Reader's Choice/Owensboro magazine

wen boro

BUSINESS

LIFE

R E C R E AT I O N

Owensboro residents take advantage of outdoor dining

Local farms, businesses promote Kentucky products

DINING MEDICAL

C: 35 M: 13 Y: 20 K: 0

SERVICE

C: 100 M: 76 Y: 37 K: 26

SHOPPING

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From the Publisher I

’m pleased to share with you our seventh annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This year’s edition is special because it also includes an expanded edition of our Owensboro Magazine. By the approximately 70,000 votes cast by readers, you have expressed who you feel is the best of the best in Owensboro businesses.

Acknowledging your favorite places to shop and dine is not only interesting, but it encourages support for our local businesses.

When you spend money locally, those dollars stay in our community — they create jobs, provide more funds for local causes and go directly into improving our community. Locally owned businesses also buy supplies and ser vices from other local businesses and farms,

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multiplying the dollars you’ve spent and creating an even larger impact.

Local businesses define Owensboro and Daviess County’s character, creating a pleasing place to call home and increasing property values. Also, because local business owners also live in our community, they tend to have a vested interest and will support investments in our future.

The votes have been counted and we’re proud to announce this year’s winners. As you browse through the magazine, take note that each section is color-coded for your convenience. We hope you utilize this publication as a tool to learn about the businesses in Owensboro. We thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy the Readers’ Choice Awards and our expanded Quarterly Magazine.

Sincerely, Bob Morris, Publisher

Don Moore Automotive Group Automotive (New Cars) • Platinum Choice | Automotive (Used Cars) • Platinum Choice Automotive (Trucks) • Gold Choice | Automotive (SUVs/Crossovers) • Platinum Choice Automotive Dealer Staff • Platinum Choice | Auto Service • Platinum Choice Automotive (Exotic) • Gold Choice | Oil Change • Gold Choice

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2015 PLATINUM WINNER

Don P. Moore, III, Owner 4216 Frederica St. (270) 926-2500 8 a.m.-7 p.m., MondaySaturday Year Founded: 1919

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Main Products or Services: New and used vehicle sales and service The Don Moore Automotive Group has been serving the

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tri-state with great customer service for 95 years.

Our goal remains to be an exemplary corporate citizen and to make your experience with us fast, fun and easy!

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Reader’s Choice Dining Winners After Work Gathering Spot

Platinum: Gambrinus Libation Emporium Gold: Fetta Speciality Pizza & Spirits Silver: T.G.I.Friday’s

All-Around Fast Food

Platinum: Big Dipper Gold: McDonald’s Silver: Ritzy’s

All-Around Restaurant

Platinum: Cheddar’s Casual Café Gold: Texas Roadhouse Gold: Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits Silver: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn

Asian Cuisine

Platinum: Wasabi Express Gold: New China Buffet Restaurant Silver: Ninki Japanese Restaurant

Bakery

Platinum: Rolling Pin Pastry Shop Gold: Diane’s Bakery Delights Silver: Great Harvest Bread Co.

Barbecue

Platinum: Old Hickory Bar-B-Q Gold: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Silver: Ole South Bar B Que

Breakfast

Platinum: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store & Restaurant Gold: Denny’s Gold: Jay Dee’s Silver: Bob Evans

Burger

Platinum: Big Dipper Gold: Ritzy’s Gold: Five Guys Burger and Fries Silver: Wendy’s

Drive Thru Service

Platinum: Big Dipper Gold: McDonald’s Silver: Chick-fil-a

Family Outing

Platinum: Smother’s Park Gold: Texas Roadhouse Gold: Legion Park Gold: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Silver: Fetta Speciality Pizza & Spirits Silver: Reid’s Apple Festival

French Fries

Platinum: McDonald’s Gold: Ritzy’s Silver: Rally’s Hamburgers

Frozen Treat

Platinum: Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt Gold: Dairy Queen Silver: Culver’s

Have a Child’s Birthday Party

Platinum: Edge Ice Center Platinum: U Bounce Party House Gold: McDonald’s Silver: Mama Lea’s Silver: O Zone Silver: Chick-fil-a

Have Lunch

Platinum: Fetta Speciality Pizza & Spirits Platinum: Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits Gold: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Silver: Great Harvest Bread Co. Silver: Salsarita’s Silver: Cheddar’s Casual Cafe

Homestyle Dinner

Burgoo

Platinum: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store & Restaurant Gold: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Silver: J.D.’s Restaurant

Chicken

Italian Restaurant

Platinum: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Gold: Old Hickory Bar-B-Q Silver: Ole South Bar-B-Q Platinum: Lee’s Famous Recipe Gold: Old Hickory Bar-B-Q Silver: Chick-fil-a

Community Event/Attraction

Platinum: International Bar-B-Q Festival Gold: Fridays After Five Silver: Smother’s Park

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Deli

Platinum: Colby’s Deli & Café Gold: Kroger Silver: Great Harvest Bread Co.

Platinum: Olive Garden Gold: Niko’s Silver: Fazoli’s

Late-Night Restaurant

Platinum: Denny’s Gold: Applebee’s Bar & Grill Silver: Taco Bell

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Liquor Store

Platinum: J’s Liquors and Cheese Shop Gold: Val-U Liquors Silver: Jimmie’s Liquors

Mexican Restaurant

Platinum: Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Gold: Salsarita’s Silver: Papa Grande

New Locally Owned Restaurant Opened 2014

Platinum: Chef’s Kitchen Gold: Brick House Pizza

Pizza

Platinum: Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits Gold: Pizza Hut Silver: Pizz-A-Roma

Place for a Cocktail

Platinum: Gambrinus Libation Emporium Gold: Fetta Speciality Pizza & Spirits Silver: Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits

Place for a Steak

Platinum: Texas Roadhouse Gold: Briarpatch Restaurant Silver: Eat @ Bill’s

Place for Sushi

Platinum: Wasabi Express Gold: Shogun of Japan Steakhouse Silver: Ninki Japanese Restaurant

Place for a Coffee

Platinum: Starbucks Coffee Company Gold: Crème Coffee House Silver: McDonald’s

Place for Dessert

Platinum: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Gold: Orange Leaf Silver: Dairy Queen

Place for Take-Out

Platinum: Hong Kong Gold: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Silver: Old Hickory Bar-B-Q

Restaurant Service Staff

Platinum: Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits Gold: Texas Roadhouse Gold: Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits Silver: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn

Watch Sporting Event

Platinum: Buffalo Wild Wings Gold: Beef O’Bradys Silver: Sports Center

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Diane’s Bakery Delights

Thanks For Making Us Your Gold Choice Bakery!

Bakery • Gold Choice The Greenwell Family — Donna Wedding, Diane Roberts, Rita Adams and Roch and Dan Greenwell, Owners 2710 Hwy. 144 (270) 684-1108 5 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday 5 a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday Founded in 2005

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2710 HWY 144 • 270-684-1108 5am-4pm Tues-Sat 5am - 12pm Sun

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Diane’s Bakery Delights opened on East Fourth Street on Dec. 3, 2005, and thanks to all our loyal customers, has stayed busy ever since. Over the years, we have developed many new recipes, as well as kept our uirer Inq CHOICE ertraditional ones. ’ A ng RS Our signature specialty still is our petit fors, which we do year-round for all occasions. We make 13 different cake 2015 GOLD WINNER flavors and many specialty cakes, as well as cake balls, sugar free and egg free cakes, pies and cookies. Of course, we do all shapes of iced sugar cookies! And don’t forget our wedding cakes!

The Greenwell Family, Donna, Diane, Rita, Roch and Dan, would like to thank you, our treasured customers. Still same location, but there have been a few changes in the past year.

2015 GOLD WINNER

International Bar-B-Q Festival Community Event/Attraction • Platinum Choice

Visit our website www.bbqfest.com for Festival winners and new information as it becomes available.

Mark your calendars for May 13th & 14th for the 2016 38th International Bar-B-Q Festival.

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“Come for the food, Stay for the Fun” THANK YOU TO OUR FESTIVAL SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS, VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR A FUN and SUCCESSFUL 2015 BAR-B-Q FESTIVAL!

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37th Annual International Bar-B-Q Festival May 8th & 9th, 2015

Festival volunteers often are asked “What are the more popular Festival events?” The first is selling time at 3 p.m. on Saturday when you can purchase your mutton, pork, chicken and burgoo from the cooking teams who have been cooking all weekend. This is followed by an early Saturday morning stroll through the Backyard Cooking team area where you can sample the grillin’ skills and then uirer Inq there are the funnel cakes and the Lemon Shakeups er- S’ CHOICE A g n R and a cup of burgoo and you get the idea — food and beverage take first place.

After that, you can see that every event has a 2015 PLATINUM crowd. The car show is busy, the entertainment area WINNER with stage and beverage is full, the carnival rides are noisy with laughter and screams, people are strolling through the vendors and arts and crafts booths, the Bench Press group is grunting, the Mutton Glutton doors are open for fun and food, and the Family Pavilion is packed with families, smiles and energy. I don’t think there is any one special favorite and that is what we try to do – ensure the Festival has something for everybody of every age. And if you just want to come down, grab a barbecue sandwich and a drink and watch the crowd, we have a place for you there too.

If you haven’t been to the Festival in a while, it is time to come back and check us out! See you on May 13 & 14 in 2016! Come for the food, stay for the fun! Thank you to those who voted us a Platinum winner and to all who supported our 2015 event.

Sharon NeSmith, Co-Chair International Bar-B-Q Festival

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Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken • Platinum Choice 1001 Burlew Blvd.

Owensboro 270-685-4542 1800 Carter Rd . Owensboro 270-683-0584 Sunday- Thursday 10:30- 9 Friday and Saturday 10:30-9:30

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Lee’s Famous Recipe offers fast food chicken and homestyle meals for dine in, drive thru, uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS carry out or catering.

Since we 2015 started our Owensboro franchises in 1979, we have strived to give our customers the best possible products and service. We really appreciate your patronage over the last 36 years.

Thank you, Owensboro, and each and every one of you who voted Lee’s as your platinum choice for chicken.

PLATINUM WINNER

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2 GREAT LOCATIONS

1001 Burlew Blvd.

Owensboro, KY 685-4542 6

1800 Carter Road Owensboro, KY 683-0584 OWENSBORO

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Ritzy’s Burger • Gold Choice French Fries • Gold Choice All-Around Fast Food • Silver Choice Mike Courtney, Owner 4925 Frederica St. 4527 Kentucky 54 (270) 691-9151, (270) 852-8887 Open 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday

A Fine Tradition for Six Generations 338 Washington Ave. at 25th & Frederica • 926-9000 Sun.-Thurs. 9am-9pm • Fri. & Sat. 9am-10pm

“Where local Folks Bring Visitors for Owensboro’s Best Bar-B-Q” Mutton • Chicken • Pork Ribs • Beef • Ham Dine In or Carry Out • Custom Cooking & Catering Gift Certificates • Banquet Room

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Open: 10:30 am - 10 pm Sunday - Thursday 10:30 am - 11 pm Friday & Saturday

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q Barbecue • Platinum Choice Chicken • Gold Choice Burgoo • Gold Choice

2015 PLATINUM WINNER

Kentucky Champion

Since 1918, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q has been serving the Owensboro community. Customers of the restaurant can dine-in, carry out or use the drive thru. They uirer Inq CHOICE er’ also offer catering.

A ng RS We would like to thank the people of Owensboro again for voting for us six years 2015 in row for Platinum Choice in BBQ! To us, this is THE most important award a restaurant could get because the people of Owensboro vote on it.

We take great pride in being known as the place where “the locals” go. We have listened to our customers and added new side orders, while still doing our best to maintain our tradition of quality barbecue. We also offer catering.

Again, thank you so much for the great awards. We appreciate them more than you could ever know. We hope to see you soon!

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PLATINUM WINNER 7 YEARS IN A ROW!

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2015

4527 Hwy 54 852-8887

John Foreman, Harl Foreman, Owners 338 Washington Ave. • (270) 926-9000 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday

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4925 Frederica 691-9195

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GOLD WINNER

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First introduced in 1980, Ritzy’s restaurants were patterned after the old-fashioned soda fountains and diners of the 1940s — complete with vintage furnishings and the uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS decade’s most popular music playing in the background. Fresh made hamburgers, casing hotdogs, julienne cut fires, a fresh variety of 2015 salads and premium ice creams containing fresh fruits, whole nuts and the highest quality chocolate flanked the menu, with a clear focus on serving high quality, great tasting meals made with the finest, premium ingredients.

Check out one of the two Owensboro locations. GD Ritzy’s on Frederica Street has been open since 1996 and the Hwy. 54 location has been open since 2006. During the summer, Ritzy’s also holds Cruise-Ins at both of their locations.

PLATINUM WINNER

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Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Mexican Restaurant • Platinum Choice Armando Ortiz, Owner 4820 Frederica St. (270) 685-5950 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sunday, 3023 Highland Pointe Drive (270) 684-5595 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sunday

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Founded in 1996, Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant has been providing great customer service in offering the best uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A Mexican food. Thank you to ng RS everyone who voted for us.

The Real Hacienda team will 2015 continue to work hard and provide you with the best service, atmosphere, prices and taste of the real Mexican food. We appreciate your support and will always do our best to continue living up to your expectations.

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Owensboro’s Favorite 6 Years in a Row! irer nqu CHOIC

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Order Online at real-hacienda.com or Find us FREE in the App Store!

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2 for 1 Margaritas & Mexican Beer Specials!

Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

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Cheddar’s Casual Café All Around Restaurant • Platinum Choice Lunch • Silver Choice 3040 Highland Pointe Drive (270) 685-2092

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For the second year in a row, Cheddar’s, located at 3040 Highland Pointe Drive, Owensboro, uirer Inq CHOICE er’ KY has been A ng RS tabbed as the Readers’ Choice platinum award 2015 PLATINUM winner for “Best WINNER All-Around Restaurant” by readers of the Messenger-Inquirer.

Cheddar’s is an upscale casual dining restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner, with nearly all food made from scratch on a menu that offers a wide variety of items for every taste from ribs and steaks to chicken, salads and pastas at a great price.

Cheddar’s in Owensboro is owned and operated by

Greer Companies, a family owned business, hospitality and commercial real estate development company headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to Cheddar’s, the company owns and operates Coba Cocina, a unique and independent

contemporary Latin concept, in Lexington, KY as well as several Marriott and Hilton branded hotels.

Being recognized for serving fine food with a flair for hospitality is nothing new to Cheddar’s.

In 2009 and 2012, Consumer

Reports readers selected Cheddar’s as their top choice when it came to casual dining.

In a 2012 full service restaurant survey by Zagat, Cheddar’s was the #1 selection for top full service American cuisine, top rated food, top rated décor and the top overall restaurant.

In 2014, Cheddar’s was named the #1 restaurant in the country with a check average under $40 by the National Restaurant News Consumer’s Picks, and Technomic Consumer’s Choice #1 restaurant for “Intent to Recommend.”

The Owensboro location of Cheddar’s is one of 42 Greerowned Cheddar’s in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.

To learn more about Cheddar’s, please visit www.

GreerCompanies.com and www.

Cheddars.com

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2015 2014 PLATINUM WINNER

3040 Highland Pointe Dr., Owensboro, KY

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Rolling Pin Pastry Shop Bakery • Platinum Choice

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Roger and Kathy, and the uirer Inq CHOICE Donut Crew thank you for voting er’ A ng RS the Rolling Pin your favorite bakery for the seventh year. We 2015 have been honored to serve the Owensboro community for 68 years. We’ve seen many changes, but our commitment to exceptional quality and customer service remains. We still make those delicious chocolate long johns, old-fashioned brownies, and your family’s special birthday cakes. From one to 100 dozen or more, we’ll fill your order with our freshly made products and a friendly smile. THANK YOU! READ sse E

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Owner(s): Kathy & Roger Farmer Business Address: 1129 East 18th St. Owensboro, KY 42303 Business Phone: 270-683-8363 Days/Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 4 a.m.—5:30 p.m.

Saturday 4 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday 5 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Year Founded: 1947 Main Products or Services: Donuts, Pastries, Decorated Cakes

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Photo by Mike Clark, Messenger-Inquirer/mclark@messenger-inquirer.com

Diners eat on the outdoor patio May 26 at Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits.

wensboro’s great

O utdoors

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON

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alk through the streets of downtown Owensboro on any nice afternoon and you will be sure to see plenty of people dining outside at some of Owensboro’s best eateries.

Restaurants and bars such as Fetta Specialty Pizza and Spirits, and Bee Bop’s are utilizing al fresco dining at 3RD QUARTER 2015

their businesses.

Tim Turner, who co-owns of Fetta with longtime friend Mike Baker, said Fetta’s outdoor dining has a different twist from other local restaurants.

“Some of our outdoor dining can be converted to an enclosed indoor dining area,” Turner said. “It’s an all encompassing two-in-one.”

In the back dining area of Fetta, the main floor and the upstairs seating OWENSBORO

Outdoor dining becoming more popular in downtown Owensboro

areas are enclosed with retractable screens that can be opened or closed at any time.

“We had only been open a year when we made the decision to go ahead and construct this indoor/ outdoor area,” Turner said. “So if it rains, we can still see outside. If it’s pretty, then you can just raise the films and you can enjoy the outdoors without all of the elements.”

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Diners eat on the outdoor patio May 26 at Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits.

Turner, who retired from Texas Gas after 32 years, and Baker, who has been in the restaurant business for 30-plus years, decided to bring a unique pizza experience to Owensboro after discussing opening a business together for 25 years. They both agreed they wanted a restaurant the city could be proud of.

On Sept. 2, 2013, Fetta opened its doors to Owensboro and received an over whelming response from the community.

Turner said when Friday After 5 and the summer months came around, business was so good that people were standing out the door for more than an hour wait to be seated.

“That’s horrible,” Turner said about the hourlong wait. “We knew we had to make a change.”

Originally, Fetta only had a capacity of 60, but after the 12

Photo by Mike Clark, Messenger-Inquirer/mclark@messenger-inquirer.com

renovations and the new outdoor seating, the amount of seats almost doubled.

The open-air seating area by the clock tower in Riverfront Crossing lets customers truly enjoy al fresco dining. Throughout the summer, Fetta uses the clock tower area as a stage for local musicians to perform.

“If it isn’t too hot or raining, it’s good because we sit people outside,” he said. “It’s a major difference in the revenue stream when you have outdoor dining. We almost doubled our seats, so we’re almost doubling our revenue.”

While Turner said outside dining is great, he and Baker wanted to accommodate for the times when the whether is less than ideal.

“If it’s raining, or too hot or too windy, people don’t want to use that (outdoor seating), so they go inside,” OWENSBORO

Turner said.

With the ability to change the outdoor dining to indoor dining during bad weather, Turner said it means he can accommodate customers and their needs.

“We’re here to ser ve,” he said. “We want people to have a unique, fun experience when they eat here.”

He said Owensboro, more specifically, downtown Owensboro, has become a destination. Turner said he has met people eating at his restaurant who come from all across Kentucky and even across the countr y.

“The outdoor venue is what ever yone has said they wanted.

Multiple restaurants in Owensboro have outdoor dining, Another Broken Egg, Bee Bops, Gambrinus and the Bistro. You have all of these different things happening. This is what 3RD QUARTER 2015

Owensboro is turning into. It’s going to be a phenomenal experience for a lot of people. You have to give credit to all of these different people who believed in this downtown vision.�

And Turner was right. Samantha Ellison, owner of Bee Bop’s, a ‘50s style downtown diner, said her restaurant has had outdoor seating since it opened in 2010 and it has been great for business.

Ellison previously said that after moving here with her family, she and her husband realized Owensboro was a great place to raise a family and that it needed more family restaurants.

She said she chose downtown for Bee Bop’s because she thought a retro-restaurant needed to be there. “I’ve seen pictures of downtown Owensboro in the ‘50s and I love the look,� she said.

Prior to opening the restaurant, Ellison said the fact that a $20 million hotel and a 75,000-square-foot convention center were planned a block west of Bee Bop’s also played into her decision. Now that both are open, she said her business has improved.

The outdoor dining is on the sidewalk in front of Bee Bop’s, facing Second Street. The sidewalk area has seven tables that can seat up to four people. “Outdoor seating has helped our business tremendously,� she said. “It’s been good for ever ybody.�

Ellison said more seats means more people, which means more money. She said when Bee Bop’s first opened, the construction of downtown was just getting under way and when people would eat outside her restaurant, they would not see a lot going on. Now, she said, “that’s obviously changed.� “We think this is a good time to be downtown,� she told the MessengerInquirer in 2010. Now, five years later, she still thinks she made the right choice. “Any time downtown does anything, we get busier and busier,�

Ellison said. “With the park being done and the construction being done, it’s fantastic for us. We’ve done great business.�

She said the warmer the weather, the more people want to come out and walk around downtown.

While there are no plans to expand 3RD QUARTER 2015

anytime soon, Ellison said the outdoor seating at least gives patrons more options for dining.

With multiple restaurants and bars ser ving patrons along the sidewalks on Second Street, last year the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra took outdoor dining to a new level with an event that let people eat dinner outdoors in the middle of Second Street.

The event — “White on Second� — was a fundraiser for the symphony.

Renee Beasley Jones, a symphony board member, previously told the Messenger-Inquirer they copied the idea from the Downtown Henderson Partnership after it had three successful years of “White on Main.�

For those wanting to enjoy al fresco dining on a large scale, the symphony has plans to bring the event back for its second year this fall.

Several other restaurants in Owensboro that offer outdoor dining for their patrons, including Gambrinus and Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits, along with Fetta, are featured in the Messenger-Inquirer’s seventh annual Reader’s Choice Awards for winning reader-voted awards.

Photo by Mike Clark, Messenger-Inquirer/ mclark@messenger-inquirer.com

Brittany Mattingly, a server with Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits, carries out a tray of food for guests on the outdoor patio May 26 at the downtown restaurant.

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Photo illustration by Jenny Sevcik, MessengerInquirer/jsevcik@messenger-inquirer.com, 691.7294

An article from heart.org titled, “How to Pack a Healthy School Lunch,” recommends using whole wheat tortillas or pita pockets instead of bread, replacing lunch meat with grilled chicken, and incorporating fruits and vegetables.

Ways to stay

HEALTHY at the office

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON

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ith the convenience of fast food, eating healthy at school or the office is not always an easy task.

But by planning and packing a lunch and incorporating more movement into your daily routine, you will save money and extra calories.

Chad Hart, wellness and aquatics director for the Owensboro Family YMCA, said many people eat out frequently during the work week and it’s easy to overindulge, so trying to control yourself is good advice to take.

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“Formulate a game plan, download a My Fitness Pal app and preload what you think you will order,” Hart said. “Allow your mind to process the ramifications of eating the entire meal. You may see that there are healthier options for you.”

Some other suggestions from Hart include portioning food and asking for a to-go container as soon as you order so you can pack up half of the food for the next day’s lunch.

“I am not one to preach that you need to give up the foods you love,” he said.

“If those foods are bad, then you need to portion them out.”

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An article from heart.org titled, “How to Pack a Healthy School Lunch,” recommends using whole wheat tortillas or pita pockets instead of bread, replacing lunch meat with grilled chicken, and incorporating fruits and vegetables. While the article is geared toward parents packing a lunch for school-aged children, the same ideas can be used when packing a lunch for the office.

Hart said he would also recommend employers consider an employee wellness initiative. Some employers in Owensboro such as Owensboro Health encourage making healthy 3RD QUARTER 2015

choices at work. The hospital’s campus is smoke-free and has a walking track around the grounds for employees to use on their lunch breaks, and before and after work.

Erinn Ballein, exercise physiologist at the Healthpark, said she suggests moving from the desk for two minutes every hour and packing snacks that will keep you fuller longer, such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and whole grains. “I try to pack more snacks than I think I will need, and it stops me from eating chips and candy that’s in the office if I know I have a healthy alternative,� she said. “Getting water, making laps around the office or going up and down the stairs will help get the blood flowing again.�

Ballein and Hart agree that any time someone is able to move from his or her desk, it helps with blood flow and brain function. “If you have a sedentary job and are unable to move freely when you please, I would suggest standing and stretching or walking in place while making calls or sending emails,� Hart said. “Breaking the monotony of sitting the entire eight-plus hours will help with cognitive function.�

Hart also suggests joining a workout group or a local gym to help be more active before or after work. “You’re typically tired before and after work, so motivation is lacking,� he said. “If you have a group to be accountable to or even a personal trainer to be accountable to, you’re more likely to stick to the plan

and not allow the outlying distractions to affect you.�

The Owensboro Family YMCA is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday so people can work out at all times of the day, including before or after work.  “A healthy employee is a productive one,� Hart said.

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Healthy Blueberry Smoothie 16

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Ingredients 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 banana 3â &#x201E;4 cup milk 1 cup of vanilla Greek yogurt 1 tsp of flax seeds Add ice (optional)

Directions

Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour in a glass. Enjoy!

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Morethanjustfood

BY BETH NOFFSINGER

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showcase their cooking skills — and many of them will offer samples for festivalgoers.

New this year is the Americana Music Triangle Launch. The festival will help launch the website www.americanamusictriangle.org, which highlights music destinations that helped create Americana music. Bluegrass musicians will be featured Friday night on the Festival Plaza Stage at Veterans Boulevard and St. Elizabeth Street as part of the website’s launch.

The 2015 BBQ Fest Rockin’ on the River is another new event to help kickoff the 2015 barbecue festival. This indoor concert will be Friday evening at the Owensboro Convention Center, and it is presented by the convention center, WBKR/WOMI and the festival.

There is a $10 admission charge for this concert, which is headlined by Andy Brasher.

The barbecue festival has garnered accolades over the years. It is routinely ranked in the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. In late 2013, USA Weekend named the festival as No. 5 on its 10 “most prestigious and entertaining BBQ competitions” list.

or nearly 40 years, the International Bar-B-Q Festival has helped usher Owensboro into summer. On Friday and Saturday, the smells of barbecue mingling with carnival fare will waft throughout downtown Owensboro during the 37th annual International Bar-B-Q Festival.

“The first festival brochure in 1979 describes barbecue as more than just food — it is a part of our community’s heritage, and the festival was designed to bring the atmosphere of a country church picnic and the excitement of an urban street festival together to spotlight Owensboro as the Bar-B-Q Capital of the World,” Sharon NeSmith, co-chairwoman of the festival, previously told the Messenger-Inquirer.

“Our festival committee maintains that same atmosphere today with entertainment, vendors and events that center on our barbecue cooking teams and our individual backyard cooks.”

The 2015 festival features many annual favorite events, including the Governor’s Cup barbecue cooking competition that will pit several local cooking teams against one another. The competition starts Saturday morning, but most of the cooking teams will have sandwiches for sale on Friday as well.

The Backyard Cookoff competition on This article was originally published in the Saturday will allow amateur barbecuers to Messenger-Inquirer’s BBQ Fest special section.

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Funeral Luncheons • Holiday Parties • Business Meetings

SPECIALIZED SERVICES & CREMATIONS

Call us today to book your next event.

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Photo by Mike Clark, Messenger-Inquirer/mclark@messenger-inquirer.com

Lily Williams, 5, second from right, dances with her sister Allyson Williams, 3, during Mustang Sally’s performance at Friday after Five on the patio at the RiverPark Center.

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t’s happened again.

Owensboro has been recognized in a national magazine — this time for its downtown development.

Southern Business & Development has included the city in a feature, “Ten Great Southern Downtowns That Are Worth a Visit.”

“I can’t say I am surprised, but I am tickled to death,” Mayor Ron Payne said.

“This is priceless. We don’t have enough money to buy this kind of exposure.

People are talking around the country and soon it will be around the world when the

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International Bluegrass Music Center is built.”

This is not the first time the magazine has singled out Owensboro.

In 2013, Owensboro was No. 3 on the magazine’s Top 10 list of markets in the South that have seen wage growth in each of the past 24 months.

That same year, Owensboro earned a No. 6 spot on Forbes magazine’s 2013 Best Small Cities for Jobs.

And the city has earned mentions in a number of other national publications for its redevelopment efforts.

“A few years ago, Owensboro decided to reinvent itself,” the story states. “...

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Recognition

Locally Owned & Operated

2015 PLATINUM WINNER

Over 50,000 i l Shoes on Display!

All of your favorite brands!

Towne Square North

270-686-7508

OPEN: MON.-SAT. 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. SUNDAY 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. 3RD QUARTER 2015

Photo by Shaun Conklin, Messenger-Inquirer

Adrian Mattingly helps her daughter, Ansley, 1, climb a slide Monday at Smothers Park.

Southern Business & Development, a national magazine, has included Owensboro in a feature, “Ten Great Southern Downtowns That Are Worth a Visit.” Smothers Park is mentioned in the article. Mattingly says she likes the park because it’s very clean and kid-friendly.

The same designers who created the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas created signature fountains in Owensboro.

A contemporary 92,000-square-foot convention center and two new riverfront hotels are also located there.”

The story also highlights the RiverPark Center, shops, restaurants and the International Bluegrass Music Museum.

And anchored between the convention center and RiverPark Center is Smothers Park, “which boasts the country’s largest ADA-accessible outdoor playground,” the story states.

Madison Silvert, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation called the feature a great recognition.

“Owensboro is a great place to live, and every time a publication validates that, it makes it easier for us to market the community,” Silvert said. “These mentions in national publications matter, if for no other reason that we need to make sure that we remain competitive in retaining and attracting a talented work force.”

Other cities on the list are Canton, Mississippi; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Harrisburg, Virginia; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Montgomery, Alabama; Mt. Sterling, Kentucky; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Roanoke, Virginia.

Even with the accolades piling up, some local residents still don’t realize 3RD QUARTER 2015

what’s happening in Owensboro, Payne said.

“These projects continue to have an impact on economic development,” he said. “When we break ground on the new International Bluegrass Music Center and we open The Pier downtown, which will be a tremendous new venue, this will just add to the things people have to talk about.”

The mayor said he was reminded again of how the downtown investments are continuing to attract talent to Owensboro.

“A young man — a heart surgeon from Pittsburgh — made it a point to come up to me with his wife at the Friday After 5 event last Friday and tell me how blown away he was at our downtown. I don’t know if he was considering a job at Owensboro Health or what. Seven years ago, he wouldn’t be in Owensboro.

All of this shows that all we have done downtown is for economic development.”

Being included on this list is another recognition to celebrate, said Candance Castlen Brake, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

“Any recognition of this kind is positive for business, talent recruitment and tourism in our community,” she said. “It is another affirmation of what we here in Greater Owensboro already know. It’s good to see the message is spreading.”

This article was originally published in the May 19 edition of the Messenger-Inquirer.

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Design Print Delivered

CONTACT YOUR MESSENGER-INQUIRER ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY.

270-926-0123 www.messenger-inquirer.com

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Reader’s Choice Medical Winners Chiropractor Platinum: Tinius Chiropractic Center Gold: Stallings Chiropractic Center Silver: Dr. Eric Martin

Dentist Platinum: Dr. Wes Booker Gold: Dr. Ralph Thacker Gold: Dr. Mark Fort Silver: Dr. Andrew Thompson

Dermatology/Cosmetic Services Platinum: Owensboro Dermatology Associates Gold: West Kentucky Dermatology Silver: Advanced Dermatology Associates, PSC

Gym/Athletic Club/ Fitness Center Platinum: HealthPark Gold: YMCA Silver: The Hines Center

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Health Food Store

Platinum: Gene’s Health Food, Inc. Gold: Clark’s Health and Nutrition Center Inc. Silver: GNC

Hearing Aid Center

Platinum: Beltone Hearing Aid Center Gold: Smith Hearing Healthcare Silver: The Hearing Center

Medical Office

Platinum: Bluegrass Internal Medicine Gold: Owensboro Family Medicine Silver: Dr. John Howard

Nursing Home

Platinum: Carmel Home Gold: Hermitage Silver: Wellington Parc

Optometrist

Platinum: Owensboro Family Eye Care Gold: RiverPark Eye Care Silver: Advantage Eyecare

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Pharmacy/Pharmacist Platinum: Walgreens Pharmacy Gold: Nations Medicine Silver: Kroger

Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation Platinum: Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Owensboro Gold: HealthPark Silver: Kort Physical Therapy

Retirement/Assisted Living Home Platinum: Heritage Place Gold: Fern Terra of Owensboro Silver: One Park Place

Skin Care/Massage Day Spa Platinum: Allure Salon & Spa Gold: Face Forward Silver: Swank

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Clark’s Health & Nutrition Center Inc. Health Food Store • Gold Choice

Thank You For Letting Us Be Your Reader’s Choice

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Clark’s Health & Nutrition Center opened in Owensboro in January 2006 and carries health food for people with food allergies and intolerances — along with a wide variety of other supplements to improve health. Our goal is to r quire -In ’ CHOICE help you find solutions, not treat symptoms. r e A ng RS Founded in 2006 by Steve Clark with the goal of helping people achieve and maintain 2015 health and wellness goals, our store has grown to become the premier source for your nutritional and supplemental needs.

Steve and his son Gary are experts in their field. Together, they offer consultation to their customers based on education, experience and the unique needs of every person.

We want to thank all of you who voted for us and assure you that we will keep working to earn your trust every day.

Thanks for your support, and we look forward to many more years of working with you to help improve the health of our community.

Thanks for trusting us with your business.

GOLD WINNER

satisfaction. think leader in

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Owner, David Kimbel 2309 Frederica Street, Owensboro, Ky., 42301 (270) 926-6822 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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lifetime after-care.

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2309 Frederica Street Owensboro, Ky. 42301 BeltoneKentucky.com Adam Tudor, Hearing Instrument Specialist

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Thank You Owensboro for voting Beltone the best place to purchase hearing aids. This award means so much because it comes from the people of this town! At uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS Beltone, our goal is simple: to bring you hearing so natural, listening is a pleasure again—wherever you go. We engineer 2015 comfort and ease into every style of hearing aid we make. And, thanks to Beltone’s leading micro-processor technology, our hearing aids are feature-rich, yet super small.

We look forward to serving your hearing care needs for many years to come.

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Beltone – leading the way to better hearing.

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2015

Beltone Hearing Care Center Hearing Aid • Platinum Choice

think leader in

270-926-6922

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Dr. Wes Booker Dentist • Platinum Choice

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A 2003 graduate of University of Louisville, Dr. Wes Booker has spent years in advanced postgraduate dental study in such prestigious institutions as The Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, The Hornbrook Group and and The Dawson Academy. Dr. Booker is a member of the Academy of General uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS Dentistry and is soon to achieve a fellowship with the distinguished 2015 organization. He is also a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Kentucky Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

Says Dr Booker, “I think our practice is unique because of the relationship between our staff and our patients.

We strive to treat everyone as family. I personally love the interaction with patients, educating and caring for their needs, and the opportunity to create beautiful and functional dentistry.”

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2015 PLATINUM WINNER

WES BOOKER, DMD (270) 684 3377

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Gene’s Health Food, Inc. Health Food Store • Platinum Choice

THANK YOU

Gene’s Health Food, Inc. Health Food Store • Platinum Choice Andrew Keller and Karissa Costello 1738 Sweeney St. (270) 684-5052 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Year Founded: 1980

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Main Products or Services: Vitamins and supplements, organic produce and grocery items, a large variety of foods for those on gluten-free diets, 100 percent organic juice bar, uirer organic deli as well as food selections for those Inq CHOICE r e ’ A ng RS on GF, Paleo and Vegan diets. Thank you so much Owensboro for voting for us! Seven years in a 2015 row, you’ve given us a Platinum rating, and we’re grateful for your support. We love being a part of this community, and we really hope to ALWAYS be your partner in health. Please visit us on Facebook, where we continue to support your quest for health with recipes, healthy news and special events announcements.

Yours in health, Andrew Keller and Karissa Costello

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VOTED PLATINUM CHOICE Health Food Store 7 Years!

PLATINUM WINNER

Gene’s Health Food, Inc. 1738 Sweeney Street • 270-684-5052

Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 9-5 • www.facebook.com/GenesHealthFood

Thank You

Fern Terra of Owensboro Retirement/Assisted Living Home • Gold Choice

Messenger-Inquirer Reader’s FOR VOTING US GOLD Retirement/ Assisted Living

LL LLC

Fern Terra

1514 W. 1st St. Owensboro, Ky 270-926-2345 Owner, Jack Simpson

1415 W. 1st Street Owensboro, KY 42301

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Fern Terra Assisted Living is offering you a golden opportunity to share our gold award and uirer Inq CHOICE inviting you to come and live with us in a er’ A ng RS renaissance time, at a renaissance location on the Ohio RIver, and in a renaissance city such as Owensboro. Fern Terra is a place for living, 2015 not just a place to live. Each day brings a new adventure for the clients. We are located on the banks of the beautiful Ohio River. The grounds display an unmatched beauty of flower gardens, trees, water fountains and birds.

Call 270-926-2345 to schedule your visit today.

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For more information Call Dorothy McFadden 270-926-2345 3RD QUARTER 2015

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KORT Physical Therapy Physical Therapy/ Rehabilitation • Silver Choice

Jennifer Byrne, PT, DPT

Aaron Flaherty, PT, DPT

Carey Broughton, OT, CHT

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Thank you Owensboro for your votes!

Call today to schedule your 2013 complimentary Consultation.

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KORT (Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team) — is a leading provider of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services in the Owensboro area. They are located on Frederica uirer Street, across from Red Lobster. Their highly skilled Inq er- S’ CHOICE A g n R therapists specialize in the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions including: neck and back pain, headaches and hip, knee, shoulder and 2015 ankle pain.

SILVER WINNER KORT also provides Industrial Rehabilitation Services such as: Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE’s); Job Analysis creation; Post-Offer Employment Testing; and on-site educational services. They can provide your employees with ergonomics education, back safety, lifting techniques and a variety of other educational topics.

Jennifer Murphy Byrne, PT, DPT is the Clinic Director and has been with KORT since 2011. Jennifer has more than 17 years of experience in field of physical therapy. Chelsea Taylor Rice, PTA has also been with KORT since 2011. Chelsea has more than eight years of experience.

Aaron Flaherty, PT, DPT has been with KORT in Louisville since 2010, but joined the KORT Owensboro team in 2014.

Broughton, OT, is one of the few Certified Hand Therapists in this area and works at KORT. As a Certified Hand Therapist, Carey has specialized training and advanced clinical skills in the treatment of the hand and upper extremity.

Call today for a complimentary consultation to see if Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy is right for you: (270) 684-7856.

SILVER WINNER

KORT Owensboro | 3515 Frederica Street | Owensboro, KY 42301 | (270) 684-7856

Heritage Place Keep your dignity and your independence.

Retirement/Assisted Living • Platinum Choice Genesis HealthCare, Owners 3362 Buckland Square (270) 689-0930 24 Hours/Day Main Products or Services: Senior Living/Assisted Living

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We want to thank the Owensboro community for its trust and support in allowing us to be a part of their family. Giving to those who love their independence and security to stay in the community is what we strive for every day. uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS Heritage Place is a one-level, 68-unit Senior Living Community certified by the state of Kentucky. We provide assistance with ADLs, full 2015 dining, housekeeping, activities and laundry services. Genesis offers a variety of services in more than 500 centers across 34 states. In addition to our ShortStay and LongTerm care services, we offer Specialized Alzheimer’s care, orthopedic rehabilitation, ventilator care, dialysis care and Assisted/Senior Living services in a variety of centers near you!

PLATINUM WINNER

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Thank you for voting HERITAGE PLACE the PLATINUM Choice for Retirement/Senior Living!!!

Heritage Place

3362 Buckland Square | Owensboro, KY 42301 | Phone: 270-689-0930 www.genesishcc.com

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Owensboro Dermatology Associates

Dermatology and Cosmetic Services • Platinum Choice

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Beautiful, healthy skin is the very foundation of Owensboro Dermatology Associates.

Dr. Michael J. Crowe, Dr. Artis P. Truett, III and Dr. Elizabeth Naylor along with Physician Assistants Dana Jennings and Angela Mills, and Nurse Practitioner uirer Sandra Cox, have the Inq CHOICE r e ’ A ng RS advanced training and experience to detect and treat virtually any skin 2015 PLATINUM problem, including skin WINNER cancer, moles, psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, varicose veins, warts and other complex and common skin conditions.

Their state of the art medical spa, Advanced Aesthetics, opened in 2002 to offer the latest and most effective procedures to help rejuvenate and beautify the skin and address skin conditions that affect people’s quality of life, emotionally and socially.

Their licensed and medical aestheticians and clinicians offer: laser treatments for rosacea, blemished skin, blood vessels and age spots; hair removal (laser and waxing); Laser Resurfacing; Botox, Exilis (FDA

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approved, nonsurgical treatment for fat reduction and skin tightening); Thermage, advanced skin care products and makeup; facials; Juvederm; makeup consultations; Microdermabrasion, chemical peels; and more.

Dr. Crowe, a Board-Certified Dermatologist, graduate from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California after completing his Residency in Dermatology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

“As a dermatologist, I have studied for years to acquire the knowledge necessary to care for your skin and keep it healthy. I make a point of keeping up on the latest developments in my field, because I want my patients to have the newest and most effective treatments methods available.

Dr. Truett, a board-certified dermatologist, graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C., after completing Residency in Dermatology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

“Education and experience are the foundation of every dermatologist’s practice.

For me, education does not end with a

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degree. To provide quality health care, I continue learning from hands-on training sessions with new tools and treatment techniques, completion of continuing education courses, participating in clinical trials and interactions with my patients.

Dr. Naylor, board-certified dermatologist, joined Owensboro Dermatology Associates in December 2013. Dr. Naylor graduated from Brown Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island and completed her residency in Dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

“It is both a joy and privilege to connect to my patients and understand their skin care needs. Because of my strong background, intensive training and passion for improving the lives of my patterns, I am able to provide the highest quality care to patients of all ages.”

In addition to providing advanced and quality skin care, keeping you informed and becoming a partner in your health care is another one of their goals. At Owensboro Dermatology , the dermatologic staff is committed to providing quality patients care for you and your family. Thanks for allowing our family to service your family since 1993!

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OSMO

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation • Platinum Choice

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Thank you so much for recognizing our practice with this wonderful honor as being one of the best of the best. For more than 50 years, we uirer Inq CHOICE er’ have strived to serve A ng RS the needs of the people of our community and region with excellence 2015 PLATINUM and compassion. We WINNER are proud to say OSMO Rehab patients improve 45 percent more than they do at the average physical therapy clinics in the US. - 27.97 points of improvement versus 19.27 points at other facilities. Even though we remain adaptable to the demands of the changing world we live in, our commitment to people, community and quality care never changes.

Our orthopedic practice was established in 1962 by Dr. Joseph Stiles as a small general orthopaedic practice serving the people of Owensboro, Kentucky. At that time, the office was located on Center Street, which today is the site of the Emergency Department and The Women’s Pavilion at Owensboro Medical Health System (OMHS).

Our mission is to provide outstanding, patient-centered care that achieves optimal results by decreasing your pain and restoring your mobility. We are dedicated to providing the best fullservice orthopaedic care available in northwest Kentucky, including onsite

diagnostics, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic providers or therapy specialists in Owensboro, call us at (270) 926-4100, or use our convenient online appointment request form.

Owensboro Family Eye Care Optometrist • Platinum Choice

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Owensboro Family Eye Care is a full-scope Optometry practice in Owensboro. We know that our office is not the only choice you have for your eye care needs, so we would like the opportunity for you to trust us with your eyes. Our goal is to provide the most technologically advanced care. We were the first uirer q n practice in the area to utilize Optomap® retinal I er’ CHOICE A ng RS scans which provides a 200 degree view of the retina. This assists our optometrists in diagnosing 2015 common conditions of the eye such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. We hope to provide this personal care in the most enthusiastic and enjoyable way possible.

We carry an extremely large collection of eyeglass frames from budget to designer, as well as a large selection of sunglasses and contact lenses. Our onsite lab has the capabilities of producing most single vision eyeglasses within 24 hours!

We strive for excellence in every aspect of our office, because we believe that our patient family deserves the best. Thank you again, and we look forward to the privilege of serving you in the near future!

PLATINUM WINNER

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THANK YOU for voting us your Gold Choice for 2015 Hearing Aids.

Smith Hearing Healthcare, PLLC

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GOLD WINNER

Hearing Aid Center • Gold Choice Owner: V. Suzanne Smith, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology Business Address: 3400 New Hartford Road, Suite C, Owensboro, KY 42303 • Business Phone: (270) 683-1600 Days/Hours of Operation: Monday thru Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. • Year Founded: 2012 Main Products or Services: Specializing in adult hearing evaluation and consultation, Hearing Aid fittings and Hearing Aid service and repair for most manufacturers — including Widex, Phonak, Oticon, Starkey and Siemens.

Smith Hearing Healthcare, PLLC

Call for an Appointment Today!

270-683-1600

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3400 New Hartford Road • Suite C Owensboro, KY 42303

Smith Hearing Healthcare is honored that the readers of the Messenger-Inquirer have voted us as the Gold Choice for Hearing Healthcare for 2015. We are grateful to our patients, r quire staff and the Owensboro community for their -In ’ CHOICE r e A ng RS loyalty and support. Dr. V. Suzanne Smith is licensed as an Audiologist and Hearing Instrument Specialist; 2015 she earned her Doctorate in Audiology and has been practicing in Owensboro for the last 18 years.

We strive to continue to meet and exceed your expectation for hearing health care for many years to come. Thank you for your trust. We are “hear” to help!

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V. Suzanne Smith Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

GOLD WINNER

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Owensboro Health Healthpark Gym/Athletic Club/Fitness Center • Platinum Choice Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation • Gold Choice

that members and patrons have benefited from the approach we take as a medical-based fitness center.

At the Healthpark, our mission is to improve the health of the community. We want to

GOLD WINNER

3RD QUARTER 2015

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equip, encourage and support our community to continually move forward in their health improvement efforts by offering programs and services that foster good nutrition, exercise and other preventive health measures.

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Owensboro Health Healthpark is a specialized medical-based health and fitness center including state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training equipment, warm water therapy pool and 10-lane, 25-yard indoor lap pool, racquetball courts, uirer 2 aerobic studios, indoor Inq CHOICE r e ’ A ng RS walking/running track, trained and certified staff, and over 140 land and water 2015 aerobics classes per week.

PLATINUM WINNER Outpatient clinical services include physical therapy, nutrition consultation, diabetes education and counseling service since 1998.

We thank the Owensboro community for selecting the Owensboro Health Healthpark as the Messenger-Inquirer’s Reader’s Choice Platinum Level Gym/Athletic Club/Fitness center, as well as the Gold Award Winner for Physical Therapy/Rehab.

Since opening in 1998, we have continued to grow, both in the number of lives we touch and the types of services we offer. It is our hope

2015 2014 PLATINUM WINNER

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Owensboro is

Kentucky Proud

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON

K

MESSENGER-INQUIRER

entucky Proud, an initiative of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, is designed to raise awareness of all the products grown or made in Kentucky. In Daviess County, more than 50 farms, business and restaurants grow, use or sell Kentucky Proud products.

Trunnell’s Farm Market, The Campbell Club, Andria’s Candies, the Owensboro Convention Center, Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn, Misty Meadow Winery, Nona’s Downtown Market and Reid’s Orchard are just some of the Kentucky Proud retailers in Owensboro.

Reid’s Orchard, a local farm and orchard, is prepping for its summer and fall seasons. Operating for more than

Photos by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer/geans@messenger-inquirer.com

From left, Jesus Estrada, Raul Berec and Tomas Servin pick strawberries on May 12 in a field at Reid’s Orchard. The locally-grown strawberries are a Kentucky Proud product.

“Republic Bank has offered unparalleled service for all my financing needs.”

For Dr. Steven Block of the Bluegrass Foot Center, accessibility and open communication with his patients are his number one priorities. That’s why Dr. Block chose Republic Bank, “Republic offers ease of communication and unparalleled service for all my financing needs.” Dr. Block knows that Republic Bank is there to make his banking easier.

Call 270-926-1014 today to find out how Republic Bank can make banking easier for you and your business.

Dr. Steven Dr n Blo Block ck The h Bl Bl egr Blu gras gras asss Foot ott Center ent nter Ow O wen ens nssbor n sbor b o, KY

3500 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301 Sh Shi S h rle hi rley y Ceci ec cl Chieff Mar Chi Chief ark kett O Offi Offic fficer fficer Repu epubli blic bli c Bank ank an nk

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Woodlands Plaza 3332 Villa Point Drive Owensboro, KY 42303

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3RD QUARTER 2015

Photo by Greg Eans, MessengerInquirer/geans@messenger-inquirer.com

A truck loaded with freshlypicked strawberries sits in the field on May 12 as workers harvest the Kentucky Proud product at Reid’s Orchard.

140 years, Reid’s Orchard is home to many Owensboro traditions such as the Big O Music Festival, Apple Festival and more.

Owner Billy Reid said he and his family have always worked with UK and Kentucky agriculture over the years, so partnering with Ky Proud was no-brainer.

“It’s a great thing to promote locally grown products,” Reid said. “Ninety-five percent of what we have is grown here.

It’s kind of unique.”

He said growing and selling Ky Proud products helps encourage the community to buy and shop local.

“People don’t realize that the winter produce they bought three months ago likely came from a Third World country,” Reid said. “They are hard to inspect. Everything we have is USDA approved.”

Reid said he promotes all kinds of fruits and vegetables at his orchard including you-pick peaches, apples and pumpkins.

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Along with their produce, the orchard is host for weddings, corporate parties and birthday parties.

Reid’s Orchard also has other attractions such as a petting zoo, a new jumping pillow and more.

Reid said there is something different each month and season at Reid’s Orchard, but it is all fun for the whole family and good for the community.

“Having the food grown right here is special,” Reid said. “It’s a lot safer.

Here you know the family that lives and works on the farm, you can see us face to face.”

In downtown Owensboro, Nona’s Downtown Market, which opened in April 2014, hosts approximately 30 vendors and sells a variety of produce, smoothies, clothing and more, most of which, is Kentucky Proud.

Maria Kelly, owner of Nona’s Downtown Market, said she is proud to have a local business and be a local business owner.

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“I get to be a showcase for local talent here in town,” she said. “It’s exciting for me to showcase all of the wonderful things we have here in Kentucky. Our market has local jams, jellies, apple butter, Kentuckyaki sauce, local honey from Estes Farm, locally made bourbon balls and so much more.”

Three-fourths of Nona’s Downtown Market is Kentucky Proud including local honeys, fresh foods, wines, herbs, cheeses, ice cream, wheatgrass, flowers and handcrafted pottery.

“I wanted to be a part of the community and make sure that we had a voice,” Kelly said. “I loved what everyone else was doing downtown and I wanted to complement it.”

Local glass-bottled milk is brought in every Thursday and is milked the Tuesday before. Kelly also said the growth of downtown in the recent years has been amazing to the city and most recently, to her business. She said she whole-heartedly supports downtown Owensboro.

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“We support Friday After 5 here,” she said. “We sell their T-shirts.”

Aside from local produce and other Kentucky-based products, Nona’s also sells books by local authors.

“I’m living the dream,” Kelly said.

“Every day you have to put on your boots and do something new, but it’s worth it because it’s a part of the community and that was the most important thing to me.”

Nona’s Downtown Market Hours Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday Closed

ABOUT KENTUCKY PROUD

According to kyproud.com, “If it’s grown, raised or processed in Kentucky, chances are it qualifies to be Kentucky Proud.”

Some examples of Kentucky Proud products are beef cattle, bees, eggs, Christmas trees, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, compost, baked goods, wine, crafts, wood products and so much more.

To find Kentucky Proud products on-the-go, a Kentucky Proud locator app is available on the App Store.

“The Kentucky Proud locator app enables you to find any Kentucky Proud producer, retailer, restaurant, processor, breeder, farmers market or winery,” according to kyproud.com. “You can search by city, county, product, or business type. Each entry gives you the information you need to call or email a member or plot their location with your device’s GPS.” To become a Kentucky Proud member, fill out the new member registration applications on the Ky Proud website.

Sunday - noon - 5 p.m.

Spring/Summer at Family Fun Acre April 14 - July 31 Tuesday - Friday noon - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday noon - 6 p.m.

The Owensboro Convention Center is also a Kentucky Proud partner. The Big E Cafe inside the convention center uses produce and other products that include Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheeses in Glasgow, George Gagel, Kentucky Bibb Lettuce in Louisville, and fresh smoked salmon and trout from Shuckmans Fish Co & Smokery in Louisville.

According to the convention center’s website, “We procure fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, squash, okra, bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, and apples that are sourced from several local farmers including, Cecil Farms, Reid’s Orchard and Trunnell’s Farms.”

Trunnell’s Farm Market, Reid’s Orchard and Nona’s Downtown Market all won awards in the seventh annual Messenger-Inquirer’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer/ geans@messenger-inquirer.com

Donnie Pence waters a large selection of plants available at Trunnel’s Farm Market on May 12 in Utica. The plants are Kentucky Proud and come from Greenville.

LOCAL KY PROUD

Trunnell’s, a local farm in Utica, is owned and operated by Kevin Trunnell and his family. Trunnell, who is a fourth generation farmer, raises crops with his father Edward.

The local farm also has a roadside market and offers a long list of produce, gourmet items and flowers for sale, and also provide tours for school groups, pageants and several pumpkin-themed festivals throughout the year.

Farm Market Spring Hours

April 1 - June 30 Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer/geans@messenger-inquirer.com

$AVINGS M

Ann Koehler, an employee at Great ComeBacks Resale Boutique, sorts through women’s clothing on May 14 at the consignment business at 221 Williamsburg Square.

hopping for

Consignment stores offer deep discounts

BY BETH NOFFSINGER • MESSENGER-INQUIRER

aria Roach was just 7 when she began helping her mother, Robin Roach, in her consignment shop, Robin’s ReSale, which opened in 1994.

“We would get off of the school bus and help her,” Maria Roach said of she and her siblings. “We’ve all grown

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up in it.”

About a year-and-a-half ago, Roach took over the store full-time since her mother is working in nursing.

“It was always her dream for one of us to take over,” she said. “So I was the one that decided to take over.”

Roach credits being raised working at the shop as the reason why she wanted to manage the consignment store.

“I went to college for awhile,” she said. “I was like, ‘what am I doing?’

I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

I had the opportunity to take over, and I love it. I love my customers. I love my employees, my consigners. I actually enjoy coming to work. I love it. I’ll stay over hours and come in early.”

Robin’s ReSale, who was voted the silver award winner for Consignment Shops in the Messenger-Inquirer’s seventh annual Reader’s Choice Awards, is one of many consignment stores in town where shoppers can find a bargain on gently used brand name items or make a little extra cash selling the clothes, accessories or furniture that they no longer want.

According to NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals’ website, more people are opening resale shops as consumer interest in the industr y increases — “resulting in an industr y growth of approximately 7 percent a year. This percentage reflects the estimated number of new stores opening each year, minus the businesses that close.”

Martha Acquisto co-owns Patti’s ReSale with her mother-in-law, Patti Acquisto, who opened the shop 44 years ago. Martha Acquisto remembers shopping in Patti’s with her own mother as a teenager, and she began working in Patti’s full-time about 12 years ago.

Patti’s was voted as the platinum winner for Consignment Shop in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

There have been a number of changes in the Owensboro consignment scene over the past 12 years, she said.

“It’s become more competitive,” Acquisto said. “I think more people are jumping on board, realizing what a good business it is. And we also have to compete with other retailers that have to price their merchandise so low because of the economy.”

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ON THE WEB • Patti’s ReSale, 605 Park Plaza Drive, 270-684-9679, https:// www.facebook.com/pages/PattisReSale/305969736236?fref=ts, https:// instagram.com/pattisresale/ • Great Comebacks, 2809 Veach Road, 270-685-1027, https://www.facebook. com/ShopAtGreatComeBacks • Robin’s ReSale, 2416 New Hartford Road, 270-683-6500, https://www. facebook.com/pages/Robins-ReSaleBoutique/152082778180681?sk=timeli ne, https://instagram.com/robinsresale/

But one of the biggest changes, she said, is that younger shoppers are visiting consignment shops.

“What you see is where, years ago, when I was in high school, it wasn’t embraced by younger people, whereas now all ages, ... ever yone will shop consignment,” Acquisto said.

Roach agreed that she had seen more younger shoppers in Robin’s

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over the past few years.

“Times are hard now,” she said.

“It’s hard to go to the mall and spend $30 on a shirt when you can come here and buy five shirts for $30. ...

A lot of parents are now, instead of going and buying new at the stores in the mall, they can come here and get triple, double, quadruple more than they could get if they bought it brand new.”

Ann Koehler, who operates Great Comebacks — the Reader’s Choice Gold selection for Consignment Shops — for April and Brian Wathen, said shoppers can find nearly new or new items for a fraction of the cost of retail.

“I wouldn’t shop anywhere else anymore. And I didn’t realize, to be honest, until I started at the Classy Closet (which the Wathens previously owned and merged with Great Comebacks) how many people shop consignment. But now I know, and I wouldn’t do any other way myself.”

How to consign

Local consignment store employees agree that they want

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items that are clean and either neatly folded or on hangers — and hangers are typically preferred.

NARTS recommends that potential consigners explore the store in which they want to consign to make sure it carries the type of merchandise the consigner wants to sell.

“Talk with the staff about becoming a supplier,” the website states. “Are you comfortable with their procedures? Most resale shops have information on supplying available as a handout or a phone recording. Finally, understand the shop’s terms before you consign or sell. Will you receive an accounting of items accepted for sale? What happens if your items do not sell?

When and how much will you get paid?”

Consignment stores have different policies on how they accept merchandise. Patti’s will buy clothes outright, or people can consign their items and get 40 or 50 percent of what the merchandise sells for.

Neither Robin’s nor Great Comebacks purchase items outright.

At Robin’s, consigners receive 50 percent of what their items sell for, and at Great Comebacks, sellers receive 40 percent.

Potential consigners also need to check with a store to see if they are accepting items, and what types of items they want. For example, many consignment shops won’t accept out-of-season clothing. Robin’s will start accepting fall clothing in August, and Patti’s will start consigning fall items around the middle of July.

“We will buy clothes anytime if we make a cash offer,” Acquisto said.

“We just store the merchandise.”

Some stores won’t accept new items if they still have a lot of merchandise on the floor. In mid-May, Great Comebacks wasn’t taking consigned items until more of their stock had sold. They also offer a clearance room.

People who consign with Great Comebacks sign a contract stating that their merchandise will be on the floor about 60 days. If their items don’t sell in 60 days, then they can come back for them — but if they don’t return for unsold items, they become property of the store and can be sold at deep discounts.

Why shop consignment?

“You find one of a kind things,” 3RD QUARTER 2015

Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer/geans@messenger-inquirer.com

Consignments items on display at Great ComeBacks Resale Boutique include an assortment of women’s scarfs. The business is located at 221 Williamsburg Square.

Acquisto said. “You can get items here of retail stores that we don’t have in town, and you save money.”

Roach said shoppers are going to find more of a variety of brands — sometimes, the store has items that still have the store tags on them, and shoppers get those items “at a huge fraction of the cost if you were to go to any mall or any other store.”

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Some consignment shoppers are picky and watch what they buy, Koehler said.

“But I just think nowadays, with the economy the way it is, people want to save a penny, and I don’t blame them, and I’m the same way,” she said. “I’m a single mom. I want to save a penny, and I want everybody to be the same way and get a good bargain.”

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Call for an appointment!

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270-684-6144 www.owensboroallergy.com

3604 Wathens Crossing Owensboro, KY (Off Carter Rd. across from the

Satellite clinics available in Greenville & Madisonville OWENSBORO

3RD QUARTER 2015

Reader’s Choice Service Winners Accountant/Investment Broker

Platinum: Alexander & Company CPAs PSC Gold: Hilliard Lyons Silver: MDM Accounting

Auction Company/Auctioneer

Platinum: Kurtz Auction Company Gold: Gerald Wedding Silver: Tony Clark Realtors

Air Conditioning and Heating

Platinum: ACME Plumbing & Heating Gold: Hagerman Plumbing and Heating Silver: Glen Payne

Auto Service

Platinum: Moore Automotive Team Gold: Executive Auto Silver: Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda

Car Wash

Platinum: Cheetah Clean Carwash Gold: Shammy’s Auto Wash Silver: Sparkle Brite Car Wash

Carpet Cleaner

Platinum: Extreme Carpet Cleaning Gold: Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaners Silver: Leonards Steam Way

Cellular Store

Platinum: AT & T Gold: Best Buy Silver: Verizon Wireless

Charitable Nonprofit

Platinum: Girls Inc. Gold: St. Vincent DePaul Society Silver: CareNet

Child Care

Platinum: Wee People Gold: KB’s Kid Zone Silver: Heritage Park Preschool & Nursery

Cleaners

Platinum: Swan Cleaners & Shirt Laundry Gold: Concord Custom Cleaners Silver: Harold’s Economy Cleaners & Tuxedo Rental Inc.

Computer Services

Platinum: Computer Dave’s PC Repair Gold: Mike Hays Computer & Printer Service Silver: Best Buy

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Electrician

Platinum: Westerfield Electric Gold: Adam’s Electric, LLC Silver: Peay

Electronic Services

Platinum: Best Buy Gold: AT & T Silver: Inspector Gadget

Fencing

Platinum: Diggers Gold: Bluegrass Gold: All Around Fencing Silver: Fence Doctor

Financial Institution

Platinum: Independence Bank Gold: BB&T Silver: US Bank

Florist

Platinum: Welborn’s Floral & Event Gold: Gary’s Fleur de Lis Inc. Silver: Kroger

Funeral Homes

Platinum: Glenn Funeral Home & Crematory Gold: James H. Davis Silver: Haley-McGinnis

Golf Course

Platinum: Hillcrest Golf Course Gold: Ben Hawes Golf Course Silver: The Pearl Club at the Summit

Home Builder

Platinum: Jagoe Homes Gold: Martin Custom Building Silver: Thompson Homes

Hotel/Motel

Platinum: Hampton Inn Gold: Fairfield Inn Silver: Comfort Suites Silver: Courtyard Marriott

Insurance Company

Platinum: Kentucky Farm Bureau Gold: Allstate Insurance Silver: EM Ford Silver: State Farm

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Lawn Care/Service

Platinum: Evergreen Lawn Care Gold: WeedMan Silver: Flespochler Landscaping

Legal Services

Platinum: Legal Aid Gold: Cliff Boswell Silver: Tom Meyers

Oil Change

Platinum: Valvoline Instant Oil Change Gold: Moore Automotive Team Gold: Raben Tire Gold: Bowen Tire Co. Silver: Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda

Overhead Doors

Platinum: Owensboro Overhead Doors Gold: Reeds Overhead Doors LLC Silver: Horton’s Overhead

Painting Contractor

Platinum: Ben Pearl Painting, Inc. Gold: Shannon Lancaster Wallpaper Gold: Paint Headquarters Silver: Bobby Easler Painting Silver: Sherwin Williams Paints

Pest Control

Platinum: Action Pest Control Gold: Wathen Pest Control Silver: McCoy Exterminating

Pet Stores/Grooming/Boarding Platinum: PetSmart Gold: Pet Food Center Silver: Paws & Claws

Photographer

Platinum: Captured Moments Photography Gold: Olan Mills Silver: Allyson Korn

Place to Work

Platinum: Alexander & Company CPA PSC Gold: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn Silver: Independence Bank Silver: Fetta Speciality Pizza & Spirits

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Reader’s Choice Service Winners Real Estate Agent

Platinum: Steve Castlen Gold: Tony Clark Silver: Brenda Lee Silver: Brandi Rone Silver: Brian Luttrell Silver: Greg Jones

Post-Secondary Education

Platinum: OCTC Gold: Kentucky Wesleyan College Silver: Brescia University Silver: Western Kentucky University

Printer

Platinum: Greenwell-Chisholm Printing Co. Gold: Quality Printing Company, Inc. Gold: Staples Silver: Oberst Printing Company Silver: Kustom Kwik Print

Remodeler

Window Sales & Installation

Salon Tanning

Platinum: Sun Windows Gold: Pella Silver: Window World

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Th ank You

uirer Inq er- ’ CHOICE ng RS

2015 PLATINUM WINNER

Dedicated to inspiring girls to be strong, smart & bold

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Owner: Tish Correa Osborne, CEO Business Address: __2130 G. East 19th Street, Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1626, Owensboro, KY 42302-1626 Business Phone: 270-684-7833 Days/Hours of Operation: Girls Incorporated Afterschool Learning Academy: 2:30-6:30 Monday Through Friday Summer uirer Inq CHOICE Learning Academy: 7:30-5:30 Monday through Friday er’ A ng RS Girls Incorporated, formerly Girls Club of Owensboro Daviess County) was founded in 1969, through the efforts of the local Owensboro Junior 2015 PLATINUM Woman’s Club and interested community leaders. It WINNER was created to provide an afterschool program to serve girls ages 6-18 primarily from economically disadvantaged areas. Girls Incorporated also offers a second comprehensive program generously provided by a local church, Owensboro Christian Church. Today, those two comprehensive program delivery sites are offered year round to over 500 city, county home schooled and Catholic school girls.

Through the provision of life changing programs and experiences, daily classes, environmental considerations, trained staff, fieldtrips, other opportunities along with community collaborations, this organization has been able to enhance girls’ chances for academic success, healthy lifestyles and personal achievement.

The staff, board of trustees and the girls couldn’t be more proud to have been selected for this honor. We are privileged to provide the incredible Girls Incorporated Experience with incredible outcomes— because of you and your support!

Me

Travel Agency

Platinum: AAA Travel Agencies Gold: Travel Authority Silver: Livingston

Platinum: Oasis Tanning Salon Gold: Sun Tan City Silver: Beach Bunnies

Charitable Nonprofit • Platinum Choice

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Salon Manicure

Platinum: Allure Platinum: Pro Nails Platinum: Southern Styles Gold: VIP Gold: Face Forward Silver: Shelley & Friends

Platinum: Miles & Thomas Platinum: Mark Schmitt Platinum: Brian Payne Gold: JJ Hunt Silver: JMJ Silver: Mike Lewis

Girls Incorporated of Daviess County

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Salon Hair

Platinum: Face Forward Gold: Shelley & Friends Silver: Allure Silver: House of Hair Silver: Profiles Silver: Artistik Edge

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Pool Store or Installer

Platinum: Maurice Pools and Spas Gold: Home Pool & Building Co. Silver: Professional Pool Service Inc.

Real Estate Office

Platinum: L. Steve Castlen Realtors Gold: ReMax Professional Realty Group Silver: Century 21

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Plumber

Platinum: Hagerman Plumbing and Heating Platinum: Scott Baird Plumbing and Heating Gold: ACME Plumbing and Heating Gold: Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & AC Silver: Montgomery Webb

ROLLING HEIGHTS

OWENSBORO CHRISTIAN CHURCH CAMPUS

2130 G East 19th St.

2818 Old Hartford Road

OWENSBORO

270-684-7833 GIRLSINCOBORO@BELLSOUTH.NET

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Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory Funeral Home • Platinum Choice

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Glenn Taylor’s great-grandfather entered funeral service in 1903 as manager of the undertaking department of the Owensboro Livery Service. Since then uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS there have been five generations of Glenn family caring for Owensboro and 2015 Daviess County families.

The business began operation under its present name in 1925.

Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is the area’s only provider of Meaningful Farewells®, uniquely personal tributes honoring the stories of a lifetime. It’s an exclusive program of listening to and learning from families the highlights of the lives of their family members, and helping implement creative ways to include those highlights in the complete memorial process.

With our sister company, Owensboro Memorial Gardens, we provide permanent memorialization opportunities through traditional burial and mausoleum PLATINUM WINNER

entombment as well as cremation burial and enichement.

Funeral and memorial planning with our licensed funeral service professionals before the need arises is provided at no charge. Prefunding opportunities through secure trust and insurance options also provide for the setting aside of funds for future needs, should you choose.

Your continuing vote of confidence in Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory

is humbling. For five generations our family has been fully committed to being hometown friends you can rely on. It is gratifying to be recognized by the people who are most important to us: our friends in the Owensboro, Daviess County and the surrounding area, and we thank you very much. Our responsibility to you and your neighbors is one we hold with the very highest regard.

In today’s hectic and often most impersonal of times, we remain devoted to listening carefully, seeking to understand fully, offering suggestions honestly and responsibly, and caring for others as we would wish to be cared for. It’s a simple approach to meeting complicated needs.

The distinctive uniqueness of each individual and every family is never lost on us. Every life is a story unto itself and we are grateful to the generations of Owensboro and Daviess County families who have asked us to take part in the telling.

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2015 2014 PLATINUM WINNER

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Thompson Homes, Inc. Home Builder • Silver Choice Tommy Thompson, Owner 322 Frederica St. (270) 926-1740 Year Founded: 1948 by William H. Thompson

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Thompson Homes subscribes to a very simple philosophy. “It’s all about value,” said Nick Thompson, president at Thompson Homes. “We uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS always strive to provide the very best value and 2015 service at a price our customers can afford.”

Everyone involved with Thompson Homes’ building process works together to achieve these goals for each and every homebuyer. Our quality control and customer service processes are unprecedented when compared to those of our competitors.

We encourage you to drive around our SILVER WINNER

neighborhoods, talk to our homeowners, walk through our models.

Allow us to show you why we are the builder you want taking care of one of your largest long-term investments, your home. You will soon discover why so many of our customers have built two, three and even four homes with us.

We are proud of our long-term relationships and our family-oriented philosophy that translates into a rewarding home buying experience.

We’ve learned our heritage too well to do it any other way! See more at: www. thompsonhomesinc.com.

For three-generations, Thompson Homes has built more than just homes... we’ve built communities. Part of what makes us different is our unwavering commitment to building. Not just building homes, but building trust.

Peace of mind. Relationships. Our people

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e Silver Choic r Homebuilde

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have a passion for what they do and the homebuyers that they work with, and it shows. We communicate with, encourage, and guide our customers throughout the entire homebuilding process, from well before the concrete is poured until long after move-in day. Your home is very important to you, so it’s very important to us! Our ultimate goal is to provide you a home of increasing value and enjoyment for many years.

In closing, all of us at Thompson Homes want to thank the readers for voting us a “Top Homebuilder of the Year” and are very honored, and grateful, for this wonderful recognition. We will continue to be a strong community leader and hope to be an example for other local businesses by investing in local organizations and charities that make Owensboro stronger and a proud place to call home!

2015 2014 SILVER WINNER

OWENSBORO

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Ben Pearl Painting Inc.

Ben Pearl Painting, Inc.

Painting Contractor • Platinum Choice

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

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Me

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2011

2012

PLATINUM WINNER

PLATINUM WINNER

uirer Inq er- ’ CHOICE ng RS

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2013 GOLD WINNER

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Alexander & Company CPAs was founded by Edward uirer T. Alexander in 1924 and is one of the oldest CPA firms Inq er- S’ CHOICE A g n R in the state.

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taxes and finances, I need to find

Me

Robert Nation, J.L. Byrne, Tony Byrne and Joseph Keller, Owners 2707 Breckenridge St., Suite 1 • (270) 684-3237 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

count on me. When it comes to

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Accountant/Investment Broker • Platinum Choice Place to Work • Platinum Choice

It’s my name on the door; people

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Alexander & Company CPAs PSC

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Thanks Owensboro for choosing us!!!

A trusted leader in the painting industry, Ben Pearl Painting Inc. is one of the largest commercial painting contractors serving the Owensboro area and surrounding counties. We provide quality painting & wall covering design services. We also specialize is Epoxy Floor Coatings. Ben Pearl Painting, Inc. is a performance driven company with absolute reliability, specializing in all product uirer Inq CHOICE er’ applications.

A ng RS We at Ben Pearl Painting, Inc. are a professional, licensed & insured Painting Contractor with over 20 years of painting experience. Our team gives the 2015 PLATINUM WINNER best effort on each job to bring a fresh look to your industry, home or business – interior and exterior.

Customer satisfaction is our No. 1 Priority! Let us help you with your next project!

Our regular business hours are: Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (daily working hours)* *In the event your commercial project needs special shift hours, we will work with you.

To schedule appointments call any day before 7 p.m.

We also provide FREE ESTIMATES! Please give us a call!

Thank you so much to all those who voted for us. We are grateful to be in a community that supports us. We at Ben Pearl Painting Inc. look forward to serving all your painting needs!

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738 Leitchfield Road Owensboro, KY 42303 270-313-6934 Cell 270-313-1182 Office benpearl75@yahoo.com

738 Leitchfield Road • Owensboro, KY 42303 270-313-6934 Cell • 270-313-1182 Office • benpearl75@yahoo.com

2015 PLATINUM WINNER

2707 Breckenridge St., Suite 1 270-684-3237 A part of Owensboro Since 1924

Visit 360taxes.org/CPA more information Signup for newsletterforwww.acocpa.net

OWENSBORO

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AT&T Kentucky

Cellular Store • Platinum Choice | Electronic Service • Gold Choice

Thank you to our many loyal customers in Western Kentucky.

You are changing the marketplace, and we are proud to be the “Readers Choice” of the communications products and services you demand. Whether it is through wired connections or mobile

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here and now

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and students.

So far, 2015 has been a very productive year for us at AT&T, and we have been hard at work to better position our company so that we can provide the services and products that you demand. We have hired retail and call-center employees and technicians in Bardstown, Danville, Frankfort, Henderson, Louisville, Madisonville, Owensboro, Shelbyville and many other communities.

We have announced network upgrades and enhancements across the state and have introduced AT&T Business Fiber Internet service in parts of Kentucky — including Owensboro — that will bring speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per Second in Multi-Tenant Office Buildings.

We are confident about the path ahead for Kentucky, and we look forward to continuing to earn your trust for many years to come.

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devices that provide robust data and voice services – you want connections that offer the ability to receive and transmit data.

And our daily investments in Kentucky are aimed at providing Kentuckians with a great communications experience no matter what they’re doing — whether that’s making a call, checking email, downloading apps or surfing the Internet.

With your support, and with bipartisan leadership of elected officials in Frankfort, we have an improved regulatory environment in Kentucky that will help us to serve you better and to continue providing for your wireless and data needs.

By supporting a more modern regulatory environment, elected officials in Frankfort listened to their constituents — organized labor, business leaders, rural citizens, educators, health care providers, community leaders, parents

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Business Name: AT&T Kentucky Owner: AT&T Inc. Local Business Address: 5115 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42301 Business Phone: (270) uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS 684-7877 Local Days/Hours of Operation: Monday2015 Saturday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sunday Noon-6 p.m.

Year Founded: 1879 Main Products or Services: Communications services including wired and wireless voice and data services and devices, U-verse broadband and video service, tablet and smartphone sales and service, among other things.

2015 2014 GOLD WINNER

At AT&T, we bring you the innovative communications services you need, right when you need them. It’s our commitment to keeping you in touch with family, friends, entertainment and the world. It’s what you need for how you live. Now.

Thank you for voting AT&T as the Favorite Cellular Store for the 7th straight year and for recognizing AT&T as providing your Favorite Electronic Services.

© 2015 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved.

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OWENSBORO

3RD QUARTER 2015

Thank you Owensboro!

Monthly Pac Startin kages $25.00 g At: pe $35.00 r Month per Mo nth $45.00 per Mo nth

$2 off

the King Cheetah!

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www.cheetahclean.net

270-684-8844

3621 Ralph Ave. HWY. 54 (in front of Kohl’s)

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We want to thank you for voting Cheetah Clean Car Wash the No.1 car wash in town! We are the fastest and greatest car wash on land, we recycle 50 percent of our water. Stop by uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS today and check out our monthly plans starting at only $25! We also offer free vacuums as well as free underbody spray. Stop in the first weekend 2015 of every month for the manager special, $2 off our King Cheetah Wash! Also, like us on Facebook and bring in this ad to get $2 off the King Cheetah! We also use armor all bug buster to get rid of those pesky summer bugs. Save the sweat and wash with us today!

Like us on Facebook today. Check out our amazing packages and we’ll see you at CheetahClean!

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Car Wash • Platinum Choice Business Address: 3621 Ralph Ave. (Right past Kohls) Business Phone: 270-684-8844 Days/Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8p.m., Sun 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Free Vacuums!

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Cheetah Clean Car Wash

PLATINUM WINNER

Captured Moments Photography Photographer • Platinum Choice

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Thank you so much to all of our clients and those who voted for us. We are very blessed to be in a community that appreciates our work and supports the arts.

We started our studio almost 10 years ago, never dreaming it would have grown to what it is today. In those years, our lives have changed as has our clients. We have also worked uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A hard toward continuing our education in the field ng RS of photography. Jason and Kate now both have their master’s in Photography and have both 2015 been honored with the title “Photographer of the Year.” We will continue to work hard, to push our creativity, to perfect our technique and to add joy to our community.

This year, Captured Moments Photography established a “Children in the Arts Scholarship” program aimed at helping disadvantaged or children in need find a creative outlet. The recipients this year were De’Asia Douglas and Lilly Willard. Again, we thank our clients.

We are in constant awe of our staff. Lisa, Kristin and Natalie, you all are our rocks. This team we have created is solid and unbreakable.

Thank you so much for your loyalty and your friendship.

An enormous thank you to our children, Jillian,13, and Jaxon, 10.

You have been our motivation, inspiration, joy and muse. You have taught us that success can be measured in numerous ways, least of all is financial. Thank you so much for your forgiveness of all the late nights, overnight trips and cranky attitudes. You are everything we ever wanted and everything we ever wanted to be.

PLATINUM WINNER

OWENSBORO

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2015 PLATINUM WINNER

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L. Steve Castlen, REALTORS Real Estate Office • Platinum Choice Real Estate Agent • Platinum Choice

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Business Name: L. Steve Castlen, REALTORS Owener(s): L. Steve Castlen Business Address: 2839 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303 uirer Inq Days/Hours of Operation: er- S’ CHOICE A g n R 24/7 Founded: 1970 Main Products or Services: 2015 Our principal services are PLATINUM WINNER residential, investment, & commercial real estate services for buyers and sellers, bank owned real estate owned (REO) properties, relocation, and property management. We are a full service real estate company.

To the people of Owensboro and surrounding counting, thank you for choosing L. Steve Castlen, REALTORS and me, Steve Castlen, as winners of the Readers Choice Platinum Award of 2015! It is an honor to be selected as Owensboro’s top Realtor. The Castlen REALTORS Family and I greatly appreciate your support.

Our independent office consists of 42 Realtors who are supported by an office staff of four full-time employees: our office manager, La Belle Reisz; assistant office manager, John

Gonzalez; broker assistant, Nick Massie; and Marketing/Services Director, Seán Jackson. In our independent brokerage, we work as a team, not simply as individuals, to ensure you have the best possible experience. We treat people like family, building long term relationships that endure the test of time. This is how we have achieved multi-generational partnerships.

We truly appreciate the opportunity to live and work in the communities of Owensboro and Daviess, Hancock, Ohio, McLean, and Muhlenberg counties who acknowledge the dedication and hard work we provide for our valued clients. Our mission has been to continually provide the highest quality, most innovative, and exceptional real estate services available anywhere with a focus on keeping real estate local.

We sincerely hope that everyone with whom we work finds us eager and happy to serve their real estate needs. Your loyalty and support has allowed us to be a part of the community for 45 years serving your needs in residential, investment, and commercial transactions. Our full service company also provides bank owned real estate (REO) properties, relocation, and property management services. Customer

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service is our # 1 priority. Our client surveys consistently rate our service as “Excellent,” with an overall customer satisfaction of 98%. As a result of this commitment our agents and brokers have been awarded Realtor of the Year 13 times by their peers since 1971.

It’s an exciting time for L. Steve Castlen, REALTORS! We have been recruiting new agents who bring new clients and customers, and we have been utilizing social media to create content, which forges personally engaging relationships in an effort to increase our sphere of influence. The new office and website, Castlen.com, affords our real estate agents the technical tools to provide our clients with the most recent and innovative services, all with the goal of getting your home on the market and SOLD for the highest and best price in the shortest amount of time.

Being moved by Castlen is more than facilitating a change in your physical residence.

Our approach to real estate demonstrates caring, that will move you emotionally as well.

Our goal is to make you more than a client. Our goal is to make you a friend. We would enjoy the opportunity to give you a free real estate consultation. Please, stop by our office anytime!

22015 01 P PLATINUM WINNER

&DVWOHQ 5($/7256 2IÀFH

Castlen.com Property Search

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2839 New Hartford Rd

Be Moved with Castlen!

OWENSBORO

3RD QUARTER 2015

Oasis Tanning Salon Salon Tanning • Platinum Choice Owners: Thomas and DeeAnn Rice 325C Park Plaza Drive uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS 270-684-2642 Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

2015 30 years this May Main products or services: Tanning beds and lotions mystic HD spray booth and gift cards Me

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• Offering UV free Mystic Tan • 3 LEVELS OF TANNING

PLATINUM WINNER

• Gift Cards Available in any amount

Thank you for choosing us once again as Reader’s Choice Platinum! Thank you Owensboro for 30 wonderful years and counting! We are pleased to be a part of this community and serving our customers.

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325 Park Plaza Dr.

(Off Frederica behind Kroger)

270-684-2642

TANNING OWENSBORO FOR 30 YEARS

Computer Dave’s PC Repair Computer Repair • Platinum Choice 400 Salem Dr, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 314-5681

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Rates Starting at $35 DAVID FOGLE

100% Guarantee

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Only by the grace of God have we grown from a humble business started in the bedroom of my home to the service that many of you have chosen to rely on for your computer needs. When I started out, many of my competitors were charging just to perform basic diagnostics on your computer, and then exorbitant uirer Inq CHOICE fees for repairs. I decided it would be best to check r e ’ A ng RS out your computer from “head to toe,” for free, and if it wasn’t worth fixing, just to tell you so, as opposed to making a quick buck. Our reputation for being 2015 PLATINUM fair and honest grew quickly, and we now work on WINNER thousands of computers a year. We’re also trusted by a growing number of businesses to care for their needs as well, including building and sustaining servers, secure networking and workstation maintenance. If by chance you are not completely satisfied with any part of our work, we make it right at no additional cost, no questions asked. We’re also the only business of its kind to decide to offer only one brand of new desktop and laptop for sale, based on the brands record of reliability, as opposed to other more profitable but less dependable “bargain brands”. We now have a dedicated space exclusively for one-on-one classes on just about any subject. We offer hidden cameras (nanny-cams) that creates color video you can view on your smart phone.

Again, we deeply appreciate your continued support of our locallyowned business.

Thanks for Voting Us Your Platinum Choice!

Free Estimates

3RD QUARTER 2015

2015 Platinum

SHANE ROBERTSON

BRYAN COLBURN

COMPUTER DAVE

PC REPAIR

OWENSBORO

2013 Platinum

2014 Platinum

2011 Platinum

2012 Platinum

2010 Platinum

270-314-5681 400 Salem Drive, Suite I-13 45

REMAX Professional Realty Group Real Estate Office • Gold Choice Real Estate Agent • Silver Choice

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REMAX Professional Realty Group has been serving the Real Estate needs of Owensboro and surrounding counties since 2007. We value and uirer Inq CHOICE appreciate our clients er’ A ng RS and the votes that have made us the 2015 GOLD Reader’s Choice Real 2015 GOLD Estate office.

WINNER Our goal here at REMAX is to make each transaction the best experience for our clients. Through your votes in receiving this award it shows we are succeeding in our efforts. REMAX is the most recognized brand in the world, and we are proud to be a part of the REMAX family.

We are a locally owned office with 28 agents to service your needs from residential to commercial sales and property management. We have agents that specialize in luxury homes to foreclosures and short sales. No matter what your needs, we have an agent to serve you! Relocating? With the REMAX network we can find you an agent whether you

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site in the world. We also offer electronic document signing and a comprehensive marketing plan for all our listings.

With REMAX Professional Realty Group, “YOU CAN DREAM WITH YOUR EYES OPEN!”

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are moving across the state or across the country.

We have services from a smartphone app to search homes when you are on the go to REMAX.com, the most searched Real Estate

2015 GOLD WINNER

Dereda Aull Realtor®/Broker

Ashley Bellar Realtor®

Reba Besecker Realtor®/Broker

Rick Cummins Realtor®

Melissa Watts-Davis Realtor®

Duane George Realtor®

Connie Griffin Realtor®

Kelly Harris Realtor®

Blake Hayden Realtor®

Missie Hayden Realtor®

Tracy Ioia Realtor®

Kelsey Jarboe Realtor®

Greg Jones Realtor®

Judy Lambert Realtor®

Lauren Lee Realtor®

Steve Lewis Realtor®

Brian Luttrell Realtor®

Gary Maglinger Realtor® Principal Broker

Tim Merkley Realtor®

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Samantha Jo Ramsey Realtor®

Ryan Rutman Realtor®

Matt Schell Realtor®

Cecilia Strawn Realtor®

Kathy Thompson Realtor®

OWENSBORO

Michelle Jereme Willner Wiesman Realtor® Realtor®/Manager

Linda MitchellWoosley Realtor®

Jody Young Realtor®

3RD QUARTER 2015

Swan Cleaners & Shirt Laundry Cleaners â&#x20AC;˘ Platinum Choice

Thank You For Voting Us PLATINUM 4 Years Straight!

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2013 PLATINUM WINNER

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We would like to thank all the people who voted for us. Swan Cleaners has tried to keep quality and customer service first in our business.

Our customers are the best! Thanks again from the staff and employees of Swan Cleaners.

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2012 PLATINUM WINNER

Swan

Since 1946

CLEANERS AND SHIRT LAUNDRY

Full Service Alterations - Pick-up & Delivery -

684-0268 1228 Walnut Street

Scott Baird Plumbing and Heating Co. Inc. Plumber â&#x20AC;˘ Platinum Choice Me

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1911 Old Henderson Road (270) 683-6427 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday; 8 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Noon, Saturday

2015 PLATINUM WINNER

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Founded in 1972, Scott Baird Plumbing and Heating Co. Inc provides plumbing, uirer Inq CHOICE erâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A ng RS heating and air conditioner service and new construction.

Scott Baird Plumbing and Heating 2015 would like to thank our customers for this honor. We appreciate your recognition of the quality of service we provide. We appreciate your patronage in serving you.

We are a family-owned business and have been for almost for 40 years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; our staff tries to solve your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs. We also have a large inventory of supplies, faucets and fixtures.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and we look forward to serving you in the future.

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S "//Ă&#x160; COTT BAIRD -6.#*/(

$0 Plumbing EVTUSJBM $PNN & Heating Co., Inc.

Industrial-Commercial-Residential

PLATINUM WINNER

3RD QUARTER 2015

OWENSBORO

1911 Old Henderson Road One Block South of 9th & Crabtree

Phone 683-6427 Lic. #MO1723

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Your Community.

Your College.

66,998 individual lives touched since 1986

How many do you know? owensboro.kctcs.edu Me

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2015 PLATINUM WINNER

OCTC is an equal al opportunity opport nit employer emplo er and ndd educational educat edu d cation ional institution. i

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KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM OWENSBORO

3RD QUARTER 2015

Owensboro Community & Technical College Post Secondary Education • Platinum Choice OCTC and its 485 full and part-time employees appreciate the support of our communities, and we spend our $31 million annual budget locally to create jobs.

Our faculty and staff are involved on our campuses and in community organizations.

90 percent of our students live and work in this region. To date, we have served more than 66, 998 individuals in the greater Owensboro area. Translated to specific programs this means that more than 3,000 of those people earned Associate degrees to transfer to universities, 523 former students are now Registered Nurses, 223 are Surgical Technicians, 294 are Emergency Medical Technicians, and 2,580 are in other medical careers. In the areas of technology 1,826 former students are now in the Electrical field, 824 are in Welding, 777 in Engineering & Electronics, 597 in Industrial Maintenance, 430 in Computerized Manufacturing & Machining, 209 in HVAC, 207 in Construction, and 201 in Computer-Aided Drafting & Design. Add to that 960 in Office Systems Technology, 495 in Computer & Information Technology, and 528 in Business Administration. Also, thousands

PLATINUM WINNER

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SILVER WINNER

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ERUR HQV 2Z ’ CHOICE HU RS

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PLATINUM WINNER

WESTERFIELD ELECTRIC LLC

•Electrical •Construction •Commercial & Residential •Generator Sales & Service •Fire Alarms •Security Systems •CCTV •Computer Networking H READ DW E

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Incorporated in 2004, Westerfield Electric LLC has served the triuirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS state area for 15 years.

During 2015 this time, our company has grown beyond expectations.

This could not have been possible without the well-trained technicians and dedicated staff who serve our customers with the expertise you have come to expect and deserve.

I would like to thank all of our customers, past, present and future, for their support.

It is a great honor to be recognized by the very people that we serve.

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Westerfield Electric LLC Electrician • Platinum Choice

of high school students have earned college credits through OCTC at greatly reduced cost, saving over $444,240 in tuition last year alone.

Students who want to earn a bachelor degree can save by using the 2 + 2 approach – completing the freshman and sophomore years at OCTC followed by two years at Brescia University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Western Kentucky University – Owensboro, or other university results in more than $10,000 savings. These students will have less college debt when they graduate, which will improve their quality of life.

OCTC is within $600,000 of our $3.5 million goal for the BuildSmart project, and the planning and design for the new building is progressing. The college should be able to release a design within a few weeks, and the groundbreaking will take place in the Spring of 2016. The new facility will allow the college to expand several high demand technical programs by 50% or more and add new a robotic welding training lab. We thank the region for their continued support and invite you to join us for any of our events, or sign up for a course, or sign up for a new career.

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Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) is humbled and honored by the receipt of the Platinum Reader’s Choice award. As we embark on uirer Inq CHOICE our 30th Anniversary year, er’ A ng RS it is a time to pause and reflect on the commitment we have made to the 2015 PLATINUM communities we serve. Our WINNER mission is one sentence, but it encompasses all that we aspire to do.

To cultivate lifelong learning through career degree programs, workforce and community development, and transfer-to-baccalaureate degree programs.

OCTC has three campuses in Owensboro, a center and annex in Hancock County, and facilitates the adult education offerings in Daviess, Ohio and McLean counties.

We take our responsibilities to provide quality education, and to be responsive to the community, very seriously, and want to continue to improve our programs to enhance the economic development of the region.

2015 PLATINUM WINNER

2014 SILVER WINNER

270-926-7696

2960 Fairview Drive, Owensboro, KY 42303 www.WesterfieldElectric.com

OWENSBORO

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Window World: America’s Largest Exterior Remodeler Window Sales and Installation • Silver Choice

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We’re increasing curb appeal, improving efficiency, and enhancing quality of life one home at a uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS time. Window World sold and installed more 2015 than 1 million high-quality residential replacement windows in each of the last 6 years, along with thousands of patio doors, garage doors, squares of vinyl siding and exterior accessories.

We take pride not only in the quality of our products, but in the manner in which they are delivered. From the start of a job to its completion and beyond, our knowledgeable and friendly staff serves with exceptional attention to detail and customer care.

SILVER WINNER

Our commitment to serving our communities runs deeper than providing exceptional home improvement solutions.

Window World Cares®, Window World’s charitable arm, has raised nearly $5 million dollars to date.

Founded in 2008, Window World Cares is partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, where it was named New Corporate Partner of the Year in 2010.

In 20 years, Window World has grown into America’s largest exterior remodeler. Despite the ever-changing landscape of home improvement, we’ve lived true to our promise since we opened our doors in 1995: deliver superior products, professionally installed, at a guaranteed low price.

America’s Largest Replacement Window Company OFFERING ENERGY SAVING PRODUCTS

6 MONTHS SAME AS

CASH 0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

8 PREMIUM WINDOWS INSTALLED!

89/mo

$

(36 mos.)

• Double hung or Double Slider • 4000 Series SolarZone™ Glass Package included!

(270) 240-5679 3118 Alvey Park Dr., Owensboro WindowWorld.com

This Window World® Franchise is independently owned and operated by Joe Bush under license from Window World, Inc.

“Not only do we stand behind our windows, we stand on them.”

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Exceptional Quality

Made in USA

OWENSBORO

• Exceeds ENERGY STAR® Standards *Qualified buyers with approved credit.

Not valid with any other offer. See store for details.

Financing Available 3RD QUARTER 2015

Staples, Inc. Printer • Gold Choice

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We are proud to have been voted a

Business Address: 528 Southtown Blvd., Owensboro, KY 42303 Business Phone: (270) 926-1788, Fax: (270) 926-1388 Days/Hours of Operation: uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS Mon-Fri: 9 a.m-7 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sun: Noon - 6 p.m.

2015 Year Founded: 1996 Main Products or Services: Office Supplies, Computers, Tablets, Tech Service and Printing Service

Reader's Choice Gold Award Winner!

Thank you for your continued support!

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2015 2014

GOLD WINNER

On behalf of your local Staples store, we would like to thank all of our customers for voting our Copy Center to the Reader’s Choice Awards as a Gold Member. It is our pleasure to service our community daily. We look forward to servicing you in the future. Stop by and see one of our many talented associates for all your Office Supply, Tech and Printing Services.

WKU Owensboro Post-Secondary Education • Silver Choice Business Address: 4821 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303 Business Phone: (270) 684-9797

Submit your application online ll admission.

by August 1 for fall

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WKU Owensboro offers 21 bachelor’s degrees, 26 master’s degrees and 35 undergraduate and graduate certificate programs that can be completed locally or online. Courses are offered in a variety of flexible delivery formats including face-to-face, interactive video services, online and on demand.

Thank you for voting for WKU Owensboro for uirer Inq the 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards! er- S’ CHOICE A g n R WKU Owensboro offers a variety of program options, flexible course scheduling, small 2015 class sizes and a convenient campus location.

WKU Owensboro is transfer friendly and adult learner focused, striving to meet the needs of all students. The faculty and staff are dedicated to the success of students and faculty bring real-world industry experience to the classroom. WKU Owensboro continues to grow and maintains its dedication to providing access to higher education to Owensboro and the surrounding communities.

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Register now for the fall semester!

Contact us today for an academic or career advising session!

wku.edu/owensboro

GOLD WINNER

KIM Health Sciences

It’s all within your reach!

SILVER WINNER

3RD QUARTER 2015

Owensboro

OWENSBORO

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photo by Jenny Sevcik, Messenger-Inquirer/jsevcik@messenger-inquirer.com, 691.7294

Kate Higdon, co-owner of Captured Moments Photography, takes photos during a 1-year-old session with John Weston Wilborn, 1, at the Old Hartford Road studio. Captured Moments won the platinum award for photographer in the 2015 Messenger-Inquirer Reader’s Choice Awards.

Captured

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON

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MESSENGER-INQUIRER

n 2004, Jason and Kate Higdon founded Captured Moments Photography, one of the most popular photography businesses in Owensboro, by accident.

“As a new mom, I began scrapbooking my pictures at a local scrapbook store,” Kate Higdon said. “The other mothers there loved my images and began to ask if I

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Moments

ON THE WEB

https://www.facebook.com/ capturedmomentsphoto?fref=ts

would photograph their children.”

But she said what she and her husband Jason did next set them a apart from the other start-up photographers.

“We joined our state and national OWENSBORO

photography associations and began attending as many educational opportunities that we could find,” Kate Higdon said. “We invested in our education and our equipment.

Now we are so honored to be the ones at the head of those associations and helping other photographers learn and grow.”

Photographing an array of portraits from pregnant bellies to generations of families to pets,

3RD QUARTER 2015

Higdon said senior portraits are the most popular out of all the photo shoots.

“Seniors want to be unique and they push us creatively,” she said. “The biggest trend is, and always will be, customization. Creating a session that is tailored toward a senior’s interests and personality will ultimately be successful.

We want to tell the stor y of who that senior is.”

The Higdons also do their photo shoots in a variety of locations, from downtown alleyways to sandy beaches. But Higdon said her favorite place to shoot is inside her studio at 801 Old Hartford Road.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love location shoots, especially when the location is unique and meaningful to my

Captured Moments Photography studio at 801 Old Hardford Road is filled with examples of their work including this colorful fall portrait that’s seen here through the business’s front window.

subjects and helps to tell their stor y,” Higdon said.

“However, in my studio, I feel like a true artist. I have the time and control to tell the stor y of each subject without having the restrictions of weather, light and much more.

Having the means and ability to choose the right background, the right lighting along with the added comfort we provide our clients is a recipe for photography success.”

She said the best thing about her job is being surrounded by clients who are in love with their families and want to celebrate and preser ve their love in photographs.

Higdon said the biggest honor she can get as a photographer is when families ask her to photograph “last portraits.”

“It is an indescribable

Photo by Jenny Sevcik, MessengerInquirer/jsevcik@ messengerinquirer.com, 270.691.7294

in association with Presents

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feeling,” she said. “End of Life” portraits are not sessions we do often, thankfully, but each one we photograph leaves a lasting imprint on our hearts. Being able to provide a family, who is losing or lost a love one, some sort of peace during the most difficult time in their lives is surreal and is an honor we will never take lightly.”

Higdon said Owensboro has welcomed and accepted Captured Moments as a strong local business and for that, she is thankful.

“Our business is a perfect fit for Owensboro,” Higdon said. “This town is centered around family and our clientele is all about their families.”

The Higdon’s, who have two children of their own, ages 14 and 11, said balancing business life and personal life is sometimes a challenge.

“Time goes by so quickly and we don’t want to get so caught up in our business that we miss out on their lives,” Kate Higdon said.

She said her children have their own space in studio and spend as much time there as they do at home.

“We may be at the studio, but we still have our meals together,” Higdon said. “When things are stressful and busy at work, we just remind ourselves that there is no such thing as an emergency photo.

Our children take first priority always. Having employees that truly care about you, your family and your business is essential.”

Longtime customer and friend of the Higdons, Kerri Bradley, has been using Captured Moments photography for almost 10 years and said she loves the relaxed, family-oriented vibe at the studio.

After meeting Kate Higdon through their sons, Bradley soon asked her to photograph his first birthday.

Bradley said they have been back numerous times, for birthday, senior and family pictures. Recently, her youngest daughter had pictures made with her dog.

“She is going off to college this fall,” Bradley said. “It will be a nice picture for her to take with her.”

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Photo by Jenny Sevcik, Messenger-Inquirer/jsevcik@messenger-inquirer.com, 270-691-7294

Kate Higdon, right, talks with Jessica Wilborn before Higdon’s 1-year-old portrait session with Jessica and Brian Wilborn’s son John Weston Wilborn at Captured Moments Photography studio on Old Hartford Road.

Both of Bradley’s daughters have been senior spokesmodels for Captured Moments and loved the experience. Her daughter, Olivia, is currently the spokesmodel of the year for Captured Moments.

“We’ve had a lot of pictures taken at Captured Moments over the years,” Bradley said. “She makes it so fun for them (the kids). She’s ver y relaxed, she’s just like a kid OWENSBORO

herself. It’s easy for them to relate to her. But she is also a good role model.”

Bradley said she will definitely be back to Captured Moments for some more family photos.

“It’s been a wonderful journey that we are still on as we continue to learn and grow as photographers and digital artists,” Kate Higdon said.

3RD QUARTER 2015

One Team ■ One Vision ■ One Goal To Be Your Most Trusted and Valued Financial Advisors.

Owensboro 3RD QUARTER 2015

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270-926-4540 | Evansville www.rineyhancock.com OWENSBORO

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812-423-0300 55

still

blooming

Welborn’s thriving five decades after it opened

BY BETH NOFFSINGER

I

MESSENGER-INQUIRER

rene Welborn was a group leader at General Electric when she first began doing floral arrangements. At that time, each group had a flower fund, and when they would order arrangements from a florist, there was never a satisfactory product, said Carlos “Dick” Knight, Welborn’s son.

While still working at GE, Welborn began making her own arrangements for the various departments to use.

“So as time went along, she got more orders from other parts of the factory,” Knight said. “Then she could see there 56

was a need for another florist.”

So, in 1958, Welborn’s Floral Co. opened, operating out of a garage on West Ninth Street. About a year later, the shop moved to East Fourth Street, and in 1964, Welborn’s moved into a turn-of-the century home at 920 E. Fourth St., where part of the company is still housed today.

The family lived behind its first Fourth Street location, and the family actually lived in its second East Fourth Street locale.

Since opening 57 years ago, Welborn’s — which also operates Welborn Floral & Events — has expanded and evolved.

The shop’s offerings include more than OWENSBORO

About

Welborn’s • Welborn Floral Co., 920 E. Fourth St., (270) 684-3283, https://www. facebook.com/pages/Welborn-FloralCo/110482688971488 • Welborn Events, 1000 E. Fourth St., 270-852-0407, https://www.facebook. com/pages/Welborn-Floral-andEvents/137868459993?fref=ts

3RD QUARTER 2015

the standard corsages and bouquets that many associate with floral shops.

The company offers a variety of event planning services as well, and it routinely helps design and display flowers and more for its clients’ events.

Welborn was recently selected as the platinum winner for Florist in the Messenger-Inquirer’s seventh annual Reader’s Choice Awards.

Knight grew up working at his mother’s shop, then went to Brescia College and got interested in construction work. After spending about a decade in industrial construction and piping, he decided to return to the family business in the early 1990s after his stepfather passed away.

During the early days of Welborn’s, the family living in its place of business made an impact on its growth.

“We were more available for our customers,” said Knight, vice president of the family-owned business.

Another kick-starter for the business was when a regional

3RD QUARTER 2015

Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer/geans@messenger-inquirer.com

Floral Designer Heather Basham creates a centerpiece arrangement of Stargazer lilies, Purple Status and Stock flowers on May 15 at Welborn’s Floral Company.

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businessman stopped at the shop after hours looking for a corsage for his wife.

Bob Green, who owned Green Coal Co., as well as Executive Inn hotels in Owensboro, Vincennes, Evansville and Paducah, became one of Welborn’s customers.

“That led us to do a lot of work for Green Coal Co., Modern Welding, some of the larger companies — a little bit of network through the corporate accounts,” Knight said.

Welborn would do the holiday decorations at Green’s hotels as well as other, seasonal corporate decor.

To this day, Welborn continues to serve corporate clients for galas and other events. During the Christmas season, it provides holiday decor for more than 75 homes in the area.

As its events business has grown over the years, Welborn has produced flowers and other decor for weddings, proms, private parties and other events.

Welborn is able to get some of its flowers from local greenhouses, but many of its flowers are imported internationally because of the times of year they are needed. It’s not uncommon for Welborn to order tulips from Holland, orchids from Thailand or tropical flowers from South America.

Sally Barker, Knight’s daughter, is event division manager for Welborn. She grew up working in the family’s shop, then spent a few years living in the Atlanta area. She returned to the event aspect of the business in the early 2000s.

“We’re a full service decor company that provides the rentals, linens, tables, chairs and floral decorations that are fresh,” Barker said. “We offer design services.”

The event division has a showroom at 1000 E. Fourth St. — just across Hathaway Street from the floral shop.

A flower is shown at Welborn’s Florist on May 20.

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Photos by Shaun Conklin, Messenger-Inquirer

A Gerbera Daisy is shown at Welborn’s Florist on May 20.

There, clients can see the wide variety of linens, glassware, curtains, tables, dance floors and other rentals that Welborn has available.

Welborn can be as involved in the event planning as the client wants. “Do-ityourselfers” can buy cut flowers in bulk or rent party decor and arrange it how they like. Or, clients can hire Welborn to help them plan the entire look of the event.

“Sally and her team really went above and beyond my greatest expectation,” Samantha Buford Payne wrote in a review posted on Welborn Events’ website. “She really transformed the parish hall into my Cinderella fairy-tale dream! She was able to make every element absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and made it feel like a Cinderella-themed wedding without being too literal.”

Welborn now does almost as many corporate, school and social functions as it does weddings. Barker said she likes to have at least six weeks to plan a corporate event and six months to a year to plan a wedding.

“We prefer to work by appointment,” she said, adding that they do accept walk-ins. “We feel like we can allot better time for our clients (with appointments).”

Generally, social clients, such as weddings, will meet with planners at Welborn’s showroom, and planners will meet with corporate clients at the site of the event so they can do a walk-through.

“At this point, we have the experience and the knowledge and the creativity and staff to back these dreams that people have,” Barker said. “We can really make OWENSBORO

them happy.”

Barker is still involved in the floral aspect of Welborn, as well. She makes almost all of her brides’ bouquets — a process that can take about two hours.

The floral part of the business, Barker said, was her “first love.”

“I am the third generation here,” she said. “It’s what I do. It’s what I love. It’s what I’ve always known.”

Knight said he and his mother were self-taught floral designers. They both went to numerous trade shows and seminars to hone their skills. To this day, floral designers at Welborn gain experience through on-the-job training as well as other educational experiences.

Welborn’s employees’ creativity, on-the-job training, instruction from experienced designers and seminars usually add up to an excellent designer, Knight said.

The stores also try to go above and beyond for its clients. For example, employees take turns operating the floral division on Sundays in case customers need to purchase arrangements for loved ones’ funerals.

Welborn’s also has a warehouse where people can purchase items such as silk flowers, ribbons and other do-it-yourself materials.

Knight said his motto is that Welborn’s is reliable, creditable and dependable. He said he enjoys being part of his family’s business because he enjoys fulfilling his clients’ wishes or dreams.

“It’s rewarding to see a family that’s totally happy and made their day,” he said.

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Reader’s Choice Shopping Winners Antique Store

Furniture

Platinum: Mudd’s Furniture Showrooms, Inc. Gold: Crandall’s Home Furnishing Silver: Ashley Furniture

Platinum: Owensboro Antique Mall Gold: Peachtree Antique Gallery Silver: Traders Bakers

Appliance Store

Gift Shop

Platinum: Green River Appliance & TV Gold: Murphy Appliance Company Silver: Lowe’s Home Improvement

Platinum: Baker’s Rack Inc. Gold: Rebecca’s Gift Gallery Silver: Willow Tree

Automotive Dealer Staff

Hardware Store

Platinum: Moore Automotive Team Gold: Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda Silver: Jim Edge Auto

Automotive (Exotic) Platinum: Tapp Motors Gold: Moore Automotive Team Silver: Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda

Automotive (New Cars) Platinum: Moore Automotive Team Gold: Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda Silver: B. F. Evans Ford

Automotive (SUV/Crossovers) Platinum: Moore Automotive Team Gold: Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda Silver: Tapp Motors

Automotive (Trucks) Platinum: Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda Gold: Moore Automotive Team Silver: B. F. Evans Ford

Automotive (Used Cars) Platinum: Moore Automotive Team Gold: Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda Silver: Tapp Motors Silver: Jim Edge Auto

Business That Gives Back

Platinum: Independence Bank Gold: Fetta Speciality Pizza & Spirits Silver: Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn

Carpet/Flooring

Platinum: Carpets Unlimited Gold: Carpet One Discount Floors Silver: Owen Tile

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Platinum: Gordon’s True Value Hardware Gold: Lowe’s Home Improvement Silver: Ace Hardware

Clothing Boutique

Platinum: Blossom’s Gold: Bella Ragazza Silver: Patti’s Resale

Consignment Shop

Platinum: Patti’s Resale Gold: Great Comebacks Silver: Robin’s Resale

Convenience Store

Platinum: Franey’s Food Mart Gold: Hucks Silver: Even Steven Neighborhood Market

DIY Supply Store

Platinum: Lowe’s Home Improvement Gold: Hobby Lobby Silver: Menard’s Silver: Gordon’s True Value Hardware

Farm Equipment Store

Platinum: Rural King Gold: Wright Implement Silver: Tractor Supply

Farm Market

Platinum: Trunnell’s Farm Market Gold: Reid’s Orchard Silver: Farmers Market

Formal Wear

Platinum: Elizabeth’s Wedding & Formal Gold: Savvi Formalwear Silver: Abbington’s Bridal Plus

OWENSBORO

Jewelry

Platinum: Nick T. Arnold Jewelers Gold: Kay Jewelers Silver: Lodan Jewelry Design Studio

Locally Owned

Platinum: Gordon’s True Value Hardware Gold: Nona’s Downtown Market Silver: Trunnell’s Farm Market

Mattress

Platinum: Crandall’s Home Furnishing Gold: King’s Great Buy Plus Silver: Mudd’s Furniture Showrooms, Inc.

New Locally Owned

Platinum: Peacocks & Pearls Boutique Gold: Blossom’s Silver: Bella Ragazza

Place to Buy Tires

Platinum: Raben Tire Co. Gold: Bowen Tire Co. Silver: Beckman’s Tire Co.

Shoe Store

Platinum: Shoe Stop, Inc. Gold: Shoe Carnival Silver: Journey’s

Sporting Goods/ Supply/Golf Equipment

Platinum: Academy Sports Gold: Hibbett Sports Silver: Legends

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The Bakers Rack

Gift Shop • Platinum Choice Bryan Leazenby The Bakers Rack, Inc. • 2690 Frederica Street• Owensboro, KY 42301 Voice: (270) 684-6130 • FAX: (270) 926-6052 • bryan@thebakersrack.com

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The Bakers Rack is thankful and humbled by the continued honor of being named the Platinum selection of the 2015 Readers Choice awards.

In many ways, the award is the result of our community’s, and especially our customers’, influence on our business. Our customers encourage us to introduce new products, and to stock the best brands in the business. Lenox, Juliska, Wedgwood and Waterford are available in Owensboro because of customers’ suggestions.

Of course, products in a space do not make a uirer Inq CHOICE er’ business successful. Service to the customer has been A ng RS our main priority and the reason for the longevity we have enjoyed. Complimentary gift wrapping, local delivery, bridal and baby registries, wish lists and expert 2015 PLATINUM advice when a customer needs it are all parts of the WINNER packages that leave our doors.

A major fire in 2002 ruined the contents of The Bakers Rack, but the Owensboro community rallied around us, offering encouragement, new working space and even meals to our staff as the burned materials were brushed away. Quickly, a new, larger and better store was created in the traditional place. Our customers built us again as they returned. Many thanked us for reopening, but in truth, we thank them for supporting us as no other community could.

Our customers often become friends, and we have enjoyed our long relationship with the Owensboro community. Thank you once again for voting for us, and we look forward to helping you find The Perfect Gift.

Bella Ragazza Boutique Inc. Clothing Boutique • Gold Choice New Locally-Owned • Silver Choice 120 W 2nd St. Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-9546

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for choosing us as your

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Bella Ragazza Boutique carries timeless, ladies apparel in a variety of sizes. The store also has an extensive selection of accessories, jewelry, gifts for men and women and quality home decor. Bella Ragazza uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A is a classy boutique that carries timeless ng RS ladies apparel, jewelry and accessories, men’s and women’s gifts, and quality 2015 home furnishings.

We are so happy to be in downtown Owensboro. This is such a wonderful community in which to live, work, play and start a business.

We feel truly blessed to have the amount of support we’ve received! Our customers and neighbors feel like family. Thank you for choosing us as a favorite boutique!

2015 GOLD WINNE R

Clothing Boutique

120A W. 2nd St. Owensboro, KY 42303 • 270-926-9546

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Blossoms Apparel & Gifts Clothing Boutiques • Platinum Choice New Locally-Owned • Gold Choice

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You have once again humbled and honored us by naming Blossoms Apparel and Gifts your Platinum Choice. What a year 2015 has already proved to be. We have broadened irer u q In er’ CHOICE A ng RS our customer base with the opening of The Shoe Garden 2015 (adjacent to our 805 PLATINUM WINNER Frederica location) and Buds Tweentique (Hampton Inn Waterfront). Both have been well received additions to our ever-blossoming identity. We have also built a large online presence with our e-commerce site, www.shopblossoms. com. It is with your constant loyalty, that we have built a brand. A brand which boasts true, come as you are customer service. After 11 years, it never gets old seeing our “friends” live their lives in our clothes. They take

little pieces of Blossoms everywhere.

We have been present at some of life’s sweetest moments... graduations, job interviews, engagement parties, bridal showers, weddings, and baby showers.

There is truly nothing that makes us more proud!

This community is something special, and our out-of-town frequenters are always the first to let us know how great it is. They love the kind, southern hospitality that is found in our restaurants, our hotels, our downtown, and of course, our Boutiques.

Owensboro has become a destination.

We can only hope to remain a small contributor to the prosperity of the Big O for many more years to come!

With gratitude, Vicki Mills, Jessica McKinley, and the awesome Blossoms Team Blossoms 270.689.2229 The Shoe Garden 270.689.2227 Buds Tweentique 270.689.2220

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Carpets Unlimited/ Crandall’s Home Furnishing Carpet/Floorcovering • Platinum Choice Furniture Store • Gold Choice Mattress Store • Platinum Choice

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Founded in 1969, Carpets Unlimited has grown in many ways over the last four decades. We’ve grown in sales to be the largest volume uirer Inq CHOICE er’ flooring dealer in A ng RS the tri-state, grown to employ more 2015 than 75 installation technicians, grown in size with the addition of Crandall’s Home Furnishings to more than 140,000 square feet of furniture and flooring and grown in stature by being named Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Reader’s Choice PLATINUM WINNER

Platinum Carpet/Flooring Store!

We are also thrilled to be recognized as 2014 Reader’s Choice Gold in Locally Owned stores.

What does this growth mean to our clients? Compare our pricing to our competitors and you will find that we will not be beat on comparable porcelain and ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, furniture or carpet. Our buying power allows us to negotiate the best pricing on the most name brands including Mohawk, Quickstep, DalTile, Ashley, England, Shaw, American Sleep, Franklin, Bruce and Armstrong.

With more than 20 Armstrong

certified installation crews, we can install all of these products in your home on time and guaranteed or we’ll replace it — no questions asked!

We’ve entirely remodeled the showroom for your shopping experience. We’ve also kicked off our new furniture website. Our goal is to make shopping as easy and comfortable as possible.

Yes, Carpets Unlimited has grown since 1969, but we are still small enough to provide the personal touch that makes us the home furnishings store that you can depend on. Let us show you what it means to be treated right!

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Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda Automotive (Trucks) • Platinum Choice Automotive (New Cars) • Gold Choice Automotive (SUV/Crossovers) • Gold Choice Automotive (Used Cars) • Gold Choice Automotive Dealer Staff • Gold Choice Auto Service • Silver Choice Automotive Exotic • Silver Choice Oil Change • Silver Choice

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Thanks so much for all of our outstanding customers who took the time to fill out this Messengeruirer q Inquirer Readers’ Choice n I er’ CHOICE A ng RS ballot. We appreciate your time and your 2015 patronage. Here at Champion, we try hard to be a different kind of dealership, one that respects your time and works hard to earn your business.

We will soon be celebrating our 25th anniversary. It seems like yesterday we PLATINUM WINNER

broke ground on one of the Tri-State’s premier facilities. This year we introduced our No Regrets sales experience. Visit our website for more information: championowensboro.com.

Our facility offers such amenities as a business center, detail center, photo booth, Hunter alignment machine for free customer alignment checks, dedicated Lincoln lounge and more! Thanks again for your vote of confidence, and we look forward to seeing you again here at Champion.

Green River Appliance & TV Appliance Store • Platinum Choice

2012 PLATINUM WINNER

www.go-greenriver.com

Ray Chambers, Green River Appliance

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Winner for 5 Consecutive Years!

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For over 51 years now, Green River Appliance has served the Owensboro area and supplied thousands of major appliances r to our loyal customers. Since quire n I O H er ’ C ICE A ng RS the opening of our new showroom on J.R. Miller 2015 Boulevard, there have been major changes in the appliance industry and in what we offer to the customers. With more than double the selection and the addition of furniture, we’re not appliances anymore, We sincerely thank you again for voting us the best appliance store for the 5th year in a row. Now we are seeking to earn your trust and become the Platinum Choice in the furniture category as well.

2014 PLATINUM WINNER

1130 J.R. Miller Blvd.

683-0258 Store Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Closed Sunday

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Gordon’s True Value Hardware Hardware Store • Platinum Choice Locally-Owned • Platinum Choice DIY Supply Store • Silver Choice

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Lee Gordon, Owner 6180 Kentucky 54, Philpot, (270) 729-4261 316 Booth Ave., (270) 683-1115 2418 Frederica St., (Fireplace & Patio Center), (270) 683-5645 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 12-5 p.m. Sunday uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS Founded in 1982 Philpot location: Full line hardware store, also selling bag feed, 2015 seed and fertilizers as well as farm and livestock supplies Owensboro: Full line hardware store Fireplace Center: Gas logs, stoves and fireplace supplies, gas grills, Big Green Egg grills and patio furniture PLATINUM WINNER

Thanks for voting us your Readers’ Choice! We look forward to serving you in the years to come!

Check out our Thanks for selection of Choosing Us as Your big green eggs! Hardware Store!

Don’t forget your EGGcessories!

The Most Versatile Cooking Device Ever…

Is it a Grill, an Oven or a Smoker?

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2009 GOLD WINNER

BEHIND EVERY PROJECT IS A

GORDON’S FIREPLACE & PATIO CENTER

2418 FREDERICA ST., OWENSBORO, KY 270-683-5645

OWENSBORO

HARDWARE HARDWARE

6180 KY 54, PHILPOT, KY 270-729-4261

3RD QUARTER 2015

Get What You REALLY Want!

PLATINUM WINNER

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521 E. 4th St. 270-684-5237 www.muddsfurniture.com ww

Mudd’s Furniture Showrooms Inc. was established in 1951 by Lawerence and Callista Mudd. For 64 years, out-of-town stores have come and gone, and for 64 years, the small local businesses r quire have survived during bad times -In ’ CHOICE r e A ng RS and good times. Only through the support of you, the people of 2015 Owensboro, and the surrounding communities has this been possible.

We would like to THANK YOU for all your support.

We appreciate being voted as YOUR Platinum Choice Furniture Store for seven consecutive years! In the future, we will do our best to continue providing you with a large selection of quality home furnishings at reasonable prices.

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Furniture Store • Platinum Choice Mattress Store • Silver Choice

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Mudd’s Furniture Showrooms Inc.

PLATINUM WINNER

— David Mudd, Owner

Lodan Jewelry Design Studio Jewelry • Silver Choice

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We would like to thank everyone that voted for Lodan Jewelry Design Studio for the Readers Choice Award. Lodan’s opened on Nov. 15, 2006, and thanks to you, our loyal customers, we have grown over the years to be able to serve you better. uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS We first started in a 500 square foot space (repair shop and show room together). In 2011 we enlarged our 2015 space, but soon outgrew it also.

In 2013, we finished renovations to our showroom and expanding it to over 1,700 square feet. Our goal is to have the most unusual and unique jewelry in the area. Just a few of the services we provide is jewelry repairs, insurance appraisals and watch battery replacement. Our custom design pieces will be second to none and all repairs are done in-house by highly qualified jewelers. Once again THANK YOU for this year’s Readers Choice Award.

SILVER WINNER

Thank You, Tommy, Kim, Logan, and Jordan Rhinerson

3RD QUARTER 2015

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Trunnell’s Farm Market Farm Market • Platinum Choice Locally-Owned • Silver Choice

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Jewelry • Platinum Choice

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20145 PLATINUM WINNER

Owensboro’s Platinum Award Winning Jeweler

Thank You for Choosing Us!

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Thank you, first and foremost. We truly appreciate the opportunity to live in and serve a community that values the hard work and dedication we feel for our craft. It is a pleasure to meet the public and always an interesting journey irer u q In er’ CHOICE A to accomplish the unique goals of each customer. ng RS We hope every person who comes in our store has felt the warmth and eagerness we have to help him or her find that perfect piece for his or her 2015 PLATINUM special occasions, and we welcome the possibility of WINNER doing that for everyone.

Our customers are our friends. They are the people you see in the community who watched our families grow up and supported us in times of hardship. This award is only possible through the generosity and trust of the wonderful people that we can never thank enough.

Know that Nick T. Arnold Jewelers is honored by your vote and that words cannot express our appreciation to all the readership for making this possible.

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Nick T. Arnold Jewelers Owners: Mike and Candy Oakes Business Address: 3630 Frederica Street Business Phone: 270-686-8463 Days/Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Year Founded: 1902 Main Products or Services: We offer a vast selection of merchandise in the store and website. We also do extensive repairs and restoration of jewelry, watches and clocks. We offer our best to our customers including: Lifetime Diamond Trade-up, Financing and Layaway, 30 day return policy and Diamond Warranty.

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We truly appreciate all of our wonderful customers, and a special, heartfelt Thank You goes out to all of you who voted Trunnell’s Farm Market the Platinum Farm Market the last three years. r quire -In ’ CHOICE Trunnell’s Farm Market is here because of you, and r e A ng RS we want to provide you with the highest quality produce, Kentucky Proud items and Farm Fun in the region.

2015 PLATINUM Our mission is to provide a “Remarkable Farm WINNER Experience” to everyone who visits our farm.

Trunnell’s Farm Market & Family Fun Acre combines fresh produce, education, entertainment and fun -- all wrapped into one “Remarkable Farm Experience.” Creating an experience that is memorable and enjoyable for every customer is just what we at Trunnell’s Farm Market, located in Utica, are focusing on.

Our goal is to listen to our customers and act upon the wants or needs they express. This relationship is the cornerstone of the experience that we feel you deserve and desire.

At Trunnell’s Farm Market, we continue to expand our locally-grown product selection as well as grow our farm entertainment area, The Family Fun-Acre. Trunnell’s Farm Market is the flagship Kentucky Proud location for this region.

The project currently underway for the Fall 2015 will undoubtedly continue to take our “Remarkable Farm Experience” to the next level.

We want you, our guest, to become our fan. We hope that you will visit Trunnell’s Farm Market & Family Fun Acre for a “Remarkable Farm Experience!”

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Thank you for choosing us as the Platinum Farm Market and the Silver Locally Owned Business.

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Peacocks & Pearls New Locally Owned • Platinum Choice Deanna M. Johnson, Owner 4431 Springhill Drive Suite B (270) 926-SHOP (7467) 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

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Peacocks and Pearls is so honored to receive the New Locally-Owned Platinum Readers uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS Choice Award for the second year in a row. Due to the 2015 continued support of our customers, we were able to expand our store just 1.5 years after we first opened our doors. In our new, larger location, we are able to offer more shoe options, more clothing sizes, more jewelry and accessories, a new children’s line, more dressing rooms and more room to move around in general. If you haven’t visited our new location yet, we are just a short distance down Highway 54 from our PLATINUM WINNER

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previous location. For those of you on the east side of town, it is still a great location to stop by on your way home from work, and for those of you on the west side of town, it is worth the drive.

We take pride in providing everything from comfortable clothing for running errands, to sophisticated business attire for the office, to elegant styles for your most special occasions. And at all ends of the spectrum, our styles are unique, affordable and quality options that you cannot find in

a department store.

When we started this business just a few short months ago, our goal was to provide an exceptional shopping experience with a fun and homey atmosphere, but we never realized what we would gain in return. Our staff is family and our customers are dear friends. Thank you for making each day a joy to come to work! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see all our new arrivals and promotions.

Thank you, Owensboro, for your continuous support!

2015

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4431 Springhill Drive Suite B • Owensboro KY 42303 270-926-7467 3RD QUARTER 2015

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Patti’s ReSale Consignment Store • Platinum Choice Clothing Boutique • Silver Choice

Thanks Owensboro for choosing us!

Martha Acquisto and Patti Acquisto, owners 605 Park Plaza Drive (270) 684-9679 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday

Since 1971

605 Park Plaza Dr. Owensboro, KY 42301

(270) 684-9679 mon.-sat. 10-5

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Patti’s Resale

Patti’s ReSale features a wide selection of ladies clothing and accessories as well as formal gowns at its convenient location. Patti’s Prom Shop is next door to the uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS consignment shop. We’ve also added furniture and kid’s clothing.

We are so grateful to our loyal customers for 2015 voting us as the Platinum Choice Consignment Shop again this year. It is our goal to provide the best for our customers and our future customers.

Thank you for supporting our business since 1971. We will continue with the best customer service and providing the best product we can. Thanks for shopping local!

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Reid’s Orchard

Home of Reid’s Apple Festival

Farm Market • Gold Choice Family Outing • Silver Choice 4818 KY 144 270-685-2444

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It all started with a love for peaches. In 1873, Allan Reid, left a little village in Scotland. Upon arriving in America and settling in Kentucky, he fell in love with peaches and uirer Inq CHOICE erapples. From the beginning, the orchard was ’ A ng RS an enterprise.

The farm was passed down to his son, Robert Reid Sr., when his sons Robert Jr. 2015 GOLD WINNER and John joined the business and the name changed to Robert Reid and Sons Orchard.

In 1978, Robert Reid Jr. left the business and John’s son, Billy joined the family business now known as Reid’s Orchard. Billy Reid, present owner and grower, continues the tradition of new technology.

Today Reid’s Orchard produces strawberries, apples, peaches, blackberries, pears, cherries, all types of vegetables and fall decorations for their farm market. In 1986 the family initiated a gathering for the community; the “Apple Festival”, which today hosts 25,000 people. The Reid family wants to continue to diversify, to grow and to serve the community but most especially to pass the traditions on to the 6th generation.

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3RD QUARTER 2015

Shoe Stop Inc. Shoe Store • Platinum Choice managed business.

Most of the associates here, including myself, are from the Owensboro market. This is our home as well as yours. Receiving this award clearly tells us you appreciate our business together.

You have our commitment to continue to search out the “fashion right” products for every season and deliver those to you at competitive prices. It’s not just product and not just price­— we appreciate the relationships we’ve built

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Mark Shively, Owner 4650 Frederica St. • 270-686-7508 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. ., Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.

- 6 p.m. Sunday

Founded in 1999, Shoe Stop Inc. specializes in branded family footwear, from baby shoes to work boots, as well as the “fashion right” uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS items of the season.

We also have certified pedorthists on staff for 2015 prescription footwear, custom orthotics, or anyone who experiences foot pain.

We are so fortunate to be blessed with a solid management team, a loyal staff and a very trendy and fun customer base. We greatly appreciate the loyalty and confidence our customers have placed in us by voting for Shoe Stop again as their favorite shoe store. Thanks for voting a locally owned familyPLATINUM WINNER

with our customers.

We appreciate the partnerships we’ve established to help others by working with Angels for Ashley cooking team to benefit St. Jude Hospital, Shop with a Cop, the Goodfellows Club and the literally 1,000s of pairs of shoes donated to Water’s Edge and Soles for Souls.

In closing, I want to express a true appreciation to our staff.

The one-on-one daily interaction with our customers is what earned this award. We will commit to continue bringing you the best brands across the country with the best service and the most knowledgeable staff at prices that will remain competitive.

THANK YOU, OWENSBORO!

2012 PLATINUM WINNER

2015 PLATINUM WINNER

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You Made Us #1 Again And Our Job Is To Keep It!

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Towne Square North • 270-686-7508 • Locally Owned & Operated OPEN 9 AM - 9 PM Monday - Saturday • 11 AM - 6 PM Sunday

2014 PLATINUM WINNER

Your Neighbors. Your Friends.

YOUR LOCAL FIVE STAR PLATINUM CHOICE SHOE STORE! 3RD QUARTER 2015

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Wright Implement Farm Equipment • Gold Choice Ben Wright, Owner 3225 Carter Road and inside Towne Square Mall • (270) 683-3606, (270) 6851595 or 1 (800) 252-3904 Route 3 Kentucky 261 South, Hardinsburg • (270) 756-5152 Normal business hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. – noon Saturday

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At Wright Implement Company, we continue our commitment of being everything you need uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A ng RS in an implement store and more. We will continue to offer you 2015 the highest quality products available to make your job faster and easier. We will continue to offer you impeccable service — unmatched by anyone.

Over the years, we have grown into GOLD WINNER

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a full-line 5-Star John Deere dealer — which means we will have what you need when you need it. From the full-line of combines, tractors and implement accessories you need on the farm — to the smallest replacement part to keep you going — we are here for you when you need us.

Additionally, we offer the full-line of John Deere commercial and residential mowers; including lawn tractors, zeroturn mowers, self-propelled push mowers, and all accessories.

And don’t forget the one and only John Deere Gator!

Plus, we also offer John Deere branded clothing, hats, toys for the kids, collectibles and much more.

Our philosophy for business is to focus on YOU — the customer — and it’s quite simple:

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Because the customer has a need, we have a job to do.

Because the customer has a choice, we must be the better choice.

Because the customer has sensibilities, we must be considerate.

Because the customer has an urgency, we must be quick.

Because the customer is unique, we must be flexible.

Because the customer has high expectations, we must excel.

Because the customer has influence, we have the hope of more customers.

Because of the customer, we exist!

So bring the whole family by the store soon, have a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn on us, and let us show you around our expanded showroom. We have something for everyone. You’ll never go wrong with Wright!

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Smart Money

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON • MESSENGER-INQUIRER

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anking has become more accessible since the world of online and mobile banking has made a presence in the lives of consumers.

Being able to check a balance, transfer money and chat with a loan officer via teleconference is no longer a thing of the past. But while paperless transactions are reducing paper costs, the physical bank and its financial consultants are still just as important.

Kevin Schwartz, a partner at Myriad CPA Group, said he thinks mobile and online banking can be a good thing, as long as people keep their personal information safe.

“Mobile and Internet banking is where ever ything is headed,” Schwartz said. “While there is

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always a risk when you put personal information online, as long as you have a strong password with characters and upper and lowercase letters and close your browser after using the Internet, you should be pretty safe.”

Schwartz said even people who bank only on paper need to shred all important documents before disposing of them.

According to an article on bankrate. com titled, “5 Tech Trends Driving the 74

Future of Banking,” banks already are rolling out banking software for iPads and tablets and thinking of new ways to structure bank accounts, Brett King, author of “Bank 3.0,” said.

“The number of transactions in branches is plummeting,” King said.

“Customers don’t visit branches as often, “because people do so much more of their day-to-day banking without them.”

Even with the shift to technology, OWENSBORO

Schwartz said having a relationship with a banker or loan officer is important because it can help when making decisions on loans, especially a business loan.

“Having a personal loan officer will also help you when deciding how much to borrow for a car or a house,” he said. “They can help you walk through those big decisions.

The relationship with the bank is important.”

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WE THINK THE BEST WAY TO SOLVE ACCOUNTING PROBLEMS

Is to sit down in front of you and LISTEN. (CALL US OLD-FASHIONED, WE DON’T MIND.) KEVIN W. SCHWARTZ,

CPA, MBA, CGME, PARTNER

Every CPA firm should ask their clients hard questions. Your firm should dig deep to know what is behind your specific situation: your insight...your motivation.

But, at Myriad CPA Group, it's our not just the questions we ask or the insight we look to obtain – it's the act of LISTENING that is the linchpin of our practice.

Well-versed in industries as broad as financial institutions and utilities to your neighbor's retail shop or the corner store – it’s our ability not just to ask but then to listen to your greatest concerns – that makes the difference.

At Myriad CPA Group, from the front door to a partner’s offices to every one along the way – we speak a numerically-astute language, and listen intently as we seek to enable empower and encourage our clients…to succeed.

So, go ahead and call us old-fashioned, you can reach us at 1-270-691-8981.

CALL TOLL FREE: (866) 827-1577 • WWW.MYRIADCPA.COM • EVANSVILLE • HENDERSON • OWENSBORO • MORGANTOWN

3RD QUARTER 2015

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lossoming

USINESS

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON MESSENGER-INQUIRER

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n a bright pink building surrounded by flowers on the corner of Eighth and Frederica streets, sits Blossom’s, one of Owensboro’s many boutiques.

Vicki Mills opened the boutique in 2004 as a maternity boutique.

After 20 years as a wife and stay-at-home mom of five, Mills had the idea to start her own business, specializing in maternity wear. She said she personally knew the difficulties of finding stylish clothing for pregnant women and she

wanted to see that change. But, after two years, Mills knew she needed to change direction.

“Maternity is a very small niche,” Mills said. “And shutting my doors was not an option.”

Mills then decided to pair up with her daughter, Jessica Mills McKinley, and reinvent Blossom’s.

By this time, McKinley had graduated from the University of Kentucky, so the two paired up to expand Blossom’s into what Mills says is “a stylish and affordable boutique for everyone.” The name of the boutique changed from Blossom’s Maternity & More to Blossom’s.

Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer/geans@messenger-inquirer.com

Earrings by artist Kendra Scott on display at Blossoms Apparel & Gifts.

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Boutique has grown from maternity wear to fashion for everyone

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Blossom’s recently won the platinum choice for best clothing boutique and gold choice for new local boutique in the Messenger-Inquirer’s seventh annual Reader’s Choice Awards.

McKinley, who has a business degree from the UK, handles all of the social media marketing, such as promoting the store on Facebook and Instagram.

“Working with my daughter makes me so proud,” Mills said. “Jessica is much more laid back than I am and that makes for a pretty good mix.”

From the minute a person walks into Blossom’s, he or she is likely to be greeted with a smile from Mills or McKinley, who are both energetic and always on the move. The pair can be seen all over the store ringing up orders or helping a customer pick out the perfect outfit for themselves or a friend.

Mills said McKinley has taken the store to a new level by reaching out to people in the community through the Internet. She said McKinley has been able to reach out to more millenials by reaching them on their smartphones.

“Our customers have become our friends,” Mills said. “We like being in contact with them.”

Mills said working with her daughter is a blast and that the two are always laughing and enjoying their work together.

“I look forward to many more years together,” Mills said. “We believe laughter is the best medicine.”

According to Blossom’s website, the boutique offers young contemporary clothing, as well as apparel for the professional and young at heart.

Blossom’s stocks dresses, rompers, tops, bottoms, sweaters, jackets, accessories and gifts such as mugs from Ashley Brooke Designs.

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are from the area. New arrivals are posted on Blossom’s website and Instagram.

They also promote social media sales to encourage more traffic in the store.

Erin Warren, a sales associate at Blossom’s, said she absolutely loves her job at Blossom’s.

“Just getting to work and interact with so many different people is fun,” she said. “It makes every day an adventure.”

Warren helps wrap presents purchased in the store and works on the floor as a sales associate. She said working at Blossom’s is great because she gets to work with a fun team of employees who truly care about their job and the customers they serve.

“The fun thing about working at a boutique is getting to build relationships with customers,” Warren said. “You don’t get to know the customers as well working at a mall.”

Warren said she thinks boutiques are more popular because of the one-on-one attention customers receive. She said when she lived “down south,” she would usually prefer to shop at boutiques rather than chain stores at a large mall; her reasoning was the selection of clothes and the personable, helpful staff she encountered.

“Helping customers find an outfit they

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like and feel good in makes work fun,” Warren said. “The relationships are fun.

People who start out as customers become our friends.”

Mills said she believes a boutique takes on the personality of its owners.

“It is more than just buying a dress, it is involvement and support of our community,” she said. “We give back, and are always there to help a friend in need.”

Mills said one of the best thing about her business is customers have watched a vacant corner on Frederica Street transform into what she thinks is the “cutest corner in Owensboro” Mills said Blossom’s has expanded by adding The Shoe Garden and Buds Tweentique to the boutique earlier this year. The Shoe Garden is about 50 feet from the original shop at 805 Frederica St., and Buds Tweentique is in the Hampton Inn & Suites Owensboro Downtown/ Waterfront. Buds Tweentique sells sizes from 7 to 15.

With good business and the new additions to the store, Mills is staying busy.

“Every day is different,” Mills said.

“People that know me, know I can’t sit still. When I was a little girl, my nickname was Cricket. I love that I can always find something that I can do better.”

OWENSBORO

Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer/ geans@messenger-inquirer.com

Blossoms Apparel & Gifts owner Vicki Mills steams a one-piece romper outfit on May 14 before hanging it for sale at the business at 805 Frederica Street.

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Serving Kentucky & Southern Indiana

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SERVICES PROVIDED:

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800.264.0013 Office: 270.684.4013 Fax: 270.684.0535 www.thelivingstongroupky.com

PROFESSIONAL SUPPLIES. . . PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SINCE 1967

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OWENSBORO

3RD QUARTER 2015

Independence Bank Business That Gives Back • Platinum Choice Financial Institution • Platinum Choice Place to Work • Silver Choice

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Independence Bank Locations: 2425 Frederica St., (270) 686-1776 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.–noon uirer Inq CHOICE er’ A Saturday ng RS 2465 Parrish Ave., (270) 689-1696 2015 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday– Thursday; 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Friday; 9 a.m.–noon Saturday (Drive-thru only) 3228 Kentucky 54, (270) 689-1979 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.–noon Saturday (Drive-thru only) PLATINUM WINNER

Founded in 1909 and opened in

3RD QUARTER 2015

Daviess County in 1997, Independence Bank offers a complete line of products and services for individuals, businesses, farmers and charitable organizations, including checking, savings and lending along with Trust and Brokerage services.

Independence Bank is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Independence Bank is bringing a revolution in banking through our insistence on doing things the right way, even when others may choose the easy way. We always put our customers and communities first, which has helped us achieve great strength and growth over our 100-plus year history. This past year we were able to give back close to $1 million dollars to the communities we serve.

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This revolutionary way of thinking is why we’ve been named one of the top performing community banks in the nation by the American Banker’s Association, ranking in the top 10 for five years in a row; and it’s how we can continue to provide Everyday Excellence to our customers and communities’ year after year.

Independence Bank is proud to serve such a great community and those who live in it, and it’s because of this support that we are being recognized today.

Thank you to all of our voters, customers and community support!

Independence Bank has 20 locations in ten counties across western and eastern Kentucky with three locations right here in Daviess County.

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AT INDEPENDENCE BANK, CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY COME FIRST. THANK YOU FOR RETURNING THE FAVOR. 2015 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Platinum Choice Financial Institution – Seven years in a row

Platinum Choice Business That Gives Back – Four-time winner Silver Choice Place to Work

TO LEARN MORE ABOU T WHAT WE DO, VISIT 1776BANK.COM.

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2425 Frederica St. 270-686-1776

2465 Parrish Ave. 270-689-1696 OWENSBORO

3228 Highway 54 270-689-1979

Member FDIC

3RD QUARTER 2015