Business
GREATER OWENSBORO
Third Quarter 2013
PRST STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWENSBORO, KY PERMIT #412
Emerge Owensboro adds mentor program
From the Chamber of Commerce
In This Issue
Business
GREATER OWENSBORO
First Quarter 2013 Vol. 10 • Number 3
Giving back
4
Salsarita’s has commitment to community
Making mentors Amy Jackson
President Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
Hello Members, Wow! What a year it has been. I just celebrated my one-year anniversary with the Chamber, and want to take a moment to say thank you! It has been a fantastic year of learning for me. As I reflect, it’s best summed up to say … Owensboro is a great place to work, live, learn and play. And, I’m not the only one thinking that. As we go to print, Owensboro is in pursuit of that top title of All-America City. We’ve celebrated being a finalist, here’s to hoping that our Good News Phone is ringing as that trophy comes home with the Owensboro team. Another great example of our progress is Forbes Magazine ranking Owensboro sixth on its list of “Best Small Cities for Jobs.” Owensboro is on the move, the Chamber is growing, and we have a lot of people taking note of the great things happening here. Now is the time to propel ourselves forward even more on the energy. Two ways that I’d like to challenge you to get involved this summer in keeping the momentum of our community: First – participate in our Emerge Owensboro program. If you haven’t applied and been through Leadership Owensboro or Emerge Owensboro, do it now. There is no better way to learn more about our community in a short time. You will be inspired to do more…it’s a fantastic program. Or, if you are an alumnus, sign up to be a mentor. Do your part in growing our leadership base, both for business and civic needs. Second – participate in our Community Priorities Planning process. The Chamber is working with our sister organization, the GO Economic Development Corporation, as well as the City of Owensboro and the Daviess County Fiscal Court to create our community priority lists to take to Frankfort and Washington DC. We are stronger with one voice, but we need your help in creating that one voice. Please complete our survey, attend our open forums on July 17, July 19 and/or August 1. Do your part in prioritizing what’s next for our community. Thanks for caring and helping us keep Owensboro on the move!
8
Emerge Owensboro adds mentorship program, seeks participants
Austin Industrial
12
Houston-based business finds work in Owensboro
Home-based business
16
Todali Tackle takes off
Growing strong
18
Owensboro Regional Farmer’s Market finds success
Business After Hours
21
Event draws crowd
Young Professional
22
Neel Ford discusses being a young professional in Owensboro
On the Move
24
Local business leaders on the move in their industry and in the community
Your Chamber’s goals
27
Missy Gant discusses the benefits of chamber membership
Amy Jackson President and CEO Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Third Quarter 2013
Greater Owensboro Business
3
Giving back: Salsaritas puts community first
Mike Baker, who is a managing partner in Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, left, and general manager Sherry Rickard stand in the outdoor eating area at the Villa Point restaurant.
4
Greater Owensboro Business
Third Quarter 2013
Nick Devine, a sous chef at Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, prepares for the lunch crowd at the restaurant that features mexican food.
By Kristi McCabe
W
hen approached by longtime friend Jack Wells to become a managing partner in Owensboro’s Salsarita’s, Mike Baker knew that his many years of restaurant experience would enable him to be successful. “Jack was a partner along with the previous owners,” said Baker. “We have been friends for over twenty years; we served on the board of Girls, Inc. together. Jack asked me to get involved with Salsarita’s because of my restaurant experience, and I agreed.” Before joining Salsarita’s, Baker worked as regional manager for TGI Friday’s for ten years. Over the course of his career, Baker has supervised eleven different restaurants, including Subway. What attracted Baker to Salsarita’s is the “fresh” twist the company takes on preparing its food. “We ser ve only premium ingreThird Quarter 2013
7NNQKM -Y]QXUMV\ +WUXIVa Owensboro’s Locally Owned Office Supplier 1701 Breckenridge St. • 926-2222
FREE DELIVERY!
Thank You for Your Business! –Gary Sisk As a member of the “Office Plus” buying group of over 700 dealers,
WE CAN BUY CHEAPER AND SELL CHEAPER!
Greater Owensboro Business
5
Salsarita’s General Manager Sherry Rickard, left, mixes some of the food available behind the serving line at Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina restaurant. Also pictured is managing partner Mike Baker who was stirring vegetables on the grill.
dients,” noted Baker. “And we make ever ything fresh, in-house. We also take a lot of pride in maintaining a friendly and welcoming environment, and our goal is to create the kind of atmosphere that makes people want to keep coming back.” Besides creating an atmosphere attractive to customers, Baker also creates a warm and supportive work environment. General Manager Sherr y Rickard has been with Salsarita’s for three years, and said she loves working for Mike. “Before Mike came on, I had a goal but I wasn’t sure how to meet that goal,” Rickard reflected. “When Mike came, he began working with me one-on-one and now I feel like I have more direction in my career. I knew where I wanted to go, but I wasn’t sure how to get there. Mike has a lot 6
of experience, and he is always willing to share that experience with others.” Baker said the first thing he and Jack Wells wanted to establish at Salsarita’s was a good culture. “We tell potential employees that if they want to work here, they must want to have fun and be respectful,” said Baker. “That is the kind of workplace we want to maintain.” “We have a great time,” noted Sherr y Rickard. “And most all of our employees have been here for a few years.” Salsarita’s Owensboro location has been open for about five and a half years. In that time, the restaurant has been named one of the top Salsarita’s in the countr y in terms of sales over the prior year. Baker attributes this success to great leadership. Greater Owensboro Business
Perhaps the most impressive quality of Owensboro’s Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina is its dedication to community ser vice. Mike Baker emphasized that the restaurant’s goal is to host eight fundraisers per month to benefit various community organizations: an amazing number of community-building events for a business to sponsor. “Our passion is to be involved in our community,” said Baker. “We host fundraisers for Girls, Inc., area schools and churches, families who want to adopt, Little League teams, and the Boys’ Club. Even if we do just six fundraisers per month, that is 72 charity events per year. As a business, we want to attract new customers, and hosting fundraisers allows us to do that while helping our community at the same time.” Since he has ser ved as past president and is still a board Third 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
Mike Bakeropens umbrellas in the outdoor dining area at the restaurant. While preparing for the lunch crowd, chips are cooling on the left and vegetables are grilling behind the serving line at the Villa Point restaurant.
Staff Writer Beth Noffsinger Joy Campbell Staff Photographers
John Dunham Gary Emord-Netzley Contributors Kristi McCabe Benjiman Hoak
To Advertise: Faye D. Murry, Advertising Director
270.691.7240, fmurry@messenger-inquirer.com
member of Girls, Inc., this organization is particularly near and dear to Mike Baker’s heart. “The goal of Girls, Inc. is to build strong, smart girls for tomorrow,” said Baker. “We teach them self-reliance, computer skills, math skills, and writing skills; we serve 1,000 girls annually. Our Owensboro chapter of Girls, Inc. has been named Affiliate of the Year for ten out of the past thirteen years. We are very proud of the acThird Quarter 2013
complishments of this organization, and Salsarita’s is proud to be a supporter.” Serving together as managing partners of Salsarita’s, longtime friends Mike Baker and Jack Wells are working hard to create a positive atmosphere while supporting the local community. “Giving back is what it’s all about,” noted Baker. “We hope to remain a vital presence in Owensboro for many years to come.” Greater Owensboro Business
7
From left, Russ Evans, plant technical services manager at Owensboro Municipal Utilities; Holly Castlen, safety manager at Regional Water Resource Agency; Teresa Thomas, director of the Hines Center, and Mary Higginbotham, administrative assistant at the Owensboro Convention Center, are members of the Emerge Owensboro class of 2013. They created the Connecting Generations of Leaders Mentoring Program as an Emerge Owensboro project, and it was selected to be implemented in the Emerge Owensboro 2014 class.
Making mentors:
Emerge Owensboro adding mentorship program 8
Greater Owensboro Business
Third Quarter 2013
By Beth Noffsinger
W
hen the Emerge Owensboro class of 2013 was tasked with creating projects aimed at addressing issues in the Owensboro area, Mar y Higginbotham turned to her employer for inspiration. Higginbotham is an administrative assistant at the Owensboro Convention Center, which is managed by Global Spectrum. That management company has a great employee mentoring program, Higginbotham said recently, called “How You Growin’?” “Whenever we were tr ying to think of a project, I was working on our (mentoring) program for our company, and I thought how awesome it would be to have a community leadership mentoring program that would benefit individuals who want to become leaders in the community,” she said. It would “benefit the community overall and keep past Emerge graduates who are currently in community leadership positions engaged in the program.” Emerge Owensboro is a joint program of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. that is “focused on educating and engaging individuals to reach their potential and maximize their impact in the community,” the program’s website states. Higginbotham, along with Teresa Thomas, director of the Hines Center; Russ Evans, plant technical ser vices manager at Owensboro Municipal Utilities; and Holly Castlen, safety manager at Regional Water Resource Agency, created Connecting Generations of Leaders Mentoring Program, which was selected by their classmates and a panel of judges as the winning project after small group presentations from this year’s Emerge Owensboro class. “It was a really good idea because OMU had just launched a Third Quarter 2013
mentoring program as well, so we were able to glean aspects of the programs and kind of work together,” Evans said. It “just seemed like a good fit because we noticed when a graduating class would go ... there wasn’t any way to bridge those generations of Emerge or Leadership Owensboro classes, so we were looking for that. “It just makes … networking grow exponentially over the years.” Details for Connecting Generations of Leaders are still being finalized, but the program will match mentors with members of the upcoming Emerge Owensboro class. Being both a mentor and a mentee is voluntary, and people who apply to participate in Emerge Owensboro’s class of 2014 will also have the opportunity to apply for a mentor. Emerge Owensboro is looking for alumni to participate as mentors. According to the PowerPoint presentation made to this year’s
Greater Owensboro Business
class, the goals of Connecting Generations of Leaders include: providing the opportunity for current Emerge participants to obtain one-on-one confidential advice and guidance from current community leaders; allowing past Emerge graduates the opportunity to stay engaged and involved in the Emerge Owensboro program and connecting established community leaders and organizations with young professionals in the community that desire to obtain leadership positions. “I also think the scope of our project is fairly simple,” Castlen said, “but I think the impact can be huge.” Amy Jackson, the chamber’s president and CEO, said her reaction as she heard the group’s presentation was “it made so much sense.” Emerge Owensboro held a reception at the beginning of the 2012-13 session that included an alumni event for the first time.
9
Emerge Owensboro poses for a photo during a trip to Frankfort.
“I knew there was a desire to reconnect, and the class members, they saw that, as well,” Jackson said. “They’re all young, inspired, assertive, up-and-coming leaders, and they’re wanting to know how to have an affect, and they looked at the past graduates to say help me learn.” Jackson drew names out of a hat to create the small groups for their presentations, though organizers did tr y to make sure the groups had both men and women in them. The groups spent four or five months working on their projects before presenting them to the class. This year was the first time the class voted on what project they wanted to champion and see get implemented, Jackson said. “This is the first time we’ve made a true commitment from that group to put a new program in place,” she said. “Lots of good things have come from it, and other things have been implemented, 10
but this is the first time we have voted as well as kicked it off as a project of the group.” The application process for the Emerge Owensboro class of 2014 opens on July 1 and closes July 30. Though the application is still being finalized, interested participants must have three letters of recommendation and complete a couple of short essays, including addressing what they see as the top challenges for Owensboro. The sessions go from September to May, and cost is $500. Employers often pay their employees’ fee, Jackson said. The selection committee, which includes Jackson and Madison Silvert, interim CEO and president of the EDC, also looks at applicants accomplishments, career objectives and how that fits into creating long-term leaders for Owensboro, Jackson said. Emerge Owensboro is a valuable program, she said, because many chamber members are Greater Owensboro Business
small businesses that don’t have a lot of opportunity to create, within their own companies, leadership development programs. “So we have a prepackaged leadership development program ready for any size business in conjunction with the EDC,” Jackson said. “The other part of it is it exposes you to other parts of Owensboro you hadn’t ever thought about. Whether you grew up here or not, you see things that you’ve never seen before, and it helps people find their passion. It helps them identify needs of where they can create good from it as a result of it. “And it really solidifies a group and a class of leaders, as well, where they have a strong set of peers to relate to, to balance ideas from and work together with.” The team that created Connecting Generations of Leaders agreed that Emerge Owensboro was a good experience. Higginbotham said Emerge Third Quarter 2013
Owensboro gave her the opportunity to build relationships with business leaders and community members she might not have other wise met. “I already knew Teresa,” she said. “I would not have met Russ or Holly. (Emerge Owensboro) offers the opportunity to build those relationships that can last for years in the community.” Castlen said the program opened her eyes to the number of resources Owensboro has, including learning about all of the activity taking place. Emerge Owensboro participants meet for daylong sessions once a month -- usually the second Thursday of the month -- on topics such as Human Needs and Ser vices, Education in our Community and Healthcare. The class also has a session with local elected leaders and visits Frankfort while the legislature is in session. Thomas said Emerge Owensboro allowed her to step out of her comfort zone. “I am now on the board of directors for Friday After 5, so it just opens up doors that potentially aren’t there if you don’t step out of your comfort zone,” she said, “and I think that’s why I was interested in doing it.” Participants are required to attend some activities outside of the monthly sessions, such as the cham-
C O M M E R C I A L
ber’s Rooster Booster Breakfast, Owensboro City Commission meetings or school board meetings. Some alumni of Emerge Owensboro or Leadership Owensboro -- a predecessor of Emerge -- help lead the monthly sessions, Jackson said. “It’s amazing,” she said, “the number of people who circle back and say, ‘10 years ago, I was sitting here. ... There’s a lot of camaraderie in that and kind of a great sense of pride.”
R E A L
Now Is A Great Time To
E S T A T E
L O A N
refinance or purchase!
Rate as low as 3.95% fixed for 15 years 15 year amortization $499 closing costs plus title insurance (additional costs will be incurred if attorney prepared documents are required)
Refinance or purchase of:
• Office, Industrial, or Retail Commercial Real Estate Buildings • Multi-family Properties (minimum 9 units) • Owner Occupied or Investment Real Estate
For loans from $150,000 to $1,000,000 for investment properties and to $3,000,000 for owner-occupied properties 3500 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 684-3333 3332 Villa Point Drive, Suite 101 Owensboro, KY 42303 (Hwy 54) (270) 683-2699
Rates Ratesand andoffer offersubject subjectto tochange. change. Limited Limitedtime timeoffer. offer. Offer Offersubject subjectto tounderwriting underwritingand andapproval. approval.
Third Quarter 2013
Greater Owensboro Business
11
Austin Industrial Inc. workers, from right, Danny Fulkerson and Kenny Bowles, enlarge a mounting hole on a large pump at the Kimberly-Clark plant in Newman. Austin Industrial Inc. is an employee-owned business that provides maintenance services to manufacturers like Kimberly-Clark.
Austin Industrial: Houston-based business finds work in Owensboro 12
Greater Owensboro Business
Third Quarter 2013
Ricky Carlisle, a certified crane operator for Austin Industrial Inc. watches his co-workers work on a piece of suspended equipment at the Kimberly-Clark plant in Daviess County.
By Benjamin Hoak You may have never heard of Austin Industrial, but with a new goal of raising name recognition and becoming a larger part of the greater Owensboro community, the company is looking to change that. Austin’s local presence includes a 30-member workforce at the Kimberly Clark plant in western Daviess County. That’s just a small portion of Austin’s overall workforce of more than 6,000 Third Quarter 2013
employees. Based in Houston, the industrial contracting company is a subsidiar y of Austin Industries. Led by Site Manager Mark Johnson, the Owensboro group handles all of Kimberly Clark’s maintenance and subcontracting work. At other sites, Austin’s work includes construction and plant support ser vices. The company generally ser ves the oil, gas and chemical industries, as well as power generation and manufacturing. Don Goggans, Business DeGreater Owensboro Business
velopment Manager for Austin Industrial, said the company sees potential in the Owensboro area. They would like to develop more customers in order to share resources and thus save their customers time and money.
Local Labor
When Austin begins work with a company, whether it is continuing work, as at Kimberly Clark, or one-off projects, such as building a power plant, they look for local 13
Kimberly-Clark site manager for Austin Industrial Inc., right, Mark Johnson and crew supervisor, Tom Hemingway, discuss a job at the Kimberly-Clark plant in Newman.
labor. “We try to develop a cadre of folks in every region,” Goggans said. “It’s to our advantage, the area’s advantage and the owner’s advantage to recruit local.” Most of the time, Austin is looking for skilled labor, or craftspeople who know a trade, such as welders, millwrights, tool-and-die makers, etc. “Demand is greater and greater,” Goggans said, recommending that students who aren’t sure what they want to do should look into learning a skilled trade. In addition to the 30 full-time employees in Owensboro, Johnson said he keeps a pool of additional hires available for when they need to temporarily ramp up their workforce during special projects or outages for maintenance work. 14
Austin took over maintenance at Kimberly Clark a little more than nine years ago. After spending more than 25 years in the aluminum industry and running his own business, Johnson joined Austin as a maintenance planner about four years ago before advancing to site manager.
Developing Employees
Austin is committed to its employees in several ways. The company has been a leader in testing and training skilled craft professionals, helping to develop the National Center for Construction Education and Research, which provides individual training to increase the skill level of Greater Owensboro Business
each employee. They also make use of Austin University, an online training program to develop leadership skills. Safety is a key emphasis as well, with Austin’s “52 Week Structured Training” program providing a company-wide standard for required regulatory and safety procedures and policies. Perhaps Austin’s greatest asset, though, is its 100 percent employee ownership. Because ownership is a powerful motivator, each employee is given stock in the company every year, and employees are referred to as employee-owners. “What you do affects your bottom line,” Goggans said. Employee ownership helps set a different culture and attitude at Third Quarter 2013
Austin. Employees must rely on communication, accountability and participation, all for the benefit of customers. In this same spirit, an hourly employee always sits on the company’s Board of Directors, bringing needed perspective and insight.
A History and a Future
Austin’s Owensboro location falls under the guidance of Goggans, who maintains Austin’s regional office in Augusta, Georgia, as he focuses on reaching new businesses in the southeastern United States. “It’s a great story they’ve chosen Owensboro to expand,” said Amy Jackson, President of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “It shows we are strong in manufacturing and industr y.” Austin Industrial is one of three subsidiar y companies of Austin In-
Third Quarter 2013
Austin Industrial Inc. workers lower a Kimberly-Clark paper machine roller into position so it can be shipped to Lewisport for maintenance.
dustries. The company has roots in the 1800s, when the Austin brothers began building bridges. The corporate entity known today was formed in 1918. One subsidiar y still focuses on bridges and roads, while the second focuses on corporate work and the third (Austin Industrial) focuses on industrial work.
Greater Owensboro Business
While Austin is a major corporation doing technical work, they are also concerned about their local employees and the communities they live in. In a town like Owensboro, that means they’re a good fit, which Goggan understands. “We tr y to get as many local folks as we can,” he said. “We’re in the people business.”
15
A “Mini Dragon” bait is bagged and ready for sale from Alicia Haynes home-based business Totali Tackle.
Home-based business:
Todali Tackle taking off By Joy Campbell licia Haynes likes to say that her home-based business, Todali Tackle custom hand poured baits, started itself. The Philpot woman was in a bait and tackle shop with her husband, Todd Haynes, when she asked about a bait display that caught her attention. Learning that the bait was “homemade” she said, “I can do that — and probably better.” 16
That was in 2006. Alicia Haynes went home and ordered a kit and started making bait molds from her kitchen. One mold had six different types of baits. “My husband took some to work and showed them,” she said. “He came home with a bunch of these little pieces of paper, and I asked what they were. They were orders. I knew then that I needed to get a business license.” Todali Tackle products are now Greater Owensboro Business
sold through a website, www. todalitackle.com, and in select stores including Bass-n-More in Owensboro and Horns, Hooks and Feathers in Calhoun. Other sales locations are Corbin, Mar yville, Tenn., Tell City, Ind. and other locations in Illinois, Georgia and Texas. She has a Facebook page for the business. In some ways, Haynes’ business is a natural for her. “I’ve fished my whole life. My dad, Bobby Clark, always took Third Quarter 2013
Alicia Haynes gets ready to inject custom-colored melted plastic into a mold while filling an order for Totali Tackle hand poured baits at her home business in Philpot.
us fishing when we went to his house,” she said. Her parents divorced when she was 10 years old. She also is married to a bass fisherman, and the couple fish in tournaments together. It was at one of their tournament locations that she spotted the custom bait display. Their son also fishes tournaments with his dad. The name Todali — pronounced totally — was created from the couple’s first names. Todd Haynes is an electrician by trade who works at Daramic. Even though he’s not active in the business, he and the Haynes’ four kids sometimes help out with orders. “My husband and I bought a lot of plastic baits, and I wanted to create a good product,” Alicia Haynes said. “I think I’ve done that.” Her products are varied — from Third Quarter 2013
a 13⁄4-inch lure to a 161⁄2-inch gator tail worm for bass fishing. “We make larger baits some companies don’t have,” she said. “We have fun and get to create with colors.” Haynes was building a good following for her company by 2010 when she won an online contest sponsored by Intuit called, “Love a Local Business,” based on customer ser vice ratings. “I was shocked when I got that call,” Haynes said. “We invested that, too.” The couple built a 32- by 40-foot building, and she claimed a 16-by32 section for Todali Tackle. She has a pro staff that fishes her products and helps to get them into stores. They also make suggestions for color combinations. Even with the company’s marketing mix, Haynes still attributes much of the growth to “word Greater Owensboro Business
of mouth.” She said when Jim Sparks, owner of Bass-n-More bait and tackle shop in Owensboro called her about selling her custom products, he told her that several people had mentioned her to him. Haynes appears as a guest on some radio fishing shows — talking with the hosts about various topics. The baits she sells are custom made for ever y order. She has been buying the molds, but she may start making those again. “I’m pretty picky about the product,” Alicia Haynes said. Haynes wants to continue to grow her business. She is enjoying it — for the creativity it affords and for the opportunity to meet interesting people in different sections of the countr y. “I’ve met a lot of helpful people, and I want to pay it for ward and help others,” she said. 17
Growing strong:
Farmer’s market successful
A regular shopper for fresh produce, Kim Owen of Owensboro, left, picks out some choice tomatoes from Sally Nash of Pleasant Ridge at the Farmers Market. Nash has been selling produce at the market for 15 years.
By Beth Noffsinger
T
ents covered several of the booths at the Owensboro Regional Farmers Market on a recent Tuesday morning. By mid-morning, a few shoppers were mulling purchases among the four or so merchants selling a variety of produce, flowers, jams and 18
relishes. Spring 2013 was damp and cool for many growers, and some are just now having items to sell. The farmers market is open at various locations throughout the week: Owensboro Christian Church, New Life Church and Smothers Park. Gina Newton Dunlap, who grows fruit and vegetables in a 11⁄2-acre garGreater Owensboro Business
den in Reynolds Station, is one vendor who began selling a wider variety of produce in June. On Tuesday, the secretary/treasurer of the local farmers market had squash, zucchini, turnips, cucumbers, jams, eggs and bedding plants for sale. The damp spring has Dunlap’s produce running at least two weeks behind, she said. Dunlap doesn’t use Third Quarter 2013
Gina Newton-Dunlap of Reynolds Station, weighs some of her home-grown produce for a customer the Farmers Market at Owensboro Christian Church.
greenhouses, so it will be awhile before more of her produce, including tomatoes, blueberries and beans, are ready to sell. She has been selling at the farmers market for about seven years. “Actually, I started out with microprocessing and brought jams, jellies, salsa, relishes and that kind of stuff,” she said. “That’s actually what I started out with. Since I grew my own vegetables anyway for that, I just kind of expanded into vegetables and flowers.” Dunlap said selling at the Farmers Market has been successful for her. “I wouldn’t have any other outlet if it wasn’t for that,” she said. According to Farmers Market Coalition, an advocacy group, the number of farmer’s markets in the United States has grown from about 1,755 in 1994 to at least 7,800 in 2010. “In excess of 3 million consumers shop and more than 70,000 farmers Third Quarter 2013
sell at these markets annually,” Farmers Market Coalition’s website states. “The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that these markets generate an estimated $1.5 billion in consumer spending each year.” Suzanne Cecil White, president of the local farmers market, said several of the market’s vendors have covered structures they grow in, so there’s been a good amount of produce to sell this year. There’s “been a good turnout,” she said. “Two weeks ago, Memorial Day weekend, we had over 16 (vendors), and that’s great for that early in the year.” More vendors have signed up to participate in the market this year, White said, and she expects more of them to be selling at the market in the coming weeks as more outdoor items come in. She was also pleased with the turnout at New Life Church Greater Owensboro Business
and Smothers Park, which hosted the market for the first time last week. “We definitely had a great turnout for both of those new locations,” White said. “I feel like the vendors that were there and that I talked to all felt like it was worth their time to go — there was a good enough turnout.” Chance Darven Estes, 10, of Lewisport, helps tend his grandparents’ garden on Kentucky 140 in Daviess County. The family sells at the farmers market several days a week. “I kind of grew up with it,” Chance said of growing produce. “I didn’t really have a choice. And I learned to love it.” Chance and Papaw’s Farm Produce set up under a tent at Smothers Park on Thursday, selling a variety of produce. Chance said they grow radishes, beets, carrots, onions, beans, peas, corn and tomatoes — and they’re trying eggplant this year. 19
Some of their produce came in a month late because of the cool, wet spring, Chance said. It didn’t, however, keep them from having items to sell at the farmers market. “Cabbage we had to get out because our cabbage was starting to bust with all the rain,” Chance said. Lorrie Collier, who operates Field of Greens near Livia, has sold produce, herbs and flowers at the farmers market for several years. The wet spring did make it hard for her to get produce planted, Collier said, but she grows herbs in a greenhouse, so she was able to start selling those when the farmers market opened earlier in the spring. “I planted my green beans, and they’re coming up pretty sparse because right after I planted them, we got a bunch of rain, and it got real cold,” she said. “Things are starting to look good now. ... I think it’s going to be a little bit later than usual this year on some things.” Collier, who attended the farmers market at Smothers Park on Thursday, became a vendor at the market a few years ago after she retired fromMoonlite Bar-BQ Inn after 27 years. She said she thought Smothers Park will be a good location for the farmers market. “We’re excited about the downtown location and the Crabtree location, and we love the one at Owensboro Christian,” Collier said. Sally Nash, of Nash Produce in Pleasant Ridge, had a variety of brightly colored produce for sale on Tuesday. She and her husband grow produce on 10 to 12 acres, including three greenhouses. They have been growing greenhouse tomatoes for four years now, and have sold at the farmers market for 15. “We grow everything, pretty much,” Nash said. “I don’t know. There’s not much we don’t grow anymore. We’re including pumpkins this year for the first time.” Nash grows everything from sweet corn and tomatoes to okra and southern peas — and even five different kinds of green beans and red, yellow and white potatoes. “I do make my own jelly and relishes,” Nash said. “We have our own strawberries, and we have to have our own fruit, and we sell the excess of what I don’t need for jellies and jams.” Nash began selling at the farmers market 15 years ago, when the couple’s tobacco quotas were cut. Nash
Frances Chapman of Owensboro, left, waits as 10-year-old Chance Estes of Lewisport counts out her change at a new satellite location for the Owensboro Regional Farmers Market at New Life Church, 400 Crabtree Avenue.
had always raised a garden, so she decided to bring her extra produce to the market. She also sells some from her home. “I told my husband, everybody doesn’t have to smoke, but everybody has to eat,” she said. “So I started doing that (and) saw I didn’t have nearly the stuff I needed to have. Every year, we’ve gotten a little bigger and a little bigger.” The wet spring has affected the produce Nash grows in the field, but her greenhouses have given her plenty of produce to sell. If she didn’t have the greenhouses, Nash said, she would have strawberries, cabbage, broccoli and some plants ready. She called selling through the farmers market, which she does three days a week, a good experience. “I got in at a good time because there were very few vendors 15 years ago,” Nash said. “Some were elderly and choosing to quit. I kind of got in at a good time, started to build a customer base, and they’ve kind of been loyal to me. I try to be loyal to them.” Nash has also seen an increase in the number of people shopping at the farmers market. “I think the interest is beginning to pick up to ... support local,” she said.
“I think the interest is beginning to pick up to ... support local.” - Sally Nash
20
Greater Owensboro Business
Third Quarter 2013
After hours:
Event draws more than 150 More than 150 people attended a Business After Hours open house, hosted by L. Steve Castlen Realtors, on Thursday, May 2. The event officially “broughtback” the business after hours event for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “As I’ve talked to members in the last year, numerous people asked when we were going to bring back the evening social events that allow members to network in a relaxed setting,” said Amy Jackson, President and CEO of the Chamber. “We were happy to bring it back to allow our growing membership in Owensboro to highlight their individual businesses as well.” Last night’s host, Steve Castlen, said, “We are proud to be the first one to help re-start the Business After Hours event. The turnout was great, and provided my team and I the opportunity to thank customers as well as welcome prospects into our business.” In addition to the food and fellowship, doorprizes were also given away. Kelly Ford with Gorman & Associates won a floral oil painting and Sydney Warren of Brescia University won a flatscreen TV, courtesy of L. Steve Castlen Realtors. The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is an 890 member organization, with the purpose of connecting businesses and fostering economic growth in Owensboro and Daviess County. For more information about membership and the Chamber programs, please call 270-926-1860. Third Quarter 2013
Steve L. Castlen addresses the crowd at the after hours event.
Greater Owensboro Business
21
Neel Ford Age: 31
Commercial Lines Insurance Agent, E.M. Ford & Company 22
Greater Owensboro Business
Third Quarter 2013
Hometown
Why do you choose to live and work in the greater Owensboro area?
Owensboro, KY
Civic or Volunteer Activities Board of Directors – Owensboro Museum of Science & Histor y, Owensboro Community and Technical College Nominating Commission, Young Agents Committee(YAC), Chairman YAC Gov’t Affairs – Independent Insurance Agents of Kentucky, Pitino Shelter Volunteer
How long have you served in your current position? I have been with E.M. Ford & Co. for 5 years in August.
What does your position entail? Our agency, as a whole, handles all lines of insurance, as well as, financial planning. My focus is on our commercial lines side (business insurance). On a daily basis, I am speaking with current or prospective clients about their business and determining the best insurance program to fit their needs. As an independent agent, we have access to a number of insurance companies, so one of my main responsibilities is to find the best suited insurance program for each of my clients. A great insurance program is an important part of any profitable business plan. We want our clients to think of us as trusted advisors and that insurance is not just a commodity.
What’s the best part about your position? Each day tends to be different, which keeps things interesting, but I would have to say getting to know and work with each individual client is most enjoyable. Learning about my clients’ respective businesses and helping them come up with the best insurance program is ver y rewarding and something that I look for ward to each day. It’s ver y important work because I am protecting a person’s livelihood. Third Quarter 2013
Most importantly, I wanted to be close to my family, but I was also excited to come back and work in our family business. I enjoyed growing up in Owensboro and I always knew I wanted to come back and raise my own family here. Our community has so much to offer, both from a business and personal standpoint. With all that is going on in and around the area, it is hard not to get excited about its future. My wife and I are expecting our first child in July and we are excited about our baby being born at the new hospital. Our child will have access to wonderful school systems, many cultural institutions, a first class riverfront, and many other diverse opportunities our city and county provide.
What are other young professionals saying about the Owensboro area? There is a lot of excitement with the other young professionals I speak with, especially in regards to the downtown development. Seeing the investment being put in to revitalizing downtown is exciting for our generation, because we know it is something we, as well as our children, will be able to enjoy most of our lifetime. I also think because of the work we are putting into our community, we are seeing talented young graduates staying in Owensboro or coming back to start their careers, which is a testament to all that is happening in and around Owensboro.
Learning about my clients’ respective businesses and helping them come up with the best insurance program is very rewarding and something that I look forward to each day.
Greater Owensboro Business
23
On the
Move
24
Greater Owensboro Business
Third Quarter 2013
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 ser ved 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. Br uce Maxwell with AFLAC became cer tified through The National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) new professional development course on the Patient Protection and Af fordable 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.
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 optometr y in Owensboro since 1998. Jonathon Estes with E.M. Ford & Co. has completed his certification on the Patient Protection and Af for dable Car e Act (PPACA) offered through the National Association of Health Under writers (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. The Owensboro Hampton Inn and Suites, Downtown/Waterfront has named John Morton as general manager. He was formerly the general manager of the Hampton Inn-Nor theast, Louisville and has been with Hilton Corp. for 13 years. Morton is a graduate of Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and is
also president of the Louisville Hotel Association. Steve Montgomer y of Whitesville has opened Gumr ys 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 cer tified through The National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) new professional development course on the Patient Protection and Af fordable 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.
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 discussions on issues facing the firm and the financial ser vices 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. Third Quarter 2013
Greater Owensboro Business
25
Hancock is a senior manager in the consulting ser vices division of Riney Hancock CPAs. He graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a board member of the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport, treasurer of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and ser ves on the Friday After 5 board. Meagan Magnus has been promoted to director of service for The Malcolm Br yant Corp. She will oversee ser vice and sales for the new Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown/Water front, Hampton Inn Owensboro South and Hampton Inn Louisville Nor theast. Meagan has been general manager of the Hampton Inn Owensboro South for five years. She graduated from Brescia University with a bachelor of science in business in 2003. Magnus is a recent Chamber Emerge graduate and is vice chair of the Convention and V isitors Bureau board and is on the steering and bylaws committees for the Owensboro Hospitality Association. Kelsey Mann, a financial adviser at E.M. Ford & Co., completed her licensing in December and is now a member of the advisory team. She previously worked as an investment analyst. She has Series 7 and Series 66 life and health insurance licenses, is a graduate of the University of Louisville and is currently pursuing her MBA at Auburn University. First Security Bank recently announced the promotion of Jon Lutgring to assistant vice president and controller. He joined First Security Bank in July of 2010 as assistant vice president and assistant controller. Lutgring’s duties include accounting for examinations, regulator y repor ting, board repor ting, budgeting and oversight of financial contr ols. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance and master’s degree in accounting from Indiana University. Sarah McDonald has been promoted to commercial lines account manager at E.M. Ford & Co. Sarah has been with the company for three years and previously worked 26
as a customer ser vice representative. Sarah is a licensed proper ty and casualty agent and graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2008 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration.
nator for the Owensboro market. He previously worked as a loan officer at Old National Bank. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration.
Brandon Gilles has been named financial of ficer trainee for Farm Credit Mid-America in Owensboro. His ter ritor y includes Daviess, McLean, Ohio and Hancock counties. Gilles has a bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky.
Jennifer Murphy Byr ne, PT, MPT and Chelsea Taylor Rice, PTA of KOR T Physical Therapy Owensboro, 3211 Frederica St., completed the American Institute of Balance Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification Program. The certification will allow them to treat patients with vestibular dysfunction and dizzinessrelated issues.
Bill Hodskins, insurance agent at Daviess County–East Agency of Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, has been named 2012 Agent of the Year for District One. The award is in recognition of excellence in overall sales production, satisfactor y loss-ratio, ser vice to policyholders and an affirmative attitude. The district is a 24-county region. Hodskins is a graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School, and worked in sales for more than 20 years before joining Kentucky Farm Bureau. S u s a n n B a r t l e t has joined Neely Insurance Agency LLC, 2120 Frederica St., as a producer specializing in commercial general liability for businesses, as well as auto, home and life insurance. She is a member of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, a current ambassador, past board director and a graduate of Leadership Owensboro. Jeanette Lamber t has joined Combined Insurance Co. of America. She will be an independent agent for supplemental insurance in Owensboro and the surrounding counties. First Security Bank of Owensboro announced Robert Whitaker and Bruce Sook as new additions to the company. Whitaker, a former commercial lender at Independence Bank and business banking officer at National City Bank, has been named assistant vice president and commercial lender. He has a bachelor of science degree from Western Kentucky University. Sook was named mortgage origiGreater Owensboro Business
Mitch Settle of Hilliard L yons was ranked as one of the Top 1,000 financial advisers in the U.S. by Barron’s Magazine. The ranking is based on assets under management, revenue generated for the adviser’s firm and the quality of their practices. The publication also released a state-by-state ranking that named Settle as the No. 3 adviser in Kentucky. Bill Barron has purchased Sperry Van Ness/The Barron Group Real Estate Co. The commercial brokerage company will assume the name William G. Barron Enterprises Inc. Bo Barron will serve as vice president of organizational development with the company. Eric Fulkerson of Owensboro has been named assistant director of facilities at St. Mar y’s Health, Evansville. In this role, he will oversee the engineering depar tment, including power plant operations, maintenance, construction and renovation. Most recently, Fulkerson served as a maintenance manager at Owensboro Medical Health System. Prior to that, he was a project engineer for Broeren-Russo Construction in Champaign, Ill. Fulkerson earned his bachelor of science degree in construction management from Illinois State University and his master of science degree in management from Brescia University. Realtors Mark Critchelow and Robbie Philhower have joined Century 21 Partners. Third Quarter 2013
Your Chamber’s goals This year the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 100 years of helping businesses grow. We work ever y day to make sure that the Chamber ser ves as the indispensable source for business connections, opportunities, and solutions for you. Our mission is to provide leadership, advocacy and member ser vices that foster growth and economic prosperity. With that in mind, our Board of directors helped us define our goals to: • Grow membership by providing exceptional value and ser vice. • Create opportunities and advance the success of small
Third Quarter 2013
businesses. and efficiency. • Develop and connect We aspire each day to these leaders for the goals. If you have future of Greater ideas, feedback Owensboro. or want to get • Demonstrate involved in the the Chamber’s Chamber and leadership and our mission, let collaborative us know! It is an role in Greater exciting time to Owensboro. be a member and • Advocate have a voice in to improve the your Chamber business enviof Commerce! ronment and If you are intercompetitiveested in joining, ness of Greater rejoining or getOwensboro. ting more active By Missy Gant • Operate the in your Chamber, Chamber with please call Missy innovation, integrity, creativity Gant at 926-1860.
Greater Owensboro Business
27
Serving Kentucky & Southern Indiana
Industrial Janitorial Supplies and Equipment Water Treatment Chemicals and Service Consulting and Training Professional Janitorial Service and Floor Maintenance for: Healthcare, Commercial and Industrial Facilities
SERVICES PROVIDED: General Maintenance Strip and Wax Floors Carpet Cleaning Post Construction Clean-Up Window Cleaning
800.264.0013 Office: 270.684.4013 Fax: 270.684.0535 www.thelivingstongroupky.com
PROFESSIONAL SUPPLIES . . . PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SINCE 1967
28
Greater Owensboro Business
Third Quarter 2013