FROM THE CHAMBER
CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President & CEO, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
Happy New Year and Welcome to the Chamber Current, a collaboration between the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the amazing team of Owensboro Living.
2025 marks the 112th 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 1,000 members. From small businesses to nonprofits and from churches to large corporations, we have a diverse membership who makes up the best of what Greater Owensboro has to offer.
We believe 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.
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 BY THE NUMBERS
Total Bags with 35,000 Items inserted into bags 27 Minutes for all Shop Owensboro bags to be given out 70 Participating businesses 15 Independence Bank volunteers
AMBASSADOR FORMAL LUNCH MEETING
Owensboro
IN THE WORKPLACE TRANSPORTATION
PROFESSIONALS
FARM CITY BREAKFAST 7:30 a.m.
Daviess County High School
ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP
NOVEMBER
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s November Rooster Booster breakfast focused on celebrating agriculture and the vital contributions of local farmers to both the community and the world. Sponsored by Daviess County Cooperative Extension and Daviess County Farm Bureau, the event highlighted the importance of farming with FFA students in attendance.
Amanda Owen, executive director of Puzzle Pieces, was honored with the Most Valuable Recruiter award by Visit Owensboro. Chamber Members who registered their businesses for the 2024 Shop Owensboro program, powered by Independence Bank, were also recognized.
The featured speaker was Eddie Melton, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau. Recently elected to the role in 2023, Mr. Melton has a distinguished record of leadership, including service on the American Farm Bureau Federation Board and other prominent agricultural organizations.
DECEMBER
TSpeaker: Eddie Melton
Sponsors:
he Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s December Rooster Booster breakfast highlighted the importance of supporting small businesses through a lively discussion panel. Sponsored by German American Bank, the program featured local business leaders Jeremy Woods (Byron & Barclay), Ticy Cox (Kahawa Java), Jim Gilles (Hill View Farms Meats), Natasha Stanley (Bella Ragazza Boutique), and Matt Weafer (Niko’s Bakery & Cafe). The panel was moderated by Amy Jackson of German American Bank.
Following the program, the Second Annual Our Chamber Has Heart NonProfit Fair took place in the lobby of the Owensboro Convention Center. This event provided attendees with the opportunity to connect with local nonprofit organizations and learn more about their impactful work in the community.
Sponsor:
NEW MEMBERS
Bonnie Rae Boutique
Boujie Biscuit
Fairview IT Management
Foam Solutions, LLC
Frame and Flash
Healthy Brain
Hyland Filter Service
Lighthouse Storage
Marco Technologies
Melanin Children Matter Inc
Monarch Ink
Mudd’s Furniture Showrooms, Inc.
Noble Locksmith Tristate
Perfection Inc.
Posh Medical Spa OBKY
Reflections By Talea Photography
Sheffer Law Firm PLLC
SKY Property Management
Take 5 Oil Change
The UPS Store
Troutman’s Mobile Home Transport & Sales
RENEWALS
323 Staffing Solutions
Audubon Federal Credit Union
AXIOM Architecture
Beltline Electric Co., Inc.
Boutique 54
Bruce’s Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal
Byron & Barclay Cabinotch
Cambron Body Shop, Inc.
Caretenders
Carpet One Floor and Home
CASA of Ohio Valley
Cedarhurst of Owensboro
Century Property Management
Cheer Zone
Daniel Pitino Shelter, Inc
Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service
Daviess County Public Library
Daviess County Water District
Deig Brothers Lumber & Construction
Dermatology Center of Owensboro, PLLC
Disaster Team, Inc.
East Daviess County Water Association, Inc.
F. C. Tucker Emge Realtors
F.C. Tucker Emge Commercial Realtors, Kristin Dannheiser
Famous Bistro
Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits
Gateway Urgent Care, LLC
Grant Farms Trucking
Green River Area Development District
Green River Area Federal Credit Union
Green River Building Industry Association
Green River District Health Department
Gulfstream Commercial Services, LLC
HAO Properties
Harvest Baptist Hayden Farms
Hendrick Screen Company
Heritage Christian School
Holland General Contracting
Hollison, LLC
Homes by Benny Clark, Inc.
Hometown IGA
IMPACT 100 Owensboro Inc.
Industrial Mold and Machine Co, Inc.
Integrity Testing and Inspection
J.J. Fosters
JMJ Construction
Julep Home and Gift, LLC
Kahawa Java
Kamuf, Pace & Kamuf
KB’s Kid Zone
Kentucky Skin Cancer Center, Robert Skaggs, M.D., F.A.A.D
Kentucky Small Business Development CenterOwensboro Office
Kentucky Youth Chorale/Institute for Young Musicians Kingdom Cords
KORT Physical Therapy- Wesleyan Park
Kroger Wine and Spirits
Kroger Wine and Spirits
Kurtz Auction & Realty Company
L. Steve Castlen Realtors
L.A. Buford, Inc.
Lillianne Sharp Photography
Limos By Knight
Martin Custom Building Inc.
McCoy Construction and Forestry
Michael J Gross, LLC
Midwest Services, LLC
Modern Welding Co. of Owensboro, Inc.
Moorman Farms Inc
Morton Holbrook, lll
NiteLiters, Inc.
OMICO, Inc.
Owensboro Country Club
Owensboro Dermatology Associates PSC
Owensboro Federal Credit Union
Owensboro Health
Owensboro Lions Club
Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission
Owensboro-SHRM
Pat Hayden Moving
Payne Construction & Remodeling, LLC
Pediatric Dentistry of Owensboro
Phil Lambert Farm, LLC
Piggy Express, LLC
RBS Design Group Architecture
Regional Land Title Company
Regional Water Resource Agency
Reid’s Orchard
River City Pickleball Club
SERVPRO of Daviess County
Simply Chic Home Accents
Something Borrowed
Specialty Foods Group, LLC, makers of Kentucky Legend
Spectrum Transportation Corporation
Sprout and Sing
State Farm Insurance, Seth Lawson
Swank Style & Boutique
Tanner+West
Thacker, Hodskins, & Knight LLP
The Center of Owensboro-Daviess County
The Cupola Club
The Fathers House of Owensboro
The Functional Family
The Harris Jarboe Group - Keller Williams Elite
The Olive Garden Restaurant
The Skin Therapist
Timesavers Kentucky, LLC
Toyotetsu Mid America
Truth Outreach, LLC
U.S. Bank
UniFirst Corporation
University of Louisville School of Nursing-Owensboro Extension
Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Visit Owensboro
Wedding Thompson Orthodontics
Welborn Floral Company
Wellington Parc
Western Kentucky University
WEVV-TV
White Chateau at Cecil Farms
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
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
While Tropical Smoothie Cafe may be known for its smoothies, its mission in Owensboro extends far beyond the menu. With roots planted firmly in the community, the locally owned franchise has made giving back a central part of its operations, supporting local schools, churches, and nonprofits through fundraisers, donations, and unique partnerships. Since opening in 2021, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has donated over $8,000 in cash and thousands more in food to local schools, churches, and nonprofits through its “Give Back Day” fundraisers, where 20% of sales from both Owensboro locations are donated to community organizations.
WINDY HOLLOW BISCUIT HOUSE
Since opening in May 2022, the Windy Hollow Biscuit House has become more than just a breakfast spot. The Biscuit House is a natural extension of the legacy started over 60 years ago, when the original Windy Hollow restaurant, campgrounds, and racetrack became staples in Daviess County. The Biscuit House is open six days a week, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. It offers a mix of home-cooked Southern comfort food and modern touches like specialty coffees, mimosas, and Bloody Marys.
PEOPLEREADY
PeopleReady is a national staffing agency with a branch in Owensboro. The company connects job seekers with flexible, temporary, and seasonal work opportunities across various industries. The organization operates under the TrueBlue company umbrella and has provided staffing solutions for more than 30 years. Its ultimate goal is to help employers and job seekers navigate the changing workforce landscape.
JAMIE VOWELS-BEATTY, REALTOR WITH KELLER WILLIAMS ELITE
Jamie Vowels-Beatty, a Realtor with Keller Williams Elite in Owensboro, may only have two years of experience in her current role, but her roots in the real estate industry run deep. With over two decades of experience in banking, mortgage lending, and business ownership, she said she brings a comprehensive understanding of the home-buying process to her clients.
DECEMBER
DONATOS PIZZA
Donatos Pizza first opened in Owensboro in 2017 at 2601 West Parrish Avenue. Six years later, the owners opened a second location on the city’s east side at 3415 New Hartford Road, and they’ve been serving “specialty pizzas with edge-to-edge toppings” ever since. A representative for the local operation, Leanna Byrne, said the restaurant is committed to giving back to the community and creating memorable experiences for its customers.
BOUJIE BISCUIT
Boujie Biscuit, located at 217 Williamsburg Square, serves up a delicious twist on Southern comfort food with handcrafted biscuits topped with creative sweet and savory combinations. Known for its hearty portions and welcoming atmosphere, this local gem is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting treat any time of day.
EVENT KODE
Since its launch in 2019, Event Kode has evolved into a growing business specializing in balloon décor, inflatables, and photo booths. Owner and operator Kodi Shutt said the venture began as a way to channel her creativity and support her family but has grown into a source of joy and connection for clients across the country. Shutt started Event Kode as a full-service event decorating company, offering table setups, chairs, and linens. However, in spring 2021, she shifted her focus to balloon décor and inflatable rentals, and by 2023, photo booth rentals became part of her growing list of services.
HOUCHENS INSURANCE GROUP
Houchens Insurance Group is a trusted provider of comprehensive insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. With a client-focused approach, they offer personalized service and a wide range of coverage options to meet diverse needs, helping the community safeguard what matters most.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce at kjones@owensboro.com
OUR CHAMBER HAS HEART
Our Chamber Has Heart – the Chamber’s way to showcase its nonprofit members and their heartfelt work – was held after the Rooster Booster on December 5 at the Owensboro Convention Center.
The event featured over 40 nonprofits giving the Chamber membership an opportunity to see the depth and scope of the work being done each day in our community serving the vulnerable and promoting quality of life for everyone.
BETTER TOGETHER:
CHAMBER MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS
First Presbyterian Church has demonstrated the spirit of community and collaboration by supporting fellow Chamber Members Boulware Mission and St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter.
Earlier this summer, First Presbyterian Church hosted a Used Book Fair, raising over $1,500. The proceeds were gifted to Boulware Mission, helping to fund their transformative work of providing hope, healing, and life-changing support to those in need.
Their generosity didn’t stop there. The church also stepped up to aid St. Benedict’s by delivering totes brimming with winter necessities, hygiene products, and a monetary donation. This heartfelt contribution strengthens St. Benedict’s efforts to serve individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.
Both organizations expressed their gratitude for the giving hearts of First Presbyterian Church, highlighting the impact of partnerships within the Chamber that uplift and support one another.
CONNECTING SCHOOLS AND EMPLOYERS PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
Educators in the Workplace is the Chamber’s way of strengthening the connection between our local education and workforce opportunities. The program immerses educators from the area’s middle schools, high schools, and post-secondary institutions into local employers’ workplaces to provide a unique insider perspective of the operations, expectations, and opportunities.
By gaining exposure to the workforce opportunities available, going on site to speak with employers about their operations and expectations, and engaging in discussions with other teaching professionals, educators cultivate and nurture the connection between Owensboro’s schools and the local business community.
Each of the four sessions of Educators in the Workplace highlights different career paths and regional workforce opportunities. The first session featured visits to Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) Cavin Water Treatment Plant and to Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. with a focus on IT/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career pathways, workforce needs, and internship opportunities available in our region. The manufacturing session was hosted by Sun Windows and Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) with emphasis on GO FAME, GO CAREERS, and iTEC programs. The session which focused on healthcare in our community included visits to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital and RiverValley Behavioral Health and included discussions on innovation in healthcare and mental health challenges.
This year’s cohort is comprised of 35 education professionals. These individuals learn about specific career options for their students while touring the sites and speaking directly with the respective employers. The employer hosts also connect with educators about presentation options for classroom visits which can be catered to a variety of ages and group
sizes. Students benefit from their educators’ knowledge of specific career opportunities, internship programs, and levels of proficiency required for employees. The educators benefit from professional development that links classroom practice with workplace practice. The business leaders can demonstrate their specific needs for well-educated and well-trained employees to build a stronger workforce for tomorrow. Connecting high school, middle school, and post-secondary educators with area business leaders bolsters the much-needed bridge between education and profession.
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS OF THE MONTH
NOVEMBER
STEPHANIE BERTRAM
A proud veteran’s wife, mother of three, and active community advocate, Stephanie embodies commitment, empathy, and hard work in all she does. As a realtor with BHG Realty, she is part of a seasoned team with 250 years of combined experience, enabling her to deliver expert, client-focused service. Guided by values of integrity and care, she is dedicated to ensuring every real estate journey is smooth and rewarding. Beyond her professional role, she remains deeply engaged in her community, fostering connections that strengthen and enrich local neighborhoods.
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 Street.
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 four children. Mandie is proud to serve Daviess County families as they are the backbone of our community.
DECEMBER
JAN GOLDMAN
Born into a military family, Jan built a career in education, drawn by its adaptability to new duty stations. She taught literature, composition, and AP English in high schools before transitioning to higher education. Now leading Experiential Learning & Career Services at Owensboro Community & Technical College, she also teaches Experiential Learning and First-Year Seminar classes.
A first-generation graduate of Virginia Tech and Western Kentucky University, Jan has extensive experience in student affairs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Recently named Outstanding New Professional in Two-Year Colleges by ACPA, she is also the incoming president of CPAK and is passionate about helping students achieve success in all areas of their lives.
GREATER OWENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Olga McKissic 2025 Chair
DIRECTOR, WESTERN ACADEMY AT THE NEBLETT CENTER
John Marshall Moore
Past Chair
MOORE AUTOMOTIVE LEGENDS
MARSHALL VENTURES
Shawn Patterson
Chair-Elect
CEO, SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL GAS PIPELINES, INC.
Susan Montalvo-Gesser, J.D.
Vice-Chair, Legal
CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF OWENSBORO
Dr. Wanda Figueroa Peralta
Vice-Chair, Membership Services
PRESIDENT AND CEO, RIVERVALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Bart Darrell, J.D.
Past Chair
Vice Chair, Advocacy
CHANCELLOR, HEALTHFORCE KENTUCKY PRESIDENT EMERITUS, KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE
Father Larry Hostetter Vice-Chair, Administration PRESIDENT, BRESCIA UNIVERSITY
Michael Johnson Vice-Chair, Membership Development FOUNDER OF TRUTH OUTREACH, INC.
Kyle Aud Vice-Chair, Finance
MARKET PRESIDENT, GERMAN AMERICAN BANK
Neel Ford Board Member
PARTNER AND ADVISOR, E.M. FORD
Jim Gilles Board Member OWNER, HILL VIEW FARMS
Stephen M. Johnson Board Member
PRESIDENT, REPRESENT GPA DIRECTOR, BLUEGRASS MUSIC INITIATIVE
GREATER OWENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anne Higgins Board Member OWNER, WILLOW & PINE
Jacob Call Board Member
MASTER DISTILLER, WESTERN KENTUCKY DISTILLERY
Kerry Bailey Board Member
HUMAN RESOURCES STRATEGIC BUSINESS
PARTNER-SUPPLY CHAIN UNIFIRST CORPORATION
Joanna Shake Board Member
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREEN RIVER AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Tristan Durbin Board Member
DIRECTOR, OWENSBORO-DAVIESS COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT
Mark Marsh Board Member PRESIDENT AND CEO, OWENSBORO HEALTH
Suzanne Cecil White Board Member
OWNER, CECIL FARMS PRODUCE, LLC AND WHITE CHATEAU
Jared Revlett
Special Director, Chamber Young Professionals Chair
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, OWENSBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
County Commissioner Chris Castlen
Special Director, Daviess County Fiscal Court DAVIESS COUNTY FISCAL COURT
City Commissioner
Curtis Maglinger
Special Director, City of Owensboro CITY OF OWENSBORO
2024 OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS
W. Clay H. Ford PARTNER, EM FORD
Joan Hayden OWNER, HAYDEN ELECTRIC AND HAYDEN FARMS
Sarah Murphy Ford VICE-PRESIDENT, HARTZ CONTRACTING
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.
PUZZLE PIECES SATELLITE BUILDING
BRYANTCORP
ONLY EMPIRE CREATIONS
BLITZ BOUTIQUE SALON AND SPA
PC QUEST
THE SKIN THERAPIST
POSH MEDICAL SPA