March 6, 2025 Chamber Matters by Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

Rooster Booster, Sponsored by Wendell Foster featuring Disability Awareness Panel

The Chamber will host its Rooster Booster breakfast this Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center (501 West Second Street). The program is sponsored by Wendell Foster and will feature a Disability Awareness Panel with Eli Bennett (Sibling), Megan Hickman (Client), Roger Humphrey, MD (Parent), and Charity Pinkston PT, DPT, ATP (Service Provider).

Wendell Foster has been a staple of the Owensboro community for nearly 80 years. Spanning six city blocks and providing 69,000 services to children and adults each year, our mission is to empower people with disabilities to realize their dreams and potential. Services include on-site and community-based residential housing and supportive programs, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, assistive technology, a transportation program, day services, community programs, and more. With over 350 “Difference Makers” on our staff, Wendell Foster is proud to be one of the largest employers in the Daviess County area.

Wendell Foster is committed to expanding its services to meet the needs of the community. In 2024, the organization completed its fundraising campaign for a new Aquatic Therapy Center. Aquatic Therapy is an essential treatment for people with disabilities, and has many benefits, including pain relief and increased mobility. Wendell Foster’s existing therapy pool is nearly 40 years old and has several maintenance limitations that prevent crucial aquatic therapy appointments from taking place. With the help of generous donors, grant funders, and an appropriation of funds from the Kentucky General Assembly, construction began on the project in December 2024 with completion expected in the spring of this year. The new Aquatic Therapy Center, located in the Latham Outpatient Therapy Facility, will be a state-of-the-art, sustainable space, providing aquatic therapy for people with disabilities for years to come.

Wendell Foster is excited to welcome volunteers to our Community Companion program. This program was recently revamped, and allows community members to spend one-on-one time with Wendell Foster residents. The Community Companion program pairs residents with individuals who share their interests and hobbies. Community Companions visit campus once a week to spend one-on-one time with their new friends- playing games, reading books, or just relaxing together! This experience is meaningful not only for Wendell Foster residents, but for our volunteers as well. If you want to build a friendship with a Wendell Foster resident, please contact Hailey Neal, Volunteer Coordinator, at hailey.neal@wendellfoster.org.

We invite the entire community to participate in the sixth annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, presented by Owensboro Health! We hope you will join us at the starting line on March 22nd, 2025 for Owensboro’s Best Running Race. This race has a little something for everyone, whether you’re running the Half, walking the 5K, joining our team of 400 volunteers, or simply cheering on our participants as they sprint, stroll, or step across the finish line. To register for the race or sign up for a volunteer opportunity, visit runsignup.com/wendellfoster.

Wendell Foster is thankful for each volunteer and supporter who helps fulfill our mission. Say “Yes!” to becoming a Wendell Foster Difference Maker by volunteering or scheduling a tour of campus!

To get involved, please contact the Community Engagement Department at 270-852-1458.

Speaker Panel

ELI BENNETT SIBLING

MEGAN HICKMAN CLIENT

ROGER HUMPHREY, MD PARENT

Member Renewals

Ambassador of the Month

Jennifer Richardson

Jennifer Richardson, Director of Development, joined RiverPark Center in September 2021, bringing a wealth of experience in resource development. Dedicated to expanding RiverPark Center’s reach, Jennifer focuses on strengthening relationships and cultivating new partnerships that enhance the organization’s impact. Jennifer refined her development expertise through over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and state roles, gaining valuable skills in fundraising, revenue forecasting, and public speaking. In addition to her extensive background in philanthropy, she is a Certified Human Rights Consultant and actively engaged in the community as a Chamber Ambassador and Leadership Owensboro Alum.

An adaptable and results-driven leader, Jennifer embraces change with resilience and determination. As a collaborative professional who values data-driven strategies and continuous growth, she is proud to call Owensboro home and remains dedicated to making a lasting impact in her community.

CANDANCE CASLTEN BRAKE

Welcome to the Chamber

Daviess County Special Olympics 352 Hill Avenue Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 314-7621

Farm Boys Handyman Service 6174 Macedonia Road Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 315-9932

The Golf Emporium 325 Park Plaza Drive Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 631-7888 Golfemporium.us

(812)

Windridge Country Club

5044 Millers Mill Road Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 685-3639

windridgecountryclub.com

Hagerman Plumbing & Heating Corporation 2119 W. Parrish Avenue Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 684-0296 hagermanphc.com

Elite Installation Services LLC 13270 Hwy 81 P.O. Box 112 Sacramento, KY 42372 (270) 736-1149 eliteinstallationservices.pro

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of Owensboro

2048 Little Stream Run Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 228-3764 travelintomscoffee.com

Owensboro Dust Bowl Inc P.O. Box 422 Owensboro, KY 42302 (270) 925-8339 owensborodustbowl.org

Gifted Thrift 1706 JR Miller Blvd Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 925-3032

President and CEO

KITTY JONES

Director of Membership

ASHTIN WARREN Director of Talent Programs

JULIA KIMBRELL BROOKS Director of Events and Communications

LYDIE BOONE Executive Assistant

AUDREY JACKSON Intern

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 • chamber.owensboro.com

BOARD CHAIR

OLGA MCKISSIC

DIRECTOR, WESTERN ACADEMY AT THE NEBLETT Follow us on X, Facebook & Instagram @GOCHAMBER