greater owensboro chamber of commerce
CHAMBER MATTERS Vol 20/Issue 4
The Chamber will host its Rooster Booster breakfast this Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center (501 West Second Street). The program is sponsored by Green River Distilling Company and will feature Colleen Thomas, Vice President, Operations Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Reserve your spot now at www.chamber.owensboro.com or by calling the Chamber office at (270) 926-1860 by noon on Wednesday, March 30.
APRIL
2022
ROOSTER BOOSTER SPONSOR
COST IN ADVANCE: $15 for Chamber Members and $25 for non-members. COST AT THE DOOR: $20 for Chamber Members and $25 for non-members.
Rooster Booster to feature Colleen Thomas, Kentucky Distillers’ Association In her position with KDA, Colleen Thomas to develop the Stave & Thief Society, the first oversees the organization’s operations Bourbon certification program recognized by activities, which include member services and the KDA and its iconic member companies. support, responsibility From being part of and sustainability the team at Moonshine programs, research, University that developed workforce development, the Stave & Thief Bourbon marketing, and the Certification Program Kentucky Bourbon Trail® to cheering on industry tourism program. friends and colleagues Thomas joined the KDA as they cut the ribbon on in 2016. She previously a brand-new distillery, served as Marketing Colleen’s dedication to Director for Louisvilleher work reflects much based Flavorman and of what she loves about its sister company, the Kentucky Bourbon itself. A Distilled Spirits Epicenter, culture built on hard work, where she promoted and the spirit of collaboration coordinated professional and a commitment to training for the distilling doing things right. Colleen Thomas industry and provided She is a graduate of support for faculty, participants, and the University of Louisville and is a certified graduates. Executive Bourbon Steward. She lives in In 2014, she worked with an impressive Louisville with her husband and blended team of distilling and hospitality professionals family of seven children.
Green River Distilling Co. Green River Distilling Co. is the 10th oldest distillery in the state of Kentucky. Last month, the team revived Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the first bourbon from the distillery to hit shelves in more than a century. Green River was originally founded by John W. McCulloch in 1885. The distillery was licensed as DSP-KY-10 and called “The Whiskey Without Regrets” before fire and Prohibition relegated it to history. Today’s revival bourbon was distilled by Green River Master Distiller Jacob Call, an eighthgeneration distiller and Kentuckian. The original Green River was known for its quality whiskey, and Call and his team are proud to bring the same commitment to distilling Green River bourbon today. In fact, positive reviews have been rolling in from bourbon connoisseurs across the country. Pre-Prohibition, Green River’s home of Owensboro, Kentucky, was an epicenter of bourbon production. The revival of Green River bourbon helps bring the city’s rich bourbon heritage back to life. On the western end of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the distillery is a great place to visit and the first stop for many whiskey lovers as they make their way East. Visitors can learn more and book a visit on the distillery website at www.greenriverdistilling.com. Green River Kentucky bourbon is available for purchase at select retail locations in Kentucky. It is also available for purchase at the Green River Distillery in Owensboro. For more information, visit www.greenriverwhiskey.com.
2022 CHAMBER CELEBRATION At the 2022 Chamber Celebration, presented by Owensboro Health, Chamber Members, regional and state leaders, along with guests of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce recognized ten local businesses as the 2022 Businesses of the Year. The 2022 Business of the Year Awards were sponsored by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline. We would like to congratulate the award winners below. See page 4 for the full list of Chamber Celebration sponsors.
EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Lark Electric, LLC
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR - HUMAN SERVICES Girls Incorporated of Owensboro-Daviess County
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 1-10 EMPLOYEES Niko’s Bakery and Cafe
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR Owensboro Innovation Academy
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 11-50 EMPLOYEES Shoe Stop BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 51-500 EMPLOYEES UniFirst Corporation BUSINESS OF THE YEAR OVER 500 EMPLOYEES Owensboro Health NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR - FINE ARTS Owensboro Dance Theatre, Inc.
MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR Swedish Match RICK KAMUF AGRI-BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Hill View Farms Meats 2021 CHAMBER AMBASSADORS OF THE YEAR Justin Merritt, Advanced Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Kevin Dorth, Western Kentucky University Owensboro Campus
2021 CHAMBER DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Sarah Murphy Ford, Hartz Contracting 2020 LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS MEMBER OF THE YEAR Allyson Sanders 2021 LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS MEMBER OF THE YEAR Emmy Woosley 2021 CYP MEMBER OF THE YEAR Sara Williams, Riney Hancock CPAs PSC 2021 MEMBER OF THE YEAR Green River District Health Department 2021 MINORITY BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR Armando Ortiz, Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant BILL YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD Daisy James