on providing strong instruction and guidance, preparing students for successful careers. WKU in Owensboro will continue to help students throughout the region as they climb higher!

Bart Darrell is the Vice President of the Commonwealth West Innovation Center and President Emeritus of Kentucky Wesleyan College.

FUELING SUCCESS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GREATER OWENSBORO LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

With more than 200 in attendance, the Leadership Summit, one of the first initiatives for the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute, was a huge success!

The day was packed with speakers and expert panelists focusing on leadership, innovation, partnerships, government, philanthropy, and service.

The goal of the Summit was to bring together community leaders, academics, elected officials, and business leaders, to become a collective force for change. We at the Chamber are excited to see just how this Summit fuels collaboration across our community.

PHOTO BY DAVID GRINNELL

“The Summit was definitely beneficial, greatly organized, with a diverse group of guest speakers, and very informative on what the Leadership Institute is doing and will continue to do for the Greater Owensboro area. We need such initiatives in Kentucky!”

“Looking forward to putting some of the points made at the Summit to work!”

“I took pages of inspirational notes!”

PHOTOS BY DAVID GRINNELL

To equip people, organizations, communities, and networks with the tools to bridge divides, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges to become a collective force for change.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING:

PLATINUM:

GOLD:

SILVER:

PRINT:

LUNCH:

Bracken Darrell: PRESIDENT & CEO, LOGITECH

Racquel Thiesen: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, KANSAS LEADERSHIP CENTER

GREATER OWENSBORO LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE MISSION STATEMENT:

Dee Robinson: ENTREPRENEUR & AUTHOR, ROBINSON HILL, INC.

DeAngelo Simmons: BDS SPORTS, CEO & PLAYER REPRESENTATIVE

PHOTOS BY WONDER BOY MEDIA

CHAMBER MEMBERS OF THE WEEK

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.

Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

MAY

DISASTER TEAM

Disaster Team offers extreme fire restoration, extreme water restoration, mold remediation, contents cleaning, trauma clean-up, meth clean-up, odor control, storm damage, emergency board up and tarping, vehicle impact to a home or business, reconstruction, and general construction services to residential and commercial customers.

VETERANS EMPOWERED TOGETHER

VET is a nonprofit that hosts gatherings for veterans the second Saturday of every month. The group aims to bridge the gap between the generations of veterans, plus connect with the community.

PEEZO’S PIZZA

PeezO’s menu features an assortment of wing flavors, fresh salad, sandwiches on homemade bread, and just about any kind of wing imaginable. They offer dine-in, delivery, and catering services at the 2100 West 2nd Street location.

ENTERPRISE TRUCK RENTAL

With a large selection of commercially equipped vehicles, Enterprise Truck Rental offers replacement, additional, and long-term solutions for businesses and individuals.

FERN TERRA ASSISTED LIVING

Fern Terra of Owensboro is a family-owned and operated assisted living facility operating under the concept of less people, more space, and more services. The 4-acre campus sits directly on the Ohio River on Owensboro’s northwest side.

AQUATIC RESOURCE CENTER

A premiere commercial aquatic systems installer, Aquatic Resource Center has completed projects in over a dozen states. Outside of installing unique zoo and aquarium exhibits nationwide, the company specializes in custom commercial water features and aquaculture systems.

OPTIMIZE U OWENSBORO

Optimize U Owensboro is a wellness clinic offering concierge hormone optimization therapy, athletic recovery, and weight-loss programs.

FLAMINGO’S FOR AMBER

A nonprofit helping people with a debilitating illness or injury and their caregivers, Flamingo’s for Amber assists with doctor visits, house cleaning, pet sitting, groceries, and more.

TIMESAVERS CAREGIVING AND CONCIERGE

Created by two friends in Bowling Green who were navigating care for their own aging parents, Timesavers operates as a personal services agency with a focus on flexible and personalized care from 1 to 24 hours at a time.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or shelly@owensboro.com.

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS OF 2023

ocused on educating and engaging individuals to reach their potential and maximize their impact in the community, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to its Leadership Owensboro program.

In order to improve the quality of life in the Greater Owensboro region, the Chamber develops future leaders by familiarizing them with the community’s opportunities, needs, challenges and resources. The 2023 class of Leadership Owensboro graduated in June, joining the ranks of thousands of other civic, business and education leaders who have graduated the program.

Congratulations to the graduates! The Chamber and community look forward to seeing your future impact!

HANNAH ADAMS US Bank

KEITH COTTONER H.L. Neblett Community Center

RONDA HOWARD New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services

MARK LUCKETT Southern Star Central Gas Pipelines, Inc

LT. TRISTAN RUSSELBURG Owensboro Police Department

CARLIE BROWN Owensboro Public Schools

ASHLEY EVANSSMITH CASA of Ohio Valley, Inc

BRAD HOWTON Owensboro Municipal Utilities

DR. SHANNA MCGINNIS Blue Bridge Homes, LLC

WILL WATHEN Southern Star Central Gas Pipelines, Inc.

JACOB BURTON Independence Bank

OLIVIA HARDY Puzzle Pieces

ERIN KAMUF Southern Star Central Gas Pipelines, Inc.

PHYTOS NEOPHYTOU Owensboro Municipal Utilities

HANNAH CECIL Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky

KARA HOWARD Wendell Foster

CHYNA KELTON Yager Materials

JENNIFER RICHARDSON RiverPark Center

ASHLEY AGADA Girls Inc.

ISAAC DUNCAN Brescia University

SARAH HOWARD German American Bank

MARYKATHERINE MADDOX The Malcolm Bryant Corporation

CRYSTAL SAPP St. Joseph Peace Mission

CHERYL BURKSMCCARTHY Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service

AUSTIN HAMILTON Owensboro Grain

TONY JONES US Bank

ANTHONY MORROW Boardwalk Pipelines

MEGAN CARTER Owensboro Health

MELISSA HOFFER Owensboro Health

JOSH KELLY Owensboro Times

JARED RAMSEY Daviess County Public Schools Police Department

Where did you grow up, how long have you called Owensboro home, and how did you come to live here?

I was born in Mechanicsville. I lived here from 1984 - 1992 and came back in 2015 and have been here since. Divine intervention brought me back. It was put on my heart to come back here. I was obedient and came back to my roots. I started to substitute teach in the City and County schools. I was eventually asked to take on the role of Executive Director of the H.L. Neblett Center. I didn’t necessarily want to take the position, but they needed help. I was raised in the Neblett Center and understood first-hand its importance to this community. The Neblett Center is my heart and passion. I couldn’t say no.

Who in your personal and professional life has been your biggest role model and/or inspiration?

My father, Harold, who was a man of love and integrity. He knew his worth and was an example for his kids and for his community. He didn’t graduate high school. He got an entry level job at Texas

OLGA MCKISSIC

Gas and moved up over time to become manager. He eventually opened his own successful janitorial business. My father always strived for success.

What inspires you most about our community?

To be honest, I was not inspired when I was originally here, but I became truly inspired when I returned. When I decided to come back to Owensboro, I didn’t know anyone. Owensboro embraced me. Our community loves and cares for so many people. Everyone coming together and working together inspires me.

What is your definition of a leader?

A leader is someone who has vision and can convey that vision to others. A leader has goals and is able to make things happen, tapping into strengths of individuals around them.

What ways can we all further promote the values of DEIA in businesses and organizations in our community?

We can work together to reach the same goal. Although there are many ways to get there, if we do it right and stay focused we will move forward. It does not matter who

you are or what color your skin is, we can all work together to make America and the community a better place. We all have to be intentional in doing the right thing –because it’s the right thing to do.

How do you hope to make an impact in our community?

I believe that I can make an impact on this community by following the plan that God has for me. If I just say yes, whatever plan He has for me will make an impact. My plan is OK, but His plan is better.

What are you most proud of to date in your professional career?

During my last semester of my undergraduate degree, I was 9 months pregnant with my last child. I walked the line and graduated Cum Laude while raising my family and breast feeding my youngest. Walking that line was my proudest moment.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I can’t say enough about Sabbatical travels. Go alone. Go to the beach, take books to read, spend time alone reflecting.

CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

CHAMBER AMBASSADOR

OF THE MONTH

SEAN STINNETT

Sean Stinnett is a Business Banker with Heritage Federal Credit Union. His passion is to assist local business owners and potential business owners achieve their dreams and gain financial success.

He is from Lexington, KY and has lived in Owensboro for six years. He loves all things University of Kentucky, golf, and hunting. Sean has been a Chamber Ambassador since the beginning of March.

AMBER FARMER

Amber Farmer is the Marketing Representative for Disaster Team/Building by Wayne Baker. She has been part of the team for almost 18 years and has been involved in every aspect of the company. She is very dedicated to the company and the community. She enjoys being involved with the Chamber, church, CASA, Home Builders Association and other community organizations. She loves her job, being involved in the community and helping others. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” Amber is married to Andy of 12 years and they have 2 children. They enjoy spending time together, along with their family and friends.

Talent Development and Retention is an integral component of our region’s economic growth and viability. To that end, developing and connecting leaders for the future of Greater Owensboro is one of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Strategic Goals as adopted by the Chamber Board of Directors. One of the ways we perform this important work is by identifying emerging leaders and recognizing their accomplishments.

Our 40 Under 40 recognition is one way we identify these emerging leaders. Stay tuned for the selected 40 Under 40 honorees who are shaping the future of our community in the next issue of the Chamber Current.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

A TIME-HONORED TRADITION

Ribbon Cuttings are so special to local businesses and organizations. The tradition of a Ribbon Cutting is most commonly known to celebrate a grand opening, but Chamber Members also use a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate renovations, anniversaries, new locations and joining the Chamber.

WESTERN ACADEMY AT THE NEBLETT

BECCA BAKES

BIG RIVERS

BELL BANK MORTGAGE

KIGHT HOME CENTER

FLAMINGOS FOR AMBER

CANDI COSMETICS LASH ARTISTRY