GO Chamber - Q1 2020

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

FROM THE CHAMBER It seems like just a short time ago that Dave

events for members to connect or building

Roberts took the gavel from Bart Darrell and

programs to retain or recruit talent, we are

became the 2019 Chamber Board Chair. This

developing strategies to accomplish community

past year has flown by. At the 2019 Chamber

priorities.

Celebration, Dave Roberts addressed the 750-

CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President & CEO

plus crowd and listed Downtown Livability and

Owensboro native and CEO of Logitech,

Workforce and Education as two of his personal

Bracken Darrell, served as our YP Summit

goals as board chair. And have we hit the mark.

keynote, and in his speech, Bracken talked about goals and the critical role they play in building

We led and financed the Downtown Placemaking

success. Bracken was right.

Report Card visit, which has been the catalyst for many projects in the works that we believe put

As our 2019 Board Chair, Dave set a path to

us on a trajectory to continue our economic and

accomplish critical community goals that have

population growth.

positioned our 2020 Board to go to higher heights.

A third hotel with apartments will add to the excitement and energy already happening. Work

Our Chamber has been around since 1913. Since

on lighting the Blue Bridge Starts next month.

then, two World Wars have passed and times have certainly changed, yet this organization

JACK WELLS 2020 Board Chair

And as leaders on advocacy, our Chamber and

continues. And we really stand for the same

local elected leaders executed a very fruitful DC

thing we stood for over 100 years ago. Our

Fly-In and meetings with top national leaders as

Chamber exists to grow our economy and make

well as state-level influence makers.

Owensboro a community that can compete globally.

Our talent and workforce programs are continuing to change lives and transform

We will use 2020 to continue our goals for

our economy. Teachers in the Workplace and

placemaking and addressing our members’

Community Campus connect education and

workforce needs. We will continue to work

business for students—most recently, the

behind the scenes to move things forward.

collaboration between OCTC and Unifirst called

And we will continue to find ways to make

GO FEMALES has been exciting to watch as an

our Chamber membership add value for our

employer. We were selected to host the YP Unite

small businesses, non-profits and our largest

Summit, where Young Professionals from all

employers.

over the state came to see what Owensboro has to offer. And we launched Engage Owensboro,

Our board is made up of people in this

an interactive web-based tool that is connecting

community moving things forward. And the

people to service and leadership opportunities

33,000 people who make up our membership

in the community.

are out there every day making their portion of Owensboro greater.

These things don’t happen in communities our

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

size without a Chamber of Commerce. When

Let’s keep the momentum going! The best is yet

we are not directly serving members, planning

to come.

PUBLISHER Jason Tanner jason@tannerwest.com

CONTENTS

MANAGING EDITOR Benjamin Hoak ben@tannerpublishing.com

1ST QUARTER 2020

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

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COPY EDITOR Ashley Gleason

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THE CHAMBER REPORT

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2020 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

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PROFILES OF PAST CHAMBER AWARD WINNERS

GRAPHIC DESIGN Andrea Roberson Monica Smith

PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie Alexander

PRINTING

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Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky

TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

Dave Roberts

Special Advertising Section

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

A LOOK BACK AT 2019

38

38

10 QUESTIONS

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THE FINAL ANALYSIS

Rich Jorn

Jaclyn Graves

38 42

DID ?

YOU

KNOW Which local team has 8 national championship titles?

FIND OUT ON PAGE 41

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

THE CHAMBER REPORT

HOW DO YOU WORK WITH THE CHAMBER?

WHAT’S AN UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOU?

I handle the recording of live events from

I was one of the first 500 people to compete

Rooster Booster to Annual Celebration

in a professional mixed martial arts fight

and Legislative Update. I have been doing

in North America. This was in Evansville

Rooster Booster for more than 15 years off

in 1996.

and on, so I’ve filmed more than 150, I’m sure.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND HOBBIES?

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING WITH THE CHAMBER?

I have four children and an amazing wife

What’s not to like?! You know when you

and Dragons every other Sunday with six

work with them you will be treated like

other people.

- my family actually defines who I am as a person. As for hobbies, I play Dungeons

family. Everyone wants the same thing and that’s the best for whatever the project is.

MEET THE

The Chamber has been a dream partner to

WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW?

CHAMBER

work with since I first met them.

The Royal Tenenbaums at the moment, but

champion of the “make it happen where

RODNEY NEWTON

that changes.

you are” mentality and have accomplished

Growing up all I ever wanted was to get

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

out of this town. I never could see the value here. At a certain age I became a

many goals and lived many dreams right

Special Projects Producer, Owensboro Community and Technical College Videographer, Rooster Booster & Chamber Special Events

WHO IS THE MOST FAMOUS PERSON YOU HAVE MET?

here in Owensboro. People make the place.

I spent two seasons as a contributor for

but I see through the eyes of the Chamber

The Dr. Phil show. Although I didn’t meet

that there are a lot of people moving us in

him in person, I had the opportunity to

that direction and I like being able to watch

chat with him via Skype. In person, I once

that happen from my perch in the middle

spent the weekend with Joe Rogan in Long

of the room, the first Thursday of every

Beach, California.

month.

Nashville wasn’t always cool, but the people made it what it is today. We aren’t there yet,

H A N D - P I C K E D What is your favorite podcast?

How I Built This with Guy Raz : NPR

Hardcore History

RINEY HANCOCK CPAS PSC

WKU OWENSBORO

- Sara Williams

– Kevin Dorth

Sustainability Defined & The Minimalist Podcast

Creating Disney Magic with Lee Cockerell

EVERGREEN LAWN CARE/WEED MAN

OWENSBORO HEALTH

– Chelsea Howard 8

GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

– Brian Hamby

Office Ladies – Shaelie Clark

WFIE 14

CNBC Squawk Box

– Brian Greenwell

GREENWELL CHISHOLM

Ted Talks Daily, Daily Breath with Deepak Chopra & Dementia Care Partner Talk Show with Teepa Snow - Tina Wright TIMESAVERS KY

Crime Junkie

“This American Life”

KENERGY CORP

INDEPENDENCE BANK

– Leslie Neeley

– Kyle Aud

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE TANNER+WEST Tanner+West is pleased to announce the hire of Eric Bivens, who will join the team as Creative Director.

Within this role, Bivens will lead the design and marketing divisions, as well as support the newly created Tanner+West DM platform.

“The Tanner+West team is doing great things for businesses, organizations, and leaders in Western Kentucky and beyond,” Bivens said.

“I am looking forward to joining this creative, talented team.”

Bivens comes to Tanner+West with over 20 years of experience in design and production while also serving in pastoral roles in churches in Kentucky, Georgia, and West Virginia.

His experience in design includes work in print design, website and app design, apparel design, branding, and video production. This background will make it a smooth transition to this leadership role within Tanner+West's diverse line of services.

“Our amazing team members are what makes our company successful and produces results for our clients on every project. Adding someone of Eric's caliber allows us to build on this success,” said Jason Tanner, founder of Tanner+West.

“Eric has been a friend for many years, and I've always been a fan of his creative work. We're fortunate to have him join us in this capacity.”

OWENSBORO COUNTRY CLUB Dane McLaird has been recently hired as General Manager/ COO of Owensboro Country Club. He, his wife and their two children our excited to join the Owensboro community from St. Louis. McLaird has been employed in the golf and club business for 18 years and look forwards to leading the club and its members to new heights.

McLaird said current plans for the club include

a new 4,000 sq. ft. pool house and a 4-5 hole par-3 course that will allow access for juniors, ladies and men to have a first class practice and learning center. He also plans to begin a college internship program to educate students.

partner, John Whybrew. “It’s an honor to have our firm recognized by Forbes and be commended for our hard work.” ATA has 14 office locations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi.

THE AUDUBON AREA COMMUNITY CARE CLINIC The Audubon Area Community Care Clinic has recently expanded their operation to a new location at 750 Salem Dr., Suite 2.

STORM INSURANCE OPENING NEW OFFICE Storm Insurance is moving to a new office on Highway 54 in partnership with Keller Williams. Started by Scott Stoermer in 2011, Storm Insurance has grown to be one of the top Crop Insurance Agencies in Kentucky. Storm Insurance also offers all other lines of insurance, including property and Casualty, life and health etc. Shown is Agent Menisa Taylor at the new building.

OWENSBORO TIMES Ngan Ho has joined the Owensboro Times team as a reporter. She is an award-winning multimedia journalist from Houston who graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a journalism degree.

Formerly from the San Angelo Standard-Times in West Texas, Ngan is a fan of fitness, enjoys reading non-fiction, and has traveled to 10 different countries.

PUZZLE PIECES Puzzle Pieces has hired Ashley Wedding as their new Public Relations Director. She will be sharing the heart and vision of Puzzle Pieces with the community. Through awareness and education, she hopes to help Puzzle Pieces achieve its goal of building a more inclusive community.

ALEXANDER THOMPSON ARNOLD PLLC NAMED TOP TAX FIRM BY FORBES Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA) is humbled to be recognized as a top tax firm in America. Research company, Stratista, worked with Forbes to compile the list of leading organizations, which only included 227 firms.

This award displays ATA’s passion to work diligently with clients on their taxes to amplify their business.

“We strive to provide our clients sound tax advice and expertise through heavy research and training,” said managing

AUDUBON AREA COMMUNITY CARE CLINIC EXPANDS The Audubon Area Community Care Clinic has recently expanded their operation to a new location at 750 Salem Dr., Suite 2. The Clinic is a primary care clinic that outreaches to homeless, low income, under-insured and transiently housed patients. The clinic offers a full range of services including Annual Physicals, Well-Child Checks, Adult and Childhood Immunizations, acute and primary care.

OWENSBORO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS The Owensboro Business Hall of Fame added three new members at a celebration luncheon on January 14. The inductees were Michael E. Horn, Horn Industrial Companies; Chris C. Reid, Independence Bank; and the late John Geoffrey “Pete” Barnard (1898-1982), Modern Welding Company.

Individuals are nominated for their outstanding civic and business contributions to the Owensboro area and recognized for their business excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, courageous thinking and action, inspiring leadership, community impact, and service as a role model.

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

THE CHAMBER REPORT

THE

READING

LIST

Overview:

The Takeaway:

Jeff Ramey spent a few years in minor

If done correctly, athletics will help

league baseball after a very success-

prepare a mindset and habits which

ful college career at Indiana University.

will contribute greatly to the maximum

Ramey has now written this book, not from the perspective of a former Major League Baseball star, but from the perspective of one of the many players whose dream to play in the major leagues was not realized. But Ramey DID come

THE DIAMOND OF SUCCESS: THE P’S TO WINNING AUTHOR: JEFF RAMEY

to realize the skills and other benefits his baseball experiences gave him will serve him the rest of his life. His view is far from bitter that he did not make it all the way the major leagues. It is, rather, one

benefits that can result and which are transferable throughout life.

Ramey’s book hit home for me as the father of a current Division I college baseball pitcher. I clearly remember when my son, Michael, was a high

workout. I suggested (as I had since Ramey, of course, offers insight into how

he was 9 years old): “Keep your left

a young person can become the best

shoulder turned in.” The all-state pitcher

player possible, but he also explains the

stopped, looked at me with a smile, and

advantages they have acquired which

simply said: “From now on you are a

ics. Ramey mentions at one point that as he was always so focused on trying to move on to the “next level” of baseball that he did not fully enjoy and appreciate the people he met, the places he visit-

GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

the sport; and realize the post-playing

him throw warm up pitches before a

ride” of a young person’s time in athlet-

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game; have an easier transition out of

his athletic journey.

fers great perspective into “enjoying the

Attorney Bell Orr Ayers and Moore

have more enjoyment and success in the

school senior and I was watching

petitive playing days. Ramey also of-

Bart Darrell

perspective will also help that athlete to

of gratitude for all that he received from

will stay with them long past their com-

REVIEWED BY:

results outside of sport. Keeping the right

ed, and the experiences he had. In short, he encourages people to enjoy “where

spectator. I know a lot more about this than you do.” He, of course, was right.

Baseball had already given him some self-confidence and self-reliance upon which he will continue to build. He was already seeing that. I guess I could have been a chapter in Jeff Ramey’s book and didn’t know it then.

The Diamond of Success: The Ps to Winning should be a “must read” not only for athletes, parents, and coaches,

your feet are” and not be solely focused

but also for anyone who wants his or her

on the next achievement, promotion, or

organization to be more competitive,

ladder rung above.

successful, and culturally sound.

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER All Blessings International/Kentucky Adoption Services, Inc. B&M Service Company Behavior Associates, LLC Best Western Plus Bickett Tiling Bill's Restaurant Bluegrass Family Allergy, Dr. Kelly Brauer Community Ventures Cryo Body Creation Carmel Home Century Property Management Delta Dental of Ky Dermatology Center Owensboro, PLLC Dr. Benjamin Vessels, Dr. Cassey Vessels Drake's Edward Jones Investments, Ed Krahwinkel, Financial Advisor Home Inspired, Inc. Horizon Home Care Housing Authority of Owensboro Hudson Mfg. & Machine Shop Industrial Mold and Machine Co, Inc. Irregular Strength, LLC LifeBuilders Mattingly's Automotive Repair Michael J Gross, LLC Mint & Ivory Dentistry, Brittany Winn McKinley, DMD Moorman Farms Inc. Naturaleigh Owensboro Dream Realty Premier Home Inspection Ky LLC Professional Pool Service Inc. Rayelle Collection Red Lobster Reflections by Talea Photography Royal Insurance Scentsy, Leslie Roberts Sonitrol of Evansville Southeast/West Daviess County Water District Staves Occupational Therapy Services The Center Unique Surfaces Roofing and Contracting

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THE CHAMBER REPORT

EXECUTIVE ANSWERS GO Chamber asked several former Business of the Year Award winners this question: What did winning a Chamber annual business award mean for your company?

FRANK ANDERSON

SARAH MURPHY FORD

AMANDA OWEN

This prestigious award meant the most to our company by recognizing the hard work, efforts, determination and perseverance of our most valued asset ... our people! Our company has a rich history of manufacturing quality windows and doors since 1930. Throughout the past 90 years of business, our company has undergone several changes of ownership and have survived numerous challenges, all while remaining a family business.

There are not enough words to explain what it meant to Hartz Contracting to win The Chamber Business of the Year award. The timing was impeccable, because several years prior to winning the award, we transitioned from Hartz Construction to Hartz Contracting. The leadership changed, but the majority of the team stayed the same, and we were all determined to keep the strong Hartz Heritage alive that Ben & Frank Hartz had built with their hard work and dedication to Owensboro! To win the award meant that we were achieving that goal, and it motivated us to keep giving our all and that our blood, sweat and tears were truly making a difference.

As the founder of Puzzle Pieces, I have always dreamed that the people of our community would share in my passion to become aware of the value of those with disabilities so that they can be provided opportunities for happiness and success. Achieving this award gave our organization not only affirmation that we are changing a community, but it personally gave me the confidence and motivation to inspire others.

PRESIDENT SUN WINDOWS, INC.

Our industry faced the very worst of the Great Recession in 2008/2009. In fact, it was truly a great depression for our industry due to the fact that the demand for residential building products was quickly reduced by 80%. Many of our top vendors, competitors, and customers did not survive these harsh economic times.

As if things couldn't get any worse at the time, Hurricane Ike caused significant damage to our building that was built in 1890. Our people, now with our 4th generation fully on board, persevered through these challenging times, rebuilt our facilities, retooled our products/ strategies, and are now poised for tremendous success.

That is why the timing of this award was so important for our employees and their families as they have continued to work hard, meet the challenges head on, and celebrate our success by receiving the Business of the Year Award.

We are most grateful to be a part of this wonderful community and truly appreciate this recognition.

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VICE PRESIDENT HARTZ CONTRACTING OF OWENSBORO

Our company’s #1 goal is to always serve and impact the communities in which we live, worship and work, so winning the Chamber Business of the Year gave us great confidence that we were on the right track, in Owensboro. It “BUILT US UP” to continue to strive to expand and cultivate relationships, so that together we can “BUILD” a Greater Owensboro for every citizen of this great city that we call home.

FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PUZZLE PIECES

As a young female leader who took a leap of faith, this award was personal to me, proving that this accomplishment was noticed. After receiving the Chamber award, I realized how many within our community valued the win for Puzzle Pieces. This award provided validation to our young staff that their passion for this work matters, it gave hope to families raising those with disabilities, and more importantly it showed our clients with disabilities that they matter. This award became more than just a trophy; it set the bar and tone of expectations and value in the service we provide within our community.

ON THE RECORD

MADISON C. SILVERT, J.D./AICP PRESIDENT MALCOLM BRYANT CORPORATION

Winning the Business of the Year award in 2015 was somewhat of a watershed moment for our company.

Our Finance Director, Sarah Clay Mardam-Bey, who is the second generation of this company, drafted the application after only being with us for a few months. Her commitment early on in her tenure was a sign that the Malcolm Bryant Corporation would continue on through generations. It set us in motion to evolve into the growing company we are, while not losing our unique commitment to our team members and the communities we serve, especially Owensboro, that helped us win the award in the first place.

Importantly, it was so incredibly validating, as you can see from the many recipients of the award through the years and at the various levels of company size. We are honored to have this award as part of our legacy, and we mention it often in our presentation materials and when we are entering new partnerships. This is true even in markets far away from Owensboro. Chambers of Commerce carry a particular weight wherever you go, but the reputation of the Owensboro Chamber is specifically respected throughout the Southeast.

The Chamber’s faith in us and common mission to make Owensboro greater has helped make us who we are.

NATASHA STANLEY

OWNER BELLA RAGAZZA BOUTIQUE

I am a very humble winner of the Emerging Business of the Year award.

I felt so honored to be recognized among other amazing businesses in Owensboro. The Chamber is such a supportive group of businesses. They understand the sacrifices you make and risks you take as a business owner.

When a group of your peers and your community recognize your hard work, it means so much. I'm always trying to be a better version of myself as a person, mom and business owner.

Awards like this give me the fuel to keep going and strive to be even better.

I'm proud to be a Chamber member and truly appreciate the recognition.

DR. JESICA THOMASON MILLS, PHARMD, MBA, RPH, ND

OWNER OWENSBORO FAMILY PHARMACY AND WELLNESS

Winning the Emerging Business of the Year was an absolute highlight of 2019 for my business and staff. Almost all of our employees were able to attend the Chamber Celebration, and my parents were able to come as well. They started the pharmacy in 1985, and I will never forget watching the video showing our business as the winner, and my dad grabbing my hand in excitement and pride, while my mom had the most authentic smile.

It was an amazing moment to be recognized for the hard work all of our team does every day.

To be able to celebrate with my staff and the original founders of our pharmacy was incredibly rewarding and humbling. We received so many congratulatory cards and handwritten messages of support from local businesses and colleges.

I went to get lunch at Gene’s the next week, and Andrew gave me a free lunch, from one award winner to another.

Our community is so blessed to have an event that celebrates the amazing accomplishments of our local businesses, and it gave my staff and family a reason to stop and celebrate all of our efforts.

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THE CHAMBER REPORT

CHAMBER SCRAPBOOK:

2020 CHAMBER Celebration The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce gathered at the RiverPark Center on Friday, January 24 to celebrate a successful 2019 and present our annual Business of the Year awards. It was a great celebration of everything that makes this community special - we had a fantastic evening!

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

EDUCATION

AN INVESTMENT REPAID WITH FUTURE EARNINGS A

Scott Williams, PhD. OCTC President

lmost daily the national news cycle includes media accounts that question the value of attaining a postsecondary degree. In fact, we are bombarded with horror stories about student loan debt that students will never be able to pay off in their working lifetime. People are starting to question the value of investing in a college education. Is a college education necessary? Is it worth the time and money? If I invest in a college education will I see a return on my investment? These are critical questions that should be asked as one begins to look at future careers and quality of life.

First, is a college education necessary? We know that it is not absolutely necessary. We see and read stories every day about entrepreneurs and innovators who launch successful careers and companies. Think Bill Gates (even though he attended Harvard, he did not complete a degree). However, longitudinal studies repeatedly demonstrate that on average the surest path to social and economic mobility is through a post-secondary education. Recent studies now show that across the U.S. approximately 70% to 80% (depending on the study) of future jobs will require at the very least some post-secondary education or training beyond a high school diploma. This may be in the form of a certificate or advanced training. Today even entry level positions such as Nurse Aides, Medical Assistants, and Computer Technicians require industry recognized certification or assessment for employment.

Is a college education even worth the time and money? How often have you heard that all college graduates are graduating with six figure debt? Certainly, there are graduates with college loan debt in excess of $100,000, but that is not the norm. According to the U.S. Department of Education the average student loan debt in 2018 was $33,310 and in fact, not all students have student loan debt. Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) student debt numbers are even lower. Kentucky Community and Technical College institutions have the lowest tuition in the state. OCTC’s annual tuition ($4,176) is less than half of the annual tuition cost at any public Kentucky fouryear institution. In 2018, only 36% of OCTC graduates had a student loan, meaning more than 60% of our students graduated debt free. Also impressive is the fact that in 2018 only 13.1% of OCTC students took out a student loan with the average amount being $4,416.

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) just released data that indicates a college education does pay off. As the graphic illustrates, students in the Commonwealth who obtained a postsecondary certificate

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

beyond their high school diploma earn on average $222,000 more over their lifetime. An Associate degree earner has a lifetime gain of more than $420,000 and a bachelor degree earner can expect more than $1.2 million lifetime earnings gain compared to those with only a high school diploma. These trends hold true even in our region. Recently released data from a 2019 Emsi economic impact study for OCTC shows that associate degree attainders in our region earn on average $9,400 more annually than high school diploma holders.

Does investment in a college education have a solid return? Recent economic indicators clearly show this to be the case. The CPE data demonstrates that for a $30,000 investment in a two-year degree the graduate earned more than $420,000 additional dollars in their lifetime. This is supported by our recent economic impact study conducted using 2019 economic data. For OCTC students, every dollar invested in their education at OCTC returned $8.30. That translates into an annual return on investment of 31.5%. To put that in perspective, the 30-year annual return for the stock market is 9.9%, so this leaves no doubt that money spent on an OCTC education pays big financial dividends. This, combined with the fact that more than 60% of OCTC graduates have no student loan debt, the economic impact of an OCTC graduate to our local economy during their working lifetime is staggering. The recently released 2019 economic impact study conducted by Emsi for OCTC shows that OCTC alumni contributed $183 million additional dollars in 2019 to our regional economy. A win-win for both our graduates and our local economy.

Clearly, investing in a quality college education like that at OCTC, even if it is only a short-term certificate, is well worth it. For a minimal investment in time and money one can achieve a very high return on their investment and recoup that investment early in their working career. Truly, a community college postsecondary education is not only a positive value proposition, but it also provides individuals with the skills to enhance their life and that of their family. In short, OCTC stays committed to creating better lives for a better Kentucky and higher education does matter!

DAVE ROBERTS:

A Look Back at 2019

A

fter spending four years on the board of the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, Dave

Roberts, General Manager at UniFirst Corporation took the lead as the 2019 Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Board Chair. Now he’s looking back on his year at the helm.

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

Over the last year, the Chamber advanced on a number of critical, forwardlooking initiatives. Roberts said the group initiated the Downtown Report Card Visit, which looked at the progress made toward the community’s master plan for placemaking and gave new life into what could possibly come next.

“We worked with our local partners to create new workforce development opportunities through our Community Campus program which now provides advanced training in Construction Management, Information Technology, Customer Service and Professional Services,” he said.

“Engage Owensboro was successfully launched. This web platform connects community members to boards of all types across the Greater Owensboro region by aligning needs, desires and skillsets accordingly. Each of these initiatives are strategic in nature and will serve our area for many years to come.”

Last April, the Chamber orchestrated a Washington D.C. fly-in where they connected community leaders with decision-makers on Capitol Hill to advance efforts to develop the transportation infrastructure and identify new opportunities to grow and enhance Greater Owensboro.

Local Chamber Young Professionals hosted the Regional YP Unite Summit in November. This event attracted more than 175 young professionals from across the commonwealth to Owensboro for two days where they experienced the city in exciting and unique ways.

Roberts said the young professionals selected Owensboro as the site and based on the response, the city certainly delivered. He added that the announcement of a third downtown hotel and apartments will help Owensboro support increased tourism and add to the vibrancy of the city.

“We’ve experienced a number of other successes in our community with the announcement of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Owensboro Health through a partnership with the University of Louisville, interstate connectivity through the I-165 shields from the south and I-369 designation to the west, and continued population growth in Owensboro and Daviess County to name a few,” Robert said.

He added that he would love to continue to grow and provide additional value to the Greater Owensboro Chamber Members.

“As a GO Chamber Member, I can testify that the return on investment on our Chamber membership makes it an easy choice,” he said. “As a Chamber, we always strive to find new ways to quantify and expand this value to our membership.”

Looking back at 2019, he said he wanted to thank the GO Chamber Members for all their support and their love for Owensboro.

“One of the highlights as board chair for me personally has been to learn about the diverse organizations that drive our local economy and to meet the great people that drive them,” he said. “Simply put, Owensboro’s most precious asset is its people and they are what separates us from other communities. I would also like to thank our board of directors. I consider it an honor and privilege to serve alongside them to help drive Owensboro forward. They are a talented group of servant leaders who truly love this organization and the community it serves.”

Roberts said he would be remiss if he didn’t recognize the GO Chamber staff as well.

“These six women are literally obsessed with delivering only the highest value to our members,” he said. “They punch above their weight every single day and stand ready for the challenges of tomorrow. The GO Chamber is in great hands.”

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

C ONG RAT UL AT I ONS TO THE

Business of the Year AWARD WINNE RS

PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

2019 AMBASSADORS OF THE YEAR

Amber Farmer Michael Vanover DISASTER TEAM INC.

HELTON INSURANCE AGENCY

2019 DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Rod Kuegel KUEGEL FARMS

2019 LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS MEMBER OF THE YEAR

2019 CYP MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Shaelie Clark

Erica Wade THE CENTER

WFIE TV 14

2019 BILL YOUNG COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

David Edds Jr.

POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

2019 CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Owensboro Community and Technical College

E MER G I N G B US I NESS OF T HE YEA R

Rowland Family Dentistry, LLC

Dr. Janet Rowland opened Rowland Family Dentistry three years ago with a mission to love, serve and care for the community of Owensboro. She is succeeding in that mission, as Rowland Family Dentistry was named the 2020 Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business of the Year.

“I’m really excited (to win),” she said. “The list of nominees is amazing. I’m overwhelmed to be on the list, much less be the recipient.”

“The most incredible part of dentistry is the opportunity I have to change lives,” she said. “I want patients to leave a visit feeling better than they expected.”

Rowland Family Dentistry is a full-service dental office, offering everything from exams and cleanings to full-mouth

restorations. Rowland serves both children and adults with general dental health needs, and she specializes in cosmetic procedures as well.

Rowland’s commitment to the community led her to become involved with a local charity called GOD Smile Ministry that provides dentures for men and women in the community who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. She recently delivered her first set of dentures and knew the ministry was a good fit. “To see someone become different and better is what our mission is,” she said.

She’s appreciative of her clients who have helped her build Rowland Family Dentistry. “Thank you for trusting and loving us,” she said.

Nominees:

Artisan Auto Detail, Budget Blinds of Owensboro, J&R Construction, Owensboro Times, Reflections by Talea Photography, TheraTree, LLC, White Chateau at Cecil Farms, Wonder Boy Media 21

GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

1-10 E M P LOYEES

Tanner+West When Jason Tanner started his design and advertising agency, he wasn’t sure Owensboro was ready to support such a creative venture. Six years later, the proof has arrived: Tanner + West was named the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce 2020 Business of the Year for 1-10 Employees.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to win the award,” Tanner said. “I’m really humbled.”

As a full-service design and advertising agency, Tanner + West’s goal is to come alongside businesses to help them tell their stories. “We’re an extension of your business,” Tanner said. “We position our team around your needs. We take the time to get to know you and your business.”

Their services, which include advertising, branding, graphic design, website development, photography and video production, are driven by strategy in order to produce results. The goal is to

Nominees:

inspire customers to act as they help brands build loyalty and authenticity.

Tanner gave credit for the award to the team he works with.

“I’m super proud of our team,” he said. “They’re all experts in their field.”

The company recently introduced a comprehensive digital marketing service that lets businesses view and track all of their marketing efforts in one location with visual reporting. The service includes management of a business’ online listings, call tracking, email marketing, social media, SEO and targeted digital ads.

The service is just another way Tanner + West is staying relevant to serve their customers’ needs. “I just want to say thank you to our customers and clients,” Tanner said. “They’ve been there with us from the beginning. It’s amazing.”

Express Employment Professionals, Hafer PSC, JMJ Custom Homes, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance - Gavin C. Roberts Insurance Agency, Inc., Kidstop Children’s Boutique, Preservation Station 22

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11- 5 0 EM P LOYEES

Greenwell Chisholm In the last 101 years, Greenwell Chisholm has seen a lot of history, but the company has been a steady presence in Owensboro since its founding in 1919. “We celebrated our 100 year anniversary last year, and it was very thought-provoking,” said owner Carl Greenwell. “Our company made it through two World Wars … I think that’s very special.”

The company’s perseverance paid off as they were named the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce 2020 Business of the Year for 11-50 Employees. “I’m just extremely excited for us to have won this award tonight,” Greenwell said.

Greenwell Chisholm has learned to change with the times to stay relevant. “I’m just really proud that we’re still here,” Greenwell said. “Printing is evolving and changing. It’s not going away, but it’s going somewhere. We have evolved into other mediums,

which has made our company successful.”

Commercial printing is still the company’s bread and butter, but they also produce promotional products (they have access to more than 3,000 suppliers), provide mailing and fulfillment services, and do wide format and banner printing, along with photo and window graphics.

“I want my customers to think we care about them and help them think outside the box - what they could do differently, how they could innovate,” Greenwell said.

He tries to run the business according to a principle his father taught him years ago. “We’re used to tithing at church,” he said.

“If business would do the same thing, just think what a difference collectively they could make.”

Nominees:

Alpha Laser & Imaging, LLC, Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda, Disaster Team, Inc, Foreman Watson Land Title, LLC, Haley-McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory, Keller Williams Elite Realty, LinGate Hospitality, Ole South Barbeque, Owensboro Convention Center 23

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OV E R 5 0 E M PLOYEES

Boardwalk Pipeline Partners For a company with 14,000 miles of natural gas pipeline across the central and eastern United States, it’s a bit surprising that Boardwalk Pipeline Partners has kept one of their primary office headquarters in Owensboro over the years, but their commitment to the community led to winning the 2020 Business of the Year Over 50 Employees.

“It’s exciting,” said Jamie Buskill, Vice President of Operations for Boardwalk. “I’m glad to see it - this is an award that’s really for the employees.”

Boardwalk is an interstate natural gas pipeline and storage company that touches 10 percent of the natural gas consumed in the United States.

The company has been part of Owensboro since the 1940s and continues to keep 250 employees here (in addition to their

Nominees:

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Owensboro, PSC, Valor Oil, LLC

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

Houston offices) because of the stable workforce, Smith said.

“The employees are very loyal to the company,” he said.

“They’re very well-trained - it’s a great employee base.” He added that the community the employees have built is second to none.

“It’s the sense of family you get,” he said. “It’s not just a 9 to 5 job. If an employee has personal issues, employees rally around them.”

Smith wants Boardwalk customers to know how important they are to the company. “We’ll provide great service and treat them fairly,” he said.

His advice to people in the workforce is simple: “Stick with something you love,” he said, “but don’t be scared to change.

Change is really just opportunity. People want to jump ship, but if they would stay put and work where they are, they would have a rewarding career.”

N O N - P R O F IT OF T HE YEAR

New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services While sexual abuse is not a topic that anyone really likes to talk about, it’s a reality, which means that victims of abuse will need help to rise above what has happened to them as they attempt to return to normal life.

For their work in supporting these victims, New Beginnings Sexual Assault Supports Services was named the 2020 Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year.

“It was exciting to be nominated,” said Executive Director Karla Ward. “It means all the hard work we’ve done has paid off.”

New Beginnings works with men, women and children who have been victims of sexual abuse or assault, no matter if it happened yesterday or years ago. Their support services include crisis counseling, long-term therapy, accompanying victims to the hospital, police station and courtroom, gathering information for the legal and law enforcement processes, referrals to support groups and much more, including a 24-hour sexual assault crisis line.

“We want them to be empowered and take charge of their life,”

Ward said. “We want to be able to give them the tools to live their own life as they want - that’s what we hope every client who walks out our door is able to accomplish.”

Ward said New Beginnings was able to expand their staff last year thanks to a federal grant they received. The staff is necessary because the need is out there, Ward said. “It’s a reality - it doesn’t have to be something we shy away from.”

For the 12 months ending in June 2019, New Beginnings served 552 clients, answered 389 crisis calls and provided 422 advocacy services.

The non-profit also provides many classes and training courses designed to prevent and confront sexual assault. In that same time period, staff conducted 849 education programs for almost 26,000 participants.

Thanks to New Beginnings, victims of sexual abuse and assault will have a jump start on returning to normal life as much as is possible.

Nominees:

Arc of Owensboro, Inc., CASA of Ohio Valley, Daniel Pitino Shelter, Fraternal Order of Police, Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, Owensboro Health Foundation, Inc., Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, St. Joseph Peace Mission for Children 25

GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR

Daviess County Public Library As Owensboro grows, access to educational opportunities is paramount for citizens who want to grow with the town. One of the best places to find those opportunities is the Daviess County Public Library, which was named the 2020 Greater Owensboro Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year.

“We do a wide variety of things,” said Erin Waller, director of the library. “Education and workforce development has been part of our strategic development for several years. We provide learning opportunities, tools and education for life.”

With almost 200,000 physical books, 46,000 eBooks, around 21,500 audiobooks (physical and digital), and about 14,000 DVDs and Blu-Rays, there is no shortage of materials for patrons to take advantage of.

Nominees:

“I want people to feel like they got what they came in wanting - that object or material they need,” Waller said.

She credits the staff with bringing the library to new heights.

“We have the best staff in town,” she said. “They work so hard.”

Waller is also proud of the environment the library provides for business owners to get work done. Whether they need wifi access, tables where they can spread out, or a place to meet clients, she is hoping to expand educational opportunities for them. To that end, the library recently obtained a grant from Google to offer classes for small business owners.

“I’m feeling really, really great,” Waller said. “I’m really proud and excited to have won.”

Employment Opportunities - a division of Puzzle Pieces, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Daviess County Public Schools - Life Science Academy, Owensboro Public Schools - Owensboro Innovation Academy, UniFirst Corporation - GO FEMALES 26

GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

M A N U FAC T UR ER OF T HE Y EAR

Kentucky Legend The number one-selling natural juice ham in the United States is produced right here in Owensboro - the Kentucky Legend ham.

Thanks to their work and their long history in the community, Kentucky Legend was named the 2020 Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer of the Year.

“Our entire executive team will be so pumped,” said Brooklyn Maple, brand director for Kentucky Legend. “We weren’t expecting it at all. We were up against some super heavy hitters, and we were really honored to be in the same category.”

Kentucky Legend’s product line includes whole, half and quarter sliced hams, along with smoked turkey breast, center-cut pork chops, canadian bacon and sliced sandwich meat.

Kentucky Legend is one of the family of brands under the

Specialty Food Groups umbrella. The company’s roots go all the way back to 1914 in Owensboro, when Charles Field created Field Packing Company with two employees, a horse-drawn carriage and a small slaughtering house.

Today, SFG employs 600 people who produce products under the Kentucky Legend brand, along with six other brands: the Artisan Crafted Series, Field, Fisher’s, Scott Pete, Kentuckian Gold and Mickelberry’s.

“I hope they’re proud of what we do,” Maple said. “I hope they know we are phenomenal. We are the nation’s number one natural juice ham, and we’re made in Owensboro, Ky. We’re in a great location doing great work and making great products.”

Nominees:

Castlen Steel, LLC, Domtar Converting & Distribution, Metalsa, Toyotetsu Mid America 27

GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

RICK KAMUF AGRI-BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Farm Credit Mid-America, ACA

Winning an agricultural award named after Rick Kamuf, farmer extraordinaire, is no small thing, as Brandon Gilles, financial officer at Farm Credit Mid-America found out when Farm Credit was named the 2020 Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rick Kamuf Agri-Business of the Year.

“It’s a great honor to be nominated for the award, and a great honor to win,” Gilles said. “Rick Kamuf was the epitome of a farmer.”

Farm Credit Mid-America is an agricultural lending cooperative with more than 1,100 employees who serve 90,000 customers in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. The company offers farm loans for equipment, land, operations and more, along with crop insurance and specialized loan options 28

GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

for country living, including home, construction, lot, and recreational land loans. They also work with agribusinesses and build partnerships in the communities where they operate.

“We’ve been serving the Owensboro community for over 100 years now,” Gilles said.

He views Farm Credit as not just a financial institution, but a company that wants to be there for its customers. When a farmer uses Farm Credit, “they have a partner on their farm,” Gilles said.

“Farm Credit is there through thick and thin to help them.”

Gilles is from Owensboro, so the award means a lot to him personally as well. “To be able to serve the farmers in Owensboro has been really great,” he said.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PROFILES OF PAST

Chamber Award Winners PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

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2018 WINNER

DIAMOND LAKE

1-10 Employees

7301 HOBBS RD, OWENSBORO, KY 42301 (270) 229-4900

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We have always loved being members of the

Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, but it has been, and continues to be, an honor and privilege to be a recipient of the 2018 Business of the Year Award. The Chamber has stayed by our side every step of the way since. We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve seen from the community and especially the followup by Chamber staff since winning the award. It’s been two years and it still comes up in the community!

Since then, we successfully launched the world's

only concession drift trike track, built and unveiled our tiny house accommodations, and changed up our events, games and activities. We also have a new attraction for our campers coming this year ... stay tuned!

We are now in our 15th season as owners, which

we’re very excited about. Once everyone knew we were here to stay, this community has truly accepted us and wrapped their arms around us. We are honored to be a part of Greater Owensboro!

2015 WINNER

EM FORD

11-50 Employees

600 FREDERICA ST, OWENSBORO, KY 42301 (270) 926-2806

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EM Ford is a full-service insurance and financial

planning firm. We help protect the assets of families and businesses in the areas we serve. Each client is different, so we work with them to better understand their situation and come up with the best solutions for their specific needs.

We are proactive in our approach as we provide

our clients with the education and resources they need to make the best decisions possible to move their business or family forward.

One of those important resources is the

Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. They are working on our behalf each and every day to help our community grow and prosper, which in turn helps our business grow as well.

As a fourth-generation family owned business

celebrating 95 years in business this year, we are proud of the legacy and great team we have built. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the Chamber and the support from our communities we serve.

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2017 WINNER

Education & Workforce Development

L TO R: SHAWN PAYNE, AMT FACULTY; DANNY MOSELEY, CMM FACULTY; MICHAEL GORE, IMT FACULTY; MARTY HIGDON, IMT FACULTY; KATIE VINCENT, DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT.

OWENSBORO COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE 4800 NEW HARTFORD RD, OWENSBORO, KY 42303 (270) 686-4400

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GO FAME, adapted from Toyota’s nationally recognized training program, began in 2015. Since that time 47 students have earned Associate in Applied Science degrees as Advanced Manufacturing Technicians (AMT), with eleven more slated to graduate this May.

We have expanded this highly successful model to include the Computerized Manufacturing and Machining and Industrial Maintenance Technology (IMT) programs, and OCTC was the first college in the state to extend it beyond the manufacturing curriculum to Business Administration.

Our GO Careers Business Administration program uses the same work and learn and formula: three days per week at a partner company while attending classes two days per week.

“This model continues to be highly successful for the students and the sponsoring companies,” added Katie Vincent, Director of Employer Engagement for OCTC’s Workforce Solutions division.

Due to the success of GO FAME and thanks to a great partnership with

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UniFirst, the college was awarded a National Science Foundation grant (DUE 1800489) to increase the number of females in manufacturing. The partnership also received funding from the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet by collaborating with the Green River Area Development District.

GO FEMALES launched with a first cohort of 20 students who are employed

by UniFirst, demonstrating a commitment to “grow their own” employees by investing in their futures.

Companies interested in joining the GO FAME Chapter should contact Vincent now. “New companies can onboard at any time, but if they are interested in selecting from the latest pool of applicants, they should contact me before March 11,” says Vincent.

The next cohort of GO FAME AMT and IMT is in development. Interested students should contact Antoine.Smith-Rouse@kctcs.edu 270-686-4641 or Katie.vincent@kctcs.edu 270-686-4423 for more information. The deadline for applications to the GO FAME program is March 11, 2020.

2019 WINNER

Over 50 Employees

SOUTHERN STAR 4700 HIGHWAY 56 OWENSBORO, KY 42301 270-852-5000

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Since receiving 2019 Business of the Year recognition from the Owensboro Chamber, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline has been on an incredible ride.

The ride started with rebranding, including a new logo, website, signage and tons of swag. Our physical pipeline and technology saw some of the biggest improvements on record.

Workforce scheduling though Enterprise Asset Management software, $88 million in modernization projects, and four new pipeline interconnects were also launched.

A local internship program was developed bringing UK students to work alongside our engineers, and we sponsored the exceptional robotics teams at Owensboro Innovation Academy (OIA), Daviess County Public Schools, and others in our operation areas.

The awards kept coming as well—we were honored to receive Southern Gas Association’s (SGA) Humanitarian Award, SGA’s first place award in the Transmission & Midstream Category for Modernization through Data Analytics, and OIA’s Community Partner of the Year.

Plus, we’re adding 25% more office space at our Headquarters’ location, one of Owensboro’s largest office buildings. The future for Southern Star is brighter than ever!

DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY: STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT—MATT MCCOY, JEREMY TROUTMAN, DENNY MILES, CHRIS DAVIS, DAN GOEDDE, DAVID BRISTOW, JIM NEUKAM SEATED LEFT TO RIGHT—SCOTT LAMAR, ASHLEY KNIGHT, SUSIE BYERS, KAREN GOEDDE, SCOTT WALTSON (NOT PICTURED: KEVIN CLARK) 2016 WINNER

STUDIO SLANT

Emerging Business of the Year

624 EMORY DR, OWENSBORO, KY 42301 (270) 684-3570

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Studio Slant was honored to receive the

emerging small business of the year award in 2016.

Our Chamber membership has always been a valuable part of our business. As early adopters of Shop Small, it has been one of the most tangible and most fun events the Chamber has to offer. Our membership has been with us as we have grown over the last nine years supporting us every step of the way. Today we are the cutest little gift store in town offering an incredible wedding registry, perfect gift wrap and hometown hospitality.

Studio Slant specializes in the art of gifting.

Whether you swing by to buy a gift for a friend, a bride and groom or yourself, we are excited to show you all we have to offer. Thank you, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, for helping small and local businesses thrive in the town we are all lucky to call home.

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2016 WINNER

Over 50 Employees

HARTZ CONTRACTING, LLC

1855 OLD CALHOUN RD, OWENSBORO, KY 42301 (270) 926-6554

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Our organization takes great pride in serving the communities where we live and work. We realize the importance of being a team player and understand businesses must all support each other in order to grow our community.

Owensboro has blessed us beyond measure by creating opportunities and allowing us to build relationships that have helped us continue to expand.

We were completely surprised to win the Chamber award in 2016, because three years prior, we had been through a transition from Hartz Construction to Hartz Contracting. We knew it might take time to prove we weren’t going anywhere and that we would remain dedicated to honoring the foundation Ben & Frank Hartz had built over their 30 years in business. Our entire team was focused on keeping the strong Hartz Heritage alive, so we were elated to see the effort and energy we were pouring in to the community recognized. We were also glad that we were able to share the award with Ben Hartz Sr, prior to his

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passing in 2018. It made him very proud.

Since winning the award, our revenues have more than doubled. We have

added two management positions, which was one of our goals once we started the Owensboro operations. We continue to invest in technology for our equipment to provide the most accurate, cost effective and efficient work possible.

After winning the award, we were able to highlight our team of professionals

and the wide variety of services that we offer in the construction industry. Since then, the community has recognized our capabilities and resources to perform projects of all sizes and scopes. We have been honored to perform work for many businesses in Owensboro and they have become a part of “our team,” as well.

The positive words and references that they provide helps us to continue to build Hartz Contracting and for that we are grateful.

2019 WINNER

Manufacturing

O.Z. TYLER

10 DISTILLERY RD, OWENSBORO, KY 42301 (270) 691-9001

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We were very excited and honored to find

out we were receiving the 2019 Manufacturer of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce.

Since then, we have completed our final expansion, which will put us at 90,000 barrels per year and make us the fourth largest independently owned bourbon distillery in the world. We now have 70 full-time employees.

Community recognition from winning the

award has increased quite a bit. Locals who didn’t know that we were open again now know about us, and the award also helped increase our distillery tour visitor traffic.

The support of the Chamber members

and staff creates a sense of community that is unmatched. We have great pride in being the only bourbon distillery in Kentucky’s fourth largest city and, as we continue to grow, we look forward to showcasing Owensboro as a bourbon city to the world.

2014 WINNER

WKU-OWENSBORO

Education & Workforce Development

4821 NEW HARTFORD RD, OWENSBORO, KY 42303 (270) 684-9797

W

For over fifty years, WKU in Owensboro has served the region with the same goal in mind: to provide high-quality educational opportunities, support regional economic growth, and improve the quality of life for Owensboro/Daviess County and surrounding communities.

At WKU, adult learners have access to numerous educational resources and a seamless transition into degree completion programs through a partnerships with Owensboro, Henderson, and Madisonville Community Colleges. They can complete undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs close to home and enroll in career training opportunities that correlate with job market needs of this region.

Through innovative technology, students can access academic opportunities from anywhere, allowing them to balance personal and professional responsibilities while pursuing real-world knowledge and hands-on learning. Professional staff provide academic and financial aid advising, diverse resources, and vital support services to help all students achieve their goals.

Fall enrollment is going on now. To learn more, visit wku.edu/Owensboro.

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2018 WINNER

Manufacturing

SUN WINDOWS 1515 E 18TH ST, OWENSBORO, KY 42303 (270) 684-0691

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This prestigious award meant so much to our

company because it recognized the hard work, efforts, determination and perseverance of our most valued asset ‌ our people!

2008-09 was truly a great depression for

our industry - demand for residential building products was reduced by 80%, and Hurricane Ike caused significant damage to our building that was built in 1890. Our people, now with our 4th generation fully on board, rebuilt our facilities, retooled our products and changed our strategies.

That is why the timing of the Business of the

Year award was so important for our employees and their families. Our people had worked hard and met the challenges head on, so we celebrated our success as a company, and we all felt proud. This award is attributed to our employees and vendors, who truly deserve it.

We are most grateful to be a part of this

wonderful community, and truly appreciate this recognition.

2015 WINNER

1-10 Employees

MUSICK STUDIOS 411 E 2ND ST, OWENSBORO, KY 42303 (270) 688-8908

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I was honored to receive the recognition

for Business of the Year in 2014. Since winning the award, our staff has become certified and continued our education, and we have maintained a high number of students ranging from 350-450 each year. We have also established award-winning competitive teams that have traveled around the United States.

I became a Chamber Ambassador the year

I won the award, attending meetings, ribbon cuttings, and getting out into the community during business hours. I wanted the community to know Musick Studios was worth looking into. It was refreshing to see new business owners starting from the ground up where I did, and the Chamber staff was always very polite and kind.

We truly value our status here in our

community, and we hope to maintain that recognition!

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10

QUESTIONS RICH JORN

Executive Director, RiverPark Center

BY BENJAMIN HOAK - PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

Rich Jorn is the Executive Director of The

the feeling I love. I love watching someone

RiverPark Center. He started his job on

see something for the first time they wouldn't

November 4, 2019, after serving as the artistic

have seen otherwise, and it just blows them

director for the Effingham Performance

away.

Center in Effingham, Illinois. He and his wife Libbie have four children: Alexandria (Alex) and Jackson are in college, Isabella is in high school, and Xavier is in first grade.

W H AT D O Y O U T H I N K A B O U T O W E N S B O R O S O FA R ?

W H AT I S Y O U R B A C K G R O U N D A N D W H AT A R E Y O U R C A R E E R HIGHLIGHTS? I have a degree in theater from Arkansas State University - I went to an agricultural school to study theater. I started out in

I’m really enjoying it. I think it’s great, and

producing and now at the RiverPark Center,

I love being down here right on the river. I

we’re on the presenting side. I’ve been in the

like what’s happening with the downtown.

touring industry, toured theater rock shows,

I have a 7-year old son and it’s hard to tear

comedian - I’ve done a little of everything in

him away from the park. It’s an exciting

the industry.

place, very supportive of the arts and live entertainment. I’m thrilled to be here.

W H AT D O Y O U L I K E B E S T A B O U T YOUR JOB?

At the Arkansas Center Children's Theater, the resident wrote a role specifically for me.

I never left the stage during the show - that was a huge honor. I did the lighting design

I encourage and promote the arts in the

for two sold-out shows at Madison Square

community, so it is my absolute delight

Garden. Having an opportunity to direct my

to look for something I can bring into the

children on stage throughout my career has

community that people aren’t aware of and

really been an honor too. At the theater in

they can fall in love with. I work for the

Effingham, they were in a half-million dollar

community; if I see something they would

hole when I came, and now they’re in the

like, I’m the conduit to go out and get it for

black.

them.

W H AT H O B B I E S D O Y O U E N J O Y ?

Any time you expose someone to something

Radio-controlled airplanes - specifically

new and exciting through theater arts, that’s

old timers like those built in the 1930s, and

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

gliders. I’ve always been around them - my dad flew them too.

W H AT I S A H I D D E N O R U N U S U A L TA L E N T YOU HAVE? I don’t want to take it for granted - I can really parallel park well.

W H AT B O O K H A V E Y O U M O S T G I V E N O R RECOMMENDED TO OTHERS? I give plays more than anything else, and try to get people to read them, especially anything by Sam Shepard. I love him as a playwright, so I try to encourage people to read Sam Shephard.

W H AT ’ S T H E N E X T T H I N G Y O U W A N T T O CROSS OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST? I’ll probably never get around to it, but there are homebuilt ultralights that don’t require a pilot's license. I’ve always been fascinated by building one of those - you can order the plans online, build it from materials you get at Home Depot, and order a motor. I just like aviation.

IF YOU COULD PUT UP A GIANT BILLBOARD W I T H A N Y T H I N G O N I T , W H AT W O U L D I T SAY AND WHY?

“MAKING THE FAMILY PROUD AND BRINGING ART TO THE COMMUNITY, SERVING THEM, THAT’S KIND OF MY MOTIVATION.” -Rich Jorn

Treat others as you want to be treated. (We would all be a lot happier if we just did that.)

W H AT A D V I C E W O U L D Y O U G I V E T O A C O L L E G E G R A D U AT E A B O U T T O E N T E R T H E REAL WORLD? Never stop learning. Pay attention to everything that's going on, even if it’s not in your little silo.

W H AT ’ S Y O U R M O T I V AT I O N I N L I F E ?

I’ve got four of the greatest kids ever. I’ve got a lovely wife, three dogs and a really cool job. Making the family proud and bringing art to the community, serving them, that’s kind of my motivation.

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DID ?

YOU

KNOW QUESTION ON PAGE 7

CORRECT ANSWER:

The Kentucky Wesleyan College Men's Basketball team has won national championship titles in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999, and 2001.

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THE FINAL ANALYSIS JACLYN GRAVES

Membership Development and Marketing Manager

I’ve been in the spotlight for as long as I can

makes the most impact. It’s what we learn in the

remember—so much that at 37 years old I still

valley that shows us who we truly are and what

feel like I’m constantly on stage. I had my first

we’re fully capable of.

solo at age 6 and began singing competitions at 9. I have performed on stages in front of 10,000

A little while after the meltdown at the Ballard

people, won numerous talent shows, smiled in

County Fair, I was in another singing competition.

dozens of beauty pageants and worn about a

This time, it was a preliminary round at On Stage

million rhinestones in the process. But, while

at DJ’s in Draffenville, KY. Guess who forgot the

writing this, I’ve been trying to think about a victory that means the most to me and I can’t come up with a single one.

I do recall, however, the Ballard County Fair.

I forgot the words to No One Takes the Train Anymore in the second verse and ran off stage crying. I even remember what I was wearing.

My mom had to work late, so my sister and her boyfriend took me. I can still see the face of the guy who was the MC for the event trying to console me. I was 10 years old, and the memories from 5th grade and that epic failure and embarrassment are forever ingrained in my mind.

Success and winning are the goal, right? In life, personally and professionally, we tell ourselves

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words again? Me. Guess who left the stage again?

Me. Guess who wasn’t okay with quitting this time and went back out on stage, sang the song again, got a standing ovation and the highest score that night? That’s right… Me. I thankfully learned at an early age that failure and disappointment are bound to happen.

We will fail. We will make mistakes and feel embarrassment and discouragement and will want to hide away. But we are made of so much more than that. We are resilient, we will try again and again and again. We will take the lessons that life hands us and make the most out of them.

You’ll find yourself on your stage sooner than later. Prepare, fear nothing, work hard and give

that once we hit this milestone, get this promotion

it everything you’ve got. Win, lose or draw,

or win this award, we’ll finally feel like we’re

enjoy how that spotlight feels on your face.

accomplished. All the hard work, the sacrifice,

You’ve earned the right to be proud of yourself,

the tears and sweat will all be worth it if we just

your efforts and your outcomes. And when

win. I’m not knocking winning, trust me. I love

you stumble on your stage—which I’ve done

to win. But, to me, it’s the process, the journey

numerous times—laugh it off, learn from it and

of committing yourself fully to your craft, your

be proud of where that misstep may be leading

family or your professional development that

you.

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GO CHAMBER . FIRST QUARTER 2020

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

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