LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO 2024: MOVING OWENSBORO FORWARD p. 60
CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DR. WANDA FIGUEROA p. 62
THE GREATER OWENSBORO LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: IGNITING CHANGE p. 66
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ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP: SEPTEMBER
Speaker:
Dr. Belle S. Wheelan
PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES
Sponsor:
S
eptember’s Rooster Booster featured guest speaker Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the first African American and the first woman to serve in this capacity. The program also featured the recognition of our 40 Under 40 honorees as well as the announcement of the Leadership Owensboro Class of 2024. The program was sponsored by Brescia University. The Chamber recognized our 40 Under 40 honorees and announced of the Leadership Owensboro Class of 2024.
Happy Veteran’s Day to our Chamber Members! Veterans Empowered Together Owensboro-Daviess County Veterans Organizations American Legion Post #9 // Amvets Post #75 Amvets Post #119 // VFW Post #696 58 Owensboro Living N O V E M B E R / / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3
ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP: OCTOBER Sponsor:
Workforce Panel:
Frank Anderson, Sun Windows GO FAME
Kerry Bailey, Unifirst GO FEMALES
O
ctober’s Rooster Booster was sponsored by Owensboro Community & Technical College. President Scott Williams announced the establishment of HealthForce One, a full-scale simulation center within the shell of a semi-truck trailer. The state-of-the-art simulator will help take healthcare training on the road and make a positive impact on the western Kentucky region. The program recognized our Chamber Member manufacturers in honor of National Manufacturing Month. Our region has long been seen as one of the most vibrant manufacturing hubs in the country, which is worth celebrating!
Jailer Art Maglinger REENTRY SUCCESS PROGRAM
The following Chamber Member Manufacturers set up booths at the October Rooster Booster, showcasing the products they make right here in Owensboro:
• • • • • • Amanda Owen, Puzzle Pieces
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Green River Distilling Company MPD Mizkan America, Inc. Sun Windows Toyotetsu Mid America Yager Materials, LLC
October’s program featured a Workforce Panel discussion, highlighting best practices and innovative regional solutions for employers. The panel included: Amanda Owen, Puzzle Pieces Frank Anderson, Sun Windows Jailer Art Maglinger Kerry Bailey, Unifirst Sheri Plain, Owensboro Community and Technical College
Sheri Plain, OCTC MODERATOR
The program ended with a surprise performance by our very own emcee Chad Benefield with special guests from Puzzle Pieces to announce the teams that will perform in the Owensboro Lip Sync Battle. N O V E M B E R / / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 Owensboro Living
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MOVING OWENSBORO FORWARD LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO 2024 KICKS OFF WITH ANNUAL RETREAT
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T
he incoming Leadership Owensboro class kicked off their program year with a packed agenda! The class of 2024 includes individuals from a range of backgrounds, professions, varying perspectives, and histories. The group attended their annual retreat, giving the class an opportunity to lay the foundation for establishing meaningful relationships with fellow classmates as they begin the journey of gaining a deeper understanding and broader perspective of our community in order to work together to move Greater Owensboro forward. Through various team-building activities, thoughtprovoking speakers and honest discussions the class received a glimpse of what the year holds in store for them!
CLASS OF 2024 Becky Barnhart, Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County Brian Benjamin, Owensboro Public Schools Scarlett Bickett, Hafer Rafe Buckner, A Cut Above Mowing, LLC Alex Conn, Owensboro Municipal Utilities Sharayha Clingenpeel, Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service Ashleigh Crowe, Owensboro Community and Technical College DeMarcus Curry, US Bank Home Mortgage Katie Day, RiverValley Behavioral Health Children’s Hospital Cate Gaddis, RiverValley Behavioral Health Kyle Geiger, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline Tyler Goad, Daviess County Public Schools Elizabeth Gramelspacher, Brescia University Bobby Grant, City of Owensboro, Owensboro Fire Department Joe Hagan, Kaiser Hunter Hinton, Owensboro Police Department Danielle Johnson, Owensboro Health Jack Jones, Daviess County Detention Center Mindy Jones, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Nicole Leach, Owensboro Health Sarah McElwain, Owensboro Municipal Utilities Whitney McFarland, City of Owensboro Kliricia Mullican, Owensboro Health Sarah O’Bryan, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline Jeff Payne, Daviess County Sheriff ’s Office Liz Revlett, German American Bank Heidi Reyes, Catholic Charities - Bakhita Empowerment Initiative Laura Rudolph, Kentucky Wesleyan College Sonya Simpson, Daviess County Public Schools Chad Underhill, Wendell Foster Karah Wilson, Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
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CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
DR. WANDA FIGUEROA P R E S I D E N T & C E O , R I V E R VA L L E Y B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H
What does your hometown in Puerto Rico and Owensboro have in common? Sometimes we make a lot of assumptions about different groups, and there is a lot of talk about diversity and it is more about communication, and seeing each other and understanding each other’s experiences with no fear. One of the questions loved ones ask me is, “how do you connect with a community that is so different from where you have come from?” For me that was easy because we have a lot of things in common as a small town that is sometimes undervalued and is full of people that are talented, passionate, and proud of their heritage. Sometimes we struggle as a community with having access not because of a lack of talent, but because of a lack of opportunity. We are responsible for creating opportunities for our community, and redefining how sometimes people perceive us by being intentional in how we present ourselves. One of the things I committed to do with our board is to pay attention to the rural areas and to expand services there. For example, RVBH is responsible for a seven county area, and I want to make sure that I am respectful and celebrate what others bring to the table.
Tell me about the journey that led you to Owensboro? I lived in Chicago and worked with statewide issues in addition to urban issues. However, I come from a small town in Puerto Rico which is very
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similar in personality to Owensboro and the population is similar to Kentucky. So, I knew about Kentucky because of the Kentucky Derby. Believe it or not, there are a lot of jockeys that are Puerto Rican. At some point I knew that for the second part of my career I wanted to move to a warmer place and somewhere that would resonate a little bit more. I was contacted by a search committee in Owensboro, Ky, and I was very intrigued by RiverValley Behavioral Health because what is unique about RVBH is the spectrum of behavioral health services. RVBH is a regional mental health center that offers everything from prevention to inpatient care. So, I decided to make a weekend trip to Owensboro, and the city was very appealing to me. When we visited it was Friday After 5, and at the hotel I stayed at I saw the Relocation Guide that was put together by the Chamber. I felt like Owensboro was such a special place
with talented people that are proud of their community. The people here were warm and welcoming and I felt embraced.
What new projects are on the horizon for RiverValley Behavioral Health? We are making sure that mental health and behavioral health is seen as part of healthcare. That continues to be a struggle and to be stigmatized. I think having conversations, expanding universal training and prevention is important. As an organization we have invested in other areas as well. For example, working with the reentry population. We are paying more attention to population health by identifying groups of people who tend to not have a seat at the table and are not accessing services. We want to do more with children’s mental health by working with the schools, the community and
is an important part of it, and we have decorated the homes in such a way that when people go there they have a sense of peace. We want people to feel welcome and like we have been waiting for them, so they can recover and help others. One of the new properties will be in Beaver Dam, Ky and another in Hancock County because I want those communities to know they are part of a strategic plan, and they are not an afterthought. We have also created a youth drop in center in Henderson, and we would also love to open one in Daviess County.
What are your passions outside of work? after school programs. If we are looking
is surrounded by beauty and this
to destigmatize we have to build a
community is so gorgeous, so we need
sense of community for people who are
to use nature as part of the recovery
struggling.
and as part of wellness. We have
We have also acquired some homes for
those
in
recovery.
Kentucky
been very intentional in identifying beautiful properties in which nature
I am a foodie! I love to cook, and I love to try different things. I am a little bit adventurous when it comes to that! I also love art. I love to attend Broadway shows and things like that with my son. Everything that has to do with art, I love.
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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.
SEPTEMBER
CRUMBL COOKIE
Franchisees Michael and Candyce Crawley opened the Owensboro Crumbl Cookie location in November of 2022. Located in the Gateway Commons off of KY 54, the local store continues to experience massive growth. The weekly rotating menu consists of six cookies with a milk chocolate chip or semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies every week. Bakers constantly add new flavors and update and improve current recipes.
MCMAHON EXTERMINATING
With just one truck, Jack McMahon created McMahon Exterminating in Evansville in 1971. His son Charlie took over the business in 2010 and welcomed a third generation with his son Luke in 2018. Over 52 years, the business has grown from one employee with a truck to more than 30 employees and 23 service vehicles. The team features several father-son and husband-wife duos and other relatives to create the ultimate family-owned business.
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS
Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) – a boutique fitness studio offering high-intensity interval training during hour-long group workouts for all fitness levels – opened in January of this year. Located at 2490 Calumet Trace Suite 1 in the Gateway Commons, OTF has steadily grown its membership.
WESTERN KENTUCKY DISTILLING CO.
The Western Kentucky Distilling Co. broke ground on its $30-million state-of-the-art distillery in November 2022. They began crafting their versions of bourbon and rye whiskeys this past July and have already put away 8,000 barrels. Eighth-generation distiller and Kentuckian Jacob Call serves as the COO and Master Distiller. He launched the distillery with fellow Kentucky native J.D. Edwards, who serves as the president.
SEPTEMBER
CHAMBER AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH
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STEPHANIE BERTRAM
As a dedicated and community-involved individual, Stephanie Bertram brings a wealth of experience and a passion for service to everything she does. Recently embarking on a new journey as a realtor, she is thrilled to be part of the seasoned team at BHG Realty. Her approach to real estate is grounded in her deep-rooted values of integrity, transparency, and genuine care for her clients’ needs. She is excited to make a positive impact in the world of real estate and beyond.
OCTOBER
PEACH COBBLER FACTORY
The Peach Cobbler Factory boasts a diverse and unique menu featuring many dessert options under one roof. Located at 3245 Mount Moriah Avenue Suite 1 just off KY 54, The Peach Cobbler Factory’s menu includes 13 cobbler flavors, 12 banana pudding flavors, five brownie flavors, five Belgian waffle flavors, six churro flavors, and 12 options of bigger and better cookies.
BREWCO MARKETING GROUP
Brewco Marketing Group (BMG) traces its inception back to 1997, when it began assisting Brewco Motorsports with its sponsorship efforts at NASCAR races. In those 26 years, the Central City-based marketing group has evolved drastically, creating award-winning solutions for some of the world’s most trusted brands.
KELLER WILLIAMS ELITE REALTY - TONYA LEWIS GROUP
The Keller Williams Tonya Lewis Group in Owensboro, Kentucky, is a premier real estate team dedicated to helping clients find their dream homes. With a wealth of local expertise and a client-focused approach, they provide exceptional service, guiding individuals and families through the entire home buying or selling process with professionalism and care.
HAPPY HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE
Happy House Cleaning Service is your trusted partner in maintaining a clean and serene living space. With a dedicated team and a commitment to excellence, they offer top-notch cleaning services tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring your home is always a haven of freshness and comfort.
BICYCLE OWENSBORO
Several local cyclists formed Bicycle Owensboro many years ago to create a friendlier, healthier, and greener Owensboro through bicycling. Aside from creating a cycling community with group rides and events, the group also advocates for bike routes and promotes bicycle safety for young and adult cyclists.
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.
OCTOBER
JUSTIN MERRIT
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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T H E G R E AT E R O W E N S B O R O L E A D E R S H I P I N S T I T U T E
IGNITING CHANGE
T
he Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute is partnering with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation to ignite community-led change in Greater Owensboro. To kick off this initiative, the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute hosted a community-wide event at the H.L. Neblett Community Center in late September, featuring a keynote address from the Harwood Institute’s President and Founder Rich Harwood. Rich shared about this initiative and how it will build momentum over time alongside sharing stories and lessons from working with communities to bridge divides, build civic culture, and tackle shared challenges.
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After working on more than 20 political campaigns and two highly respected non-profits, Rich Harwood set out to create something entirely different. He founded what is now known as The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation in 1988, when he was just 27 years old. Soon after, he wrote the groundbreaking report “Citizen and Politics: A View from Main Street,” the first national study to uncover that Americans did not feel apathetic about politics, but instead held a deep sense of anger and disconnection. Over the past 30 years, Rich has innovated and developed a new philosophy and practice of how communities can solve shared problems, create a culture of shared responsibility and deepen people’s civic faith. The Harwood practice of Turning Outward has spread to all 50 states and is being used in 40 countries. Over the course of the remainder of the year the Harwood Team will host a series of 16 conversations throughout Daviess County for citizens to share their aspirations for our community. We are looking forward to hearing from Rich Harwood and his team in the spring regarding their findings on how we can catalyze leadership to move our community forward.
Rich Harwood
HARWOOD INSTITUTE’S PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
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OWENSBORO TA K E S O N D C
A
delegation of elected officials and business leaders participated in the Chamber DC Fly-In September. The purpose of this
annual event is to connect our community and our community’s priorities to Congressional and Senate elected leaders and their staffs. The highlight of this year’s trip was a Greater Owensboro Reception hosted in the Capitol thanks to Leader McConnell and his team and a tour of the Rotunda with Congressman Guthrie.
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CYP W R A P U P C
hamber Young Professionals (CYP) provides a great opportunity for professionals 40 years and younger
to network and educate themselves on important issues facing the Greater Owensboro area. Through community service projects, social events, corporate tours and professional development, CYP members develop strong ties in the Owensboro community. Here is what they have been up to in the last couple of months!
COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS AT NIKO’S BAKERY AND CAFE.
CYP HELD AN OPEN HOUSE AT THE PARTY SPACE PLACE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN JOINING.
CYP MEMBERS ATTENDED THE FIRST MEETING OF GUYS & TIES AT BURNS MIDDLE SCHOOL. 70 Owensboro Living N O V E M B E R / / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3
CY P F I T H E L D A C L A S S AT O R A N G E T H E O R Y, ALLOWING MEMBERS TO TRY OUT THE FITNESS CENTER FOR FREE.
CYP FORMAL LUNCH WITH RICH HARWOOD CYP members met with Rich Harwood to discuss a community initiative in collaboration with the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute. Harwood asked our young professionals, “What are
THE GROUP ALSO MET FOR PROJECT EMPOWER: GIRLS & GOALS, A COLLABORATION WITH GIRLS INC.
your aspirations for your community?” CYP looks forward with momentum as this initiative progresses and as we help shape Owensboro to come!
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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.
BORROWED HEARTS
CRAZY ME
DONATOS
THE CENTER
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POOLE’S PHARMACY CARE