GO Business Q4 2016 by Tanner Publishing Co.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

FROM THE CHAMBER CANDANCE BRAKE

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

SUMMER TOURISM RECORDS

ALORICA

to communicate these things to you and connects with City Hall, the Courthouse, Frankfort and DC on items that impact your bottom line. You belong to an association of nearly 1,000 other businesses and organizations that believe as you – that together, our voice is stronger and that prosperity and success are contagious. And the bottom line is this: the Chamber needs each member. You may be one of our very active members, or you may be so busy that you are unable to break away and participate in events. Regardless, you are important. Through the years, our Chamber has been a driving part of some of the most exciting, groundbreaking, and time-tested community change, projects, initiatives, and ideas. Just imagine if no one invested and our Chamber was no longer here. Our members make us happen. And they inspire us every day. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Chairman It is the fourth quarter, down to my last quarter as your Chair of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. What an amazing honor it has been to serve you in this capacity and have the opportunity to work alongside what I believe to be the finest chamber staff in the nation. We have accomplished so much in three quarters, but have so much more to do and like the final quarter in a basketball game, the success of this year can be determined by these last few minutes. It would be impossible to list everything we have done over the past three quarters in this column, but as I reflect, there are a few things that we as a Chamber are extremely proud to have accomplished. In a very short time period, we assembled one of the largest groups of Owensboro Chamber members ever to visit Washington, DC and spent valuable time with some of the most powerful elected officials in our nation. After more than 20 years, the William H. Natcher Parkway finally received the shield designating the 70-mile stretch of parkway as an I-65 Spur which solidified our community joining the interstate system. Turning 35 in October will be bittersweet, but knowing I’m still considered a young professional is part of the “sweet” because the Chamber Young Professionals organization is near and dear to my heart. The Chamber embarked on a

O.Z. TYLER

President & CEO

Is it already the fourth quarter? When I was younger, I remember older people in my life talking about how quickly the years pass. I must be old. The months are flying by. 2016 has been particularly quick and eventful in our community. Our Board Chair Adam Hancock reflects in his column about the array of things done in 2016 and the things yet to do. Adam’s leadership and approach to solving issues make complex things achievable. Because of his leadership, we have made giant leaps this year. Amidst all of those big items, the announcements, the community priorities accomplished, the events, the transportation goals achieved by Greater Owensboro… we are proudly serving our members every day here at the Chamber. We talk daily about our membership. How to serve them better, how to offer valuable tools they need, opportunities to connect with different markets and a ready workforce… And many times we are celebrating recent successes of our members. Those are the best! So one of the toughest questions to answer from members is “what do I get for my membership?” It isn’t a tough question to answer because I don’t have an answer. I could talk for hours about why investing in any Chamber is good for any business. It is tough to answer because I see it every hour of every day – and I have seen it play out in our community since I was 18 in Owensboro and started paying attention to things going on in my great Hometown. Chambers are good for business. Period. What does a Greater Owensboro Chamber member get for their investment? You get a group of people who wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night thinking of ways to help your business or organization find new markets. You have an organization that watches trends and regulations, that works

ADAM HANCOCK

1-65 SPUR

restructuring of this organization by returning to its roots and creating a solid foundation for success. The individuals in leadership and on their board have taken this organization to new heights and created a buzz like we have never seen. We also accumulated feedback from Chamber members in 2015 and spent the first half of 2016 doing an in-depth study of workforce issues in order to help us create a plan to address those issues for our members. We have big hopes for progress going forward. Obviously, those are only some of the highlights and we have significant work to do over the next three months. In these months, we will bring you the Red, White, and Blue Picnic on October 27, statewide legislative offices will have a candidate forum on November 1, and on November 3 the Owensboro City Commission and mayoral candidates will have their candidate forum. We will also spend the latter half of November and December laying out our 2017 plan of work, which will be led by your next Chair, Wade Jenkins. There are so many great things going on in Owensboro. Hopefully, each of you can see our Chamber’s influence in many of these things. Thank you for allowing me to be the Chair of our Chamber, at close to 1,000 members strong, we are the envy of many Chambers across the nation.

PUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Tanner jason@tannerwest.com

FEATURES:

4TH QUARTER 2016

MANAGING EDITOR

Danny May danny@tannerpublishing.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Brock Quinton brock@tannerpublishing.com Robert Williams robert@tannerpublishing.com

COPY EDITOR

OWENSBORO’S BOURBON REVIVAL

Ashley Murphy

GRAPHIC DESIGN Taylor West

LAYOUT DESIGN

Andrea Roberson

PHOTOGRAPHERS David Grinnell Taylor West

PETS IN THE WORKPLACE

PRINTING

Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce 200 E. 3rd St., Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-1860 chamber.owensboro.com

TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

THE IMPACT OF A MEMBERSHIP

8 16 20 24 26 28 29

THE CHAMBER REPORT OWENSBORO’S BOURBON REVIVAL CHAMBER WORKS EXPO BOOTH SNAPSHOTS PAST BOARD LUNCHEON PETS IN THE WORKPLACE ALORICA, WELCOME TO OWENSBORO! BUSINESS OF THE YEAR SPOTLIGHT Junior Achievement of Western KY The Scrub Shoppe

32 34 38

GO BUSINESS UPDATE

THE FINAL ANALYSIS

Fastenlink™

THE IMPACT OF A MEMBERSHIP 10 QUESTIONS

Col. Art Ealum, Chief of Police, Owensboro Police Department Jaclyn Graves

DID ? YOU

KNOW Can you guess which Chamber member plays banjo in a 3-piece acoustic band in his spare time? FIND OUT ON PAGE 41

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

THE CHAMBER REPORT

MEET THE CHAMBER STAFF

LAUREN NUNEZ

Role and title at the Chamber: Administrative Assistant. I do a little work for everybody - answer phones, work on our website, help Jessica with events, help Jaclyn with ribbon cuttings. My main goal right now is to promote The Chamber and the work that we are doing for our members and this community. I am trying to improve our presence on social media, specifically Facebook and Instagram.

Favorite concert: Last year my mom took me and my sister to see Shania Twain, so it was like a childhood dream come true. She was awesome.

Start Date: July 11, 2016; my birthday!

Best thing about working for the Chamber: I really like the environment here. I was afraid my first job would be in a cubicle without much contact with people. But here all their doors are open and people are always coming in. Everyone is encouraging.

Most famous person you’ve ever met: Taylor Swift. When I was 13, ten years ago, before she was really big. She opened for Brad Paisley and she came out to her table during Brad’s set.

Favorite thing about working for the Chamber: I like getting to be creative: designing the website, writing emails through Constant Contact.

Proudest moment so far: The Chamber Golf Classic was a big accomplishment for Jessica, so we were all happy that it went so smoothly and that the rain held off. I was happy to be a part of it.

Hometown: Henderson. I still live there. College: Murray State. Go Racers!

Netflix or Theater? I’m more of a Redbox person. I wait till it comes out on video.

Major: Public relations with a minor in real estate. Why Owensboro? I’ve always loved Owensboro, and my sister lives here. I love the downtown.

Favorite board game? The Game of Life because it’s interesting to see how people react to the obstacles. I’ll always be terrible at it, but I love it.

Favorite movie: I love football movies like We Are Marshall and The Blindside, but my favorite is Remember the Titans. I can quote the entire thing.

What surprises you the most about working for the Chamber? I didn’t realize the Chamber did so much. We are there for everything that goes on in the community whether it’s Chamber facilitated or not. Candance has such a voice in so many things. It’s neat to see the little things that go into everything. I really don’t know how a community functions without a Chamber.

Favorite song to sing along to: Well, I’m a country music girl, so Travis Tritt: “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.” I listen to it almost every morning on the way to work.

PHOTO BY DREAM COPY PHOTOGRAPHY

Favorite vacation or trip: When I was a kid, we followed the UK basketball team to Puerto Rico for a tournament over Thanksgiving. I was probably six, so I remember the players towering over me because they were so tall.

What project are you working on right now? Updating our website to be more centered around our members. I’m trying to provide an outlet for them to post job opportunities and upcoming events or promotions.

THE BIG PICTURE

I-65 SPUR 13.81

20 70 4

million dollar projected cost to reconstruct the interchange at the Natcher Parkway/U.S. 231 intersection

million dollars of federal funding

miles

year plan to upgrade Natcher Parkway to Interstate Standards

counties along the corridor (Daviess, Ohio, Butler, Warren)

community entities (Chamber, GO-EDC, City of Owensboro, & Daviess County)

voice focused on this Community Priority

“The I-65 Spur will be transformational. Not only will it attract key investors to Western Kentucky, but it will improve the commute for motorists across the region.”

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

GOV. BEVIN

EXECUTIVE ANSWERS

ON THE RECORD

Why does Chamber membership matter? ALAN BRADEN

RICHARD E. BROWN

LAURA S. CHAPMAN, MBA

I have been a self-employed business owner in Owensboro for over 40 years. For most of that time, I have been a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Although, I am not as active in the Chamber committees and the Board as I once was, I continue to support the Chamber. Why? Actually, for several reasons – all dealing with what the Chamber does to support its members and how it helps the community as a whole. The Rooster Booster Breakfasts alone are worth the price of membership. They provide education and an opportunity to network with other members.

My experience with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce began under the leadership of Lou Alvey Jones, Jane Haase, and David Adkisson. Being selected for the 1988 Leadership Owensboro class increased my interest in its community objectives, of which I was invited to become a member of the RiverPark board and an advocate for the recruitment of the Scott Paper Company (now Kimberly Clark.)

My family and I moved to Owensboro more than five years ago and found a strong sense of community and local partnerships that made it easy to admire our new city. As we became more involved, we grew aware of the footprint of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce that was visible in so many of the interests to which we gravitated; from our employment and professional development opportunities to education, entertainment, and community/ political issues.

OWNER BRADEN FINANCIAL SERVICES

As a graduate of Leadership Owensboro, I can attest to the benefits of that program. The knowledge received regarding the community and the development of community leaders along with the lifelong relationships are three benefits that come readily to mind. Not to mention the advocacy for small businesses that the Chamber provides – tax reform, support for the I-65 link, public forums for candidates and public issues! Let’s not forget the Chamber Young Professionals, Business After Hours, spotlighting local businesses. Like most things in life, we reap what we sow. The Chamber is no different. The more you participate – the more you personally benefit. After all these years, my conclusion is that the Owensboro Greater Chamber is a terrific value for small businesses! If you are not now a member, I urge you to join and participate!

PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER OWENSBORO CAREER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, INC.

As a community activist promoting educational, employment, and health issues that would improve the minority community, I began looking at mechanisms by which I could best transfer some of the same learned goals that the Chamber was promoting to my community. In 1983, several individuals in the black community met for the purpose of establishing an organization that would address some of our concerns relating to education and employment. As a result, the Owensboro Career Development Association was established. We needed a network by which we could get our message to the general public so we joined the Chamber. Receiving current information on state and local issues has been beneficial for our organization. Through our participation, we have communicated through our media network to many of our community churches and organizational leadership on current events and training programs. Not only has the Chamber been a network for which we could promote our agenda and mission, it has also been a good match for me personally and for our organization.

SENIOR FINANCIAL AND BUDGETING ACCOUNTANT OWENSBORO MUNICIPAL UTILITIES

Dedicated to its mission, the Chamber of Commerce provides leadership, advocacy and member services to grow and promote our region. It is not only a powerful marketing agent and resource for its members but also a strong advocate for the issues and values that matter most to us. It represents a successful partnership with our community and those that seek to provide goods and services. Chamber membership is vital for every business or organization because of the Chamber’s commitment to the needs and goals of the small and large entities as well as to the people of this region. It plays a major role in fostering what makes our city a great place to live, raise a family and have enriched employment or business opportunities. Membership affirms, to the public, a willingness to assist in the further advancement of our community and promote the quality of life and its benefits that we all enjoy.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

THE CHAMBER REPORT

EVENT SCHEDULE:

CHAMBER BEHIND THE SCENES:

OCTOBER EVENTS

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO HUMAN NEEDS AND SERVICES October 20

CYP HAPPY HOUR

Haley-McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory October 20 // 5:30 p.m.

RED, WHITE AND BLUE PICNIC Daviess County Courthouse Lawn October 27 // 4 p.m.

NOVEMBER EVENTS

CHAMBER ISSUES FORUM STATE REPRESENTATIVES

Owensboro Community & Technical College Blandford Lecture Hall November 1 // 5 p.m.

ROOSTER BOOSTER BREAKFAST Sponsored by Kentucky Wesleyan College Owensboro Convention Center November 3 // 7:30 a.m.

CHAMBER ISSUES FORUM MAYOR & CITY COMMISSIONERS

BINGO IS THE GAME-O

It’s a fun way to spread the ShopOwensboro love around. “There

CYP LUNCHEON MEETING

ShopOwensboro, the Chamber’s annual “shop local” initiative held on Small Business Saturday (the day after Black Friday) is taking on a new theme this year.

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO EDUCATION IN OUR COMMUNITY

Saturday, November 26, local bargain hunters are asked to play a little game of BINGO - ShopOwensboro style!

Owensboro High School Auditorium November 3 // 5 p.m.

ELECTION DAY - GO VOTE! November 8

Old National Bank Conference Room November 10 // 11:30 a.m.

November 10

NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST

Commerce Center November 11 // 8:30 a.m.

CYP HAPPY HOUR AND TOUR O.Z. Tyler Distillery November 17 // 5:30 p.m.

SHOP OWENSBORO

DECEMBER EVENTS

ROOSTER BOOSTER BREAKFAST Sponsored by Junior Achievement Owensboro Convention Center December 1 // 7:30 a.m.

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO INNOVATION AND GROWTH December 15

CYP HOLIDAY CELEBRATION December 17 // 7 p.m.

*Events are added daily. See our website chamber.owensboro.com for an updated calendar of events.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

will be different variations of cards distributed evenly among the bags the shoppers pick up at the kickoff so it’s fair,” Kirk added.

THE KICKOFF The ShopOwensboro kickoff is an

HOW TO PLAY

event in and of itself, complete with

Here’s how it works:

door prizes and coffee to get shoppers

Shoppers pick up a BINGO card at the kickoff, plot their routes, and begin their day of shopping, marking off the designated spaces for the stores they visit to form the winning straight lines, diagonals, four corners, or similar configurations to claim their prizes. “The BINGO cards will add some fun,” says Chamber Program and Events Manager, Jessica Kirk, who is organizing the day. “We expect most people will start where they normally like to shop, but when they need one certain spot on the card, they may end up going someplace they normally wouldn’t go.”

charged up and ready to shop. There will be two kickoffs, one at the Independence Bank 54 location and the other at the Independence Square location at 2425 Frederica Street. The kickoff is an open house format, where shoppers drop in, pick up their shopping bags and BINGO cards, grab some coffee, and get to shopping! Maps with participating stores are also included in the shoppers’ bags, along with coupons and hours of operation.

SHOP OWENSBORO FIRST

community between the businesses,” says Bella

After participating in American Express’s national “Small Business Saturday” campaign since 2013, last year the Chamber slightly switched the focus from Shop Small Saturday to ShopOwensboro, giving the initiative a local focus.

Regazza owner, Natasha Gaw. “We’ve got to

“What we’re telling people is shop Owensboro first, then look online or in another town,” Kirk explains.

participating stores last year by taking

Last year’s ShopOwensboro, unfortunately, had to contend with terrible weather, but the cold rain wasn’t enough to keep the die-hard shoppers away. ShopOwensboro 2015 utilized a “passport card” that was stamped at each stop like a passport. Despite the cold and rain, the exposure the small businesses received was truly a bright spot. Katherine Taylor of Studio Slant, for example, said the studio saw it’s best Small Business Saturday in five years. “We saw generations of families get their shopping bags. Everyone from kids to parents, to grandparents, and relatives visiting from out of town,” Kirk said.

lift each other up because we’re working for a common goal.” Even Independence Bank, as the event sponsor, went out of their way to encourage cupcakes and cookies to shops to wish them “good luck.” Not to mention their extra effort to promote the event through all of their branches and media outlets.

#GOCHAMBER To draw attention to ShopOwensboro in the coming weeks, each participating store will have a promotional Instagram cut-out where people can take selfies and share on social media. Stores can decorate the cut-outs however they want and are encouraged to use the hashtag #GoChamber on Instagram and Twitter.

FOLLOW THE LOOP 15 stores are collaborating to form a “loop” on Instagram, which is a term for a certain list of actions to be followed in a certain amount of

CHEERLEADERS FOR COMMERCE From the Chamber’s perspective, Kirk says ShopOwensboro is one of the most enjoyable days of the year because it’s so much fun to support the participating businesses and shops. “Owensboro is good about supporting local shops and businesses on a wide scale, but this one day really focuses on local businesses and brings a lot of awareness to the movement.” BINGO cards aside, ShopOwensboro is not a competition. It’s not divisive among local businesses; the day is really about strength in unity.

time. The 15 participating stores in the loop post the same picture with exact instructions at the same time, which are linked back to the other 14 stores. Followers then follow the directions, sort of like a virtual scavenger hunt, until they complete the loop back to the original store’s post they started from.

BY THE NUMBERS

SHOPOWENSBORO 2015 36 PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES 350 SHOPPING BAG PACKETS GIVEN AWAY AT KICKOFF

Businesses who participated in the past serve as coaches and cheerleaders for firsttime participating businesses. “It promotes a

300-400 FOLLOWERS ON SOCIAL

MEDIA SEVERAL BUSINESSES REPORTED GAINING DIRECTLY FROM SHOPOWENSBORO

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

THE CHAMBER REPORT

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS MARSHALL VENTURES FUND MAKES REGIONAL INVESTMENT INTO CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY Marshall Ventures has invested $290,000 in Nectar Technologies, a company based in Henderson, KY working on a new clean coal technology. This is the first regional investment for Marshall Ventures Fund, a $2 million micro-venture fund made up of sixteen local investors led by Fund Manager, John Moore. The deal was presented to Marshall Ventures by Joe Berry, the regional representative for the Kentucky Innovation Network. “The Owensboro Office of the Kentucky Innovation Network would like to offer its heartfelt congratulations to Nectar Technologies and Marshall Ventures on their new endeavor. The technology developed by Nectar has the potential to revolutionize the coal industry in Western Kentucky, and we are very excited about the continued growth of this company in our region,” said Berry. For additional information about the fund, visit marshallventures.com or contact Jamie Johnson directly at 270-993-3766.

FIRST SECURITY BANK CREATES THREE NEW POSITIONS First Security Bank has hired Angela Morris PHR, SHRM-CP, as Senior Human Resources Generalist and has promoted Rhonda Wells to Vice President/Training and Development Coordinator. These two new positions have been created to support the continued growth in number of employees at the bank. To enhance its growing retail banking division, First Security Bank has created a new sales management position. Krista Niehaus has been named Vice President/Sales and Service Manager in that role.

FIRST SECURITY INC UPGRADED TO OTCQX MARKET First Security Inc. (FIIT), the bank holding company for First Security Bank, Inc., announced that the Company has upgraded

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

to the OTCQX market from the Pink market effective July 21, 2016. OTCQX is designed for investor-focused companies, and ensures that investors and brokers have the information necessary to intelligently analyze, value, and trade their securities. Trading on OTCQX will provide an efficient trading market for current shareholders, and increase visibility to expand the investor base. Companies must meet high financial standards, demonstrate compliance with U.S. securities laws, be current in their disclosures, and be sponsored by a professional third-party advisor to qualify for OTCQX. The investment firm Raymond James & Associates will become a market maker in the stock and begin quoting a market in First Security, Inc. shares. An independent study of companies that have moved to OTCQX in the past three years noted the following improvements: • Trading volume by number of shares increased by 53% on average • Dollar volumes increased similarly by 57% • Bid-ask spreads narrowed by 4% on average • The number of broker-dealers per security rose on average by 16% Shareholder inquiries regarding buying or selling shares of First Security, Inc. should be directed to Mr. Anthony LanFranca with Raymond James & Associates at (312) 655-2961 or (800) 800- 4693.

ACCELERGY CORPORATION AND OWENSBORO GRAIN, LLC ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO DEVELOP AND MARKET ADVANCED BIOSPECIALTY PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS Accelergy Corporation and Owensboro Grain, LLC announced an alliance to globally commercialize a suite of advanced BioSpecialty Production Technologies for a range of solvent, lubricant, and performance fluid products. The initial feedstocks will be soy-based but the companies plan to include a full range of biobased feeds in the future. Accelergy and Owensboro Grain recently completed a highly successful commercial scale demonstration project with a globally

recognized leader in specialty chemicals production. The companies are now pursuing commercial applications in both domestic and international markets through a newly formed company, Owensboro Grain and Accelergy BioSpecialties, LLC (OG&A BioSpecialties, LLC). The companies intend to commercialize and market Biowax-PHTM and BioFAMEPHTM oleo-chemicals, together with a range of formulated renewable performance fluids for multiple industrial applications. “Owensboro Grain has a history of seeking opportunities for product diversification around our core business of soybean processing,” said John Wright, Owensboro Grain’s Executive Vice President. “We view the expansion into high performance specialty products as another step in the execution of this strategy. We believe Accelergy and their technology partners offer state-of-theart platforms that will enable us to develop superior product offerings for the growing renewables market. We are excited to add Accelergy as a strategic partner as we continue to focus on broadening the market and customer base for Owensboro Grain’s soy based products.”

OWENSBORO RIVERPORT PRESIDENT & CEO APPOINTED TO NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD John Wright, Owensboro Riverport President & CEO, is one of 29 new members appointed to the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Board by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. The MTSNAC is comprised of leaders from commercial transportation firms, ship construction, repair and recycling, trade associations, state and local public entities, labor organizations, academics, and environmental groups that advise the Secretary and the Maritime Administration on policies to ensure that the U.S. Marine Transportation System is capable of responding to projected trade increases. Mr. Wright will serve a two-year term. The Department strives to select individuals with in-depth knowledge of their respective industries or government sectors. Members are nominated through a full and open process published in the Federal Register.

INDEPENDENCE BANK NAMES JOSH SEARCY AS THE NEW HEAD OF TRUST Independence Bank names Josh Searcy as the new Head of Trust which includes all Trust and Investment operations for Independence Bank. A 2002 graduate of The University of Kentucky Law School, Searcy has worked at Thacker, Hodskins, Searcy and Knight - a local law office in Owensboro, Kentucky for the past 15 years and has been a partner for the last 7 years. In 2015, Searcy was elected the County Attorney in McLean County where he resides. Although new to the position, Searcy is no stranger to Independence Bank. He has handled legal matters for the Bank since his early 20’s. Searcy joins the Bank immediately and will relinquish his duties of County Attorney and Thacker, Hodskins, Searcy and Knight. Searcy will serve as head of Trust operations for all 12 counties for Independence Bank. Searcy stated “I will miss serving McLean as County Attorney and the partnership at the firm, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for myself and my family and I know it’s the right decision. I will still be connected with these communities through the relationships at Independence Bank. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my career and working with some of the most talented individuals in the business by doing what I’ve always done - putting the customer first. Independence Bank is a family business and it’s a privilege to be working alongside my family and continuing to serve the communities I love.” President and CEO, Chris Reid said, “I’ve known Josh his whole life and I am extremely confident in his abilities and know that he will rise to the occasion. This is a great thing for the bank, our customers and the community and we couldn’t be more excited.” Independence Bank’s Trust Department totals $486 million in assets and Brokerage $128 million in assets serving 12 counties throughout the Commonwealth: Calloway, Daviess, Graves, Franklin, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, Jefferson, McLean, McCracken, Warren and Webster.

MEMBER MILESTONES: OWENSBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT - 150 YEARS The Owensboro Fire Department celebrated 150 years of serving Owensboro this August. OFD began as a formal organized municipal fire department with the hiring of the first Fire Chief, Horace Miller. To celebrate, a public showcase and anniversary celebration was held at the Owensboro Convention Center on Saturday, August 6, 2016, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. OFD showcased both historical and modern apparatus and equipment. The Early Years: During the first several decades of existence, the City of Owensboro relied first on citizen bucket brigades and later on various volunteer fire companies for fire suppression. After a series of large fires in the late 1850’s and early 1860’s, city fathers began to discuss the creation of a municipal fire department. The first Owensboro Fire Chief, Horace Miller, was hired on August 1, 1866. He was tasked with bringing the various fire companies together to develop the Owensboro Fire Department. Modernization: Up until 1919, the fire department would simply focus on the suppression of fires. Under Chief Edward Cureton, OFD would focus on both the ability to suppress fires and the ability to reduce the risk of fire and reduce the spread of fire through fire codes. OFD has been led by 26 Fire Chiefs in the last 150 years, with Cureton serving the longest term. He was inducted into the Kentucky Firefighters Association Hall of Fame in 2011. Today: OFD now operates five Fire Stations and a Training Center with 94 full-time personnel and responds to over 7,000 emergency calls for service annually, providing a full range of emergency services including fire suppression, emergency medical first response, hazardous materials release response, technical and specialized rescue, fire boat and water rescue. OFD also provides a full range of nonemergencies including fire prevention and fire

safety education and continues to be awardwinning bringing in the “Life Safety Award” in 2013. OFD prides itself on the ability to provide professional services on a local and regional basis, professional development of the firefighters, the ability to maintain quality emergency response equipment, the professional customer service delivered to the citizens, and earning a Class 2 Insurance rating.

INDEPENDENCE BANK BREAKS GROUND ON OPERATIONS CENTER To remedy an overcrowding situation at Independence Bank’s Independence Square branch at 2425 Frederica Street, bank directors, employees, and city officials broke ground on a new operations center just behind the existing building. Executive Vice President, Jacob Reid, says the new 32,000 sq. ft. building will be three stories with a basement and will come equipped with movable walls to accommodate department growth. It will also have a skywalk above the bank teller drive-through attaching the operations center with Independence Square. The goal is to be open by July 4, 2017.

KEEFORCE - CHRISTIE BRINKER EARNS INFOSEC DESIGNATION Christie Brinker, Vice President of Project Operations at KeeFORCE, has earned the Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional recognition. She joins a prestigious group of IT professionals who have demonstrated they are dedicated to higher standards in IT security. Brinker has been an integral part of the KeeFORCE network design and support team for over six years. She is a highly decorated IT technician with endorsements including CCNA Security, MCSA, VCP-DCV, MCITP, 3CX Phone System Advanced Certification, among others. We congratulate Christie Brinker and are proud to have her at KeeFORCE.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

THE CHAMBER REPORT

QUITTER Overview: Many people sense a gap between what they have to do for a living and what they would love to do for a living. Chasing your dream job could turn into a nightmare if pursued impulsively, but there are ways to manage the tension between your day job and your dream job. The Takeaway: 1. Everyone has a dream in the sense that we have all been uniquely created with something that is true for us and not true for anyone else. 2. Be strategic about pursuing your dream job to increase your chances for success.

THE

READING LIST Reviewed By: Chris Joslin

Executive Director International Bluegrass Music Museum

Have you ever thought of quitting your day job to pursue your dream job? All of us have that certain “something” we feel makes us unique, and if we could somehow make a few tweaks, save enough money, or make the right connections, we just might be able to turn that dream into a job. I am naturally curious, so in casual conversation I often ask people what they do. The response is almost always about their job, so I usually take it a step further and ask “So, what do you do when you’re not at work…what is your passion”? I am amazed at the answers. Once people begin talking about their passions and their purpose, the energy level changes. However, there is often a disconnect between the dream and the day job. Since I am a musician, I see this play out a lot because most musicians and songwriters are also accountants, plumbers, engineers, truck drivers and flight attendants. Sometimes these “dreamers” appear very restless and discontent. For those who want to “blow up their dream without

CHAMBER WORKS SCRAPBOOK

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

AUTHOR: JON ACUFF blowing up their life,” Acuff makes the following recommendations: • Don’t quit your day job… at least not right now. Learn to fall in like with a job you don’t love and practice excellence, an attribute that will serve you well in your dream job. • Wait on the main stage. Practice to become great at your dream. Your dream is often bigger than your talent, so look for opportunities to develop and nurture your dream to prepare for the next step. • Hustle! No amount of hard work is too much if it leads to your ultimate goal: quitting your day job to step into your dream job. I am one of those fortunate people working in their dream job, and there have been so many confirmations since joining the International Bluegrass Music Museum as Executive Director. Even if I were still in my former day job, I would be preparing for the opportunity to step into my dream job. Much like the insurance commercial I see so often on television, “If you’re Chris Joslin, you are hopelessly obsessed with everything to do with bluegrass music. It’s what you do.” Whatever it is you do, be deliberate about closing the gap between your day job and your dream job. Play your cards right, and you can be a quitter too.

BY THE NUMBERS

NEW MEMBERS

LOCAL FALL PRODUCE REID’S ORCHARD

1,200 1,500 3,000 gallons of apple cider

caramel apples

•

Sleep Number – Owensboro

•

The Dapper Dog, LLC

•

Alpha Laser and Imaging, LLC

•

Sign Crafters, Inc

•

Young Life of Owensboro

•

Imperial Lawns, LLC

•

Winner Furniture

•

Wildwood, Inc.

•

Lil Bit Sassy

•

Gardner Engineering & Consulting, PLLC

•

Keller Williams Elite, Kelsie Jarboe

•

Red Door Boutique

•

Lifetime Financial Growth

HAND-PICKED A few of our favorite local leaders share their most memorable Halloween costumes:

apple slushies

MR. CLEAN

-Clay Ford

3,000 3,200 8,000 25,000 caramel apple sundaes

mums grown by Katie

bushels of apples grown

EM FORD

BRAWNY TOWELS GUY

people attending apple festival

-Madison Silvert GO-EDC

T R U N N E L L’ S F A R M M A R K E T & FA M I LY F U N A C R E

120,000 18,000 130 300 seeds of corn planted to form corn maze

pie pumpkins

other varieties of pumpkins and gourds

bushels of shelled corn in Korny Korn Pit

C E C I L FA R M S

2,500 1,800 1,462,500 heads of broccoli

sweet potatoes

tobacco plants cut, dried and stripped

COLONIAL LADY WEREWOLF

“Almost 30 years ago, banking was much different than today.....a lot more “stuffy”. However, I convinced all the employees to dress up for Halloween. I appeared in full werewolf attire including ears, nose, torn clothing and long “werewolf ” hair glued to my face and hands. My lesson: I scared so many kids I was forced to stay in my office much of the day. To complete the day, two men, in full business attire, stopped in the bank to discuss financing the purchase of investment property. Of course, I’m having this serious discussion in full werewolf attire....at least until I was interrupted when one of the gentleman just lost it. Must have been his first conversation with a werewolf loan officer!!”

-Darrell Higginbotham INDEPENDENCE BANK

“My most memorable Halloween costume was one my mother made for me in the 5th grade! I never wanted to be a ghost or a goblin so she found a pattern for colonial lady’s long dress, like one Martha Washington wore. She found just the right fabrics and fit it to me perfectly. We curled my hair in just the right fashion and found shoes with a pilgrim-like buckle to complete the ensemble! I thought it was perfect! I cried when I outgrew it for future Halloween activities…it was my go-to dress up dress! Wish I still had it!”

-Kathy Oliver UNITED WAY

PENGUIN

“I still have it!”

-Dan Griffith

OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

BOURBON HISTORIAN, AUTHOR, AND BLOGGER CHUCK COWDERY CALLED THE GRAND OPENING OF O.Z. TYLER DISTILLERY A “GREAT DAY FOR OWENSBORO, A GREAT DAY FOR KENTUCKY, AND A GREAT DAY FOR BOURBON.” BY DANNY MAY

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

. PHOTO

BY DAVID GRINNELL

HAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT

the western entrance to the Kentucky Bourbon

OPENING A 100-YEAR-OLD

Trail” (See sidebar on page 19).

DISTILLERY THAT HAD BEEN

Whether O.Z. Tyler ends up on the Kentucky

VACANT FOR 25 YEARS? Great potential and

Bourbon Trail® tour remains to be seen, but

great opportunity. That’s what Earl Hewlette,

the first step in the process was formalized

CEO of South Carolina-based Terresentia

September 22, when the Kentucky Distiller’s

Corporation, recognized when they invested

Association (KDA) announced O.Z. Tyler as its

$25 million in purchasing and refurbishing

newest member. “We’re thrilled that bourbon

the Medley Distillery, reviving it under the name O.Z. Tyler Distillery (named after the coinventor of the TerrePURE® distilling process). It took two years to turn the dream into a reality, but on August 26, the first batch of bourbon in 25 years was produced at the facility. “The Medley Distillery history is so important to this community,” Hewlette said at the grand opening, just before he had those in attendance sign the third barrel filled. “What no other distillery in the state has is this sense of history combined with a modern facility,” Cowdery said during his toast. Chamber members who toured the facility during the Chamber’s After Hours event in September got a sneak peak at the TerrePURE® process, which ages spirits by using a patented technology that uses ultrasonic energy and oxygenation to rapidly mature it. As Master

production has returned to Owensboro, which has a rich and deep history in our legendary industry,” KDA President, Eric Gregory, said. “And it’s always wonderful to see one of our landmark distilleries restored to its glory.” Bourbon is big business for Kentucky, equaling a $3 billion industry, generating 15,400 jobs across the commonwealth and pouring $166 millions in state and local tax coffers each year. Distilleries and cities who house them are capitalizing greatly on bourbon’s worldwide rise in popularity. The KDA reported 1.9 billion barrels filled in Kentucky in 2015, the largest amount in nearly a half-century. The taxassessed value of all barrels aging in Kentucky increased 135% over the past 10 years. Since

1999,

bourbon

production

has

Distiller, Jacob Call, explains it, “The bourbon

increased 315%, with premium small batch and

is distilled and aged traditionally in a barrel

single barrel brands driving the renaissance.

for a minimum of six months and then run

(For you numbers people, that’s 455,078 barrels

through our TerrePURE® process.”

in 1999 compared to 1,886,821 in 2015.)

But the more exciting news, according to

Now the KDA can add O.Z. Tyler’s quantities

Cowdery, is that O.Z. Tyler could become an

to those stats, and Owensboro/Daviess County

“anchor distillery because it attracts all sorts

will contribute even more once Sazerac’s

of new business opportunities, especially in

Glenmore Distillery starts producing bourbon

the tourism area. (Owensboro) could become

as well.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

“We look forward to being able to serve our customers in a more efficient manner and being prepared for potential future growth.”

THE MILLER HOUSE BOURBON BAR & J’S BOURBON TASTING BAR In CHAMBER STAFF AT O.Z. TYLER DISTILLERY’S GRAND OPENING

GLENMORE PRODUCING SOON Just down Highway 60, Glenmore also plans to resume producing bourbon, but no timetable has been set, according to Amy Preske, Sazerac Public Relations. (Sazerac purchased Glenmore in 2009) Currently, the Glenmore facility serves as a distribution center for warehousing, bottling, and shipping. In April of 2016, the Glenmore Distillery opened a new, technically advanced 23,000-squarefoot distribution center which utilizes satellite technology to store and retrieve pallets of finished goods. The Glenmore Distillery is one of only a few spirits suppliers to use this system, called an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). The AS/RS occupies 136,836 square feet inside the distribution center and contains four storage and retrieval machines which operate in four

downtown

Owensboro,

another

Chamber member is claiming its own rightful place in Owensboro’s bourbon revival. Spirits, the cozy little bourbon bar in the basement of the Miller House Restaurant, proudly displays many of its 517 brands of bourbon on the “Wall of Bourbon.” “Bourbon is our thing,” says owner, Larry Kirk. “We decided when we opened eight years ago that we’re in Kentucky and we need to highlight bourbon since bourbon is Kentucky’s product. We’re proud to be a part of that!” What started with 60-70 bourbons grew to 100 in the first few years and has grown since then. Now, it has become a “place where you can get a taste of something you may only get once in your life,” according to Kirk. Meanwhile, the Bourbon Tasting Bar at J’s Liquors (also a Chamber member) at 2216 New Hartford Road has been growing in popularity since it opened two years ago and now offers 100 premium Bourbons. “We look forward to getting Owensboro made products,” said Stephen

aisles, serving storage lanes anywhere from one

Mahoney.

pallet to eight pallets deep, and storing pallets

The Miller House and J’s Liquors are already

seven levels high. Each crane can induct/output

regional destinations for Bourbon fans. Now with

90 pallets of finished goods per hour for a total of

O.Z. Tyler Distillery in production and Glenmore

360 pallets moving within the system.

making plans to produce Bourbon again soon,

“We’re pleased our business has grown enough

Owensboro could very well see in influx of

to support such a highly advanced distribution

tourists, even if it never officially becomes part of

center,” said Chris Stout, plant general manager.

the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

DID YOU KNOW? •

Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon, crafting 95% of the world’s supply. Only the Bluegrass State has the perfect natural mix of climate, conditions and pure limestone water necessary for producing the world’s greatest bourbon.

•

The KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® adventure in 1999 to give visitors a first-hand, intimate,

Bourbon is America’s only native spirit, as declared

and educational experience into the art and science

by Congress in 1964.

behind crafting the world’s finest bourbon.

By law, in order to be labeled “bourbon,” it must be made with a minimum of 51% corn, aged in charred

•

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®

In 2012, the KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® to showcase the state’s emerging craft

new oak barrels, filled at no more than 125 proof,

distilling industry. Nearly 134,000 people toured the

and bottled no less than 80 proof.

Tour’s 10 distilleries in 2015, a 39% increase over 2014.

There are now 1.5 barrels for every person in our state.

Last year, a record 762,009 people visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (22% increase over 2014) and an additional 133,864 traveled the Kentucky Bourbon

•

The original wooden fermenters at the Medley Distillery was sold by O.Z. Tyler to the Makers Mark Distillery. They are now on display on their tour.

Trail Craft Tour ( 39% increase over 2014). “The impact of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is significant,” says KDA President, Eric Gregory. “Visitors are not only visiting distilleries, they’re sleeping in local hotels and eating at restaurants along the KBT. And the best news is they are traveling in groups and returning with other friends.” The KBT is especially popular with the 21-45-yearold population. “Millenials are looking for authenticity, and you can’t get more authentic than Kentucky bourbon,” Gregory told GO Business. Another interesting note is that 85% of Trail visitors are from outside Kentucky. Last year, visitors came from all 50 states and over 50 countries. Thirty-one percent made multiple trips to complete their tours and 47% had three or more in their group. Put simply: bourbon is revolutionizing Kentucky tourism and pouring much-needed revenue into local communities. 19

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

CHAMBER WORKS Presented by the Owensboro Convention Center

BOOTH SNAPSHOTS

A “Business After Hours” event showcasing Chamber members to other members, employees, and the general public.

AFLAC KELLER AND ASSOCIATES

Aflac Keller and Associates is a regional extension of Aflac Inc. We work with local business owners in efforts of providing solutions with retention, attraction, benefit expansion and most of our clients see some tax savings. Businesses can offer a great protection plan to their employees assisting them with income protection, at no cost to the company. Our plans do not coordinate with any other benefits and can eliminate administrative burdens. With a greater number of the American public living paycheck to paycheck, employees need more options at work. Aflac provides a safety net to your employees. Our regional office is in expansion mode as we recently just added another district opportunity, we are looking for eager, positive, and hard working individuals to fill our open Business to Business professional positions. Interested candidates can email their resume to Kellerbdm@gmail. com or visit us on Facebook, Aflac Keller and Associates.

MATTHEW 25 AIDS SERVICES, INC.

Matthew 25 AIDS Services is a nonprofit established 20 years ago to care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in our communities. Our mission is to support, educate, and treat those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. We offer Medical Care, Medical Case Management, Mental Health Services and support services including Housing & Emergency Assistance, Pharmaceutical Assistance, Medical Transportation, and a Food Pantry. We also provide prevention education and HIV counseling and testing. On October 6, 2016, we will move to our new location at 1901 Leitchfield Road Suite A in Owensboro. Office hours will be on Thurs from 9 am - 4 pm. You can also visit our other locations at 452 Old Corydon Road in Henderson, Mon- Fri from 9 am-5 pm or 420 Mulberry Street, Suite 302 in Evansville on Tues from 9 am - 4 pm. For more information call 270-826-0200 or 1-866-607-6590.

OCTC’S WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

Developing a world-class, competitive workforce for the Greater Owensboro region is OCTC’s Workforce Solutions number one priority. Recognized by industry partners for its responsive team of skilled professionals and an impressive menu of value-added services, Workforce Solutions offers customized solutions ranging from mobile manufacturing training to leadership and organizational development. Its extensive workforce assessment services include pre-hire, handson technical and professional skills, licensure, and industry-specific certification testing, such as CompTIA and ASE. The team is equally adept at developing interactive computer-based options that provide “real time” delivery of training when and where employees need it, while minimizing time away from work. If you are looking to invest in the productivity of your workforce, Workforce Solutions has a value-added option for you. Call 270-686-4444.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

OMU FIBERNET

OMU is known for providing quality and reliable electric and water services to the Owensboro community. However, many may not realize that the local utility offers reliable and affordable internet and phone service. OMUfibernet is proud to deliver commercial internet and phone services to businesses throughout Owensboro and the surrounding area. The expansion of its fiber optic network has allowed the utility to begin providing the same service to residential customers in the form of pilot programs. Local people and local service set OMU apart from other internet and phone providers. A history of service, a commitment to quality, and being on the forefront of technology has helped the local utility provide a third essential service to Owensboro, connecting it to the world. For more information about OMUfibernet services, visit omu.org or call 270-926-3200.

PAINTING WITH A TWIST

A little bit of paint, a little wine, and a “whole lotta fun.” Painting With a Twist Owensboro, located at 4010, Wildcat Way, Suite 4 (right beside the Shoguns near Frederica Walmart), offers fun art classes. Guests will be guided step-by-step through two or three-hour art sessions by talented local artists. Wine, beer, and Bourbon will add an awesome twist to these events. With over 6,000 licensed paintings, the studio will offer regularly scheduled classes typically on weeknights and weekends. In addition, we also offer private parties (min 8) where you get to choose your painting, time, and date at the same cost. So what are you waiting for Owensboro? Here is a party waiting for an excuse to happen!

PINK POPPY

The Pink Poppy Boutique is located at 1020 Halifax Dr., next door to All About You Salon and Spa. We specialize in women’s clothing; offering sizes up to 3XL. We also carry jewelry, purses, gifts, and other trendy accessories. Our customers love our mommy and me matching outfits, so mommy and daughter can match. For all you dog lovers, we are the only friendship collar distributor in Owensboro. Get a collar for your sweet pooch and you can wear a matching bracelet! We love fitting the dogs, so bring them in to shop with you! We are open 10-6 Monday-Friday. And 10-4 Saturday. Or visit us at thepinkpoppyboutique.com. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We hope to see you soon! Thank you to these participating businesses: INDEPENDENCE BANK RINEY HANCOCK CPAS PSC CUSTOM AUDIO VIDEO UNITED WAY DAVIESS COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE OMUFIBERNET UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE NURSING AT&T PAINTING WITH A TWIST KEEFORCE KENTUCKY WESLEYAN U.S. BANK AFLAC

JUNIOR LEAGUE EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS HOSPICE OF WESTERN KENTUCKY BRADEN FINANCIAL SERVICES UNIFIRST LIMOS BY KNIGHT CORNERSTONE INFORMATION SYSTEMS OWENSBORO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY COTTON COTTAGE MATTHEW 25 AIDS TANNER+WEST WKU OWENSBORO OASIS, INC. OWENSBORO FAMILY YMCA CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER PINK POPPY BOUTIQUE PATTI'S RESALE LIL BIT SASSY DAPPER DOG, LLC SERENE RELIEF INTEGRATIVE MASSAGE THERAPY LAWRENCE AND AUGUSTA HAGER FOUNDATION KENTUCKY INNOVATION NETWORK DIGITAL GROUP, LLC SAVI CHIC BOUTIQUE CASA OF OHIO VALLEY OWENSBORO COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE CHRISTIAN CARE AT HOME OWENSBORO HEALTH HEALTHPARK

REDLINE CONTRACTING DREW INSURANCE AGENCY CECIL FARM PRODUCE STUDIO SLANT WBKR NUNEZ CHIROPRACTIC, PSC NOMAD TECHNOLOGY GROUP SHOE STOP DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY CRAZY ME GIFTS & APPAREL US LAWNS OF OWENSBORO OWENSBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS RIVERPARK EYECARE, PLLC KENTUCKY MAVERICKS

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

CHAMBER WORKS Presented by the Owensboro Convention Center

BOOTH SNAPSHOTS RINEY HANCOCK CPAS

Since 1973, Riney Hancock CPAs has been successfully serving the financial needs of the tri-state area. The firm takes great pride in helping individuals and business clients succeed. With offices in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana, the firm offers more than just traditional accounting services. Services provided include financial advisory services for businesses, wealth/investment management services, personal financial planning, comprehensive tax planning/ consulting, litigation support, medical/dental management consulting, and valuation services. Riney Hancock CPAs has a staff of more than 30 professionals and support team members, including seven shareholders. Our team members have the expertise, experience, and dedication to ensure our clients’ well-being. Our team strives to be Your Most Trusted and Valued Financial Advisors.

WKU OWENSBORO

WKU Owensboro is dedicated to providing access to higher education and improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. Courses are offered in a variety of flexible delivery options including face-to-face, interactive video services, and online. WKU Owensboro offers an assortment of bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and undergraduate and graduate certificate programs that can be completed locally or online. In addition to WKU Owensboro’s educational opportunities, services are available to help local businesses. WKU’s Career and Workforce Development office offers specialized workforce education programs tailored to meet your company’s needs. WKU Owensboro can also help employers develop internship programs, assist in recruiting strong candidates for your business, and offer meeting space for local businesses. Contact us today to learn more about WKU Owensboro’s educational and workforce development opportunities. wku.edu/owensboro | 270-684-9797 | owensboro@wku.edu

US LAWNS

U.S. Lawns Owensboro provides full-service commercial landscape maintenance, serving property managers, and owners. They are locally owned by Travis and Laurie Castlen, so your grounds are truly an extension of their backyard. U.S. Lawns provides full-season landscape management, seasonal color installation, fertilization, weed control services, snow and ice management, and many more select services to their clients. Contact Travis Castlen at (270) 683-7003 or www.uslawns.com/team477 22

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

PARTNERING TO BUILD AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE By Scott Williams, Ph.D.

In today’s global market it is more critical than ever to have a well-educated and skilled workforce. In fact, the productivity of any community is tied to

Pathway: This work and learn model allows selected students to earn

the quality of its workforce. With rapid advances in technology and shifting demographics, business and industry is finding it increasingly difficult to find employees with the needed skills. This skills gap appears to be growing. The greater Owensboro area is not immune to this changing workforce climate. In an effort to build upon an already robust workforce education pipeline the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce (GOCC), the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC), Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC), and Western Kentucky University – Owensboro (WKU-O), entered into an open dialogue with area employers, across all business sectors, to better understand their needs and work together on solutions. The outcomes of that project are outlined in the Greater Owensboro Workforce Development Strategic Visioning Report. In the study, 81% of the employers indicated that ensuring a quality workforce should be the highest priority in our community. In fact, it received the highest priority rating of all economic climate items on the survey. Finding employees with the needed skills, however, is a challenge. The “lack of soft skills,” “generational differences in work ethic,” and “lack of appropriate technical skills” are of the greatest concern One of the proposed solutions is the development of new businesseducation partnerships to foster collaboration and outcome based practices. OCTC will be working with business and industry, secondary and higher education institutions, GOCC, and GOEDC to provide training and educational pipeline programs to address the skill gaps. In fact, OCTC currently has many initiatives geared to address the “soft” and “technical” skills gaps: GO FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) Degree

apprenticeship-style format where they attend college for two days

an industry recognized, multi-craft technician degree over eighteen months. Applicants must be high school graduates (or equivalency) and be willing to participate in the program’s 40 hour per week, and work three days per week at their sponsoring company. Upon completion of the program, students receive an Associate in Applied Science degree, gaining practical skills and paid work experience. GO CAREERS Business Degree Pathway: This GO CAREERS work and learn pathway is similar to the GO FAME AMT pathway except students are working towards an Associate in Applied Science, Business Administration Systems degree. This program is geared towards the financial and service sector employers. Students gain soft and technical skills through this on the job experience program. Dual Credit for Career Technical and Transfer degrees: Through our technical degree and Early College transfer degree programs, high school juniors and seniors are on our campus taking college courses to accelerate their degree attainment in a college setting. This program provides a seamless career pathway pipeline for many types of careers.

Finally, OCTC offers internships, practicums and co-op opportunities

in our career technical education degrees. Students gain valuable work and soft skill experience in a real-world setting. Degree requirements include courses in communication, sciences, math, and social sciences. This develops skills in communication, teamwork, and problem solving. While we are always working diligently on closing the skills gap, we recognize there are many opportunities for us to better address our community’s employer needs. Communicating and partnering with our employers is a key element in achieving that goal. The outstanding faculty and staff at OCTC are committed, as is our entire educational community, to providing a 21st Century workforce so our community will flourish in the ever competitive global economy.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

PAST BOARD LUNCHEON By Danny May

“OUR CHAMBER IS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SUCH A PROMINENT AND SUCCESSFUL GROUP OF PAST BOARD CHAIRS. THEY LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR CONTINUED SUCCESS. IT WOULD BE A SHAME TO LOSE THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE THAT THOSE INDIVIDUALS CAN BRING TO THE TABLE, SO WE NEED TO CREATE A STRUCTURE WHERE THESE ITEMS CAN BE UTILIZED TO BENEFIT THE CHAMBER AND OUR COMMUNITY.” Adam Hancock,

Chamber Board Chair

“OUR CHAMBER HAS BEEN FORTUNATE TO BE LED THROUGH THE YEARS BY SUCH CAPABLE AND WISE BOARD CHAIRS. THEY PROVIDE SUCH A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE AND HISTORICAL REFERENCE BOTH FOR OUR ORGANIZATION AND THE COMMUNITY. THAT KIND OF RESOURCE MUST BE UTILIZED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.” Candance Brake

Chamber President & CEO

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

hat do you get when you gather a bunch of former Chamber board chairs for lunch? A room full of wisdom, shared memories, and insight gleaned from entire careers across

multiple areas of enterprise.

There wasn’t an official agenda for that initial meeting, other

than inviting past board chairs to have lunch with the Chamber Staff and current board chair, Adam Hancock. What developed is a circle of people with a unique perspective that is proving invaluable to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce as it grows.

“This is a group that cares about our community and wants to

stay involved and support the Chamber any way they can. They are an incredible resource to us,” said Jessica Kirk, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Programs and Events Manager.

One of the past board chairs who attended, Don Penn

Moore, says he walked away from the luncheon feeling inspired. “I believe it is important to encourage everyone, employees and others, to give to this community. The Chamber was the gateway

to community involvement for me and I believe it will be for many others in the future.”

Moore has served several roles with the

Chamber. Earlier in his career, Don was one of the founding members and first chair of Chamber Young Professionals. Now he says he enjoys seeing his employees getting involved with CYP and other Chamber events.

“CYP is where so much started for me. It

gave me my first insight to the vast opportunities I had to serve. We looked at it as a social gathering but we found so much more,” Moore reflected. “Great friendships are made when you all share a common objective.” He then shared a memory of the original CYP hosting the first Owensboro 10K. “It was a challenge for us, with both setbacks and victories. The event bound us together as friends, but it also bound us to this community. CYP must provide the future leaders of Owensboro and some future leaders of our state.”

There were many more stories shared

which sparked ideas for the future. Current board Chair, Adam Hancock, says several ideas presented during the luncheon are currently being implemented in subsequent board meetings.

Moving forward, it is Hancock’s hope that

the past board chairs will serve as a sounding board or advisory team to the sitting board through the annual luncheon. “Our Chamber is very fortunate to have such a prominent and successful group of past board chairs. They laid the foundation for our continued success. It would be a shame to lose the experience and knowledge that those individuals can bring to the table, so we need to create a structure where these items can be utilized to benefit the Chamber and our community.”

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

PETS IN THE WORKPLACE

By Ashley Sorce

og owners can agree that the best part of the day is returning home after a long day of work to a four-legged pal waiting by the door, eager to give love and affection. But for some Owensboro business owners, the love and companionship of a dog is something they

experience throughout the day as their furry friends accompany them to the office. While there, some of these dogs are on duty, like Haven, a therapy dog at Glenn Funeral Home & Crematory and Sadie at Boulware Mission, who provide comfort to those in need. Other examples, like the retrievers of O.Z. Tyler Distillery and Pearl of Peacocks & Pearls are just tagging along with their owners. Either way, dogs in the workplace help improve job satisfaction and job performance, reducing stress among employees and increasing connectivity between co-workers.

HAVEN Glenn Funeral Home & Crematory After deciding to bring a therapy dog into the funeral home, Christy Taylor Chaney, Vice President, says much research went into finding the best breed and temperament for their clients. Settling on a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix, Chaney believes they found the perfect dog in Haven. To become a therapy dog, Haven completed eight months of training in Evansville and will soon be traveling to Nashville for a 3-week course that will provide her full therapy certification and vest. Chaney says Haven is a comfort to grieving families and people are already asking for her, especially children. “She sits with grieving children in the visitation rooms,” Chaney said. “She takes away where they are [a visitation room] and the fear of the unknown. Even adults find that petting her relieves stress.”

SADIE HOPE BOULWARE Boulware Mission Residents of the Boulware Mission have been asking the staff for a dog for years according to Leigha Taylor, Director of Development. So in March of this year, they adopted a chocolate lab from a local shelter and gave her the name Sadie Hope Boulware. “We call her our therapy dog, but she’s not licensed,” Taylor said. But that doesn’t mean she’s not providing therapy to the Boulware residents. Sadie’s care is a shared responsibility of both staff and residents, who are designated chores as a part of their program. “She’s everyone’s pet,” Taylor said. “Sadie has 50 people to take care of her.” Though maybe skeptical in years past, Boulware Mission is sure Sadie has had a positive impact for their residents. “The whole thing about Boulware Mission is we are trying to help displaced individuals, healing the whole person,” Taylor said. “A pet adds love and companionship, but also responsibility.”

INDY Reid’s Orchard When Billy and Kathy Reid traveled to Indianapolis six years ago to visit a lawn and garden shop, they never dreamed they would be coming home with a new family member. But after finding a black lab puppy, obviously neglected and abandoned in a field, Kathy knew she had to find the puppy a home. Now Indy, named after Indianapolis where she was rescued, has found a new home at the orchard. Kathy says Indy is not the most social dog, so customers may not see her when they visit the store or playland area. Indy does love to hang out with Billy, Kathy said. “If that tractor is out, she’s out there.” Kathy also joked that if Indy hears the sound of the golf cart reversing, she comes running, ready for a ride. Kathy reminds visitors that just because Indy lives on a farm, doesn’t mean she is social. She asks that visitors of Reid’s Orchard be aware and respectful of animals before interacting. Reid’s is home to a number of other animals, like Kathy’s daughter’s Goldendoodle, Daisy May, as well as goats, and the fall petting zoo animals.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

THE DOGS BEHIND THE CHAMBER STAFF

HENRY, OZZIE, & BUDDY O.Z. Tyler Distillery When visiting O.Z. Tyler Distillery, visitors may be greeted by one, two or even three dogs who hang out in the office building with their owners. Daniel Hewlette, Bulk Sales Manager, has a Bay Retriever named Henry; Will Meyers, Productions Supervisor, has a Golden Retriever named Ozzie, after O.Z. Tyler; and Jacob Call, Master Distiller and Operations Manager, has a Golden Retriever named Buddy. Jacob said the three dog owners soon plan to install an invisible fence just outside the office for the three dogs to play together. “Pets are therapeutic,” Call said. “I guess they kind of help with our sanity.” The three hope that by having the dogs outside, that guests will be greeted by three happy retriever faces, making the distillery more inviting.

PEARL

Peacocks & Pearls Peacocks & Pearls owner Deanna Johnson admits she wasn’t really a dog person. So when her employees encouraged her to get a “shop dog” after the November 2013 opening of her store, it was easy to say no. “I never thought I would give in,” Johnson said. But after a year in business, she says the girls in her store wore her down and it was a great decision for her business. Pearl, a Goldendoodle mini, has proven to be a business asset, good for both employees and customers. Johnson says her employees love coming to work with Pearl in the store and all demographics of customers enjoy her. “Pearl keeps the husbands entertained while their wives shop and kids ask to come in to play with Pearl, bringing their moms to shop,” Johnson explained. Johnson has recently expanded her business, opening a store in Lexington. Pearl now travels between the stores with Johnson, who says a new shop dog will become part of the Lexington location soon.

Clyde has been a loving part of Jaclyn’s family for almost four years. She is a rescue puppy and full of life! Clyde loves to go on walks, chase bunnies and squirrels, and run around the lake at her Nanny’s house. She is the perfect couch-cuddler and she makes our house an exciting home.

Rosie Brake is a native of Ohio County, Kentucky. She abhors exercise and diets. Rosie’s hobbies and activities include waiting in front of the window for Bill, her favorite employee of the United States Postal Service. Rosie has not attended obedience school and does not plan to do so in the near future.

FINNEGAN

Wendell Foster’s Campus for Developmental Disabilities Cindy Parish, Vice-President of Community Living Options at Wendell Foster, says the campus had a facility dog named Daniel II for eight years. “Due to cancer, we had to say goodbye to him in October 2015. We have all missed having a dog, especially the people that we support through our residential and outpatient services.” This May, Wendell Foster welcomed a new assistance facility dog named Finnegan, a black Labrador Retriever found through Canine Companions for Independence®. “Daniel will always be in our hearts and now Finnegan will share a part of our hearts too!” Parish says.

Although she may appear to be a dog, Hopsen’s parents are convinced that she is actually human. She has a unique personality that always brings a smile to people around her. She enjoys exploring outside in the sunshine, but also lives for quiet evenings spent snuggled on the couch at home in her pajamas. Hopsen is a proud graduate from rally classes and an avid watcher of DogTV. In addition, Hopsen is a shop small enthusiast and loves for her parents to collect surprises from locally owned dog stores around the country when they travel. The finer things in life catch Hopsen’s attention like: deer antlers, fluffy pillows, Reid’s (red) apples and of course sweet puppuccino treats from her friends at Starbucks.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

ALORICA, WELCOME TO OWENSBORO!

HIRING 840 JOBS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS

By Danny May

September 21 was a big day for Owensboro when

called landing Alorica a “home run” and thanked

Irvine, California-based Alorica publicly unveiled

his staff and everyone else in the community

plans to establish an 840-job customer engagement

who worked hard to make it happen. “This

center in the former BB&T building at 230 Frederica

announcement today is a perfect fit for the vision we

Street, an announcement GO-EDC President

had when we designed the downtown development.

& CEO Madison Silvert called the “biggest job

For a company of this size, with over 150 locations

announcement in Owensboro in 20 years.”

and 92,000 employees throughout the world, to

Alorica Division Vice President, Greg Bush,

locate in downtown Owensboro is wonderful! This

cited two reasons the company was impressed

is the reason we invested in our downtown. This

with Owensboro when scouting locations for this

city is moving like never before,” Payne added. “And

expansion: downtown redevelopment and the GO-

it’s because everybody is pulling together from

FAME program. “Owensboro is a business-friendly

the Chamber, GO-EDC, the City, and the entire

place,” Bush said, noting how important workforce

community.”

development is to a business when joining a new

Daviess County Judge Executive Al Mattingly

community. “But we were impressed with the GO-

said he is also hopeful for what this announcement

FAME program and the internship opportunities the

means to the surrounding region. “What this does

program provides. The people of Owensboro will

today is improve the playing field for employers here

play a critical role as we expand our talented team

in Daviess County and this entire region. What we’re

of experts and transform our industry with endless

going to see is people from outside Owensboro and

passion, performance, and possibilities.”

Daviess County coming from other communities

What does this mean for Owensboro?

and states to take these jobs.”

“An addition of this magnitude is a game-

Representative Jim Glenn said the announcement

changer,” says Chamber President & CEO,

is further proof that Owensboro is doing all of the

Candance Castlen Brake. “It will impact the

right things to grow our economy. “It means a lot

community’s standard of living. It will accelerate

that our community can partner in a program to

the transformation of our downtown. It will create

help ensure the company always has a workforce that

more buzz and excitement about what is going

is trained and ready to go. That kind of partnership

on in Owensboro… and that only creates more

is symbolic of what we are willing to do to help our

investment. It will transform the corner of Third and

area businesses thrive, and I’m proud to play a role in

Frederica streets into a hip and vibrant place and

this cooperative effort.”

create foot traffic for so many locally and family-

“Owensboro is truly on the move,” Brake says.

owned small businesses nearby.”

“We should thank our private investors, business

At the press conference, Mayor Ron Payne

500 OF THOSE IN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS THOSE JOBS INCLUDE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AGENTS, SUPERVISORY ROLES, TRAINERS, IT, HR & MORE, WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT. JOBS WILL BE IN MULTIPLE SHIFTS, BUT HOURS FOR THE OWENSBORO LOCATION HAVE NOT BEEN FINALIZED CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AGENTS INTERACT WITH CUSTOMERS IN A VARIETY OF WAYS: PHONE, EMAIL, TEXT, CHAT, AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA.

leaders, elected officials, community organizations and nearly 100,000 people who are working together to make a Greater Owensboro.”

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

ALORICA PLANS TO OPEN IN THE 2ND QUARTER OF 2017

Conceptual Southeast Streetview

The Chamber wishes to send a huge “thank you” and “congratulations” to two of our board members, developers Jack Wells and Matt Hayden, who were instrumental in finalizing the Alorica deal. Their collaboration, Riverfront JAM LLC, is developing the former BB&T building into retail space on the first floor with offices on floors two through five, where Alorica will be housed. The facade will be updated and more windows will be installed to allow office spaces more natural light and better downtown views.

SPOTLIGHT NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF WESTERN KY Mission: To inspire young people to succeed in a global economy and to ensure that every student in West Kentucky has a fundamental understanding of the three pillars of success: financial literacy, work-readiness skills, and entrepreneurship. Junior Achievement (JA) was founded in Owensboro

entrepreneurial education though age-appropriate lessons

in 1959 when a group of 20 Owensboro business leaders,

and examples which build upon one another at each grade

led by then Texas Gas President, Bill Elmer, acted on their

level. They prepare and empower students to own their

commitment to help the area’s children become prepared

future economic success through high-impact content and

for successful business futures by establishing the “Greater

hands-on reinforcing activities which provide unparalleled

Owensboro JA” operation. Since that time the organization

knowledge retention.

has expanded to cover a 25-county territory and modified

At JA of West Kentucky, we give young people the

its name to Junior Achievement of West Kentucky to reflect

knowledge and skills they need to own their economic

the scope of students served.

success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and

Far beyond the original JA High School Afterschool

economic choices.

Program, JA has evolved into a sequential array of

It takes 650 volunteers annually and a board of 39 to

educational experiences spanning students K-12. These

keep JA running smoothly.

programs provide a continuum of experiences that increase

Our corporate and community volunteers deliver

students’ financial literacy, workforce readiness and

relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

kindergarten through high school the knowledge and skills in

school systems, annually contributing nearly 60,000 instructional

financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurship. As these

hours.

volunteers share real-life examples and experiences, they are able

Junior Achievement is also proud to be a partner in the

to bring the lessons to life for the students. Beyond our financial

preparation of students to achieve the local Soft Skills Certification.

literacy and work-readiness lessons, JA is truly a mentoring program. JA programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world – enhancing the relevance of their classroom learning and increasing their understanding of the value of staying in school. JA students graduate high school and go on to college at dramatically higher rates than their peers, and JA Alumni are twice as likely to own their own business one day!

Through

the

promotion

acquiring the “soft skills” that businesses are seeking in their new associates, JA programs are teaching teamwork, punctuality, critical thinking and problem solving,

communication,

and

other attributes that encourage

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT® OF WEST KENTUCKY WAS THE FA S T E S T- G R O W I N G J A A R E A OVER THE LAST DECADE WITH 388% GROWTH SINCE 2006 AND RANKS NEAR THE TOP EACH YEAR WITH THE LOWEST COST PER STUDENT SERVED!

Many chamber members partner with us each year to empower

growth and profitability for our local business and organizations.

our young people to own their economic success, increase the

Junior Achievements Soft Skills High School curriculum is also

vitality of our communities, and contribute to the availability of

directly supporting Daviess County’s Work-Ready Credential from

a well-educated workforce. JA serves every school across all three

the State of Kentucky.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

1-10 EMPLOYEES

THE SCRUB SHOPPE

Through hard work and dedication, The Scrub Shoppe has remained a thriving small business and steadily increased year after year. From 2012 – 2015, The Scrub Shoppe has seen a 216% increase in net sales. In August of 2009, The Scrub Shoppe opened an 1,100 square foot store in a shopping center and began providing essentials that every medical professional needs. After seven years of business, The Scrub Shoppe has tripled the square footage of its showroom and drastically increased their offerings. “When we first opened, our primary customers were medical professionals at the hospital and local doctor offices,” says owner Kandi Stephens. Seven years later, their customer base has spread to areas over an hour away from Owensboro and includes other professions such as massage therapists, hairdressers, and more. The Scrub Shoppe now offers the latest and greatest in medical apparel and supplies that customers have historically had to purchase from catalog companies or the internet including: • Medical apparel in a variety of sizes, styles, and price ranges for men and women including a wide variety of polos and corporate dress attire for the non-scrub employee. • A full line of medical accessories, ranging from but not limited to stethoscopes, badges, scissors, and blood pressure cuffs. • Embroidery services for all medical apparel and other nonmedical apparel items as well as vinyl lettering and heat press. According to Stephens, having a storefront like The Scrub Shoppe in Owensboro “eliminates surprises or disappointments our customers may have had and brings those sales dollars to Owensboro. We also now have expanded our store to include heat press and embroidery machines, which allow us to customize virtually all medical apparel and break the norm by providing customizable apparel and accessories.” The Scrub Shoppe’s mission is to provide the best customer

service and the highest-quality products. Beyond that, they strive to use The Scrub Shoppe as a means to give back to the community. “My personal mission is always to use The Scrub Shoppe to glorify God,” Stephens said. “When opening in 2009, I did not know if even one customer would walk through the doors. I see it as giving back to the One who gives to me.” One way The Scrub Shoppe gives back is through supporting and donating to the Owensboro Health Volunteer Auxiliary. Several times throughout the year, they partner

“THE EMPLOYEES OF THE SCRUB SHOPPE ARE TRULY THE REASON OUR CUSTOMER S E R V I C E S TA N D S O U T. W E HAVE FOUND THAT TREATING OUR EMPLOYEES THE RIGHT WAY, IN TURN, LEADS TO OUR CUSTOMERS BEING TREATED THE RIGHT WAY” -KANDI STEPHENS

with the auxiliary to sell The Scrub Shoppe gift cards to hospital employees. These gift card sales allow hospital employees to payroll deduct their purchases, easing the burden of purchasing required uniforms. The Scrub Shoppe donates a percentage of sales back to Owensboro Health Auxiliary. This donation supports the ladies and gentlemen volunteering their time at the hospital. Another interesting approach The Scrub Shoppe utilizes is taking inventory “on the go” in order to travel farther and more frequently to meet the needs of customers that are incapable of visiting the store. Personal touches like that make a difference. “The increased support from our local and surrounding communities is what has enabled us to grow our retail space, our offerings, our total net sales, and our employee and customer counts,” Stephens said.

THE SCRUB SHOPPE | 4760 FREDERICA ST | 270-683-3333

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

G O BUSINESS

UPDATE In the second quarter 2015 issue of GO Business magazine, we featured a story about FastenLink™,

A CAMLESS, CLAMPLESS CONNECTOR SYSTEM INVENTED RIGHT HERE IN DAVIESS COUNTY BY PHILLIP CRABTREE II, SECOND-GENERATION OWNER OF PHILL’S CUSTOM CABINETS AND CREATOR OF THE CABINOTCH SNAP-TOGETHER CABINETRY SYSTEM. BY DANNY MAY

. PHOTO BY DAVID GRINNELL

s you may remember, the Fastenlink™ system replaces wooden dowels with a patent-pending design which utilizes a groove cut into the

tip of the plastic dowel, creating a shoulder that slides into the tapered “ramp” cut into the wood which guides the Fastenlink™ dowel until it clicks into the locked position, seamlessly connecting the adjoining pieces into place. Fastenlink™ thereby replaces wooden dowels and eliminates the need for cams, screws, or finish nails. On August 24, FastenLink™ earned an impressive recognition when it received the prestigious Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award at the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta, the industry’s largest tradeshow. The Challengers Award is an international innovation award which was started 50 years ago in Louisville, KY, and has become known throughout the world for recognizing outstanding companies who have developed innovative technology in products, services, or manufacturing techniques that will advance the industry.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

FastenLink™ was one of 74 entries from all over the world. “We are honored to bring the award back home to Kentucky

PHILL CRABTREE SR., PHILL CRABTREE II, JAMIE MINDRUP, AND AN INTERNATIONAL WOODWORKING FAIR JUDGE POSE WITH THE 2016 CHALLENGERS AWARD.

for the 50th anniversary year,” said Crabtree. “We believe this can radically change our industry for the better, which then will change it for the consumer too,” FastenLink™ Vice President of Operations Jamie Mindrup explains. “If companies can cut their own assembly time drastically, it lowers the cost of the product for the consumer.” With FastenLink™, Mindrup says, the possibilities are endless. “FastenLink™ is changing the way wood products are being manufactured and assembled all over the globe,” Crabtree added. Showing the EDC and Daviess County Fiscal Court what FastenLink™ did with the $300,000 economic development grant they received in 2015 made the Challenger Award even more special for Crabtree and Mindrup. “They took a risk on us and we are proud to claim this award as a result of their investment in us,” Crabtree acknowledged. “FastenLink™ is

PHILL WITH TIM FIXMER, CEO/PUBLISHER, WOODWORKING NETWORK

now poised to bring more jobs to Owensboro/Daviess County.” Traditionally, Challenger Award winners receive a huge boost in sales based on the worldwide exposure at the International Woodworking Fair. In addition to winning the Challengers Award, Phill Crabtree II was also profiled in the Wood Industry 40 under 40 Class of 2016 during the IWF Ceremony on Thursday, August 25. 40 Under 40 is an award program seeking the next generation of young people destined to make an impact on the wood products manufacturing industry in North America. The 40 Under 40 program finds movers and shakers already making their mark in all walks of wood products manufacture, as well as suppliers and educators. Winners were selected from a field of more than 135 nominations.

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

THE IMPACT OF A MEMBERSHIP HOW A CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP IMPACTS BUSINESSES, THE COMMUNITY, AND MEMBERS

Members reflect on what membership means to their business, the community, and their personal lives.

n Time Fab is the perfect example of what a Chamber membership can mean to a business. When it began nine years ago, On Time Fab

consisted of husband and wife duo Ray and Cheri Middleton. Ray took the orders, fabricated the parts in his shop, and then installed them. Cheri put her administrative

BY MELODY ANN WALLACE - PHOTOS BY DAVID GRINNELL

skills to work by handling the billing and accounting in the office.

Looking back now, Ray and Cheri laugh about starting

On Time Fab with one metal shear machine in a small shop and being crammed into a crowded office that also had a 34

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

drafting board on one wall. Today, the company is in the

CANDY OAKES, NICK T. ARNOLD

CHERI & RAY MIDDLETON, ON TIME FAB

midst of its third expansion and expects to hire 10-12

Eventually she joined the board of directors and

full-time positions in the next 12-18 months. “I couldn’t

participated in the Workforce Development Sessions.

imagine our business being what it is today without the

support of the Chamber,” Cheri said. “Our Chamber

Candy and Michael Oakes know a thing or two about

membership opened up doors for us that wouldn’t have

growing and expanding a business as well. Nick T.

happened without the Chamber.”

Arnold Jewelers started in 1902 with one showcase in a

When the Middletons decided to launch their

store where the Masonic Temple Building now stands in

business, Cheri says one of the first things she did was

downtown Owensboro, then relocated to St. Ann Street

go to the Chamber. In those crucial first few years of

until moving to the current location at 3630 Frederica

business, Cheri was a Chamber Ambassador, taking

Street in 1997.

advantage of every opportunity to network at Rooster

Booster, After Hours, and other Chamber events.

Chamber membership from several capacities, first as a

As fourth generation owners of a family business,

Deborah Nunley has experienced the benefits of 35

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

Realtor and currently as an Owensboro Health Board Member and City Commissioner. As such, Nunley offers a unique perspective from her years of being a Chamber member. GO Business asked Cheri, Candy, and Deborah to share how their Chamber membership has impacted their businesses, personal lives, and the community.

What has your Chamber membership meant to your business? D E B O R A H N U N L E Y : When I began my career in real estate, the Chamber was the springboard for my career. The networking is invaluable for building a business and getting to know and work with other business professionals in the community. It was the best “marketing” tool in my toolbox as a neophyte Realtor. Later, as a broker/owner, I always shared this belief with my agents throughout the years and encouraged their membership in this important organization.

C A N D Y O A K E S : When you become involved in the Chamber, your scope of understanding broadens. There are great opportunities to promote your business and have the Chamber lobby on your behalf to build the prominence of local entrepreneurs.

“The commitment and synergy of the Chamber members has never wavered in the past decades of my involvement,

AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO STRONG AND SO VITAL TO OUR COMMUNITY, REGION, AND STATE.” -DEBORAH NUNLEY, CITY COMMISSIONER 36

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C H E R I M I D D L E T O N : Our membership has been essential to our business. It got our name out there, it got us connected in the community, and being able to get advice from other business leaders has been such an asset as we’ve worked through business decisions.

What has your Chamber membership meant to you personally? C A N D Y O A K E S : I feel that it has given me a network of local peers that strengthen my resolve to improve our community. As you interact with other members, you gain a more focused and accurate perspective on the inner workings of Owensboro.

C H E R I M I D D L E T O N : The camaraderie within the

to ensure local jobs and viable economies.

Chamber is second to none. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a great feeling to have the community behind you, cheering you on, and helping you grow.

D E B O R A H N U N L E Y : Owensboro Health System

D E B O R A H N U N L E Y : The Chamber is the primary forum for political education, communication, and evaluation for our citizens. As an Owensboro City Commissioner, I have witnessed this throughout my tenure. Chamber membership gives one better access and a voice in all things that drive and guide the future of Owensboro, Daviess County, the western Kentucky region, and the state of Kentucky.

What has your Chamber membership meant to the community? C A N D Y O A K E S : When one member benefits the entire city of Owensboro is strengthened. Local merchants keep money distributed locally, helping

benefits in multiple ways by staying integrated with the Chamber. Many Chamber members partner with us to more greatly impact the health and quality of life in our community. The Chamber allows us to communicate more efficiently and effectively with these partners. In turn, the Chamber members can help our organization better understand the dynamics in their respective businesses and organizations so that we may be more nimble in approaching our mission to heal the sick and improve the health of the communities that we serve. The Chamber advocacy programs are fantastic! One example is the I-65 spur project. The Chamber has been working on that project since I joined and I am proud to be a part of the board that saw it accomplished. The 65 spur will directly impact On Time Fab, but the entire community benefits from it as well.

CHERI MIDDLETON:

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QUESTIONS COL. ART EALUM

Chief of Police, Owensboro Police Department BY DANNY MAY - PHOTO BY TAYLOR WEST

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

W H AT I S YOUR FAVOR I TE HOB BY OR WAY TO U N W I ND? Playing bass guitar is my favorite way to unwind. I have been playing bass guitar for a very long time. I find peace and joy in listening to music, but creating and performing music brings a level of excitement to my soul which provides me an avenue of escape to where I can take a mental break from the oceans of stress associated with the policing profession.

career as a police officer, Glenn Skeens recognized my potential early in my career. He always provided constructive criticism and encouragement to reinforce the values of this organization. As he progressed through the department, he was instrumental in ensuring that those around him were afforded the same opportunities that he had. He trusted me to get the job done. He was intense and had a winner’s mentality. When he became chief of police, he paid a visit to my office one Thursday afternoon and asked,

W H AT ’S STI L L ON YOUR BUCKET LIS T ?

“You got anything going on this weekend?” When I

An African Safari is on my bucket list; not very high on my list, but it is there.

start doing Promotional Assessment Centers and I

W H AT E X PER I ENCES F R OM CHI L DHOOD L AT E R I NF LU ENCED YOUR CAR EER PAT H? Early in my childhood, I found myself standing up for others who were either too afraid to stand up for themselves or simply incapable of doing so. Although I did not recognize my passion for helping others out of bad situations mirrored that of law enforcement, I can see the parallels somewhat today. Sounds pretty noble, huh? Well, I wasn’t much for finding peaceful resolutions to conflict which led to my having a standing appointment in the principal’s office or so it seems. Nobody really accepted my defense of others as an acceptable justification for my actions. Eventually, I figured out there were better ways of dealing with bullies.

said no, he stated, “Pack your bags, we are going to am sending you to San Francisco to get trained on assessment center development.” I laugh every time I think about situations like that. I don’t believe in letting opportunities pass me by, so working for someone who constantly looked for opportunities to better our organization made our working relationship a very positive experience.

WHO ROLE MODE LE D “S E RVICE ” FOR YO U AS YOU WE RE GROWING UP ? My mother, Shirley Ealum, was the best role model for service I had growing up. My mother was the caretaker of my late grandmother for 30+ years. My grandmother lived nearly a half-mile from our house and my mother would walk to grandma’s house twice a day to administer insulin injections, prepare meals, etc. My mother has never had a driver’s license, so her two trips a day were made on foot during snowstorms, thunderstorms, ice storms, and the heat of the summer without hesitation or complaint. My

My involvement with many different sports helped me to become more disciplined as a person, which played a significant role in influencing my career path.

WHO F I R ST R ECOGNIZ E D YOU R G I F TS? When it comes to my professional

siblings and I had numerous occasions to bear witness to our mother’s dedication and commitment to our grandmother and all of our neighbors who were in need of assistance along the way. In fact, we also were active participants in her service to others, i.e. mowing lawns, chopping firewood, emptying trash, etc. To this day, she epitomizes selfless service and represents all that a good mother and a good citizen should be. She has always placed the needs of others over her own. I often remind her just to worry about herself a little more and less about others because some people take

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

her for granted. Without fail, she quickly reminds me that she is the “Mother,” I am the “Son” and God knows where her heart is.

H OW A N D WHEN D I D YOU F I R ST B ECOME I N T E R ES T E D I N L AW ENF OR CEMENT ? Despite my long-standing aversion for the police as a juvenile, I found myself in a position to interact with police officers in a variety of settings which afforded me the opportunity to witness the unveiling of officers and see them for what they really were – human beings! I worked out at a gym that was owned by an officer. I was a student at the Rising Phoenix Martial Arts Academy where several of my main sparring partners were police officers and deputies. Admittedly, it felt great to punch, kick, grapple and occasionally choke out off-duty officers whom, in the spirit of competition, were just as capable, willing and eager to return the favor. I had to evaluate my antipathy for the police to determine if it was a reality that I had socially constructed based upon negative citizen-police encounters that I had heard about or experienced. Through my introspection, I quickly realized that my limited interaction, both good and bad, with the police was hardly enough for me to condemn all those who serve as police officers. Once I was able to get out of my own way, I was able to see past the clouds and recognize that I had been called by a much higher power to serve as a police officer.

W H AT S KI L L S DI D YOU D EV ELOP EARLY ON T H AT YO U STI L L U SE EV ERY DAY AS P OLICE CHIEF? I took typing in high school as an elective because the teacher was the cheerleading coach and there were nothing but girls in the class. Although my reason for taking the typing class was suspect, I actually developed a skill that has helped a great deal as police chief. I have very strong listening skills. Good listeners have to hear beyond the spoken word and decipher the true message that is being relayed. The ability to “hear” the

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

true communication has been very beneficial throughout my career as police chief. I have been blessed with the ability to recall information, names, locations, faces, conversations, etc. This has been a very valuable asset to me throughout my career; especially, as police chief.

WHAT IS S OME T HING YOUR OFFICE RS WO UL D BE S URP RIS E D TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I have played in a number of bands over the years, i.e. Voodoo Chili, Juke’s Bliss, The Jump Kings, Blue Taboo, Radical Soul and most notably, SOULUNIQUE. We took a short hiatus just before I was selected as police chief. After a four-year layoff, SOULUNIQUE has reformed and will be returning to the music scene.

WHAT LE GACY DO YOU HOP E OP D LE AVES FOR FUT URE GE NE RAT IONS ? I hope OPD leaves the legacy that we were responsive to the needs of every member of this community without regard to socioeconomic status, race, religion, gender or ethnicity. That our officers valued community outreach programs to improve the relationships between police officers and the citizens we served. And that we were innovative in our efforts to improve the quality of life of our citizenry, which garnered great community support and appreciation for this very noble profession.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORIT E T HING ABOUT OWE NS BORO? Owensboro is a progressive community. Members of this community actually care about the community which is evident by the number of people who volunteer to sit on a variety of boards and committees to support the many civic organizations this community enjoys. I am blessed to serve this community as police chief and cherish the opportunity to serve the men and women of the Owensboro Police Department. We have a very special group of individuals who work daily to protect and serve all people in this community. When you see an officer, be sure to thank them for their individual sacrifice and commitment to serve you.

DID ? YOU

KNOW

CORRECT ANSWER: MADISON SILVERT, GREATER OWENSBORO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PRESIDENT & CEO.

FROM PAGE 7

That’s right, when Madison is not in the jam session with a German bluegrass office, he plays banjo, electric banjo, and band while attending a trade mission in mandolin in an acoustic trio. Notable gigs Germany with Governor Matt Bevin. “We were opening for Ben Sollee last year and had a nice reception for companies with a playing at the BB&T patio for FridayAfter5 Kentucky presence, and the band let me sit one year. Other members are Andy Prusz in and sing one with them,” Silvert recalled. and Mike Smith.

The Cabinet for Economic Development

Recently, Madison had an impromptu sent this photo from the reception.

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THE FINAL ANALYSIS JACLYN GRAVES When I took the Membership Development Manager position with the Chamber in July, I was hoping I would enjoy the job. There are going to be good days and bad days and as long as the good outweighs the bad, we consider our daily work lives to be manageable, right? I really thought that working in this office, helping to develop our community, would have some rewarding moments here and there. Well, I was wrong. I was wrong, because I pretty much love every minute and here’s why… It’s because of you, our members. The people of a community are truly its greatest asset and I get to see firsthand your hard work, dedication and innovation come to light. We are so blessed to have such a creative and caring place to call home. I see it in your encouragement of your fellow members, your leadership of those who are just getting started and your concern for the betterment of this community for future generations. We are a town of supporters and it makes my heart so happy to see that genuine companionship. You see, I’m lucky. I am directly involved with our new members and a lot of the time, they are new

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Membership Development Manager

businesses. Maybe it’s a national corporation who has decided to make Owensboro home or maybe it’s a locally-owned small business that has dreamed of this opportunity their whole life, but every one is an inspiration. I’ve seen proud parents with tears in their eyes, watching their child cut the ribbon, and in that instant, seeing their dreams come true. I’ve watched current business owners opening additional locations to meet the needs of their customers, knowing how much hard work was put in to get there. I see the pure joy on faces in those moments. It’s beyond uplifting. When this staff says we love working for you, we mean it. From community priorities that take years to accomplish, to our candidate forums ensuring our community has every opportunity to educate themselves on upcoming elections; to helping you get the wording just right if you are a new member being introduced at Rooster Booster, we are here for you. And, we are happy for you and proud of your successes. Thank you for your commitment to this community through your Chamber membership and thank you for trusting us to work for you.

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200 E 3rd St, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-1860 http://chamber.owensboro.com

GO BUSINESS . FOURTH QUARTER 2016

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