GO Chamber – Q1 2021

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GO CHAMBER . Q1 2021

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PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner jason@tannerwest.com

Q1 2021

MANAGING EDITOR

CONTENTS

ADVERTISING SALES

IN EVERY ISSUE

Robert Williams robert@tannerpublishing.com

6 From the Chamber 7 2021 Chamber Board of Directors 8 Meet the Chamber Staff

Ashley Wedding ashley@tannerpublishing.com

Brock Quinton brock@tannerpublishing.com

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Gleason

GRAPHIC DESIGN Andrea Roberson Monica Smith

PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie Alexander

PRINTING

Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky

CONTACT INFORMATION: Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce 200 East Third Street Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-1860 chamber.owensboro.com

Martha Michael

9 Executive Answers On the Record

10 The Reading List

Candance Castlen Brake

11 Behind the Scenes

Go behind the scenes with the Chamber

12 Welcome to the Chamber New Members

12 Handpicked

What is your favorite app to help boost productivity, stay organized or maintain an active and healthy lifestyle?

27 GO Chamber Membership Benefits 33 Five Questions With Daisy James

FEATURES 14 Staking our Claim

What will take Owensboro to the next level?

18 Your Community, Your Voice

Chamber connects members to candidates

20 Lighting the Way

Discover the hard work behind lighting the Blue Bridge TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

24 Keep Your Money Where Your Heart Is

Shop Owensboro 2020 powered by Independence Bank

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 29 Profiles of New Chamber Members 5

GO CHAMBER . Q1 2021

FROM THE CHAMBER

CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President & CEO

W. CLAY H. FORD 2021 Board Chair

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GO CHAMBER . Q1 2021

It seems like just a short time ago Jack Wells took the gavel from Dave Roberts and became the 2020 Chamber Board Chair in front of a crowd of nearly 800. That night, he said the following in his address:

“Our Chamber has been around since 1913. Since then, two World Wars have passed and times have certainly changed; yet this organization continues. And we really stand for the same thing we stood for over 100 years ago. Our Chamber exists, to grow our economy and make Owensboro a community that can compete globally.

We will use 2020 to continue our goals for place making and addressing our members’ workforce needs. We will continue to work behind the scenes to move things forward.

And we will continue to find ways to make our Chamber membership add value for our small businesses, our non-profits and our largest employers.

I am proud to be Chair of a board made up of people in this community moving things forward. And I am even prouder to serve the tens of thousands of people who make up our membership. Let’s keep the momentum going!

The best is yet to come.”

On that night, it seemed that we were on a journey headed upward.

COVID-19 became the dominant force in 2020, threatening our small businesses that are the cornerstone of our local economy, local community and Chamber.

As we moved through and navigated shutdowns, economic relief packages and constant uncertainty, we were hit by the tragic news of Jack’s death in August. There are no words to adequately describe his loss. As a mentor, friend, colleague, brilliant business mind and consummate son of Owensboro, Jack positively impacted everything he touched.

Yet through the deep losses we have experienced, resilience and perseverance were hallmark characteristics of 2020. Each one of our members has done their part to move Greater Owensboro through this. Whether keeping operations afloat amongst adversity like we have never seen or working around the clock to meet growing demands for products and services – you have done your part. We are humbled by how you have adapted and innovated and have been truly inspired – but not at all surprised – by your incredible work.

2021 will most certainly have its own set of challenges – including defeating COVID-19.

But we have a resilient community. And we have a strong foundation of leaders, ideas, initiatives and goals that are ready to be built upon. Our Chamber understands the critical role it plays in the community… after all, networks of people are what move communities through times like these. With over a century under our belt, our Chamber is up to the challenge!

- Clay and Candance

2021 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

W. CLAY H. FORD CHAIR

PARTNER, EM FORD

COMMISSIONER MARK CASTLEN

CITY OF OWENSBORO

TERRA W. KNIGHT THACKER, HODSKINS, AND KNIGHT, LLP

JIMMY STATON

DAVE ROBERTS PAST CHAIR

UNIFIRST CORPORATION

RICK SEARCY

WENDELL FOSTER

SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL GAS PIPELINE, INC.

BART DARRELL

FOREMAN WATSON HOLTREY, LLP

COMMISSIONER MIKE KOGER DAVIESS COUNTY FISCAL COURT

BRENDA CLAYTON CHAIR ELECT

BRENDA CLAYTON, CPA

ROD KUEGEL

SARAH MURPHY FORD

KUEGEL FARMS

HARTZ CONTRACTING, LLC

JOANNA SHAKE GREEN RIVER AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

TOM ED BOOTH

MATT HAYDEN

U.S. BANK

GULFSTREAM COMMERCIAL SERVICES, LLC

JACOB CALL

FATHER LARRY HOSTETTER

JOHN MARSHALL MOORE GREEN RIVER DISTILLING CO.

BRESCIA UNIVERSITY

SARA WILLIAMS

RINEY HANCOCK CPAS PSC

DON MOORE AUTOMOTIVE, LEGENDS TEAM SPORTS, MARSHALL VENTURES

BRIAN WRIGHT

OWENSBORO RIVERPORT AUTHORITY

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Tell us about yourself.

MEET THE CHAMBER STAFF

MARTHA MICHAEL

I’m actually not an Owensboro native! My dad, stepmom, and younger brothers moved here in 2017 when my dad became the pastor at First Christian Church. I was in my senior year at the University of Georgia at the time, so my first trip to Owensboro was actually during spring break that year. My first impression, being from Georgia, was how cold it was in April! But I felt genuinely welcomed by the people here, even though it’s far from where I grew up.

I’ve lived in a few different states, but grew up mostly in Georgia. That makes me, by all counts and considerations, a Georgia Bulldogs fan.

My degree just certifies that. I was very much undecided when I started college, but I ended up majoring in journalism because I love to read and write about all sorts of topics, from food and travel, to local government and science.

What’s your favorite spot since moving to Owensboro?

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My family and I try to take advantage of all opportunities to be outdoors when the weather is good. I really enjoy the trails at Yellow Creek Park and Rudy Mines. Being there feels like you are miles away when really it’s only a 15-minute drive from home!

Otherwise, you’ll find me at Niko’s Bakery and Cafe. Living in Europe taught me to appreciate fresh bread and pastries (they’re so much better for you, too!). I’ll treat myself to a ham and cheese croissant and instantly be transported back to Spain, eating a napolitana mixta.

Since being at the Chamber, I’m constantly exposed to the incredible variety of local businesses and try to support them as much as I can, whether that’s by shopping with a mask on or purchasing items or food online.

What were you doing before joining the Chamber team?

After graduating college, I moved to Spain.

Through a program by the Spanish government for native English speakers, I taught English and bilingual subjects like science, history and physical education in public schools for 3 years. I loved the opportunity to travel, meet new people from all over the world, improve my Spanish speaking, and I really, really enjoyed teaching. I often felt like my students taught me more than I could teach them.

I moved back to the US in August, the COVID-19 pandemic being one reason. I spent a couple months working as a contact tracer/ disease investigator for the Green River District Health Department. The work was unimaginably stressful, but I loved it. People don’t understand that contact tracers are essentially social workers and communications specialists, comforting those who are scared and giving them instructions on how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. I learned so much in such a short period and am so thankful to Clay Horton and the Health Department for their amazing efforts in this community.

When Candance reached out to me about the position I was scared! I was, and still am, new to the community. I’m acclimating to a new city and new job at the same time, during a global pandemic. But as Candance likes to say, “We’re in this together, and we’ll get it done.”

What are you looking forward to most in your new role?

Soaking up all the wisdom from the amazing women I work with. They are leaders, workers, mothers, who’ve been everything from elected officials to social workers, and they are an all around amazing group to work with. It’s an unbeatable feeling to work with people who so fiercely love their community and want to make it better every single day.

ON THE RECORD

EXECUTIVE ANSWERS JEANNE CLARK

OWNER, KIDSTOP CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE AND STRIDE RITE BOOTERY

Being in the retail business during COVID was certainly frightening and uncertain at first, but has ironically strengthened our relationships with our customers. Not to say our bottom line hasn’t suffered, but at the end of the day we are all in this together and have all suffered hardships on so many different levels, in ways each of us could have never imagined, making us more empathetic toward the next person.

We are so grateful for the continuous support of our customers, community and our employees for being so dedicated to making this work and adjusting to these different times. Our friends and neighbors in small business banded together to support and encourage each other, being super innovative in how we maintained our businesses.

We have had to shift the way we do a majority of our business, via online, phone, FaceTime, home delivery and curbside pick up. While some of it is very different for us, it has truly given us the opportunity to really work one-on-one with a customer and get to know them more intimately and learn about their situations and families.

How have you been innovative during COVID? What will you continue after the pandemic?

ERIN WALLER

DIRECTOR, DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

At the DCPL we had to get creative in order to continue to provide the services we offer to our community this year. We had planned to start offering curbside pickup this year, it was part of our goals for 2020, but we had to fast track that in order to allow for a safer option for people to pick up physical material from us. In addition to that, we had to quickly come up with a plan to offer virtual programming. We have a large social media following, so we knew that would be the best place to reach people. Our programming and marketing staff got together and created some amazing video programs for all ages.

We will most definitely continue the curbside pickup option.

DAVID LITTLE

EVP CONSUMER BANKING & BUSINESS OPERATIONS, U.S. BANK

COVID-19 has certainly made U.S. Bank think of new ways to help our customers bank safely. We were already working to enhance our current capabilities before the pandemic, so we were able to navigate through the changes quickly to serve our customers. Because of this, our digital transactions and loans have grown by double digits compared to last year, and we’ve given all customers online access to our payment assistance programs. We’ve also provided more than 108,000 loans to both bank and non-bank customers through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). I’m particularly proud of our Mortgage team here in Owensboro. Their tremendous commitment to customer service helped us roll out an electronic mortgage closing process quickly and safely, and this is just one example of how we worked to power our customer’s potential throughout this crisis.

We also had to act quickly to help our employees adjust to their new normal of working remotely. Collaborating with our HR, IT and Operations teams, we were able to accommodate 86% of our employees within a week of our stay-at-home state mandate.

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THE READING LIST

101 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOUR KIDS LEAVE HOME WRITTEN BY DAVID BORDON AND TOM WINTERS

Overview: This feature generally previews books that were recently released.

However, the pandemic has created many opportunities to do things differently. Recently a mentor asked the following questions for me to consider: “What do you know now that you didn’t know?” and “What will you do differently going forward?”

I grew up in the “Dead Poet Society” era and, as a result, was enamored with Romantic poets. My mantra in high school and college was “Carpe Diem.” While that phrase, my parents and school administrators may argue, did not bode well for my GPA, it reminded me of how short youth was and how it is be cherished as a gift. As it is with our children’s youth. On Mother’s Day 2007, Nick gave me the “101 Things” book. Our children, 9 and 7 at the time, are both in their 20s now. It has stood the test for us; so we wanted to share it with you.

The Takeaway: 1. While as a parent you may think the years stretch ahead of you with your children, time passes inexplicably quickly. Try not to let distractions of every day life keep you from relishing your time with your children under the same roof. The distractions will still be there when they are gone.

2. As parents we try feverishly to ensure our children are overprogrammed and overachieving. It is the time at home or the time relishing experiences together that become the memories that bond families.

3. Teaching courtesy, good manners, community service and concern for others is a basic responsibility of every parent and makes the world a better place.

4. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – whether career-related or social – is a direct threat to the depths of joy you experience when spending time with your children.

5. Playing in the rain and snow, building sandcastles, baking cookies, building forts, backyard sports, pillow fights and star-gazing may all be time consuming and even messy. Make time. Because soon—trust me—the time is gone. Just like that.

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REVIEWED BY CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE

ANNA CAROLINE AND NICHOLAS BRAKE ON A SNOW DAY IN 2003

BEHIND THE SCENES

SHOP OWENSBORO POWERED BY INDEPENDENCE BANK

CYP VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO KICK-OFF - SEPTEMBER 2020

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WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Truck of Western KY Beauty Plus Owensboro Blue Line Entertainment Bluegrass Bookkeeping & Tax Brown & Westendorf Group of Keller Williams Elite Cedarhurst of Owensboro Chicken Salad Chick, Ems Chick, LLC Contour Fabrication & Mechanical, Inc. DC Plus Inc. Diane Goetz Family Practice East Daviess County Water Association, Inc. eCig Source Fairview IT Management Firestone Complete Auto Care Griffin Residuals HorseFeathers Jewelry & Gifts LLC J.J. Fosters Jerry Ray Davis CDJR Kentucky Cardiovascular Consultants Kentucky Dream Homes LLC Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance - Pete Day Kentucky Small Business Development Center - Owensboro Office KG Consulting, LLC Living Hope Community Church McCoy Exterminating,Inc. Mega Replay Midtown Tax Service Mile Wide Beer Company Milliken & Company Owensboro Specialty Polymers Owensboro Animal Hospital, LLC Premier Medical Group ProRehab RE/MAX Professional Realty Group REMAX Professional Realty Group, Sean Higgins Santa’s Toys LLC Scisney Credit Solution T&T Vendors Mall The Cottage Farm Stand The Loft The Party Space Place The Pub On Second, LLC Thompson Benefits & Enrollment Group, LLC Ultra Gems United Outdoor Media VDEX Diabetes Specialists

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HANDPICKED

What is your favorite app to help boost productivity, stay organized or maintain an active and healthy lifestyle?

If it were not for Google Meet, Calendar, Classroom, Docs, Sheets, Contacts, Gmail, Podcast, Duo; I would be disconnected from the world!

REVEREND RHONDALYN RANDOLPH, Owensboro Chapter of the NAACP LockBox Pro is one of my favorite apps because it allows me to store all my passwords securely in one location and allows me to stay organized given the numerous passwords we have to keep up with in today’s world!

MARY MOORHOUSE, German American Bank My Fitness Pal is excellent for tracking your fitness as well as nutrition!

JASON ANDERSON, Owensboro Health Healthpark Office 365 allows me to RSVP to meetings while at the same time adding it to my calendar with reminders which come through my phone, watch, computer, vehicle and laptop. It also allows me to share the calendar invitations with my team. This app also allows you to set up teams where you can share editable documents for ongoing projects.

AMANDA HUFF, Audubon Area Community Services I’m pretty old school and still use a physical planner to keep me organized, but I use the app MinimaList for productivity and to stay focused. Working remotely obviously causes a lot of distractions, but putting my to do list daily into the app has been super helpful to make me aware of time and hold myself accountable. I time block my schedule everyday, and I can even set a timer within the app for how long I want to stay on a certain task.

SOMER DUNAWAY, EM Ford My favorite app to help maintain an active and healthy lifestyle is Garmin Connect. Their slogan is “No matter how you move, you can record your active lifestyle on Garmin Connect” and I can attest that is true which is why it is my favorite app.

BETHANIE ROBERTS, Owensboro Grain

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OCTC:

W

hile we cannot predict the future, we know that how we live, and work will be changed by the pandemic. A retooled workforce with enhanced skills is needed to meet the demands of a post-pandemic world. Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) is prepared for just that challenge.

Our mission is to improve our community’s economic development and competitive advantage by providing high-quality, world-class learning experiences through career degree programs, workforce development, and transfer to baccalaureate degree programs. By aligning our programming, curriculum, and processes while engaging with all sectors of our community we are meeting regional economic needs. The following are a few examples.

To promote job readiness the college has implemented the “Experiential Learning @ OCTC” project. Supported by a $2.1M grant, the project has three goals: increase experiential learning at OCTC, train employees on developing experiential learning opportunities, and support students with counselors for career exploration, development, and placement. This has already increased the number of courses providing real life learning experiences and through the new Experiential Learning Center (ELC) the number of student intern and externships has grown. Furthermore, counselors in the ELC are providing countless hours of career and workplace counseling for students, honing their application and interview skills, and employment placements. All these initiatives help prepare students for our community and workplaces. Through the generous support of the City of Owensboro, Daviess County Fiscal Court, the Mike Horn Family Foundation, and a match from the US Department of Education we are two-thirds of the way to establishing a permanent endowment to maintain this important work in perpetuity.

To increase student support OCTC established the Pathfinder Den. Students work with success coaches to ensure they have all the necessary supports for enrollment, financial aid, academic, and student success. Students are most often not successful in completing their educational endeavors because of life issues. Many students do not have adequate food, housing, transportation, or financial support.

DR. SCOTT

The Pathfinder Den connects students WILLIAMS, OCTC to resources to reduce those barriers.

PRESIDENT The creation of an OCTC food pantry and a partnership with the Owensboro Transit Authority to provide free bus service have helped hundreds of students address food and transportation insecurities. In addition, the OCTC Foundation has established HELP (Helping Each Learner Prosper) Scholarships for new students in technical programs and for new diverse students, to help alleviate with some ancillary costs associated with starting school.

Time and work are additional barriers students have. In partnership with the business community OCTC implemented the GO FAME for manufacturing and GO CAREERS for business programs which allow students to work full-time and go to school full-time. In addition, we have created accelerated programs such as Tech X, Construction and Automotive FastTrack, and a new accelerated welding certificate.

All are designed to rapidly get people the skills they need to work in a high demand field. OCTC continues to provide incumbent worker training such as the nationally acclaimed AMTEC program, apprenticeship training, and innovative computer-based training programs in healthcare and business.

Finally, OCTC continues to develop educational programming to ensure alignment with current and future needs of the community.

The Project Badge program partners with the Owensboro Police Department and the Daviess County Sheriff ’s Office to allow officers to complete an associate degree while on the force. OCTC has just implemented automation and robotics, pipe and tube welding, and fiber optics programs in response to regional needs. The pandemic has reinforced the need to be proactive in working with partners to be prepared for the post-pandemic era.

Every obstacle creates opportunity. The current pandemic is no exception. As a result, OCTC is more committed to working with the community and employers to create better lives for a better Kentucky.

Together we will weather these difficult times and come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.

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GO CHAMBER . Q1 2021

FEATURES

STAKING OUR CLAIM

BY DANNY MAY

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F

or several years, Owensboro has been building

community leaders as possible and approach the

a tourism niche based on Bourbon, Bluegrass,

Michael Horn Foundation to bring Andrew Davis in

and Barbecue. But now, consultant Andrew Davis

to keynote a Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster

is encouraging us as a community to stake our one

gathering.

“audacious” claim that sets Owensboro apart from

every other city.

Rooster Booster presentation, the William and Marilyn

Young Foundation sponsored a “community read” by

Why? As Davis told GO Chamber following his

recent visit, “I have studied and visited 54 pairs of cities

At Johnson’s request, two months before Davis’s

purchasing 300 copies of the book.

in America and if you take a city that has staked their unique claim and compare it to a very similar town

future.

“Owensboro has a bright future. I think the central question is why is a business or organization in Owensboro and how does it connect to Bluegrass? Finding a way to connect those dots will reach more people than the staff at the Hall of Fame can do themselves.”

ANDREW DAVIS, AUTHOR OF TOWN INC.

that has not made a claim, the difference between those two towns is an economic impact of $2.9 billion on average.”

Mark Calitri, President and CEO of Visit Owensboro, says the question to uncover is what has the greatest influence in determining our economic “If we do this well, it means an enormous economic

impact to Daviess County and helps improve the quality of life for our residents,” Calitri said. “Andrew Davis has given us the recipe for success by staking our

unique claim. It’s not about choosing one over others.

a vibrant, progressive community where everyone

“The mission of the Young Foundation is to create

It’s about choosing one to lift all others.”

thrives. So we were happy to sponsor the books because it goes right along with our mission,” said Foundation

Bringing Town Inc. to Owensboro

Executive Director Sara Hemingway. “We hope this

sparks some good conversation and collective action

David Johnson, who serves on the board of

directors for Visit Owensboro, heard Davis speak at a

and will help us think more broadly.”

conference in Cincinnati.

community to make Owensboro a destination town

“I knew we had to bring him to Owensboro,”

Hemingway noted a noticeable synergy in the

Johnson recalled. “It was a revelation to me. It’s what I

for tourism and create a niche economy.

call discovery learning. He doesn’t come in and tell you

what you should do. He helps you think your way into

Bluegrass Hall of Fame, we have something unique

a solution using examples from other cities.”

to market. Not everyone in Owensboro is a Bluegrass

It was Johnson's vision to get as many copies

fan, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something that

of Davis’s book “Town Inc.” into as many hands of

benefits our entire community that we can be proud

“My takeaway from this was now that we have the

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FEATURES of,” Hemingway said. “And I think to be vibrant and progressive, we

to capitalize on our story and interpret it into a claim that impacts

need to have a brand that is unique that no one else can claim in an

our economy, becomes our identity, and creates our unique culture.

authentic way. Someone else might claim Bluegrass Music Capital of

We have a destination. We know how to market ROMP and the Hall

the World, but we have the Museum and Hall of Fame now, and Bill

of Fame, but how do we attract other businesses and experiences

Monroe was born down the road.”

Rooster Booster and Follow Up Sessions

Davis accepted Johnson’s invitation to come to Owensboro for

the November 2020 Rooster Booster event and lead brainstorming sessions with representatives from the Chamber, the City and County, and various community organizations. Due to COVID-19, Davis’s keynote was delivered virtually, but he was able to meet in small follow-up sessions with community leaders afterwards in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. “That was actually the first in-person

that also revolve around Bluegrass music? Wouldn’t it be neat if we had a banjo or guitar manufacturer here? So visitors and Bluegrass fans could not only hear a concert or see where this music was born, but they could also see how the instruments are made or visit a recording studio? How do we attract those businesses? And how do we get our hotels and restaurants to also help tell our story?”

All that is left for Owensboro to do, in Davis’s opinion, is to

stake that claim and start connecting the dots to Owensboro’s larger story of Bluegrass.

meetings I’ve done since March,” Davis recalled. “We did four

Meeting Terry Woodward was also an impactful moment for

1-hour sessions and it was awesome. I remember each of the groups

Davis because it fulfilled one of the crucial components of making

being very engaged and very enthusiastic. We were really trying to

a unique claim. “The amazing thing I found when I was researching

hone in on what makes Owensboro unique.”

hundreds of cities that have staked their claim is that it always takes

Davis says he immediately felt an energy driving through

a visionary to get things going. The idea seems far fetched in the

downtown and was really struck by the beauty and charm of our

beginning until it gets going and then all of a sudden it doesn’t seem

riverfront. He was also impressed with the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

so crazy anymore. For Terry’s vision to be coming into fruition now

“Chris Joslin and his staff are very passionate about the music

and the mission,” Davis said. “I see the Hall of Fame as an open door for the entire community. It might be the entrance that gets people to town, but once they’re here, they experience the broader community. Sure there’s barbecue and bourbon, and that’s great, but the Bluegrass Museum and Hall of Fame is unique to Owensboro.

There's only one. And it’s only in Owensboro. It’s the hook to get visitors to town, but once they’re here, how do you entice them to stay longer and spend more money and time in Owensboro? And hopefully come back or even relocate their family or their business because of it.”

is amazing to see. It’s crucial though because it’s a lot harder to build consensus without a visionary. So for me, meeting Terry was eyeopening.”

In addition to having a visionary, Davis says he found two other

things in common among cities who staked their claim and started thriving. There’s a cornerstone business or destination; something others could build around because of the law of attraction. And thirdly, an interesting origin story that directly ties the claim to a sense of place so that people have to come see it.

“The interesting thing to me is that Owensboro has all three of

“What I love about Mr. Davis’s presentation is that we know

those pieces,” Davis concluded. “It’s just bringing them all together

what we have,” said Dave Kirk, Visit Owensboro’s director of

and getting everybody to tell the same story. But the potential is

destination management. “But he laid out a strategy for us to see how

there, for sure!”

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What’s next for Owensboro?

Following the community read book study, the Rooster Booster

talking so we can decide as a community.

“Hosting Andrew Davis’s visit to our community was one of the highlights of 2020. We look forward to being part of this meaningful work in 2021. ”

-CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE

meeting, and follow-up sessions, A+ Leadership will present a final summary and recommendation to the Mayor and city officials.

Johnson says the purpose of the event was not to decide

exactly what our claim is that day. The purpose was to get people “Our goal was to bring community leaders together

to form a vision to move Owensboro forward by staking our claim,” David Johnson summarized. “I think people appreciated hearing the research. People seem to understand the importance of not being like every other town. But the big takeaway is that so many people walked away hearing the same message. The next step is that local leaders will decide how to move forward.

But we need to move forward as a community. We have to do this together.”

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FEATURES

YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR VOICE

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON

IN

a year where local and national elections were more visible

address a handful of issues facing the City. The four mayoral candidates

than ever, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

were incumbent Tom Watson and challengers Larry Conder, Pamela

wanted to bring political awareness to its members and the community.

Smith-Wright, and Dracin Williams. The candidates for House District

To highlight the importance of voting, they held various events to

13 were incumbent James Glenn, Jr. (D) and D.J. Johnson (R).

involve Chamber members in the election process.

The forum was part of the Chamber’s monthly Rooster Booster

CANDIDATE FORUMS

event and was sponsored by Owensboro Community and Technical College. It is available to watch on the Greater Owensboro Chamber of

On October 1, Owensboro’s four mayoral candidates and two

Commerce Facebook page.

candidates for House District 13 participated in a virtual forum to

Bart Darrell, 2020 Chamber Advocacy Chair and 2018 Chamber

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GO CHAMBER . Q1 2021

Board Chair, said one of the Chamber’s primary goals is a prosperous

Representative DJ Johnson, Kentucky District 13; and Representative

community, both economically, culturally and from a health standpoint.

Scott Lewis, Kentucky District 14.

“To make sure those goals are accomplished, we have to have an

The panel was part of the Chamber’s December Rooster Booster event

engaged community,” he said. “Part of that civic engagement is voting.

and was sponsored by German American Bank. The program is available

But it’s not just about voting, it’s about being an informed voter. That’s where forums like this come into play.”

“The Chamber is committed to the fundamentals of democracy and there is nothing more fundamental to democracy than an opportunity like this — discourse and engagement between candidates,” he said.

POLL WORKER DRIVE

Along with the candidate forums, the Chamber Young Professionals

hosted a poll worker drive. The CYP chose to promote this initiative due to the state-wide poll worker shortage as a result of the pandemic.

“Many volunteers who have traditionally staffed the polls fell into

to watch on the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and YouTube channel.

“A large part of the Chamber’s role is advocacy. We serve as a link between our leaders... and our membership,” Darrell said as he opened the forum.

Senator Matt Castlen admitted that 2020 has been a hard year for everyone, just like all Kentuckians.

“I am confident that the people of Kentucky will overcome this,” Castlen said. “It’s such a proud thing... when you get to Frankfort and you get to tell people you are from Western Kentucky and mention

more at-risk categories for COVID-19, making it important for younger

Owensboro... It’s awesome to watch how our community has been

volunteers to step up,” said Hannah Thurman, Director of Talent

dealing with all the trials we’ve had and continue to overcome and be

Programs, Communications and Events and Executive Director of

strong and that’s because of the people, the businesses, those going to

Leadership Owensboro.

work every day.”

The CYP had seven members participate, but their initiative reached

Representative DJ Johnson of the 13th House District said Western

many other people in the community as well.

Kentucky needs to keep doing what it’s doing to propel into the future.

“It is critical that young professionals be engaged in the voting

“Keep winning,” he said, when asked how the the business community

process—each vote is important and helps to shape our community,

can improve its status and visibility. “Our businesses, our industries, our

Commonwealth and Nation,” Thurman said.

Elizabeth Griffith, Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation manager of business retention and expansion and CYP Communications Chair, said she hopes serving on Election Day as poll workers is something she hopes the CYP can continue for years to come.

“I think it’s important to have young people involved in the voting process and serving as poll workers because it is a great way for us to learn more about the overall election process,” Griffith said.

LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW On December 3, the Chamber hosted a Q&A panel with newly elected

business leaders, our entrepreneurs are winning in the economic world right now. And two, there is a phone number to the governor’s office. If the constituents don’t communicate with the legislators, the legislators don’t know what’s on the mind of the constituents. Make your beliefs, make your concerns known to us so we can do what you want us to do.”

Representative Suzanne Miles agreed, applauding the Chamber for bringing a unified voice to the community’s priorities.

“I think we can almost check all of the boxes on your priorities that you all have given us in the last few years,” Miles said, noting a new judicial center, the I-65 spur from the Audubon Parkway and adapting home

local legislators moderated by Bart Darrell. The Legislative Preview

rule still remain on the list. “Western Kentucky is doing phenomenal

included Representative Suzanne Miles, Kentucky District 7; Senator

right now. I think everyone takes care of their neighbors here. Keep

Matt Castlen, Kentucky District 8; Representative Jonathan Dixon,

giving us your priorities. As of right now, I think we have been able to

Kentucky District 11; Representative Jim Gooch, Kentucky District 12;

deliver in a big way.”

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FEATURES

LIGHTING THE WAY

BY ASHLEY WEDDING / PHOTOS BY TANNER+WEST

C

ommunity projects and implementation take leadership, hard work and a vision. Lighting Owensboro’s iconic blue bridge began with David Edds Jr. asking “Why not?” In the early 1990s, he had a dream of seeing Owensboro’s downtown landscape transformed by our Blue Bridge being lit. Edds personally visited each downtown Owensboro business, asking for support. He pushed for donations and created a media buzz that eventually sold the community on his dream. The New Year’s Eve lighting of the bridge in 1996 was a moment to celebrate and began the community’s dream of recreating the downtown from years past…

In 2013 during a bridge painting project, a tragic accident resulted in the bridge going dark. For several years, community leaders worked through many issues that would lead to other obstacles.

In 2015, the City, County, Economic Development Corporation, and the Chamber made the re-lighting of the Glover H. Cary Bridge a community priority, and kept it on our priority list for the next five years. Any chance we had, whether at the state or national level, we reminded officials how a signature lighting project would be an iconic backdrop to our community’s placemaking efforts in our downtown core.

And seven years after the bridge went dark, we joined in celebration on Nov. 6, 2020, as the City of Owensboro turned the lights back on. Now, with a modern lighting display, our downtown shines bright in every color. The lighting of the Blue Bridge creates another reason to live, work and play in Owensboro. But more importantly, it demonstrates what our community can accomplish when it focuses on its goals and works together. The Chamber was honored to be a small part of this big collaborative effort.

“Lights, Bridge, Action!”

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B R I D G E L I G H T I N G T I M E L I N E EARLY 1990S The late David Edds Jr. was a champion for lighting the iconic Owensboro Blue Bridge in the early 1990s. As Board Chairman of Downtown Owensboro, Inc., he led the “Lights, River, Action” project to light the downtown bridge.

According to longtime friend Kirk Kirkpatrick, Edds built a blue bridge out of popsicle sticks, decorated it with tiny Christmas lights and met with downtown businesses hoping the miniature toy would help him land sponsors for his vision. When that didn’t work, he asked people to “adopt” individual bridge light bulbs for $500.

It wasn’t until an iconic photo of Edds, Kirkpatrick, and other Owensboro leaders at the time landed on the front page of the Messenger-Inquirer that the “Adopt a Bulb” campaign took off.

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JAN. 1, 1996

MAY 20, 2013

The Bridge is lit for the first time at midnight as 1995 turns to 1996.

A worker helping crews prepare to paint the Glover H. Cary Bridge dies of electrocution. An ongoing lawsuit over the man’s death keeps the bridge dark.

2015 The Chamber adds Lighting the Bridge to the Community Priority List. The project remains on the list for the next five years.

2016 Chamber DC Fly-In includes focus on getting authorization to proceed. The project is brought up again during the 2017 and 2018 trips.

2018 Chamber delegation meets with Kentucky Department of Transportation and the Governor on the red tape surrounding the re-lighting of the Blue Bridge.

2019 City of Owensboro staff begins project leadership which includes in-depth planning, financing and innovation.

NOV. 6, 2020 The City of Owensboro holds a virtual ceremony to relight the Glover H. Cary Bridge, this time with state-ofthe-art LED lights. The $1.9 million project was delayed a year after permit issues and setbacks stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. David Edds’s children along with Mayor Tom Watson ceremoniously light the iconic Blue Bridge while streaming live on social media.

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FEATURES

KEEP YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HEART IS

BY ASHLEY WEDDING

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T

he kickoff event for Shop Owensboro was

the Chamber, especially when it comes to Shop

certainly different in 2020, but hundreds of

Owensboro. Their motto is “Local Love” and they

people still showed up, ready to show support for local businesses. Due to COVID-19 and its impact on small businesses, Shop Owensboro was extended to a weeklong event, which also helped to reduce crowd sizes as an added safety measure.

Shop Owensboro is curated by the Greater

strive to support all local businesses.

Shop Owensboro remains an anchor event

for the Chamber. But this year it was more important than ever.

“It’s really important for our local

Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and sponsored

community to come together and invest

annually by Independence Bank.

back in people that continuously invest

in Owensboro,” Brake said. “They’re

“We were delighted with the turnout,” said

Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO. “We knew people would be there early. We didn’t know they’d be there an hour and a half early.

There’s never been a doubt for us that people would

taxpayers, neighbors, people we sit next to in church. It’s time for us to step up as a community to make sure this

get out there in the community, helping local shops

time next year all of our favorite

and merchants.”

shops, merchants and restaurants

Independence Bank is a loyal partner to

are still here.”

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GO CHAMBER

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS GO Chamber FREE Marketing Opportunities ›› Business Directory Listing: Online and in print. The full directory is also available by request for direct mail efforts

GO Chamber Networking Opportunities

›› Member of the Week: Featured article in Owensboro Times with a social

›› Rooster Booster Breakfast

media blast, a customized post on the Chamber Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page and a featured graphic in the Chamber Weekly email and monthly Chamber Matters in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer.

›› Engage Owensboro: A community tool to focus efforts on nurturing existing

talent programs, developing new ways to connect current and future leaders and creating solutions to regional workforce issues

›› Member Corner: Ability to post job opportunities, Member discounts and

›› Committees ›› Chamber After Hours ›› Ribbon Cuttings ›› Chamber Young Professionals ›› Chamber Golf Classic

upcoming events on the Chamber website and in the monthly Member Memo

›› Red, White and Blue

›› New Membership Listing: Featured in Chamber Matters and throughout

›› Chamber Celebration

Chamber communications

›› Rooster Booster Announcement: Introduced to 300+ people in attendance,

›› The Network

also broadcast live on WOMI 1490, replayed on Channel 71 public access television, and posted on the Chamber YouTube channel and all Chamber social media

GO Chamber Member Cost-Savings Programs

GO Chamber Professional Development Opportunities

›› Chamber Advantage Health Plans: A comprehensive and affordable

›› Chamber Ambassadors

healthcare solution

›› ClearPath Mutual: Workers’ compensation insurance program ›› Infintech: Credit card processing company that gives Chamber Members a

›› Chamber Young Professionals ›› Leadership Owensboro

discount (30-40% off traditional fees)

›› Teachers in the Workplace

›› Office Depot: 200+ items discounted for Chamber Members (can access

›› Professional Development Seminars

online, in-store and with customized offerings)

›› Small Business Development Center

›› Constant Contact: 60 days free for this email management and marketing company

›› Owensboro Health Healthpark: Offers a discount on all annual memberships to Chamber Members

›› Laborchex: Discounted background checks

For more information about your Chamber Member benefits, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at shelly@owensboro.com or 270-926-1860.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PROFILES OF NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

In this special section, meet some of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s newest members. We value each Chamber membership and look forward to our partnership.

Welcome to the Chamber! P H O T O S B Y J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

RE/MAX Professional Realty Group

4333 SPRINGHILL DRIVE, OWENSBORO, KY 42303 270.684.2727 // EVERYOWENSBOROHOME.COM

RE/MAX Professional Realty Group was founded by Patrick Cason in 2006 and has been #1 in the market eight times. RE/MAX’s ongoing mission is to be a real estate company that helps clients achieve their residential and commercial goals while being heavily involved in community service.

Initially opened at Alvey Park Dr. with less than five agents, they have now grown to 25 agents and serve two locations, Henderson and Owensboro.

In December 2020 RE/MAX moved to a brand new state of the art office at 4333 Springhill Drive in Owensboro. The new building was built with all of the latest technology and designed by L. Ruth Interiors. Laura Ruth did what she does best, made it tech savvy and chic. During RE/MAX’s 15 years of serving the Owensboro real estate market, its Realtors have guided and advised over 6,700 clients with their residential and commercial real estate needs. With a brand new Principal Broker, Tracy Ioia, RE/MAX is moving forward with their eye on innovation and being the pace setter in an everchanging real estate industry. Ioia began her real estate career with RE/MAX in 2008 as an agent. Her focus for the brokerage is agent development and technology to maintain RE/MAX’s leadership in real estate. None of this would have been possible without the trust and support of their local clients and community. Grab your mask and check out their new location!

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Peacocks and Pearls

Here at Peacocks and Pearls we provide timeless style and affordable fashion for women of all ages and sizes, carrying XS - 3XL in select brands. We offer a selection where three generations – daughters, mothers, and grandmothers – can all enjoy a shopping experience together. Our most popular accessory brands include Kendra Scott, Ronaldo, Dolce Vita, and Steve Madden.

Our newest brands are Hidden Jeans and Ah-Dorned handbags, which have become a customer favorite! We take pride in providing everything from comfortable clothing to run your errands in, to business attire for the office, to trendy, beautiful styles for your most special occasions. Across the spectrum our styles are quality, unique, and affordable. We can’t wait for you to come shop with us!

4431 SPRINGHILL DR SUITE B // 270.926.SHOP( 7467 ) FACEBOOK.COM/PEACOCKSANDPEARLSOWENSBORO

J.J. Fosters

J.J. Fosters is the newest men’s clothing store that Owensboro has to offer, located beside Peacocks and Pearls in the Lake Forest Town Shopping Center, located off Highway 54. We offer grit, southern prep, outdoors, and buttery comfort all in one store so that there truly is something for everyone! Our sizes run from S-3XL, including Tall sizes in select styles. We currently carry Southern Shirt, Dixie Reserve, Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, Properly Tied, and Southern Marsh, along with so many other great brands to choose from.

We also recently added Ray-Ban and Costa sunglasses to our selection of brands. Our customers have been so supportive and excited about our expansion into men’s clothing and we are so grateful for the opportunity to serve Owensboro!

4431 SPRINGHILL DR SUITE C // 270.993.0212 FACEBOOK.COM/J.J.FOSTERSCO 31

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Five Questions W IT H

DAISY JAMES Retired, Audubon Area Community Services INTERVIEWED BY ASHLEY WEDDING PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

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ONE

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? Most of my career I worked for Audubon Area Community Services. I retired from there after 25 years. But I flunked my retirement. I still serve on a number of committees and boards, including the Public Health Advisory Council, which I was appointed to by the Governor. I have been Chair of the H.L. Neblett Center. I was on the OMU board for 13 years, where I was the only woman, and only black board member. If I’m going to spend my time on these boards, I’m going to work. I’m going to find an answer and try to help people have a better life.

TWO

WHAT ROLE DID YOUR CHILDHOOD AND UPBRINGING PLAY IN YOUR SUCCESS? Yes, it definitely did. I came up in time of segregation. My mother had little or no education—she couldn’t write her name. My dad had an eighth grade education. They were domestic workers in some of the richest homes in Owensboro. They planted seeds. I was a “why child.” It always came back to why. I received an award for good citizenship in grade school. I didn’t even know what that word meant. In high school, I was no lower than third in my class and I have had a job since I was 12.

THREE

HOW DID YOU BECOME SO PASSIONATE ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH? I helped take care of my grandmother and my parents as their health began to fail. Also, when I was growing up, I saw someone kicked out of their home because they were unable to pay their rent. I remember wanting to help that person. Nobody gives you anything. You have to work for it. You need to make sure that you are making your community better.

FOUR

LOOKING BACK AT YOUR LIFE, WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Meeting the right people and using whatever information and communications that I had to help other people.

FIVE

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION? My wish is to see people live their dreams, but they have to have a dream. A lot of times, they haven’t seen anyone while growing up to be like. If you like doing something, you may not get paid for it right away—volunteer or work part-time in something that you would like to do. That will give you a chance to get a little glimpse of what you want to do.

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

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID OWENSBORO KY 42301 PERMIT NO 420