May/June 2023 Chamber Current

ROOSTER BOOSTER: MARCH MADNESS p. 96

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: INAUGURAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT p. 98

MEET THE BOARD CHAIR: SARAH MURPHY FORD p. 94

From the CHAMBER

Welcome to the second volume of Chamber Current!

Spring is here! It’s a time each year when we thank our members who make our community and our economy move forward. Happy Member Appreciation!

Our Members have done their part to move Greater Owensboro forward through this last year. Whether they have kept their operations afloat amongst adversity or worked around the clock to meet growing demands for products and services — they have done their part. We are humbled by how they have adapted and innovated; and we have been truly inspired — but not at all surprised — by their incredible work.

Every day we hear from members with new ideas, new ventures or better ways of doing business. We love their passion for always wanting more for their business, organization and our community.

During the month of April, we sent out Member Appreciation packets. In our Appreciation packets Members will find the 2023 Owensboro Magazine, Membership Benefits and the 2023 Member Decal.

We are so proud of the businesses in our community. Thank you to our members for their continued investment. We thank them for making Greater Owensboro greater every day.

We are so proud to serve our Members.

CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President & CEO, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

GO Chamber FREE Marketing Opportunities

›› Business Directory Listing: Online and in print. The full directory is also available by request for direct mail efforts.

›› Member of the Week: Featured article in Owensboro Times with a social media blast, a customized post on the Chamber Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page and a featured graphic in the Chamber Weekly email and monthly Chamber Matters in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer.

›› Engage Owensboro: A community tool to focus efforts on nurturing existing talent programs, developing new ways to connect current and future leaders and creating solutions to regional workforce issues.

›› Member Corner: Ability to post job opportunities, Member discounts and upcoming events on the Chamber website and in the monthly Member Memo.

›› New Membership Listing: Featured in Chamber Matters and throughout Chamber communications.

›› Rooster Booster Announcement: Introduced to 300+ people in attendance, also broadcast live on WOMI 1490, replayed on Channel 71 public access television, and posted on the Chamber YouTube channel and all Chamber social media.

GO Chamber Member Cost-Savings Programs

›› Chamber Advantage Health Plans: A comprehensive and affordable healthcare solution.

›› ClearPath Mutual: Workers’ compensation insurance program.

›› Infintech: Credit card processing company that gives Chamber Members a discount (30-40% off traditional fees).

›› Office Depot: 200+ items discounted for Chamber Members (can access online, in-store and with customized offerings).

›› Constant Contact: 60 days free for this email management and marketing company.

›› Owensboro Health Healthpark: Offers a discount on all annual memberships to Chamber Members.

›› Laborchex: Discounted background checks .

GO Chamber Networking Opportunities

›› Rooster Booster Breakfast

›› Committees

›› Chamber After Hours

›› Ribbon Cuttings

›› Chamber Young Professionals

›› Chamber Golf Classic

›› Red, White and Blue

›› Chamber Celebration

›› The Network

GO Chamber Professional Development Opportunities

›› Chamber Ambassadors

›› Chamber Young Professionals

›› Leadership Owensboro

›› Teachers in the Workplace

›› Professional Development Seminars

›› Small Business Development Center

For more information about your Chamber Member benefits, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at shelly@owensboro.com or 270-926-1860.

MEET THE BOARD CHAIR

SARAH MURPHY FORD

of my dad. He cheers me on, and at the same time he helps me realize that I must continue to grow and challenge myself. He reminds me not to get too comfortable, and he challenges me to think bigger. Our team never stops and says, “Okay, we did it, we are done!” Money and hitting goals mean nothing if you don’t care about the people around you.

How do other Chamber board members inspire you?

I could write a book on how the members of the Chamber Board of Directors inspire me. Recently, I was so proud to see how many ATHENA Award nominees were on our board and how many past recipients had been Board members. The depth of conversation in our board meetings is unreal. Everyone genuinely cares about people in our community. Our board members speak with authority in a strong and uplifting way.

Please tell us about your role in your professional career.

As the Vice President at Hartz Contracting, I serve on our Board of Directors and oversee the operations of our three locations, which includes our strategies, processes, software, etc. I don’t get to physically be out on the job “building,” but I get to use my strategic mind and assist our team.

How do you hope to make an impact as board chair?

I feel that connecting with others is the most important thing our board can do, and it is what I have committed to as board chair. I think showing up creates ENERGY that makes people want to be better! It’s inspiring to feed off each other’s energy, which is why I think people come to Rooster Booster so early on a Thursday morning – YOU FEEL IT!

How long have you called Owensboro home?

I was raised in Bowling Green and went to Lexington for college. I moved to Owensboro in 2011 when I married my better half!

How can we make Owensboro more attractive to employers, small businesses and young people who want to find more opportunity and success here?

It is our responsibility to make people feel like Owensboro is home. People did that for me when I moved here. Community and connection are what makes a place feel like home. We take so many actions to build an appealing community for those that move here, PorchFest and ROMP to name a few. But we must be more intentional about showing people we want them to be here and be a part of our community.

What inspires you most about our community?

The people. We have so many passionate people in our community that have unique and innovative ideas and the follow-through to make things happen. It is so inspiring to see people come together to build up our community.

What is your definition of a mentor?

A mentor is someone who helps you get somewhere that you could not have gotten on your own. When I think of an example of a mentor in my life, I think

They still have their own vision. They accept others’ ideas. They understand when minds come together, the ideas are limitless. None of our board members settle. As soon as one thing is done, they are ready to take on the next or asking “Okay, now how can we make this even better?” Their love and passion for our community and their vision for a better future creates such possibility.

What is your favorite “Chamber moment?”

There are too many to count, but the first Rooster Booster this past March sponsored by Wendell Foster was unforgettable. It was so inspiring to hear from guest speakers Elizabeth and Stephen Wampler and to see so many people stand up and cheer for an amazing organization in our community. Watching Chad kick off the Steps Division of the Wendell Foster Half Marathon was both hilarious and moving. Events like this make me look at out community and smile.

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

Leading our company’s transition from paper to digital technology. Although we started this project to become more efficient and produce cost savings, the most rewarding part was training the men and women that swore they would never be able to

transition. It was challenging and required a lot of energy to motivate, encourage and solve problems, but once it clicked, we were able to celebrate these new skills. It completely changed the dynamics of our company, and now they have their own creative ideas on how to continuously improve our processes. With that kind of collaboration and engagement, the sky’s the limit for us.

How do you remain fully present in all areas of life while running a family-owned business and being a wife and mother to three children?

I remain aware. You must be aware of what is going on around you and cautious of what areas of your life are requiring more of you than others. For example, there are times when work takes more time, but I follow up with intentional time spent with my family. Find your people that will hold you accountable and help you when you need it most, whether that be friends, family or a mentor. My advice is to remember you are in control of you. You must make the call and not let areas of your life become unbalanced.

Meet THE Staff

CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President and CEO

SHELLY NICHOLS Vice President ASHTIN WARREN Director, Talent Programs

JULIA KIMBRELL Communications and Events Coordinator

LYDIE BOONE Executive Assistant

Our mission is to provide leadership, advocacy and member services that foster growth and economic prosperity for our region.

MARCH MADNESS

Speaker:

Sponsor: Wendell Foster Center

One of the first things you’ll notice about Stephen Wampler visually is that he utilizes a wheelchair, because Steve has Cerebral Palsy (CP). Over the years he has learned not to only live with his disability, but to thrive in life with his condition. He wants to ensure that others with physical disabilities have the same opportunity as he has had so they can live a fulfilling life.

In 2002, Steve and Elizabeth founded The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation, and “Camp Wamp” was opened in 2004. With the wilderness as the backdrop, kids enjoy the fun and camaraderie of camp life. With Steve as their inspiration, their experiences push each one to discover how capable they really are.

In 2010, Steve became the first person with Cerebral Palsy to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a vertical slab of rock twice the height of the Empire State Building. Wampler’s climb, which took 6 days and 20,000 pull-ups to complete, was featured in the award-winning documentary Wampler’s Ascent. Steve and Elizabeth have been featured in the New York Times, the Hollywood Reporter, the LA Times, the Village Voice, Good Morning America, The Ellen Show, Saturday Night Live, and ABC News. Their viral TikTok account (@the.wampler.way) has over 700,000 followers, 24.4 million likes, and

Wendell Foster is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Owensboro whose mission is to empower people with disabilities to realize their dreams and potential. For decades, Wendell Foster has supported children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing services such as: on-site and community-based residential housing and supportive programs; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; assistive technology; a transportation program; day training; community programs; and more.

Over the years, Wendell Foster has grown from a single residential home at 815 Triplett Street to an extensive campus occupying six city blocks. In 2022, the organization provided more than 75,000 services to over 2,000 individuals across Kentucky and Indiana.

Upcoming fundraisers include the Annual Golf Scramble at Ben Hawes on June 16th, the Forever a Difference Maker Gala on September 30th, and the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, returning to its inaugural month of March on March 23rd, 2024. Wendell Foster looks forward to hosting the race in a month that means so much to its mission: Disability Awareness Month.

76.9 million views. Steve and Elizabeth reside in Coronado, CA.

ROOSTER BOOSTER # 1

THE MONTH OF MARCH BROUGHT TWO SEPARATE ROOSTER BOOSTER EVENTS. HERE’S A RECAP.

Stephen and Elizabeth Wampler

ROOSTER BOOSTER # 2

An acclaimed speaker, Dee Robinson is an oftrecognized award-winning entrepreneur who works with individuals and organizations to overcome the fear that holds them back and instead amplify their communications, have the confidence to discuss difficult topics, and pursue their dreams, discovering their true purpose along the way. Her goal is to help clients live a bold life of service and significance. She leads and speaks with passion, guiding her audience to effectively strengthen and elevate their vision to new heights. What shines through in both her work and her public speaking is her uncanny ability to instill courage and build courage circles to maximize ROP3—return on people, profit, and purpose—and leave audiences intrigued and wanting to hear more.

Dee ideated, founded, and successfully scaled Robinson Hill, Inc., building a powerful reputation as an outstanding operator in driving sales, efficiency, innovation, and employee performance along the way. Leveraging comprehensive and integrated marketing strategies customized for key audiences to drive expansion, she spearheaded multiple capital development efforts and forged successful joint ventures and partnerships that further spurred growth. Robinson Hill subsequently grew to encompass over 60 airport and tourist-site restaurants and retail stores. Brands and partnerships in the company portfolio include notable names like Hudson Group, Frontera Grill, Ben & Jerry’s, Farmer’s Fridge, Potbelly, and Lettuce Entertain You.

Her subject matter expertise in successfully scaling companies led her to counsel other businesses to do the same.

Green River has brought a rich Kentucky Bourbon tradition back to Owensboro.

Originally founded in 1885, Green River (DSPKY-10) is the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky. Prior to prohibition, Owensboro was one of the richest contributors to the bourbon industry with more than 20 distilleries. Green River, known as “the Whiskey Without Regrets,” was the official medicinal whiskey of the U.S. Marine Hospital and has been referenced as the most expensive whiskey ever sold - 20 barrels were once traded for an interest in a Colorado gold mine. Fire and prohibition relegated the brand to history before being reestablished in 2022.

Today, the “Whiskey Without Regrets” is bringing Owensboro’s rich bourbon heritage to life as the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. A gateway to east-bound visitors, it’s a short drive from St. Louis, Nashville and Evansville, Ind. The distillery welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors last year.

But beyond the distillery experience, Green River is about sharing high-quality, delicious Kentucky Bourbon. Following a highly successful four-state launch in 2022, Green River Distilling Co is expanding in 2023 with the release of Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, in complement to their flagship high rye bourbon, in 25 markets across the United States.

Speaker: Dee Robinson Sponsor: Green River Distillery

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

WHEN:

Speakers:

WHERE: WH0:

Thursday, June 8, 2023 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum Downtown Owensboro

The Summit is a unique learning opportunity for leaders at all levels. The Summit will bring together community leaders.

COST: $150 each

$95 nonprofit employee rate

DEANGELO SIMMONS

DEE ROBINSON

BRACKEN DARRELL

Logitech President & CEO

BDS Sports CEO & Player Representative

Entrepreneur & Author Robinson Hill, Inc.

About the Greater Owensboro Leadership Summit

The Summit is a day packed with speakers and expert panelists focusing on leadership, innovation, partnerships, government, philanthropy, and service. The Summit provides a day of best practices, thought leadership, and encouragement for leaders. Dr. Stacy Edds-Ellis, Executive Director of the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute, shared that the Summit was designed “to serve as a catalyst for leadership, fuel collaboration, and foster civic engagement in our community. This is an excellent opportunity for employers to develop their leadership talent pipeline and connect with other change makers.”

About the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute

The vision of the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute is to foster leadership for a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous community. By equipping people, organizations, communities, and networks with the tools to bridge divides, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges the Leadership Institute is a collective force for change.

Develop Civic Leaders

The Institute develops leadership capacity in our citizens by encouraging and training all walks of life to share their talents, skills, and ideas in a collaborative manner.

Create and Build Civic Trust

The Institute leverages citizens, develops leaders, and facilitates healthy processes for solving complex community challenges.

Facilitate Community Engagement

The Institute provides training, programming, and initiatives that fosters discourse, partnerships, and innovation toward a more equitable, fair, just, inclusive, and hopeful path forward.

Serve as a Convener

The Institute serves as a non-partisan conduit for the common good of our community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SUMMIT AND THE GREATER OWENSBORO LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE, PLEASE EMAIL DR. STACY EDDS-ELLIS AT SEDDS-ELLIS@OWENSBORO.COM

DR. STACY EDDS-ELLIS

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.

ENTERPRISE TRUCK RENTAL

FLOURISH COUNSELING

KICKIN’ IT

LOVE YOURSELF BOUTIQUE

AUBREY’S SONG FOUNDATION FOR EATING DISORDERS

VETERANS EMPOWERED TOGETHER

Fun Facts!

At Ribbon Cuttings, there is a special presentation by Chamber Vice President Shelly Nichols followed by a presentation by a Chamber Ambassador. Ambassadors are Chamber volunteers and representatives of the local business community.

The Chamber hosts nearly 60 Ribbon Cuttings every year!

The Ribbon is exactly 16 Chamber logos long.

Businesses receive a customized plaque recognizing their Ribbon Cutting, a jar filled with business cards from those attending the event, as well as the ribbon following the official cut.

The cost is $200 for Chamber Member businesses and $50 for non-profit organizations.

The Chamber invites elected officials, Chamber Board Members, Ambassadors, and all our nearly 1000 Members to ribbon cuttings. We also promote the event via our weekly email newsletter and to the public via social media.

The scissors are real! Our Ribbon Cutting scissors are 33 inches long and weigh 7 pounds. They require maintenance to keep them sharp!

CHAMBER CURRENT

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Amvets # 119

Bell Bank Mortgage

Bicycle Owensboro

Candi Cosmetics, Lash Artistry

Cleveland Cliffs

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

FLEX Wealth Management

Flourish Counseling

Crumbl Cookies

Hayden Precision Welding, LLC

IMD Home Inspection

Integrity Testing and Inspection

Isaac Sterett Adventure Foundation

Joys Cooking Classes| Joy-Full Meal Prep

Huck’s Market

McMahon Exterminating, Inc

RENEWALS

Grace Christian Academy of Owensboro

Great Harvest Bread Co.

Greater Owensboro Realtor Association

Green River Distilling Company

Gulfstream Commercial Services, LLC

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown/Waterfront

HawesWay, Inc.

Hobgood Landscaping, LLC

Holiday Inn - Owensboro Riverfront

Houchens Insurance Group

Independence Bank

International Center of Kentucky

Jagoe Homes, Inc.

Jiffy Lube (Stonebriar Auto Services, LLC)

Junior League of Owensboro Kentucky Wesleyan College

Key Oil Company

L. Steve Castlen Realtors, Tyler Shookman

Labrador Consulting

Lamar Outdoor Advertising

Lark Electric, LLC

Leisure Hut of Owensboro, LLC

Liberty Federal Credit Union

Living Hope Community Church

Lure Seafood and Grille Marks CO., Inc.

Massie-Clarke Development Co.

McCarty’s Auto & Truck Repair

Mellow Mushroom Owensboro

Metalsa Structural Products

Milliken & Company Owensboro Specialty Polymers

Mercy Ambulance of Evansville, Inc.

NextEra Energy Resources

Orangetheory Fitness

Precision Garage Door of Owensboro Evansville

Riley and Co. Jewelers

Shiloh’s Lounge

Strive Health Kidney Care Center of Owensboro

Triple Crown Realty Group

Owensboro Dance Theatre, Inc.

Owensboro Family YMCA

Owensboro Goodwill Industries & Goodwill Job Placement Services

Owensboro Grain Company, LLC

Owensboro Regional Farmers Market

Owensboro Warehouse Leasing, LLC

PNC Bank

Puzzle Pieces, Inc.

RC Bratcher Radiator, Welding & Automotive

RE/MAX Professional Realty Group, Rick Cummins

RE/MAX Professional Realty Group, Scott

Lyons

Red Wing Shoes

Research Integrity, LLC

Rhoads & Rhoads, PSC Owensboro

Right to Life of Owensboro

RiverPark Center

Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Diocesan

Council of Western Kentucky, Inc.

St. Mary of the Woods Parish

The Blake Hayden Group

TrueNorth Treatment Center, LLC

Underground Vaults and Storage

Unique Granite & Marble

United Way of the Ohio Valley

Velotta Design

Ward Family Dentistry, PSC.

Wax Works, LLC

Wendell Foster

Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center

WEVV-TV

WFIE TV 14

Fraternal

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, Inc.

Murphy Sewing Machine Company

New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services

Whittaker Guns

Wright Implement YellowBanks Lawn and Landscape, LLC