OUR CHAMBER HAS HEART p. 57
CYP: GUYS & TIES AND GIRLS & GOALS p. 60
BOARD OF DIRECTORS p. 64
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CHAMBER CURRENT
FROM THE
CHAMBER
Happy New Year and Welcome to the Chamber Current, a collaboration with the amazing team of Owensboro Living. 2024 marks the 111th Anniversary of our Chamber. Each new year we reflect upon the responsibility and duty that comes with working for an organization that has served our members and the community-at-large for over a century. The staff, volunteers and board of directors are stewards of this legacy, and we strive to do our part to leave the organization strong and relevant. Our Chamber membership consists of close to 1000 members. From small businesses to non-profits and from churches to large corporations, we have a diverse membership who makes up the best of what Greater Owensboro has to offer. We like to say that our chamber represents the fabric of Owensboro. We do not take that lightly. We understand the challenges that each of our members face, and we know what an honor it is to be on the journey with them. If you are not a member, we would love to talk to you about why it is important to invest and what opportunities to grow your business you are missing.
CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE
President & CEO, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
These pages are filled with story after story of great things happening in our community. Thank you for doing your part in moving Greater Owensboro forward. The future is bright!
SHOP OWENSBORO B Y T H E N U M B E R S 500 Total Bags with
32,000
Merchant Promotions
24
Minutes for all Shop Owensboro bags to be given out
64
Participating businesses
16
Independence Bank volunteers
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NEW MEMBERS 20/20 Walker Consulting AAA Exteriors LLC Elder Pipe & Supply Finesse Fence, LLC Harvest Baptist Kentucky APEX Accelerator Melanin Children Matter Inc Phil Lambert Farms LLC ROCK the BORO Festival LLC State Farm Insurance, Drew Cunningham Stephen Lawrence Ltd. Sunrise Children’s Services The BHG Realty, Bretnea Harvey The Functional Family Vincent Electric LLC
RENEWALS A Day in Time, LLC Alisa Nicole Dance Wear Associated Engineers, Inc Aubrey’s Song Foundation for Eating Disorders Audubon Federal Credit Union B & B Technologies Ballard Construction Custom Homes Inc. Barret-Fisher Company, Inc. Beverly’s Hearty Slice Byron & Barclay Cabinotch CASA of Ohio Valley Century Property Management Cromwell Media Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service de AM-RON Building Systems Deig Brothers Lumber & Construction Dermatology Center of Owensboro, PLLC Diamond Lake Resort Disaster Team, Inc. Drake’s East Daviess County Water Association, Inc. Ebelhar Farms eCig Source Elliott Farms F. C. Tucker Emge Realtors Famous Bistro FC Tucker Emge, Kristin Dannheiser Federal Fire and Security
Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits
Out of the Blue
First Kentucky Bank
Owensboro Country Club
GEL Engineering, LLC
Owensboro Dermatology Associates PSC
Grant Farms Trucking
Owensboro Family Eye Care
Green River Area Development District
Owensboro Federal Credit Union
Green River Area Federal Credit Union
Owensboro Health
Green River District Health Department
Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission
Gulfstream Commercial Services, LLC
Owensboro Public Schools
Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess Co.
Owensboro-Daviess County Industrial Foundation
HAO Properties
Owensboro-SHRM
Hayden Farms
Party Paper Place
Health First Community Health Center
Pat Hayden Moving
Heritage Christian School
Payne Construction & Remodeling, LLC
Holland General Contracting
Pediatric Dentistry of Owensboro
Hollison, LLC
Piggy Express LLC
Home Builders Association of Owensboro
R. Wathen Medley Jr., MD
Homes by Benny Clark, Inc.
R.W. Baird
Horizon Homecare
RBS Design Group Architecture
Impact Marketing Consultants
Reid’s Orchard
Industrial Mold and Machine Co, Inc.
Riney Hancock CPAs PSC
Integrity Outdoor Living
River City Pickleball Club
International Center of Kentucky
Schwartz Heating & Cooling Inc.
J.J. Fosters
Senior Community Center of Owensboro - Daviess County
J.M.J. Construction Jerry Ray Davis CDJR Julep Home and Gift, LLC Kahawa Java Kahkola Tech, LLC Kamuf, Pace & Kamuf Kentucky Skin Cancer Center, Robert Skaggs, M.D.,F.A.A.D Kentucky Small Business Development Center Owensboro Office Kentucky Youth Chorale/Institute for Young Musicians King’s Great Buys Plus Kroger Wine and Spirits Kurtz Auction & Realty Company L.A. Buford, Inc. Lance & Co. Jewelers Limos By Knight Lure Seafood and Grille May Electric Co., Inc. Michael J Gross, LLC Midwest Services LLC Modern Welding Co. of Owensboro, Inc. Moorman Farms Inc Ms. Daisy B. James Next Level Church of God Norton Children’s Hospital On Time Fab, Inc.
Sheffer Law Firm PLLC Smart Choice Something Borrowed Spirit Spa LLC Sprout and Sing State Farm Insurance, Drew Cunningham State Farm Insurance, Seth Lawson Steinkamp Home Center Support Systems, LLC Thacker, Hodskins, & Knight LLP The Cupola Club The Olive Garden Restaurant The Salvation Army Timesavers Kentucky, LLC Toyotetsu Mid America Tri-State Mailing Systems, Inc. Trunnell’s Market & Gourmet Deli on 54 University of Louisville School of NursingOwensboro Extension Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph US Lawns - Owensboro Wedding Orthodontics Wellington Parc Westerfield Electric, LLC Western Kentucky University Wonder Boy Media Worth Insurance Group
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CHAMBER CURRENT The panel included:
ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP DECEMBER
NOVEMBER
N
ovember’s Rooster Booster featured guest speaker Ron Rhodes, an Owensboro native who has been forecasting the weather on Channel 7 WTVW & Channel 25 WEHT in Evansville since 1995. The program recognized Chamber Members who planned to participate in the 2023 Shop Owensboro, powered by Independence Bank. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to get their flu shot provided by Owensboro Health. The program was sponsored by the Daviess County Cooperative Extension and Daviess County Farm Bureau.
Sponsors:
D
ecember’s Rooster Booster featured a discussion panel on homelessness. The Inaugural Our Chamber Has Heart Non-Profit Fair took place immediately following the Rooster Booster program in the lobby of the Convention Center. These human needs and services non-profit organizations participated in the exciting new event: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
American Red Cross of Western Kentucky Audubon Area Community Care Clinic Aubrey’s Song Foundation Care Net Owensboro CASA of Ohio Valley Catholic Charities Diocese of Owensboro The Center Fresh Start for Women Girls Inc. GRADSA H.L. Neblett Center HPC, Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky Impact 100 New Beginnings Owensboro Health Foundation Puzzle Pieces St. Benedicts Homeless Shelter St. Joseph Peace Mission for Children The Daniel Pitino Shelter Wendell Ford Government Education Center The Goodfellows Club The International Center The Opportunity Center The Salvation Army The Senior Community Center United Way of the Ohio Valley Volunteers of America Mid-States Wendell Foster Wendell Foster Assistive Technology and Resource Center
Erica Wade
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE CENTER
Brandon Harley
DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AUDUBON AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES
Megan Nicodemus
FAMILY RESOURCE YOUTH SERVICES CENTER COORDINATOR DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Harry Pedigo
D I R E C TO R D A N I E L P I T I N O S H E LT E R A N D EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ST. BENEDICT’S H O M E L E S S S H E LT E R
The program was sponsored by German American Bank.
Sponsors:
Crystal Sapp
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ST. JOSEPH PEACE MISSION FOR CHILDREN
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OUR CHAMBER HAS HEART
T
he Our Chamber Has Heart had its inaugural event following the December Rooster Breakfast, sponsored by German
American Bank. Our Chamber Has Heart brought together the community to celebrate our vibrant non-profit sector and all that they do to serve the most vulnerable in the Greater Owensboro region. A total of 29 non-profit Chamber Member organizations were represented at this event, and shared the mission of their organizations with individuals in the community. This event encouraged everyone to find ways to share their talents, time and treasure to make sure no one is left behind.
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CHAMBER CURRENT
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.
NOVEMBER RALLY POINT EVENTS
TERRY’S TEES
Lance Yearby and Joel Matherly formed Rally Point Events in 2018 to support local veterans and nonprofits in the tri-state area. The organization hosts regional events, including food and music festivals, to support its mission.
THE COTTAGE FARM STAND & BAKING COMPANY
Marlene Knight opened The Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Company at 6869 KY 56 in Owensboro over 3 years ago and has been growing and evolving the business ever since. The Cottage has specialty coffee shop, multiple grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items, and cozy dine-in experience.
Terry Matthews launched Terry’s Tees in his garage in 1991. The business grew exponentially over the years and eventually relocated to 1359 E. 4th Street. This past summer, his daughter-in-law Whitney partnered with Alex Hamilton to take over the family business.
RBS DESIGN GROUP ARCHITECTURE
Though under multiple names, RBS Design Group Architecture has been an integral part of Owensboro for almost 45 years. The business’s capabilities have changed through mergers, name changes, and growth and evolution, but one thing remains constant: quality personal service.
NOVEMBER
CHAMBER AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH
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MANDIE HICKS
Mandie Hicks is an insurance agent for Kentucky Farm Bureau. She has been in the insurance industry for nearly 20 years. Mandie helps families with home, auto, life, business and health insurance at the Kentucky Farm Bureau location on Frederica St. Mandie is very involved in the community, devoting a lot of time to the Chamber, the Home Builders Association, PTO, and St. Joseph’s Peace Mission for Children as a board member, just to name a few. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, Adam and their 4 children. Mandie is proud to serve Daviess County families as they are the backbone of our community.
DECEMBER
KORT PHYSICAL THERAPY
KORT is Kentucky’s premier provider of outpatient physical and occupational therapy specializing in orthopedics, sports and industrial medicine. Since 1987, KORT has provided clinical and customer service excellence to patients in our centers, at employer sites and with high school, college and professional sports teams.
EYEMART EXPRESS
Eyemart constantly strives to offer accessibility with affordable prices and a 1-hour production time. The store on Frederica opened on November 6 and marks the first one in Owensboro.
ELEVATE INSURANCE AGENCY
Owensboro native Meredith McCrady and Lauren Payne launched Elevate Insurance Agency in 2022 to offer an innovative and accessible client experience. The agency provides nearly every policy imaginable, including home, auto, recreational vehicle, individual health, group health, Medicare, business, worker’s compensation, cybersecurity, disability, annuities, events, pet, jewelry, collectibles, flood, and more.
FRATERNAL ORDER OF THE EAGLES 4168
Yellow Banks #4168 is about helping people. FOE is committed to support its members and people in general through raising money and helping communities.
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.
DECEMBER
JUSTIN MERRITT
Justin, a native of Whitesville, has been employed by ADVANCED for 12 years as a physical therapist assistant and outreach coordinator. Justin is very motivated by helping people reach their goals, rather it be excelling at a particular sport, being pain-free, or just moving better. Improving the quality of life in his patients is his drive.
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CHAMBER CURRENT CYP PROGRAMS
CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CURRENTLY HAS TWO PROGRAMS AIMED AT ENGAGING CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY AND ENCOURAGING POSITIVE SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT.
GUYS & TIES The Guys & Ties program is in its fifth year of working with 8th graders at Burns Middle School. CYP works with a group of students to teach them how to tie a necktie, but also other valuable lessons such as how to balance a monthly budget, sit for a mock job interview, and change a flat tire. These lessons not only serve to give the boys at Burns life skills, but also to show them how much potential they have. The program is growing with some new opportunities and will conclude the year with a graduation certificate and a blazer.
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PROJECT EMPOWER: GIRLS & GOALS Project Empower: Girls & Goals is a partnership of CYP and Girls, Inc to build confidence and create a mentorship for young girls. In its inaugural year, sessions have varied, including making vision boards to envision their future, hearing from female community leaders and elected officials, and learning the importance of support systems.
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CHAMBER CURRENT
LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO
HUMAN NEEDS AND SERVICES DAY
L
eadership Owensboro’s Human Needs and Services session may very well be the most impactful session of the program. Prior
to the session, class members are allotted $15 to purchase secondhand clothing and shoes for the day and are assigned case scenarios that challenge them to access resources in the Greater Owensboro community. The class is encouraged to not only walk a mile in someone else’s shoes but to also see the world through another’s eyes. During this immersive experience, the class must utilize public transportation and operate as if they have nothing other than the clothes on their backs. The goal of the day is to reveal obstacles and frustrations that the marginalized population encounters daily so that class members can act as catalysts for change and improvement in our community.
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CHAMBER CURRENT
G R E AT E R O W E N S B O R O C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Marshall Moore
Rev. Dr. Larry Hostetter
DON MOORE AUTOMOTIVE LEGENDS TEAM SPORTS MARSHALL VENTURES
PRESIDENT, BRESCIA UNIVERSITY
2024 Chair
Executive Committee
Sarah Murphy Ford
Susan Montalvo-Gesser, J.D.
VICE PRESIDENT, HARTZ CONTRACTING
CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF OWENSBORO
2023 Chair
Executive Committee
Olga McKissic
Michael Johnson
DIRECTOR, WESTERN ACADEMY AT THE NEBLETT
FOUNDER OF TRUTH OUTREACH, INC.
Chair Elect
W. Clay H. Ford
Executive Committee
2021 Chair Executive Committee
Bart Darrell, J.D.
Shawn Patterson
Dr. Wanda Figueroa
CEO, SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL GAS PIPELINES, INC.
PRESIDENT & CEO, R I V E R VA L L E Y B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H
PARTNER, E.M. FORD
Executive Committee
Executive Committee
C H A N C E L LO R , H E A LT H F O R C E K E N T U C K Y
Executive Committee
Dr. Thomas Mitzel Board Member
PRESIDENT, KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE
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G R E AT E R O W E N S B O R O C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joanna Shake
Tristan Durbin
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREEN RIVER AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
AIRPORT DIRECTOR AT OWENSBORO-DAVIESS COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT
Board Member
Board Member
Joan Hayden
Commissioner Chris Castlen
OWNER, HAYDEN ELECTRIC INC. & HAYDEN FARMS
DAVIESS COUNTY FISCAL COURT
Board Member
Mark Marsh
Board Member
P R E S I D E N T & C E O , O W E N S B O R O H E A LT H
Special Director, Daviess County Fiscal Court
Commissioner Bob Glenn Special Director, City of Owensboro CITY OF OWENSBORO
Suzanne Cecil White
Tom Ed Booth
OWNER, CECIL FARMS PRODUCE, LLC & WHITE CHATEAU
COMMUNITY MARKET PRESIDENT, US BANK
Board Member
Special Director, Economic Development Corporation
Kyle Aud
Jake Boswell
MARKET PRESIDENT, GERMAN AMERICAN BANK
INDEPENDENCE BANK
Board Member
Special Director, Chamber Young Professionals Chair
Kerry Bailey
Board Member
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, UNIFIRST CORPORATION
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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.
2.0 BARBER STUDIO
ADVANCED CENTER FOR ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE
ELEVATE INSURANCE AGENCY
EYEMART EXPRESS
KORT PHYSICAL THERAPY
PEOPLES BANK
ROSEHILL ELMWOOD CEMETERY & MAUSOLEUM
SERVPRO OF DAVIESS COUNTY
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA MID-STATES
WARD FAMILY DENTISTRY
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