Greater Owensboro Business Magazine

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GREATER OWENSBORO

Fourth Quarter 2013

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From the Chamber of Commerce

In This Issue

Business

GREATER OWENSBORO

Fourth Quarter 2013 Vol. 10 • Number 4

30th Anniversary

4

Owensboro Dance Theatre celebrates success

Amy Jackson

President Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

What a year we’ve had so far in Owensboro… All-America City, new businesses opening, great publicity for all the things happening here.

And, because of highly-engaged, community-focused members, the Chamber is growing in membership and affect.

We surpassed the 900 member mark, and are growing at a nice pace of 3.5% since the beginning of the year. The diversity of our membership continues to amaze me, with new members joining from many interests, and many companies taking a look at the Owensboro market for the first time… and joining the Chamber to figure out how to find success here.

We’ve added new programs, such as “Whatcha Need to Know Wednesdays,” a training program for small businesses to assist with Human Resources basics. By partnering with great members such as the Owensboro Society for Human Resource Management, we are providing training from certified professionals on topics that you, our members, have told us you need help on.

Program participation is on the rise, whether its attendance at Rooster Booster or applicants for our 2014 Emerge Owensboro program ­­— people want to be a part of the positive energy and business connections being facilitated every day at the Chamber.

Your Chamber is doing well fiscally, working ahead of budget through the second quarter, and with positive earnings that have allowed us to add new programs and improve our ability to serve our membership. Working “in the green” is always a good thing in a not-for-profit world, and we very much appreciate that our success has come from our engaged members through dues, sponsorships and participation in our events.

Our volunteer base continues to grow, too, and I want to thank all of our Ambassadors, committee members and Chamber friends who help us each day to collaborate, communicate, innovate and create opportunities to keep Owensboro on the move!

Our success is your success. Your success breeds more success for our Greater Owensboro region. Thank you for all you do, and all you allow us to do for you at the Chamber.

The show goes on

9

TWO reaches 50 seasons

Getting technical

14

Whaylon Coleman Jr. finds his niche

Roosevelt House

16

Staff goes above and beyond for residents

Planning ahead

20

Small business center pays big dividends

Young Professional

24

Andrew Howard and Mary Ellen Hayden discuss being a young professional in Owensboro

On the Move

28

Local business leaders on the move in their industry and in the community

Get to know your Chamber 31 Missy Gant discusses the benefits of chamber membership

Amy Jackson President and CEO Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Fourth Quarter 2013

Greater Owensboro Business

3

Jaysie Beth Campbell dances in the role of Dew Drop in act two of the Owensboro Dance Theatre’s 2011 production of the Nutcracker.

30th anniversary: Owensboro Dance Theatre celebrates success 4

Greater Owensboro Business

Fourth Quarter 2013

A Special Publication of the

Messenger-Inquirer Jacqueline Jordan, Special Publications Editor 270.691.7233, jjordan@messenger-inquirer.com

Jenny Sevcik, Photography Editor 270.691.7294, jsevcik@messenger-inquirer.com John Shelton, Graphic Designer

Jessica Schroeder, 8, left, Hailey Kuhna, 8, second from left, Sarah Hayden, 8, second from right, and Lucy Waldschmidt, 7, get into their bunny character during dress rehearsal in Owensboro Dance Theatre's production of “In Concert featuring Snow White and the Red Rose” at the RiverPark Center on March 13.

By Kristi McCabe

C

elebrating thirty years of sharing its love of dance with the community, the Owensboro Dance Theatre (ODT) recently held a gala event to commemorate this special anniversar y. Held at the RiverPark Center on June 1, the gala featured live performances by dancers, dance parents and people from the community.

“It was a wonderful way to commemorate our 30th anniversar y,” noted Joy Johnson, ODT’s Managing Artistic Director. “On Friday night, we had a meet-andgreet, and Saturday was reser ved for performances. Our dance dads put on a Rock of Ages show, where they dressed as their favorite ‘rock god.’ Our dance moms performed It’s Raining Men, and a group of Sutton Elementar y teachers performed Chorus Line.

It was a memorable occasion, and a great way to raise money for our educational outreach programs.”

ODT alumni traveled from great distances to attend, including New York City and Colorado.

Alumni members worked with current dancers to perform at the gala, blending new talent with seasoned talent.

“Ever yone who was involved committed a lot of time for the Fourth Quarter 2013

gala,” remarked Allison McCoy, ODT’s Assistant Artistic Director.

“It was a great opportunity for our alumni to come back home and see how the company has grown over the years.”

The gala was combined with a fundraiser that is generally held in the spring, called “An Evening of Dance.”

“This was a good opportunity to combine a celebration of our achievement with fundraising efforts,” said McCoy. “A wide range of people from the community came to perform with us, including police officers, teachers, doctors and attorneys. It was a great way to share our love of dance with those who support us throughout the year.”

Johnson and co-founder Karen Carothers first started Owensboro Dance Theatre with a group of family and friends, and held one concert per year. Over the past thirty years, ODT has enjoyed phenomenal growth, and has maintained a dedication to community outreach that is both enriching and educational for Owensboro citizens.

“When the RiverPark Center opened in 1992, that was a big jump for us,” Johnson reflected.

“We were then able to do fulllength performances and began a two-concert series. Then, our Greater Owensboro Business

Staff Writers Beth Noffsinger Joy Campbell Staff Photographers

John Dunham Gary Emord-Netzley Contributors Kristi McCabe Benjamin Hoak

To Advertise: Faye D. Murry, Advertising Director

270.691.7240, fmurry@messenger-inquirer.com

Owensboro’s Leading Limousine Company Since 1998

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Elizabeth Hyland, left, who dances the role of Snow White in the Owensboro Dance Theatre production of “In Concert: Snow White and the Red Rose,” greets cousins Gracie Campbell, 5, right, and Carriann Campbell, 6, during the Snow White’s Cottage Tea fundraiser .

educational outreach program began, and it has enjoyed steady growth.”

The Nutcracker is an annual performance for ODT, for which six professional dancers are brought in to perform; around 100 community children participate in The Nutcracker. ODT also hosts an end-of-the-year concert, for which four professional dancers are brought to town.

This year’s concert will be Land of Oz: A Journey Down the Yellow Brick Road. Something new for the 2013-2014 season will be presented by members of Lightwire Theater, who were finalists on the 2012 show America’s Got Talent.

Lightwire will bring two classics to life: The Tortoise and the Hare and The Ugly Duckling.

In addition to offering stellar performances, ODT also hosts a number of educational outreach programs.

“We offer a dance education 6

program for Daviess County public schools,” said Johnson.

“This program teaches children movement and dance. We offer Dance I and Dance II, and work with students at the 5-6 Center, Owensboro Middle School, and Owensboro High School.”

Johnson continued, “One of the programs we are most proud of is headed up by Shauna Dever-Jones, a former ODT member who holds a MFA degree in Dance/Choreography and Laban Movement Analysis Certification.

Shauna works with Owensboro Public Schools to provide dance and movement lessons to special needs students, as part of an Impact 100 grant.”

A new program called Dance Ambassadors places current professional dancers and choreographers in schools, community centers, and area businesses for demonstrations, lectures, and nutrition information.

Greater Owensboro Business

“Guest artists go into the school and talk to kids about what it’s like to be a professional dancer,” McCoy explained. “They watch the kids dance and give them tips; so far we have received a lot of positive feedback on this program.”

Besides teaching movement and dance, ODT is also dedicated to encouraging healthy lifestyles.

The L.E.A.N. program, developed

by Dr. William Sears of Los Angeles, is an educational workshop that promotes good nutrition.

Through grant funding, ODT was able to offer L.E.A.N. to sixteen schools this year, including some in Owensboro, Madisonville and Whitesville.

“L.E.A.N. stands for Lifestyles, Exercise, Attitude, and Nutrition,” Johnson explained. “Dr. Sears had the opportunity to visit us last year; he went to the Neblett Center and talked to the kids about portion control, making healthier eating choices, and having a plate that is full of color. He used a traffic light to demonstrate this concept: each plate should have something red, yellow, and green. The kids loved it!”

It’s clear that Owensboro Dance Theatre has enriched the community of Owensboro not only by contributing to the local cultural scene, but also through the programs it brings to local families.

With 30 years’ experience under its belt, ODT is poised to impact the future of dance and healthy living in Owensboro for many more years to come.

“Through involvement in our productions and our educational outreach programs, we are able to reach 27,000 people, including 15,000 kids,” noted Johnson. “For a small dance company, we believe that is quite an accomplishment.

Kids are able to participate in our programs in var ying capacities, and this gets them moving and engages them in healthy living.”

Fourth Quarter 2013

Mary Poppins floats through the air with the greatest of ease during Owensboro Dance Theatre’s production at the RiverPark Center in April of 1999.

Fourth Quarter 2013

Greater Owensboro Business

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Former Owensboro Dance Theatre member Natalie Woodward dances in the University of New York Buffalo dance company concert in 2012.

Natalie Woodard, 17, puts on mascara before rehearsal for Owensboro Dance Theatre’s “IN CONCERT featuring Kentucky, Oh Kentucky” at the RiverPark Center in March, 1999.

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Greater Owensboro Business

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Isaac Malott, Mary Williams, Fred Eiras and Myles Anthony Huffines in TWO’s production of A Christmas Story.

The show goes on: TWO celebrates 50 seasons

By Kristi McCabe

T

heatre Workshop of Owensboro is celebrating its 50th season, and the anniversar y is one that is applauded by local acting talent and theater-goers alike. With a rich histor y of producing topnotch comedies, dramas, classics, musicals and youth shows, TWO has proven itself to be a model of excellence in community theater. Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is known as the “longest running show in town,” and its future is just as exciting as its historic past.

Fourth Quarter 2013

“Theatre Workshop of Owensboro was founded in the 1950s,” explained Stephen Coppick, Executive Director for TWO. “Its first production, The Man Who Came to Dinner, debuted in December 1955; rehearsals were held at the National Guard Armor y. The group produced shows for a few years, then took a brief hiatus in the early 1960s.

People insisted that they do more performances, so Theatre Workshop was resurrected. Now, we are entering our 50th season.”

What began with a small group of dedicated performers has now grown into a vibrant Greater Owensboro Business

cultural presence in the community. TWO continues to expand its reach by adding new performances and providing a familyfriendly entertainment venue.

“There was a time when TWO performed wherever we could find space,” said Coppick, who was involved with Theatre Workshop as a teenager. “We even held some productions in the basement of the Rudd Hotel on Frederica Street in the early 1970s. Our current location (the Trinity Centre) was built in 1875, and I believe it was the first brick building in Kentucky. It was originally home to Trinity Episcopal 9

Actors portraying nuns chat outside during dress rehearsal of “The Sound of Music” at the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro Opryhouse.

“It gets too crowded backstage so they kicked us out here,” Mary Beth Ralston said.

Church, then was used for the Cliff Hagan Boys’ Club, then it spent some time as a community center. Theatre Workshop of Owensboro was its biggest renter, and eventually the City deeded the building to us.”

Since that time TWO has continually improved the building, expanding the stage and adding risers. With aid from various benefactors, TWO has also waterproofed the entire building and replaced the mortar between every brick. With continued growth in mind, TWO purchased the historic Opryhouse on Frederica Street in April, 2011. The building was one of the first free-standing movie theaters in the country, and evolved from the Malco movie theater to Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse and now —Theatre Workshop. Plans are 10

now underway to improve the Opryhouse location.

“Five years ago we launched a million-dollar capital campaign,” said Coppick. “The bulk of the money raised will be used toward renovation of the Opryhouse building. That facility can seat 300 to 350, while the Trinity Centre seats around 99. The Opryhouse is perfect for performances that are too large for the Trinity Centre yet not large enough for the RiverPark; it is a good midpoint between those two venues.”

In addition to focusing on the physical improvement of its facilities, TWO is also dedicated to growing its youth program.

Theatre Workshop has an arrangement with Daviess County public schools to teach drama to students on an ongoing basis, so every child in that school system Greater Owensboro Business

receives drama education.

“We really want to get young people interested in theater and see what we have to offer,” said Coppick. “We create an environment that is fun for kids, where it is OK to have fun and learn at the same time. Even if the kids do not go into acting — which most of them don’t — they are learning important life skills, like public speaking. We try to make it fun for them.”

Coppick continued, “The wonderful thing about community theater is that it is something everyone can become involved in; it serves as a training ground and an outlet for local talent.”

Steady growth has prompted a new plan for encouraging membership. Coppick said that in recent years Theatre Workshop has begun to focus on increasing Fourth Quarter 2013

Wes Bartlett, right, laughs along with Worth Mountjoy as they and Ryan Henry practice a scene for Theatre Workshop of Owensboro’s 2008 presentation of “An Inspector Calls.”

the variety of productions offered, and has changed their membership model accordingly.

“Last year, we moved from a season tickets package to a membership model, which many theaters across the country are doing,” Coppick noted. “Instead of just doing five plays per year, we are doing twelve plays, in addition to classes and concerts. We wanted a program that showcases that variety.”

TWO has a lot to celebrate this season, and will begin by hosting Playing in the Park on September 7, which is an all-day event.

The day begins with a 5K run at 8 a.m. and includes a full day of musical performances and prizes. The celebration will continue throughout the season with a stellar lineup of old favorites, including Little Shop of Horrors, Steel Magnolias, A Christmas Carol, The Mountaintop, The Nerd, Guys & Dolls, and — called the English language’s funniest farce — Noises Off. Fourth Quarter 2013

Greater Owensboro Business

Goldie Payne, Steve Champion and Donna Risley in Theatre Workshop’s 2011 production of Gypsy.

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During a rehearsal of Steel Magnolias, a production

by Theatre Workshop of Owensboro in May 1999, Weezer, left, played by Patty May, shares her troubles with Truvy, played by Cindy Fiorella and Shelby, played by Elizabeth Triplett.

Jeanna West portrays Christmas Past and Tan Mayhall as Scrooge with the company of TWO’s presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

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Greater Owensboro Business

Fourth Quarter 2013

Matt Willis refers to his iPad while directing during Theatre Workshop of Owensboro’s dress rehearsal of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the TWO Opryhouse in December, 2012. Willis is an Owensboro native who now resides in Chicago. “I’ve always loved theatre,” Willis said.

“There is a lot to look forward to this year at Theatre Workshop,” said Coppick. “We are excited about finishing the renovations at the Opryhouse; a new sound system is going in next month and we are making the building more handicapped-accessible.

That building truly is a gateway to downtown Owensboro, and we want to see TWO grow along with the new-and-improved facility.”

Theatre Workshop’s future is bright, and the group’s original members can be proud of the cultural impact it has made on Owensboro.

“Some of the founders are still with us, and I hope they are pleased with what we’re doing,” Stephen Coppick mused. “With our new educational programs we are focused on the future, and with our lineup of old favorites we are honoring the past. This promises to be an exciting season, and we look forward to many more.”

Fourth Quarter 2013

Greater Owensboro Business

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Whaylon Coleman Jr., the chief technology officer with AnITConsultant LLC, has worked in software engineering for 13 years, and has been in business for himself for 3 years he said on Friday at Smothers Park. Coleman said his business is very mobile and he primarily works on location at his clients’ sites.

Getting technical: Whaylon Coleman Jr. finds his niche as ‘AnITConsultant’

By Joy Campbell

W

haylon Coleman Jr. got his first experience with the early Internet as a student at Western Kentucky University. After gradu14

ating from Owensboro High School as a standout athlete, he played football for the Bowling Green college from 1991 to 1995 with a major in business management.

“The Internet captured my Greater Owensboro Business

attention then, and I inquired about what it would take to get a computer sciences degree,” Coleman said. “Then, you had to take a lot of higher level math courses just to enroll. My math skills weren’t the strongest. So, I ruled Fourth Quarter 2013

that out.”

But now Coleman has come full circle and found his professional niche­— running his own information technology consulting business. He prepared himself for the career he wanted through education — including a couple of hard lessons — and experience.

Today he is building his business, AnITConstltant, LLC, on a full time basis. His focus is on providing cloud, mobile and web solutions for companies.

“Contracting to provide successful solutions for software projects is where my heart lies,” Coleman said. “I started AnITConsultant in 2010. If you Google it, my website is number one,” he said.

Career took some turns

“I had a lot of fun at Western,” Coleman said. But he didn’t finish his bachelor’s degree.

He came back to Owensboro after WKU years and enrolled in OCTC and earned associate’s degrees in business management and liberal arts. He worked at the YMCA, Auto Zone and the Neblett Center.

“At the Neblett Center I was fortunate enough to be exposed to a program in which they were doing oral interviews of African Americans in our community -- and worked with (Owensboro historian) Aloma Dew,” Coleman said. “That program generated a book which won a state award.

And the success of that program gave me the opportunity to work in technology.”

He was able to interview for an IT job at Owensboro Health in 1998. With a bachelor’s degree, the job would have paid $40,000 to $60,000, he said. Without that education level, he would go into a job earning $11 to $12 per hour.

Fourth Quarter 2013

“I decided to finish my degree,” Coleman said. “That was an eye-opener.”

He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Kentucky State University in 2000.

Coleman worked for the state right after graduating and moved to Louisville three months later to accept his first computer industry job with Mercer Human Resources Consultants. He worked for Mercer six years and gained experience as a specialist who wrote pension plan calculations.

“I found out about the corporate ladder and that the glass ceiling does exist,” he said.

“While I was still working at Mercer, I went back to school at Sullivan in Louisville. I started working on as many Microsoft certifications as I could achieve.”

He earned the Microsoft Professional and Microsoft Applications Developer certifications.

After earning the MCAD, he relocated to Atlanta and worked for a mortgage lending company, Southstar Funding. But in six months, that company was out of business ­— failing when the real estate bubble burst.

“From that point on, I decided that free-lance computer work was going to be my specialty as I worked toward a business of my own,” Coleman said.

From 2006 to 2010, most of his work came through contracting, but he held some positions, including one with Science Applications Interactive Corporation.

Back in Owensboro in 2011, he continued to work for that global company as a senior level software developer for three months before getting laid off.

He worked with a team sharing information remotely. His team members were working from Oregon and Houston on a fuels management project.

After his work ended with Greater Owensboro Business

SAIC, he decided to go full-time as an IT consultant.

“With contract work, you’re not stuck working with the same, mundane applications year in and year out,” Coleman said. “There’s always some new technology to learn. You have to stay attuned and constantly keep yourself up to date learning new skills or you’ll be left behind. I learned that through OMHS and at Mercer.”

Coleman joined the chamber of commerce and has used the organization’s members-only services to make contacts with target client companies.

He has joined GotIT, an organization for IT professionals, and he’s been getting a feel for the local IT landscape.

He has developed websites for local agencies and is looking forward to providing custom computer programming services for companies that can use his special skills in Microsoft technologies.

Coleman is married to Sylvia Coleman, who is the executive director of the Owensboro Human Relations Commission. They have one son.

His company is on Facebook and Twitter, and he is on LinkedIn. He may be reached at 270883-1450.

Coleman prepared

himself for the career he wanted through education — including a couple of hard lessons — and experience.

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Roosevelt House:

Staff goes above and beyond for residents’ needs 16

Greater Owensboro Business

Fourth Quarter 2013

Dana Edge, service coordinator at the Roosevelt House, right, gives a big hug to Russell Ebelhar recently in the lobby of the building. Ebelhar’s sister was a resident and he used to visit her often, he said.

By Benjamin Hoak

Y

ou probably know it as the tallest building in Owensboro, so here’s a pop quiz: How many floors does the Roosevelt House have?

If you said it rises 18 stories above the ground, you win! Built in 1973 by the trade unions as a living facility for retired union members, the building filled up so quickly (including a two-year waiting list) that the six-stor y Roosevelt House II was built behind it in 1979. The buildings are still popular today; as soon as any of the 320 one-bedroom apartments open up, more than enough applications are waiting to fill those spots, said Site Manager Toni Price.

Price, who has worked at the community since 1988 and has ser ved as site manager since Fourth Quarter 2013

2004, said resident eligibility expanded in the 1980s from union retirees with higher incomes to seniors with lower, limited incomes. Prospective residents today must meet age and income requirements and pass a background screening.

While the Roosevelt House does not offer assisted living, the 12-member staff goes the extra mile to meet residents’ needs.

Ser vice coordinators schedule events and ser vices, including legal and medical speakers, van trips (to the grocer y store, out to eat, etc.) and more.

“We have got a terrific staff that just makes the whole place better,” Price said. “They are all ver y knowledgeable and enjoy what they do. A good sign that it’s a good place to live is the longevity of the employees – most have been here from 15 to Greater Owensboro Business

25 years.”

Some staff members even stay at the Roosevelt House during natural disasters such as a tornado or ice storm to ensure residents have what they need.

“We care about them,” Price said.

Resident clubs in each building organize social events and fundraisers such as chili cookoffs, holiday parties and more.

The staff ser ves meals and entertains residents for Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The facilities include a chapel, a beauty shop and laundr y areas.

Most residents cook on their own, although Meals on Wheels delivers, as do some local restaurants.

Price said staff members do not provide medical ser vices, but they do contact necessar y medical personnel for residents and set up clinics for residents.

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Each apartment also includes an emergency pull cord and a ring system that enables ser vice coordinators to easily check on residents.

Both facilities are owned, operated and staffed by the Owensboro Central Labor Council and the state AFL-CIO. The unions have also hired Beacon Property Management from Louisville to oversee day-to-day operations and handle the finances of the community.

Price said the Roosevelt House is one of five union high rises built in the 1970s in this area of the countr y, including other cities such as Paducah and Louisville.

Original Manager When the building was preparing in 1972 to open, the board hired Erma Risley of Owensboro to manage the facility. She came from a union family, had previous experience running nursing homes and was a certified property manager, so she was a natural fit for the position. She spent 20 years there until moving up to help manage facilities across the southeast.

Now 75 and as spunky as ever, she still sells senior health insurance in Owensboro, but remembers her years at the Roosevelt House as “the most rewarding thing I ever did.”

Risley fostered a family atmosphere among the residents and even her own family – her kids grew up spending lots of time there. “It was a home-like atmosphere,” she said.

In those days, fantastic cooks who lived in the buildings ran a cafeteria in Roosevelt House II. “It was the best food in the world,” Risley said, remembering the women who were up at 5:30 a.m. peeling potatoes and baking

Thomas Chapman, 88, was a construction crane operator for Sullivan and Cozart in Louisville when he helped build the Roosevelt House in the early 1970s. "When I built this, I never thought I'd live in it," said Chapman, who moved into the facility about five and half years ago.

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Greater Owensboro Business

Fourth Quarter 2013

A pond near the front door of the Roosevelt House is full of fish in August.

A seating area at the Roosevelt House provides a place to gather.

Semi-Famous Roosevelt House connections: - Ron Cyrus (dad of Billy Ray Cyrus) was an original board member - Florence Henderson’s (Carol Brady) sister lived in Roosevelt House 2 homemade bread and pies. “We ser ved a meal on holidays ever y (time) as long as I was there,” she said. “It was a great operation. We loved it.”

Risley also organized group trips to Las Vegas, Panama City and Hawaii. Many of the activities and outings she organized became traditions that continue to this day, Price said.

Along the way, Risley found a few hours here and there to earn a degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1986. In 2003, she was inducted into the Housing and Urban Development Hall of Fame for her work at the Roosevelt House. “She put her heart and soul in it for 20 years,” said her husband, Robert Risley.

After Risley left in 1993, Lois Brackin ser ved as Site Manager until Price took over in 2004.

Fourth Quarter 2013

Happy Anniversary!

Staff, residents and Owensboro citizens will gather on Tuesday, September 17, for the 9th annual Lawn Festival that will double as a 40th anniversar y celebration.

Lunch will be ser ved at 11 a.m. as residents enjoy games, prizes, booths and even a pet parade.

Money raised will go back into

providing fun events for the residents.

At 3 p.m., a program will celebrate the anniversar y, including speakers from the unions, building management and possibly local politicians. Cake and ice cream will follow.

Ever yone is welcome to come join in the celebration of an iconic Owensboro institution!

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Lois Decker poses for a photo inside the Kentucky Small Business Development Center.

Planning ahead:

Small business development center pays big dividends 20

Greater Owensboro Business

Fourth Quarter 2013

By Benjamin Hoak

W

hen Judy Carrico wanted to open her own primar y care practice as a nurse practitioner in 2011, she wasn’t sure she had enough business savvy. In fact, she didn’t even know if such a business was sustainable in Owensboro.

Two years later, Carrico-Congleton Family Practice is alive and well in the Mayfair Building thanks to guidance from Lois Decker, the Owensboro director for the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Murray State. “She was instrumental in helping me develop a business plan and helping me collect concrete data as to the prediction of my success,” Carrico said. “She is extremely knowledgeable.”

Carrico is just one of thousands of clients Decker has advised over the past 17 years as

a management consultant and director of the SBDC, which is part of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center Network.

Headquartered at the University of Kentucky and funded with state and federal dollars, the network includes partnerships with institutions of higher education around the state, including Murray State University.

The SBDC focuses on providing free planning, training and

consulting to small, for-profit businesses. About half the clients who come in are preparing to start up, while the other half already own a business and may be struggling. Decker said she sees roughly 150 clients ever y year from the seven-county region she covers, including Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union and Webster Counties.

For startups, Decker typically runs through a checklist of es-

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Fourth Quarter 2013

Greater Owensboro Business

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Trisha Hudson, administrative assistant, poses for a photo inside the Kentucky Small Business Development Center.

sentials such as taxes, licenses and budgets. She helps potential owners develop a solid business plan and finds data to project how their business will perform once it’s open.

Existing business may have the basics in place but struggle in other areas, such as cash flow or record keeping. Decker will look at their books and tax returns and benchmark the business against the performance of similar businesses. “Usually something shows up like a sore thumb” to explain the problem, she said, such as too many employees or costs that are too high.

Decker helps the owner set goals and then checks in regularly to see if the business is meeting those goals.

While some clients come to Decker with funding in place, others need help navigating the 22

shifting sands of financing. She can guide them through the loan process with banks and, depending on the type of business and number of jobs created, can point them to other potential funding, including the Green River Area Development District revolving loan fund and more.

Other services include marketing planning and research and customer retention strategies. All services the SBDC offers are free and confidential.

Most clients stay with the center for up to two years, although some continue to ask Decker for help, including one client who has been around through 30 years and three different businesses.

Carrico, who is a little past the two-year mark, still asks questions occasionally. “I feel very comfortable calling her,” she said. “I trust her.”

Greater Owensboro Business

That trust is well-placed.

Decker can tell fairly quickly if a potential business has a chance to succeed, but if not, she never tells someone outright not to move forward. “I don’t tell people not to follow their dreams,” she said.

Still, it wouldn’t be fair to let someone blindly lose their money, so she’ll make the truth clear by pointing out difficulties and making sure people are aware of realistic hurdles. These points usually get the truth across.

Decker will also go to businesses to provide services. For instance, the SBDC recently brought in a consultant who visited businesses on location to conduct audits. “We can go there if it’s hard for them to get away,” she said.

Whether someone is looking to get their company off on the right foot or tweak their operaFourth Quarter 2013

tions, “we are a good resource,” Decker said. “We have tools they may not know exist.”

Carrico attributes her thriving business in large part to Decker’s help. “I just think she’s really good at what she does,” she said.

The SBDC is located in the Chase Bank building in downtown Owensboro. Anyone interested in taking advantage of business ser vices can call Decker at 270-926-8085 or visit www.ksbdc. org for more details.

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Fourth Quarter 2013

Hometown

different community events or joining a board.

Independence Bank encourages community involvement.

Owensboro, Kentucky

Why do you choose to live and work in the greater Owensboro area?

Education Brescia University (2011) Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Civic or Volunteer Activities • Chamber Ambassador • CYLO Member • YMCA • Board Member, GRADSA • Board Member and Friday After 5 Committee Member

How long have you served in your current position?

I have ser ved as a commercial lender for five months.

What does your position entail?

My position in commercial lending deals with business owners’ lending and deposit needs. While I specialize in business lending, I’m also the point of contact for business owners regarding all other banking ser vices we provide. I work with owners and their staff to identify the needs they may have and bring in my co-workers who specialize in that particular product or ser vice. I also network to uncover prospects who would benefit from a mutual relationship with Independence Bank.

What’s the best part about your position?

I chose to stay in Owensboro because it is a great community, a wonderful family town and the potential of this area is limitless. Owensboro has always treated me right growing up, in large part due to the people who live and work here. I chose Owensboro so that I can give back and help the ongoing growth of this community.

What are other young professionals saying about the Owensboro area?

The excitement around the city is at a new level for all, especially young professionals. With the rejuvenation of the whole downtown project, the expansion of Highway 54 and the completion of our new hospital, developers have generated major buzz amongst young professionals. Owensboro is becoming a breath of fresh air, attracting young professionals like myself.

With the rejuvenation of the whole downtown project, the expansion of Highway 54 and the completion of our new hospital, developers have generated major buzz amongst young professionals.

The best part about my position is that I have the freedom to seek new opportunities through nontraditional methods, whether it’s volunteering at Fourth Quarter 2013

Greater Owensboro Business

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Young Professional

Mary Ellen Hayden Age: 22

Director Of Business Development, Mattingly Ford Title & Closing, LLC 26

Greater Owensboro Business

Fourth Quarter 2013

Hometown

sible ever y day. I have met some wonderful people and built friendships that have greatly helped me succeed in my job.

Education

Why do you choose to live and work in the greater Owensboro area?

Owensboro, KY

Majored in Business Marketing with a Minor in Sales at Western Kentucky University

Civic or Volunteer Activities • Ambassador for the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce • Owensboro Junior League • Kiwanis Club • Volunteer at Green River Area Development District with special needs children

How long have you served in your current position?

What are other young professionals saying about the Owensboro area?

Seven months

What does your position entail?

As the Director of Business Development, I coordinate marketing and customer relationship activities at Mattingly Ford. I provide market feedback to the company leadership regarding competitive offerings and prospect needs. Much of my time is primarily spent in the field calling on loan officers and realtors. I strive to create a loyal customers base by building strong, trustworthy relationships with each of our clients. It is important to me that each closing goes smoothly and ever y need is met when you are in our office.

I am also ver y active in the community and work close with the Board of Realtors volunteering and helping coordinate events.

What’s the best part about your position?

I love how involved in the community my job allows me to be. I am a ver y outgoing person and love meeting new people ­— my position makes that posFourth Quarter 2013

My family has deep roots in the Owensboro area and I have always wanted to live close to them.

We are a large, close knit family and they provide me with a great deal of strength and support as I am building my professional career. I love how Owensboro is always striving to better our city with new developments and activities.

Not to mention… We were named an All-American City this year! Who wouldn’t want to live here?

I have noticed a great deal of excitement among the young professionals about the many new developments, Convention Center, hotels, new shops and restaurants. It seems that Owensboro is becoming a more desirable place for young professionals to settle down and begin their careers. The growth will also be ver y beneficial in helping our cities economy. People now have a broader choice for shopping, dining and entertainment and can invest their money back into the city instead of going out of town for these things.

We were named an All-American City this year!

Who wouldn’t want to live here?

Greater Owensboro Business

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On the

Move

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Greater Owensboro Business

Fourth Quarter 2013

• Rodney Perkins has been promoted to market president for Hancock Bank and Trust’s Hancock and Breckinridge county markets. Perkins, an employee of Hancock Bank’s Hawesville offices, has been with the company since 1996. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware, American Management Association Management Course and Leadership Perry County.

• Amy Collignon Gunn, a St. Louis attorney and graduate of Apollo High School, recently won the Tom G. Strong Award that was presented by the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. Gunn is also a graduate of Transylvania University and St. Louis University School of Law. • Jason and Kate Higdon and Kristin Bivins, all of Captured Moments Photography, were recognized in the Professional Photographers of America’s International Print Competition on Aug. 1 in Atlanta. Kate Higdon, master photographer and co-owner of Captured Moments Photography, won Gold Photographer of the Year. Jason Higdon, co-owner of Captured Moments Photography, won Platinum Photographer of the Year. Kristin Bivins is an associate photographer and also won Gold Photographer of the Year.

• Southern Star recently announced the following changes at their Owensboro headquarters: Jeremy Troutman was promoted to director, pipeline safety. He has a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and has been with the company since 2004 as an operator in Lyons, Kan. He was promoted to specialist, integrity in 2008 and then manager, integrity services in 2011.

Denis Chege has been named director, engineering. He joined the company in 2005 as an operator in Hesston, Kan. Chege has a bachelor’s in engineering from Egerton University in Kenya. He was promoted to project engineer in 2007 and then manager, central region in 2011.

Joseph H. Bennett, attorney, has opened a private law office located in the Masonic building at 227 St. Ann St., Suite 321. Bennett retired from the public defenders office and has practiced law for 28 years.

• Tony Trego, vice president of Greenwell Chisholm, was approved to serve on the board of directors for the Printing Industry Association of the Fourth Quarter 2013

South on June 22. PIAS is a nonprofit trade association that assists the graphic arts industry with stability, growth and prosperity and helps to educate companies within the organization.

•John Sublett, owner of Servpro of Daviess County, attended the company’s 44th annual convention June 17–21 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel and the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. Servpro performs disaster cleanup, restoration and remediation services. This year’s keynote speaker was former NBA player Walter Bond.

• Riney Hancock CPAs announced the following staff promotions: Wesley J. Hamilton, CPA, has been promoted to supervisor in the tax services division of Riney Hancock CPAs. Hamilton joined Riney Hancock CPAs in 2010 and is a summa cum laude graduate of Lindsey Wilson College. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants (KYCPA).

Bobbi M. Cobb, CPA, has been promoted to supervisor in the audit and assurance services division of Riney Hancock CPAs. She joined Riney Hancock CPAs in 2006 and is a graduate of

Middle Tennessee State University. She is a member of the American Institute of Cer tified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Indiana Certified Public Accountant Society. Cobb is a member of the Tri-State Women in Construction Association, the Construction Financial Management Association and a member of ANEW (A Network of Evansville Women). She also serves as the treasurer of the Evansville Museum Contemporaries.

John W. Perkins, CPA has been promoted to supervisor in the tax services division of Riney Hancock CPAs. He joined Riney Hancock CPAs in 2011 and is an honors graduate of Ball State University, where he received a bachelor and master’s degree in accounting.

He is member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Indiana Certified Public Accountants Society. Perkins serves as board treasurer of Inspiring Autism Spectrum Families, Inc. Kristen Harthas been promoted to staff II accountant of the audit and assurance divisions of Riney Hancock CPAs. She joined Riney Hancock CPAs in 2010 graduated magna cum laude from Kentucky Wesleyan College.

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Greater Owensboro Business

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Kristen is a member of Connecting Young Leaders of Owensboro and serves as community outreach vicechair.

Michael T. Fillman has been promoted to staff II accountant of the audit and assurance division of Riney Hancock CPAs. He joined Riney Hancock CPAs in 2013 and graduated magna cum laude from University of Kentucky with a bachelor and master’s degree.

• John David Meister, DMD, MS has completed the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s Periodontal Residency Program. Meister is a 2001 graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Kentucky’s College of Dentistry. Meister will join the firm of Periodontal and Implant Associates of Middle Tennessee, PC, in Nashville.

• Lauren Schneider, a 2004 graduate of Owensboro High School, was recently promoted to product director in consumer marketing at Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, in Jacksonville, Fla. She will lead the marketing efforts for 1-Day Acuvue Moist contact lenses.

Schneider has been employed by Vistakon since 2007 and has been part of the company’s consumer marketing team since 2011. She graduated from Furman University with a degree in business administration.

• Debbie Woodard, financial adviser for Ameriprise Financial, has a new office at 227 St. Ann St., Suite 102.

Ameriprise Financial Services offers financial advisor y ser vices, investments, insurance and annuity products.

• Allstate agency owner Paula Hayden has been designated as an Allstate Premier Agency for 2013. The designation is presented to select Allstate agency owners for their outstanding performance and commitment. To receive the honor, owners must demonstrate excellence in delivering accessible, knowledgeable customer experience and achieve outstanding business results. Paula Hayden’s agency is at 728 Carlton Drive.

• Mar y Embr y, of the financial ser vices firm Edward Jones in Owensboro, recently won the firm’s Jim McKenzie Award for her exceptional achievement in building client relationships.

• J. Adam Hancock, CPA, CVA,has been admitted as a shareholder in Riney Hancock CPAs PSC effec30

tive July 1. Hancock is the director of the firm’s consulting services division.

He graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants. Hancock is a board member of the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport and current treasurer of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

•Greg Bunch of Wright Implement achieved advanced level recognition for the position of service technician. The level was accomplished by completing the John Deere University program.

• First Security Bank recently announced the appointment of Paul J. Haire as director of wealth management. Haire has more than 25 years of wealth management experience and has owned a private practice for the past 25 years. He also worked for LPL Financial in Owensboro.

It was also announced that LPL Financial was named as the brokerdealer newly associated with First Security Bank.

Haire has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky and has served as president of Owensboro East Gideon’s Camp, Gideon’s International, Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year in 1998 and Board Member of the Year in 2002, past chair of the giving committee of Foundation for Health at Owensboro Medical Health System and past board member of the City of Owensboro Public Art Commission.

• Bruce Maxwell with AFLAC became certified through The National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) new professional development course on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Maxwell completed the 10-hour course that provides up-to-date information on key technical components of PPACA. Topics of study included information regarding Medicare Part D, patient protection and changes to health plans.

•Tracy Thacker, a financial adviser for Edward Jones in Owensboro, was recently honored by the firm for his job performance.

The recognition earned Thacker an invitation to Edward Jones’ annual Managing Partner’s Conference in April in Scottsdale, Ariz. Jim Weddle, Edward Jones’ managing partner, led Greater Owensboro Business

discussions on issues facing the firm and the financial services industry as a whole.

• Dr. Jodi Krahwinkel, optometrist, whose office is at 5031 Frederica St., attended the Kentucky Optometric Association’s 111th Annual Spring Educational Congress, April 25-28, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington.

Lectures on the latest updates in eye care and disease were presented. The conference also included exhibits featuring the latest products and services in optometry.

Dr. Krahwinkel has been practicing optometry in Owensboro since 1998.

• Jonathon Estes with E.M. Ford & Co. has completed his certification on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of fered through the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). The course educates health insurance agents in the technical components of PPACA so they can better assist clients with health insurance changes, options and requirements.

• Steve Montgomery of Whitesville has opened Gumrys Foods LLC. The company makes barbecue dips that will be available at Hometown IGA stores.

• Jim White with Helton-White and Associates in Calhoun recently became certified through The National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) new professional development course on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The course provides up-to-date information and prepares health insurance professionals to assist clients with healthcare changes and options.

• J. Adam Hancock, CPA, CVA, has been selected as a member of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2013, a nonprofit educational organization that brings together a select group of people that possess a broad variety of leadership abilities, career accomplishments and volunteer activities to gain insight into issues facing the state.

• Meagan Magnus has been promoted to director of service for The Malcolm Bryant Corp. She will oversee service and sales for the new Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown/Waterfront, Hampton Inn Owensboro South and Hampton Inn Louisville Northeast.

Meagan has been general manager of the Hampton Inn Owensboro South for five years. She graduated from Brescia University with a bachelor of science.

Fourth Quarter 2013

Get to Know your Chamber and fellow members!

T

he Chamber is growing, At our new member orientation both in membership and you will: programs • Learn how the available to benefit its Greater Owensboro members. So, each Chamber of Commerce month, the Chamber leads, advocates, and hosts a new member connects to promote orientation – either at business. breakfast or lunch – • Learn the benefits and we feed you for of your Chamber memFREE. We invite all bership. new members to the • Learn about orientation, but also Chamber events and welcome any members how you can become who may have new involved.

By Missy Gant employees, new leader• Meet Chamber ship or just want a team. refresher. We want our members to • Make meaningful connections get a return on their investment in with other new members. the Chamber, but you have to know This last objective is my favorite. first what all your opportunities are! Since we started the new member

orientations earlier this year, we’ve seen many business connections made right there in our Chamber office. At a recent one, David Owens of Employment Staffing Inc, made a business connection with Mark Johnson of Austin Industrial.

Both are new members, and while chatting after the meeting…they identified a need, a solution, and now have a successful business relationship afoot.

So, you never know where you will make that next sale, land that next contract, or find that newest employee…but at the Chamber, we work to make those happen every day. Let us know if you are interested in attending one of our new member orientations…we’d love to have you join us!

• Located Inside Shoe Stop • 4650 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY 42301 Phone: (270) 686-7429 Fax: (270) 686-7558 Clinic Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM Monday thru Saturday

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Greater Owensboro Business

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Greater Owensboro Business

Fourth Quarter 2013