Convention Center coming to revitalized downtown
Downtown Owensboro is “kicking up” plenty of dust as construction rolls forward with the myriad of projects in the city’s urban center. As the community nears the opening of Smothers Park, a major catalyst project for the downtown is beginning to form out of the dirt at the west end of the new park. The Owensboro Convention Center and privately financed, attached hotel are beginning to take shape where Frederica Street meets the scenic Ohio River. Designed to replace the famed Executive Inn which hosted many state and regional functions, the convention center will be a multi-purpose venue with ability to host a variety of local and regional events. “Owensboro never had a convention center before the Executive Inn,” said City of Owensboro Operations Manager, Tony Cecil. “Then it closed and there was a big hole to plug. With less activity, the vision was to replace all the business we lost and embrace it.” Trahan Architects of Baton Rouge, La. are designing the facility and Knoxville, Tn. based construction company, Denark will be building the venue for the City and Daviess County. “I am very pleased with the progress that we are making towards our goal of using a significant amount of local labor and local contractors in the construction of the convention center,” stated City Manager Bill Parrish. “While negotiations in several construction disciplines are still open as we approach finalizing the guaranteed
Rooster Booster August 2, 2012
Owensboro Christian Church, 7:30 a.m. SPEAKER: Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr.
Register online at owensboro.com/chamber or by calling (270) 926-1860
maximum price for the building, I am happy with the progress to date, including the commitment of at least 6 local companies, comprised of union and non-union labor who will employ close to 200 workers. As we continue with negotiations, we remain committed to using local labor and home-town businesses.” Global Spectrum, the private management company hired to operate the facility, have been on the ground since January selling the facility to the region and preparing for events for the December 2013 opening. The sleek, modern design will provide just over 90,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space, including 44,096 sq. ft. in three exhibition halls plus more than 16,000 sq. ft. of pre-function on the first floor, and more than 30,000 sq. ft. of ballroom and meeting space on the mezzanine and second floors. See downtown/page 5
2 Greater owensboro chamber of commerce, Monday, July 30, 2012
Chief Justice John Minton will speak at August Rooster Booster John D. Minton Jr. was elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2006. His fellow justices elected him to serve a four-year term as chief justice in 2008 and re-elected him for a second term in 2012. Two of his priorities are investing in the dedicated people who operate the court system and in the latest technology to help Kentucky courts reduce costs and deliver better service. Chief Justice Minton formed the Technology Governance Committee to create a strategic technology plan for the courts and guide efforts to replace the outdated case management system with one that
will allow e-filing and innovative electronic services. He created a Compensation Commission to determine how to make the Judicial Branch’s salary structure more fair and competitive. Under his guidance, the Supreme Court has adopted the first family law rules that are uniform statewide. As a member of the Task Force on the Penal Code and Controlled Substances Act, he joined forces with the Executive and Legislative branches to curb prison costs and improve public safety. He formed the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission to
improve access to civil legal aid to the poor. Chief Justice Minton was in private practice for 15 years before serving as a circuit judge from 1992 to 2003 and a Kentucky Court of Appeals judge from 2003 to 2006. The Kentucky Bar Association honored him with its Outstanding Judge Award in 2003. He holds degrees from Western Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky College of Law. Chief Justice Minton will address the underfunding of the court systems, and the effects of regulations on business.
August Calendar 2 Rooster Booster Breakfast 2818 New Hartford Road 7:30 a.m.
17 Ribbon Cutting Higher Ground Consulting 1010 Allen Street 12:15 p.m.
9 Ribbon Cutting XBS of Owensboro 3221 Frederica Street 12:15 p.m.
20 Retention Task Force Meeting Commerce Center 12:00 p.m.
15 Ribbon Cutting Community Alternatives, CAKY 3120 Warehouse Road 12:15 p.m. 16 Make a Business Connection AM Tumbleweed Restaurant 7:30 a.m.
16 Small Business Task Force Meeting Commerce Center 11:30 a.m. 16 CYP - Third Thursday Networking Gambrinus Libation Emporium 5:30 a.m.
21 Advocacy Task Force Meeting Commerce Center 11:30 a.m. 23 Chamber Ambassador Lunch 200 East 3rd Street 11:45 a.m. 25 Chamber Young Professionals “Lady in Red” RiverPark Center 8:00 p.m. 29 Business Fraud Prevention Seminar featuring Frank W. Abagnale RiverPark Center 8:30 p.m.
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Greater owensboro chamber of commerce, Monday, July 30, 2012
Free Business Fraud Prevention Seminar – August 29 “Catch him while you can!” Learn how to protect your business from fraud from Frank W. Abagnale, subject of the movie and Broadway play “Catch Me If You Can.” Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on the subject of forgery, embezzlement and secure documents, and he will be in Owensboro for a free seminar. The event is sponsored by US Bank in partnership with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Owensboro Police Department, and will be held at the Riverpark Center, Cannon Hall at 8:30 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. Please RSVP for the event by August 22, 2012 by calling the Chamber at 926-1860 or registering on the Cham-
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Amy Jackson, President & CEO ajackson@owensboro.com
Missy Gant, Membership Manager mgant@owensboro.com
Sydney Warren, membership services manager swarren@owensboro.com
Susan High, Accounting Manager shigh@owensboro.com
Jamie Roby, Administrative Assistant jroby@owensboro.com
Frank Abagbale — author, lecturer, consultant ber events calendar at owensboro.com/ chamber.
Chamber Matters is published monthly in the Messenger-Inquirer for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 825, Owensboro, KY 42302-0825 • (270) 926-1860 • www.owensboro.com Follow us on Twitter @GOchamber
Michael F. Beckwith, Board Chair
Chamber Anniversaries 45 Years as a Member Daramic, LLC
Towne Square Mall Vocational Rehabilitation
25 Years as a Member Elizabeth Munday Senior Center
10 Years as a Member Ramada Inn
15 Years as a Member Barret-Fischer Company, Inc. Sun Windows, Inc.
5 Years as a Member Patti’s Resale, Inc. Shane Cox Insurance
LET US TAKE YOU THERE IN STYLE,
www.owensboro.com/chamber
4 Greater owensboro chamber of commerce, Monday, July 30, 2012
Get to Know Your Chamber team… Missy Gant, Membership Manager
This month, Missy Gant is celebrating her 5-year anniversary with the Chamber. She was hired in 2007 to grow the Chamber’s membership. She has been critical to the Chamber’s growth in membership growth, retention and services, now nearly 1,000 members strong. You can reach Missy at 926-1860 or at mgant@ owensboro.com for more information about membership at the Chamber. Tell us what your goals are for Chamber membership. It’s my mission to increase membership through customer-focused recruitment and retention programs. I strive to communicate effectively with members to heighten awareness and appreciation of the many programs our Chamber has to offer, and
help them find their individual value from membership. We aren’t a one-sizefits-all Chamber. What is your favorite part about your role at the Chamber? My favorite part is being involved in the community, meeting new people and giving them ways to grow and profit with their business. What is something that most people don’t know about the Chamber? The New Member Referral Program! The Chamber’s Member Referral program is a great opportunity to help your business grow with business to business contacts. If you refer a company that becomes a member of the Chamber, we will extend our gratitude by giving you $100 off your
Guthrie to address Leadership Circle today
Congressman Brett Guthrie, who represents Kentucky’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, will be addressing the Chamber’s Leadership Circle today, July 30 at 1 pm on the Western Kentucky University – Owensboro campus. Throughout the year, Leadership Circle meets with key political leaders to discuss policies and projects
and advocate on behalf of the Greater Owensboro business community. In addition to meeting with elected officials, membership includes a subscription to the Kentucky Gazette political newspaper and other exclusive events. “This is a way for our members to be directly involved in providing our elected officials feedback and ideas regarding Owensboro and our surrounding areas,” explains Chamber President Amy Jackson. “Creating conversation with those in government is a goal of The Leadership Circle.” To learn more or to join The Leadership Circle, contact Jackson at the Chamber at 926-1860 or ajackson@owensboro.com.
membership dues for the next year. The business that joins, and the current member who served as the referral source, will both receive the opportunity to showcase their products and services at our exclusive business expo. This expo, The Members Choice Awards, will take place November 8th at the Hines Center. Why do you choose to live and work in the greater Owensboro area? I was born and raised in Owensboro. My family and friends are here and I love this community. The excitement that both public and private investment are bringing to downtown Owensboro are second to none in the country. I love traveling to other places but I am always ready to come back home to Owensboro.
Ribbon Cutting
Owensboro Wildcats (270) 240-4879
www.owensboro.com/chamber www.owensboro.com/chamber
Greater owensboro chamber of commerce, Monday, July 30, 2012
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Chamber Young Professionals hosting Lady in Red Fundraiser The Chamber Young Professionals group is excited to announce the 4th Annual Lady in Red event. This year, the event is scheduled for August 25, 2012 at the RiverPark Center’s newly renovated Woodland’s Plaza. The night of dancing, drinks, and good music will commence at 8:00pm and conclude at midnight. Tickets will be available July 1, 2012 at a cost of $20 per individual and $30 per couple. The event is open to any on 21 years of age or older. The annual Lady in Red event is the CYP’s largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the event allow CYP to fund philanthropic events and community projects that give back to the Owensboro and Daviess County communities. Please contact Sydney Warren at (270) 926-1860 with questions or to reserve your ticket.
New Members Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield 13550 Triton Park Boulevard Louisville, KY 40223 • 1‑502‑889‑2370 Community Alternatives, CAKY‑Owensboro 3120 Warehouse Road Owensboro, KY 42301 • (270) 688‑9168 Designs For You 1555 Graves Lane Maceo, KY 42355 • (270) 313‑4091 Four Seasons Window Co, LLC 1200 Woodmere Lane Owensboro, KY 42303 •(270) 926‑3217
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 633 3128 Alvey Park Dr. West Owensboro, KY 42303 •(270) 683‑1587
Simply Chic Home Accents 101 A West 3rd Street Owensboro, KY 42303 •(270) 683‑6333 XBS of Owensboro 3221 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301
Downtown From the Front Page
The West and East Concourse areas and lobbies can be used for pre-function gathering. Great views and natural light - important factors to most any event planner are a steady feature of the steel and aluminum building. Though the Owensboro Convention Center is the main attraction, it isn’t the only one. The second floor, or mezzanine level, features a skywalk to the 151 room Hampton Inn & Suites. The seven-story hotel, developed by the Malcolm Bryant Corp., is equipped with state-of-the-art energy efficiency features like solar generators. It is scheduled to open simultaneously. An additional hotel, a Holiday Inn, is also set for construction with completion scheduled for early 2014. What Cecil, who has been involved with the project since its inception, is most thrilled about is the team effort put forth by the City of Owensboro, and the design, construction and management partners. “Trahan’s building us a boat. Denark is going to ensure that we can afford it, and Global Spectrum is going to ensure that we can sell it,” Mayor Ron Payne said in an interview with WFIE. Dean Dennis, General Manager of the Owensboro Convention Center, said he and the facility’s team are excited about working together to make the center another point of pride for not only Downtown Owensboro, but also the greater Daviess County community. “It’s a wonderful asset for this community and one that both our visitors and our local residents will enjoy for many years to come.” Laura Alexander, the Sales Manager of the Convention Center, has already begun booking events and planning programs. The building can accommodate most any event type of a certain size. “With the way the building is designed, it’s extremely flexible,” Alexander said. “As far as what we and the people who use it can do with it — we’re limited only by our imagination.”
www.owensboro.com/chamber
6 Greater owensboro chamber of commerce, Monday, July 30, 2012
Member Renewals
90 Degrees 93.9 WKTG Radio All-Star Waste Services, Inc. American Heart Association Barret-Fisher Company, Inc. Beckman Tire & Auto Center Beltline Electric Co., Inc. Better Business Bureau Inc. Blossoms Apparel & Gifts CMDK The Children’s Advocacy Center of Green River Christian Family Radio Colby’s Fine Food and Spirits Community Home Health Care Cornerstone Information Systems Craig O’Bryan Graphics Culver’s Restaurant Danco Construction Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit Union Daymar College Dental Designs of Owensboro DNJ Auto Parts Don Moore Toyota-MitsubishiNissan-Honda Donald R. Neel, MD Dr. Bradley Stearsman Dr. Carol J. Braun, DDS Dr. Richard Good, OB/GYN Edward Jones Investments Tracy Thacker, AAMS Enclave Family Healthcare, PLC Felts Lock & Alarm Company First Class Services, Inc. Frantz Building Services, Inc. Frito Lay Hafer Associates Hayden and Co. Huck’s Impact Marketing Consultants International Bar-B-Q Festival Jones Insurance Agency Junior League of Owensboro Kentucky Cardiovascular
Consultants Kort - Physical Therapy Lanham Brothers General Contractors, Inc. Lee’s Famous Recipe Fried Chicken March of Dimes/Birth Defects Foundation Marco Tax Service Miracle Ear Murphy Appliance Co., Inc. Musick Studios Nation’s Medicines - Highway 54 O’Bryan Contracting & Leasing Inc. Ohio Valley 2-Way Radio, Inc. Owensboro Financial Services Owensboro Symphony Orchestra Owensboro Winnelson, Co Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport Packages Plus Public Life Foundation Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Republic Bank Rolling Pin Pastry Shop, Inc. Shoe Stop Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. Southern States River Terminal State Farm Insurance, Alan Powers, Agent State Farm Insurance, Bobby Woodward Super 8 Motel Tom Blue Furniture Trophy House, Inc. Trunnell’s Farm Market U-Bounce Party House Wal-Mart - Highway 54 Western Kentucky Minerals Wilcox Environmental Engineering Inc. Wilson, Wilson & Plain
Utilize Make a Business Connection AM to make new contacts
The more people you know, the more successful your business is likely to be. Make a Business Connection AM is a focused networking event that allows you to “talk up” your business with other local business leaders. It’s a great way to network with other businesses and exchange business cards. You might consider bringing discount coupons or other promotional items to encourage other participants to use your service or product. “I am a firm believer in the Make a Business Connection
program,” said Gary Dennis, Manager of the Ramada Inn, “We have found a significant increase in local room rentals since we became active in the Chamber of Commerce and Make a Business Connection.” Make a Business Connection is on August 16 from 7:30 am to 9:00 am. It will be at Tumbleweed restaurant, located at 5257 Frederica Street. Tumbleweed will also provide free breakfast! Make a Business Connection AM is free to attend and everyone is invited. No reservations are necessary!
The Chamber is working for you The Chamber is working for its members 24/7. The Chamber’s www. owensboro.com/chamber website provides ongoing marketing and promotion. Listed below are the Chamber website statistics from June 2012
16,132 Page Views • 11,482 Directory Searches 3,367 Locations Mapped Top Member Mapped in June 2012: Hometown IGA – 17 times Top Member Displayed in Business Directory in June 2012: Greater Owensboro Realtor Association – 587 Times
www.owensboro.com/chamber
Serving Kentucky & Southern Indiana
Greater owensboro chamber of commerce, Monday, July 30, 2012
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PROFESSIONAL SUPPLIES . . . PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SINCE 1967
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8 Greater owensboro chamber of commerce, Monday, July 30, 2012
Red, White & Blue Picnic Monday, September 10, 2012 Reid’s Orchard 4818 State Route 144 4:30 p.m.
The Annual Golf Classic is one of the area’s premier outings. Attended by hundreds, the event is always a sellout. There are several ways you can participate - we have different levels of sponsorship opportunities, you can play, volunteer to assist with the event, or donate a raffle prize. To register for the Chamber Golf Classic or sign up for a sponsorship, please visit www.owensboro. com/chamber.
SUMMIT GOLF COURSE Friday, September 28 Registration: 7:30 a.m. Shotgun Start: 9:00 a.m. Contact Information:
Sydney Warren, Membership Services Manager Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce 270-926-1860 Fax: 270-926-3364
www.owensboro.com/chamber www.owensboro.com/chamber