CALENDAR
CHAMBER BOARD CHAIRS IN THE NEWS
GAVIN ROBERTS
2013 Chamber Board Chair Gavin Roberts was recognized by the Kentucky Hospital Association at its 95th Annual Convention with its 2023 Governance Leadership Award. Gavin was recognized for his selfless leadership and his dedication as Owensboro Health Board of Directors Chair.
W. CLAY H. FORD
2021 Chamber Board Chair W. Clay H. Ford was honored by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence for three years of service as its board chair at the 2024 Groundswell Summit and Annual Meeting.
10 CYP CORPORATE TOUR: WENDELL FOSTER 11:30 a.m. | 815 Triplett Street
10 CYP PROJECT EMPOWER: GIRLS & GOALS
11 ROOSTER BOOSTER, SPONSORED BY VISIT OWENSBORO
7:30 a.m.
Owensboro Convention Center
11
RIBBON CUTTING: GIFTED THRIFT
12:15 p.m.
1706 J.R. Miller Boulevard
12
LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO ALUMNI GRILL AND CHILL
6:00 p.m. | The WeatherBerry
2731 West Second Street
16 CYP COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS
7:30 a.m.
17 CHAMBER AMBASSADOR SOCIAL 12:00 p.m.
18 CYP AND WENDELL FOSTER FIRST RESPONDERS BBQ
10:30 a.m. | 815 Triplett Street
19 RIBBON CUTTING: BLACK PEARL HOME CARE
12:15 p.m.
401 Frederica Street Suite 201 B
1 ROOSTER BOOSTER, SPONSORED BY R.W. BAIRD 7:30 a.m.
22-26 OWENSBORO BOUTIQUE WEEK!
24 CYP FORMAL LUNCH MEETING 11:30 a.m.
Chamber of Commerce Third Floor Conference Room
25 LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS OF 2025 APPLICATION DEADLINE
27 SHOP OWENSBORO SUMMER EDITION, POWERED BY INDEPENDENCE BANK
26 CYP AMPED UP ARTISTRY UNVEILING
30 CYP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEETING 11:30 a.m.
AUGUST CALENDAR
Owensboro Convention Center
9 RIBBON CUTTING: SPARKLE BRITE CAR WASH 12:15 p.m. | 620 Emory Drive
21 CHAMBER AMBASSADOR SOCIAL 12:00 p.m.
23 RIBBON CUTTING: WINGATE INN 12:15 p.m. | 51 Bon Harbor Hills
27 CYP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEETING 11:30 a.m.
28 CYP SOCIAL MEETING 11:30 a.m.
Avenue
30 CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY OWENSBORO HEALTH Owensboro Country Club
NEW MEMBERS
Black Pearl Home Care Central
Bluegrass Biker News Motorsports/Music/Events
Bluegrass Occupational & Environmental Health Consulting
Brad Emberton’s Heating and Cooling
Chick-fil-A Highway 54
Christian Appalachian Project
Elite Mortgage, LLC.
Elizabeth Design Studio, LLC.
Faris Guitar Company
Heartland Interpretation and Translation Services, LLC.
Jozana Grant Services
Kodiak Resources, Inc.
Owensboro Tri- State Countertops
PC Quest
PeopleReady- Owensboro Branch
Pirate Proles, Inc.
Porter Concrete
Rooted Recovery, LLC.
Sparkle Brite Car Wash Sprocket, Inc.
Stanley Crop Service
The Barnes Group of Greater Owensboro Realty Co
Whitesville Community Credit Union
Windy Hollow Biscuit House
RENEWALS
54 Pizza Express - West
AARP Kentucky
Addiction Recovery Care
Advanced Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Alexander & Company CPAs PSC
Allstate Insurance, Hayden Agency
Alzheimer’s Association
American Patriot Getaways
America’s Car-Mart of Owensboro
Amvets Post # 75
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield AT&T
Bella Ragazza Boutique
Bennett Insurance Agency, LLC.
Better Business Bureau Inc. Serving Fort Knox (Branch)
Bicycle Owensboro
Bob Glenn Briarpatch
Bridge Pointe Church
Bryant Engineering, Inc.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Cayce Mill Supply
Charter-Calumet Trace Senior Living
Chick-fil-A
Cleveland-Cliffs
Coke Farms
Compass Counseling of Owensboro, LLC
Concept Sound and Light, Inc.
Consolidated Mechanical, Inc.
Cornerstone Information Systems, Inc.
Courier Express
Cromwell Media
CRS OneSource
Culver’s Restaurant
Custom Audio-Video, Inc.
Danco Construction
Daviess County Detention Center
Daviess County Diabetes Coalition
Daviess County Water District
Daviess Treatment Services
Deaconess Clinic
Dialog Telecommunications
Digital Group, LLC.
Dispo 4th Street, Inc.
Express Employment Professionals
Five Star Food Services/John Conti Coffee
Flourish Counseling
Four Seasons Heating & Cooling
Fresh Start for Women, Inc.
Friends of Sinners
Gene’s Health Food, Inc.
Gipe Auto Color, Inc.
GMRRLLC doing business as Roto Rooter
Great Harvest, 54
Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp.
Green River Appliance Co, Inc.
Green River Area Community Foundation
H.L. Neblett Community Center
Hafer
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown/Waterfront
Hayden and Co. PSC, CPAs
Hayden Electric, Inc.
Helena Chemical Company
Home Instead
HPC - Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky
Hunter-Douglas, Inc.
International Bar-B-Q Festival
John E. Hammen, D.M.D., Owensboro Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery PLLC
Jones Insurance Agency
Judge Jeff S. Taylor
Junior League of Owensboro
Kentucky Mirror & Plate Glass Co., Inc.
Kight Home Center.. division of the Carter Lumber Company
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
KM Specialty Pump/ Straeffer Pump & Supply
KORT - Physical Therapy
L. Ruth Interior Design
Lafarge
Lanham Brothers General Contractors, Inc.
Lee Brick & Block, Inc.
LinGate Hospitality
Malone Workforce Solutions
MentorKids Kentucky
Mercy Ambulance of Evansville, Inc.
Midsouth Rentals
Midwest Communications, Inc WSTO
MPD, Inc.
Nick T. Arnold Jewelers, Inc. 54
Northwestern Mutual
Ohio Valley Insurance, LLC.
Opportunity Center of Owensboro
Optimize U Owensboro
Owensboro Career Development Assoc., Inc.
Owensboro Family YMCA
Owensboro Health Foundation
Owensboro Human Relations Commission
Owensboro Municipal Utilities
Owensboro Regional Farmers Market
Owensboro-Daviess County Veterans Organization
P & H Fabrication & Machine
PakMail/Store It All
PeezO’s Pizza
Pilot Steel, Inc.
Preservation Station Market and Event Center
PROMAN Staffing
Public Life Foundation
Qualmedica Research, LLC.
RC Bratcher Radiator, Welding & Automotive
RE/MAX Professional Realty Group, Scott Lyons
Republic Services, Inc.
Retirement & Financial Strategies
River Metals Recycling, LLC.
Rolling Pin Pastry Shop, Inc.
Rowland Family Dentistry
RYco Jewelers
Shield Security
Shivmir Hospitality Management, Comfort Suites
Owensboro
Shoe Stop
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.
Springs Urgent Care
Strength Renewed, LLC.
Summit Medical Specialists
Sun Windows, Inc.
Swedish Match North America, Inc.
T.H.E. Insurance Group
The Scrub Shoppe
To The Max Behavior Therapy, LLC.
Towne Square Animal Hospital
Trinity High School
Trophy House, Inc.
Underground Vaults and Storage
Vancil Insurance Services LLC.
Western Kentucky Minerals
WinSupply of Owensboro
Woodward Consulting, LLC.
ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP
May’s Rooster Boosters featured guest speaker Silas House, who is a best-selling author, Grammy nominee and Kentucky Poet Laurete. He emphasized the importance of knowledge, books, and community, noting that book banning is a nonpartisan issue and should be decided by parents, not governments, to ensure access to information.
New Beginnings sponsored the event. New Beginnings offers a comprehensive range of support services tailored to the needs of survivors of sexual assault. From immediate crisis intervention to long-term counseling and advocacy, their team of trained professionals provides unwavering support every step of the way. The organization operates on the principle of empowerment, recognizing that each survivor’s journey is unique and deserving of personalized care.
In addition to the guest speaker, five Burns Middle School students graduated from the Guys and Ties program, an initiative of the Chamber Young Professionals to help young men with self-development and confidence. This year marked the first set of graduates to receive custom jackets and more.
JUNE
June’s Rooster Boosters featured guest speaker Rich Harwood, President and Founder of The Harwood Institute, who took the Rooster Booster stage to talk about civic engagement and how each Owensboro citizen can all be a catalyst in making life better for one another.
The Harwood Institute conducted city-wide conversations from November to February, learning the pulse of Owensboro’s residents. Throughout the conversations, the Institute found four overarching themes for Owensboro to move toward unified action: focus on pressing issues, move from getting together to working together, grow civic capacities and be inclusive.
WKU in Owensboro sponsored the event. Over 55 years ago, WKU began offering classes in Owensboro. Today, WKU in Owensboro offers 11 majors aligning with some of the most high-demand workforce needs in this region. These 11 majors allow students to complete their degree close to home and receive outstanding personal support.
Sponsor:
Sponsor:
Speaker: Silas House
Speaker: Rich Harwood
GOODBYE SHELLY!
In 2006, Terry Woodward recruited Clayton Nichols to move to Owensboro from Columbus, Ohio. On August 18, the Nichols moved to Owensboro and made it their home. Since that time, Shelly has been involved in making our community stronger no matter what official position she held. Under the leadership of Rodney Berry at the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro, Shelly played a key role in planning and implementing the townhalls and public meetings that led to the transformative Downtown Placemaking Initiative.
She left the PLFO to come to the Chamber in 2015 where she led Chamber membership efforts.
Shelly left the Chamber to serve OASIS as its Executive Director in 2017. During that time, she improved the lives of countless women and children who were domestic violence victims.
“One of the luckiest days of my career at the Chamber was when Shelly agreed to return as our Vice-President, said Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO. “Shelly’s deep care and concern for our members, her tireless work ethic and her beautiful spirit have made an indelible impact on the lives of so many. Whether they be small business owners, large corporations or non-profits and faith-based organizations, our members know that Shelly not only cares about them, she is their advocate.”
She is a role model to our team.
Shelly leaves us on August 1 as she and Clayton embark upon relocating to Lexington to be closer to her mother Diane and her son and his fiancé. But a big part of Shelly’s heart will stay here. Her son Carter will be attending Brescia University in the Fall. And her Chamber Family will be here ready to welcome her back to town for visits! Lots of them, hopefully.
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.
UP UP AND AWAY
Up Up and Away Owner Felicia Hardesty offers custom balloon decor – everything from silly balloon people and basic decor to art installations, dynamic backdrops, and a bubble balloon dome that consumes an entire wall. She recently expanded to offer twisting services and concession rentals, such as shaved ice machines, cotton candy machines, and popcorn carts as well as an assortment of inflatable rental options.
FREE YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL WELLNESS, LLC
Melissa Logsdon launched Free Your Mind Body and Soul Wellness in Owensboro in 2018. Services at Free Your Mind Body and Soul Wellness include float therapy — also known as sensory deprivation — myofascial release, infrared sauna use, and ionic foot detox. Logsdon also obtained her LMT last year and began offering massages.
MAY
THE BHG REALTY
Blake and Missie Hayden at BHG Realty have been around the real estate industry their entire life. The two have grown the group into what it is today, with locations in Owensboro, Bowling Green, and Madisonville. The group specializes in residential and commercial realty and property management.
SUNBELT RENTALS
Sunbelt Rentals specializes in industrial and heavy equipment rental. With the Owensboro store, they’ve brought a plethora of options to the table. From skid steers and forklifts to tillers and aerators, they’ve got it all, catering to the diverse needs of residents and businesses alike.
CHARLOTTE NEWTON
Charlotte Newton is an insurance agent at Houchens Insurance Group. She has been in the insurance industry for about 10 years. Charlotte helps large commercial businesses with their insurance needs at the Owensboro location on Frederica Street. Charlotte’s main goal is to educate her clients on their policies so that they know exactly what they are getting and that they have the right coverage. She loves building relationships with her clients. In her free time, she loves spending time with her 4 children and 2 grandchildren. She loves to read and anything adventurous.
JUNE
HILLTOP STABLES
Olivia Kramer launched Hilltop Stables in 2019 in Morganfield, initially offering carriage rides for weddings, holidays, festivals, and other special occasions. As the operation grew in popularity, she expanded the services to include equine therapy, riding schools, lessons, and more. Because of the exponential growth, Kramer is moving the operation to Waverly, near her childhood home. The new location is situated 45 minutes outside of Owensboro on U.S. 60.
Sam’s Club – a membership-only warehouse chain offering bulk grocery items, electronics, home goods, and more – opened at 5240 South Frederica Street in 2006. Brent Sorrells has been a part of the club since its conception and now serves as the store manager. He said he and his team of associates take great pride in providing for the community.
KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU - JAMIE WRIGHT
With a solid 16 years of experience in the industry, 15 of those years at KFB, Jamie Wright is a seasoned professional. She specializes in a wide range of insurance types, including home, auto, life, motorcycle, commercial, farm, and umbrella insurance. Her agency also offers various specialty markets, such as worker’s comp, flood insurance, and event insurance.
S&S EARTHSCAPES
S&S Earthscapes in Owensboro, KY, specializes in landscape design, installation, and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties. They offer a range of services including lawn care, hardscaping, irrigation systems, and seasonal clean-ups to enhance and maintain outdoor spaces.
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.
JUNE
HARLEY METCALF
Harley Metcalf is a Union Carpenter from Local 224 who was born and raised in Owensboro. “In the past I was always a person that complained there was nothing to do in Owensboro. One day I decided to start looking for activities and events, and found out this city has something going on almost every weekend. I quickly looked for ways to get involved; my journey lead me here.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS OF 2024
Each year, Leadership Owensboro graduates a class of approximately 30 individuals who have completed a program that seeks to unveil key components of community issues, develop leadership skills, and empower individuals to work together to move our community forward and improve the quality of life within our region. Along the journey, Leadership Owensboro also offers opportunities to inspire, be inspired, create lifelong friendships and nurture professional networks.
The program sessions of Leadership Owensboro cover a variety of topics which provide class members with insight and
perspective with the Greater Owensboro community’s opportunities, challenges, and resources. With this knowledge, class members come to know our community better, so that they may better serve as leaders within our community. “There are organizations in Owensboro and even entire sectors I really knew nothing about. In order for us as leaders to make correct decisions in our fields moving forward, we have to be aware of the different resources available in our community. Leadership Owensboro gives [us] a boost in this area,” remarked Class of 2024 member. Another class member stated, “I now view the community through a different and more
holistic lens. I firmly believe I will be a stronger community member because of Leadership Owensboro.”
The graduating Class of 2024 has demonstrated their commitment to making a positive difference in our community through their class projects. In an effort to encourage and improve civic engagement within our region, several class members volunteered at various polling locations during the primary election this past May. “I truly believe I have become a better version of myself, and I will ensure that I continue to grow as a person and citizen in this community. Participating in this class has re-lit a spark within myself to do better
and get more involved in our community,” commented one class member.
Additionally, several class members are collaborating with the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute to relaunch the Greater Owensboro Youth Council which will provide the youth in our community an opportunity to gain awareness of current issues and develop leadership skills to serve our region. “I now know I can use my strengths to focus on even the smallest change and know it can also make a difference. My goal is to make meaningful impacts on those around me, no matter how big or small,” a class member stated.
Armed with a passion to improve the quality of life, fresh perspective, and fellowship to dream and achieve great things for Owensboro, the Class of 2024 has unbounded potential. We look forward to all the ways that Leadership Owensboro’s newest alumni will help to move Owensboro forward in new ways!
If you would like to take part in this amazing experience and join others in impacting your community, applications for the Leadership Owensboro Class of 2025 are now open! Visit chamber.owensboro.com/ leadership-owensboro for information.
“This was incredibly eyeopening and has me excited to continue to work, start a family, and dream here in Owensboro.”
JOAN HAYDEN
YOU HAVE BEEN A FEMALE LEADER IN OUR COMMUNITY REPRESENTING THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR FOR MANY YEARS. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LEAD AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THIS ROLE?
I knew by watching and listening to those around me that I had things to offer in this business as a woman. One of the first leadership roles I held was when I was elected to the nominating committee at Farm Credit Mid America. I was the only woman on the committee, and I stayed on the committee for six years. I learned a lot, and it was a matter of putting my foot in the door and not letting them close it. I was eventually elected as the first woman President of the Daviess County Lions Club. I then ran a couple of times at Farm Bureau and was eventually elected as their first female President. In these positions I often reminded people about the bigger picture, and that we all need to work together. I feel like my leadership roles have helped get women more involved.
OWENSBORO AND DAVIESS COUNTY HAVE A RICH CULTURE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP – TELL US ABOUT WHAT DO IN YOUR BUSINESSES AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER AND OPERATOR?
When I married my husband knew nothing about the electrical contracting business. When I retired as a teacher I joined him and went into the electrical business. I worked
with him on nights and weekends and learned to hardwire houses, and he taught me how to bid the contracting jobs. My biggest problem was talking to general contractors because they did not want to talk to a woman. It took awhile, but eventually they would call and request to talk with me. It was very challenging because I learned everything from the bottom up, and I wouldn’t have learned anything if it wasn’t for my husband.
YOU HAVE SERVED ON THE GREATER OWENSBORO CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. WHY DO YOU FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO SERVE IN THIS CAPACITY AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE PART OF YOUR TENURE?
One important thing is that you have to get involved in your community. Agriculture is important especially in our county where 70% of land is agriculture. The money that flows through our community because of agriculture is very important. One of the most memorable parts for me has been our Farm City Breakfast this year because we let the young farmers lead. They had an idea and it was perfect. We listened to them. It was the biggest success we have ever seen, and I smiled from ear to ear for weeks.
TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY OF FARMING IN YOUR FAMILY AND THE LEGACY OF THE HAYDENS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.
My husband grew up on a farm and his dad farmed to raise his family. When my husband and I got married we purchased our first farm together. After we sold that, we purchased the land that we live on now. That was about when the poultry industry came to Ohio County. We started with two chicken houses, and today we have 12. Our son Daniel runs all the farming operations. Daniel’s young son will be the third generation farming on this land.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OWENSBORO DOES BEST? WHAT CAN WE IMPROVE ON?
Businesses want something where their employees can be happy. You gotta have the RiverPark Center, your sports, something for the families, and I think Owensboro does that very well. What we can improve on, not just with agriculture, but throughout the area, is people wear blinders and only see their specific problem - we wear too many blinders. We have got to take them off and see the whole picture. Because we have to work together. Everything is connected one way or another and we all have to work together. That will improve the outcome for everyone.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUMMERTIME ACTIVITY?
I love to read. I have told my husband and my sons that when I die, I want to go to my front porch with the hundred year old maple trees in the front yard, sit in the rocker and read. I told my two and a half year old grandson I would teach him to fish this summer, and just spend time with family.
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.
KENTUCKY GUITAR WORKS/FARIS GUITAR CO.
ROOTED RECOVERY
BARREL HEADS
CHEETAH CLEAN AUTO WASH
SHELTER INSURANCE, KRYSTAL ROARK CAUDILL
STRETCH ZONE
