2020 HENDERSON CHAMBER
ANNUAL REPORT
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 1
OUR MISSION:
Advancing the business community of Henderson County. HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP This past year and the unprecedented challenges it has presented will not soon be forgotten. When things changed for all of us in 2020, the Chamber stopped, re-assessed what businesses and their employees needed, and set about doing things that would be of use to our members during the pandemic. We worked hard to be the resource that businesses and organizations can come to for answers and assistance. Every member has dealt with never-imagined changing circumstances. While we still cannot foresee the outcome of this pandemic, we do know that we will continue to support our membership and broad business community to help overcome this hardship and identify opportunities. The 2019-2020 Annual Report includes our collective achievements, reflecting the business advocacy the Chamber represents. We hope this report encourages you to continue serving your community and working with the Chamber as we advocate for you. Thank you for the contributions and support you provide our community.
JENNIFER KEACH
CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Year one of the new Henderson Chamber of Commerce was interesting, challenging and busy. We moved to our new location in March and anticipated a wonderful “Chamber Welcome/ Ribbon Cutting" to show off our wonderful space. Although we were not able to open our doors to the public, we were able to open our hearts and minds to create a new way of communicating, advocating and sharing news of PPP, PPE, COVID, EIDL, and much more to support our local businesses in staying open and staying viable. A hearty thanks goes to our board of directors and staff for working creatively and efficiently to meet the needs of our community. I look forward to 2021 and the continued work we have to accomplish.
ELLEN REDDING
PRESIDENT, HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 3
OUR YEAR IN EVENTS JANUARY 10
THE CHAMBER BREAKFAST CLUB
Member networking
JANUARY 13
LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW BREAKFAST
A look at Chamber priorities for the 2020 Leg. Session
FEBRUARY 5
BROWN BAG LUNCH & LEARN
Tax Information 101: Kemper CPA
FEBRUARY 6
ANNUAL DINNER
Presentation of business awards and keynote by Eric Ellis, one of the top 100 Diversity & Inclusion experts in the world
FEBRUARY 12
RIBBON CUTTING
Grand opening of Beverage Barn
FEBRUARY 14
THE CHAMBER BREAKFAST CLUB
Member networking
FEBRUARY 27
WESTERN KY OPIOID SUMMIT
Over 300 in attendance for the first-time event with keynote speaker Debra Jay who appeared on Oprah Winfrey as an advisor for three seasons and Dr. Oz
MARCH 3
RIBBON CUTTING
Grand opening of Gordman’s
MARCH 5
AGRICULTURE APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
Celebrating and awarding Henderson’s agriculture industry
MARCH 13
THE CHAMBER BREAKFAST CLUB
Member networking
APRIL–MAY
CHAMBER CHAT & REOPEN HENDERSON ♦
18 events total held virtually in April and May
MAY 6
GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS WEBINAR ♦
Henderson Government offers guidance for reopening businesses after months-long COVID-19 shutdown
MAY–SEPT
CHAMBER CANDIDATES FORUM ♦
Candidates for City Commissioner in the Primary Election outline goals if elected and answer questions. 17 events held virtually from May–September
JUNE 12
CAFFEINE AND QUARANTINE ♦
Virtual member networking
JUNE 12
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ♦
Human Rights Commission
JUNE 25
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ♦
COVID-19: Testing a community
JULY 10
CAFFEINE AND QUARANTINE ♦
Virtual member networking
JULY 30
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ♦
Back to School: What will fall 2020 look like?
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AUGUST 5 & 12
BROWN BAG LUNCH & LEARN ♦
Solar rate changes for HMPL: Amerlight/ZEB Solar
AUGUST 13
FUTURE OF REMOTE WORKFORCE ♦
Webinar on impact of remote working on IT
AUGUST 14
CAFFEINE AND QUARANTINE ♦
Virtual member networking
AUGUST 14
NCL PROTECTION FROM COVID SCAMS ♦
Virtual panel to protect Kentuckians from scams
AUGUST 24
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ♦
A look at Henderson Hospitality during COVID-19
SEPTEMBER 2
BROWN BAG LUNCH & LEARN ♦
Cybersecurity Best Practices for Businesses: AME Security
SEPTEMBER 9
CHAMBER WELCOME: RIBBON CUTTING ♦
Virtual grand opening video for Lighthouse Storage
SEPTEMBER 11
CAFFEINE AND QUARANTINE ♦
Virtual member networking
SEPTEMBER 15
CHAMBER WELCOME: RIBBON CUTTING ♦
Virtual ribbon cutting video for Tip Top Design
SEPTEMBER 17
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ♦
Voting regulations for November election
SEPTEMBER 21
CHAMBER WELCOME: RIBBON CUTTING ♦
Virtual grand opening video for Cafe on Water Street
SEPTEMBER 23
BROWN BAG LUNCH & LEARN ♦
Future of the Electric Power Industry
SEPTEMBER 23
CHAMBER WELCOME: RIBBON CUTTING ♦
Virtual grand opening video for Alternative Rejuvenation
SEPTEMBER 29
CHAMBER WELCOME: RIBBON CUTTING ♦
Virtual ribbon cutting video for Just Plus/Just Chic
OCTOBER 1
CHAMBER WELCOME: RIBBON CUTTING ♦
Virtual grand opening video for The Chloe Randolph Org.
OCTOBER 9
CHAMBER BLOOD DRIVE
Members donate blood for the American Red Cross
OCTOBER 22
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ♦
State of Education in Henderson
OCTOBER 22
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ♦
Homeless Study
NOVEMBER 13
CAFFEINE AND QUARANTINE ♦
Virtual member networking
DECEMBER 11
CAFFEINE AND QUARANTINE ♦
Virtual member networking
DECEMBER 11
FIRST ANNUAL WINTER BLUES 5K
90 runners race through Sandy Watkins at innaugural event
DECEMBER 17
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ♦
Kentucky Chamber’s Ashli Watts and Congressman James Comer present from Frankfort and Washington
SIGNATURE CHAMBER EVENTS
♦ VIRTUAL EVENTS
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 5
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERSHIP Our 413 members represent the diverse range of industries that call Henderson home. From locally-owned retail shops to nationally-recognized hospitals and award-winning financial institutions, we're proud to work alongside our members as we maintain Henderson's legacy as a competitive place to live and work. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, we welcomed 51 new members in 2020 – a true testament to the value of our work.
413
51
TOTAL MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
MEMBERS BY LEVEL
MEMBERS BY TYPE 28
25
CONSTRUCTION
HOME/GARDEN
186 197
149
AUDUBON
OTHER
29
COLONEL
GOVERNMENT/ EDUCATION
30
AGRICULTURE
31
MANUFACTURING
33
HEALTHCARE
5
TRADE DUES
38
7
FRIEND
11 8
BUSINESS/ PROFESSIONAL
7
COURTESY
FLASH
THOROUGHBRED
25
38
RESTAURANTS
43
FAMILY/COMMUNITY SERVICES
BLUEGRASS
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 7
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
EVENTS In 2020, the Chamber hosted events with state legislators; U.S. senators and representatives; community leaders; and local, key-industry executives. We pivoted signature events, networking events and education events from in-person to virtual. We hosted 29 COVID-19 related events to provide local business owners with loan application information, COVID updates, and the information they needed to safely navigate re-opening their business to the public while protecting their staff. We featured Eric Ellis, MA President and CEO of Integrity Development Corp. as the keynote speaker at the Annual Dinner. Eric was selected by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), as one of the top 100 Diversity & Inclusion experts in the world and has had the privilege of working with clients that include Toyota Motors, Maytag International, Lexmark, Procter & Gamble, Plante & Moran LLP, Mercy Health Partners, Scripps, Kindred Healthcare and Huntington Bank. In February we organized the Western Kentucky Opiod summit to address substance abuse in Kentucky. Over 300 people joined us for the event that featured keynote speaker Debra Jay, a renowned public speaker and author who has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Dr. Oz as an advisor and speaker. And to end a memorable year, 90 runners joined us in December for our inaugural Winter Blues 5K in accordance with the 2020 standards of living: with masks and social distancing. And in May we celebrated Educator of the Year Awards – an annual event recognizing outstanding local educators. Recognition was given in 4 categories: Veteran, Rookie, Support and Post Secondary educators.
17
IN-PERSON EVENTS
55
300
ATTEND THE INAUGURAL WESTERN KY OPIOID SUMMIT
297
JOIN US FOR ANNUAL DINNER
250 9
VIRTUAL EVENTS
ATTEND AGRICULTURE APPRECIATION DINNER
RIBBON CUTTINGS & CHAMBER WELCOMES
90
72 1,125 900
TOTAL EVENTS HELD
IN-PERSON ATTENDEES VIRTUAL ATTENDEES
2,025 TOTAL EVENT ATTENDEES
RUNNERS ATTEND THE FIRST WINTER BLUES 5K RACE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 9
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC In 2020, nothing echoed louder than "unprecedented." The year that will forever be known as the year of a pandemic was one of struggle, of pivoting, and most importantly community. While the loss – of loved ones, businesses, and so much more – was obvious, Henderson pulled together with support, encouragement and determination that made hope overshadow the struggles in our community. The Chamber had a front row seat in communicating COVID-19 updates to the community. Whether by phone calls, emails or virtual events, our staff, alongside an incredible team of committees, volunteers and business leaders dedicated thousands of hours to ensuring our member businesses had all the necessary resources to keep their businesses afloat.
36
COVID-SPECIFIC EMAIL CAMPAIGNS SENT FROM MARCH – DECEMBER
2,817
VISITORS TO COVID-19 RESPONSE WEB PAGES
3,000+
PHONE CALLS MADE AND EMAILS SENT OVER 40 WEEKS TO CONNECT BUSINESS OWNERS WITH CONSULTANTS & LOAN INFORMATION AND HANDLE OTHER COVID-RELATED INQUIRIES.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 11
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BRAND AWARENESS & ENGAGEMENT The Chamber began its work independently in January 2020 under the leadership of Ellen Redding. Ellen received her communication degree from Murray State University. She worked for the Henderson County School District for 12 years in community education and communications. Redding also worked with the Northwest Kentucky Training Consortium (NKTC) to get it back to its original mission of education and development training for business and industry in the area. Her regional and state involvements include: Board member of KCCE (Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives), Chamber Business Solutions Trustee, member of Kentucky Infrastructure Coalition, Bridgelink member, Vice Chair of Henderson FAME, and 2021 Panelist at Kentucky Transportation Conference. In the spring, the Chamber relocated to a newly remodeled office space at 114 North Main Street in downtown Henderson that supports meetings and small events in addition to offering unique window space to highlight our members' work. Our marketing and communications efforts support Chamber initiatives day in and day out. Astounding metrics prove that our members are actively involved in the business community and more engaged with our work than ever before. SOCIAL MEDIA
1,006
EMAILS LIKES ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE SINCE ITS CREATION ON JANUARY 22, 2020
94,262 EMAILS SENT
OPEN RATE
12%
WEBSITE
10,460 24
WEBSITE VISITORS
MEMBER NEWS STORIES SUBMITTED FOR SHARING ON THE CHAMBER WEBSITE
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 13
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FINANCIALS
$383,915 TOTAL REVENUE
25%
52%
GIFT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
MEMBERSHIP
15%
SPONSORSHIPS
4%
EVENT ATTENDANCE
2%
EDUCATION FOUNDATION DONATIONS
1%
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1%
ADVERTISING
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 15
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
COMMITTEES & FOUNDATION Chamber committees provide professionals opportunities to connect with other business leaders while ultimately helping carry out the Chamber's mission. Without the dedication of these volunteers, we simply couldn't accomplish all that we do. AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
2020 Chair: Dr. Katy Groves Mussat
2020 Chair: Eric Gardner
Recognizing our community’s agricultural roots are critical for a sustained future. Through events like the Farm to Table Dinner and Ag Appreciation Breakfast, the committee raises awareness of the continued importance of agriculture in our local economy.
Our Government Affairs committee monitors legislative and regulatory activity at the local, state, and national level. In addition, the committee reviews issues in our community that impact businesses & quality of life and promotes awareness of candidates & issues they represent during election periods.
EDUCATION AND HEALTH COMMITTEE 2020 Chair: Jo Swanson The future of Henderson's workforce is brighter than ever, due in part to the Education and Health committee. By bridging the education system and workforce readiness initiatives, we're building a better graduate and workforce.
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers from the community who serve on membership committees, help with ribbon cuttings and act as public relations liaisons related to networking/social events sponsored by the chamber.They are an army of “chamber champions” who allow us to be multiple places at once, making the most of limited time.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 2020 Chair: Lori Tuggle The Membership committee promotes and communicates the benefits of being a Chamber member through New Member Orientation and strategic conversation.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION The Chamber Education Foundation supports youth services and educational excellence. The main focus is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project, which provides local children ages 0-5 free books each month. As the program's local champion – and the first in Kentucky to offer the program – we assume the cost of all 1,400+ local children's books, totaling over $33,000 annually. We rely on public support of the program to ensure sustainability.
1,425
NUMBER OF HENDERSON-AREA CHILDREN RECEIVING FREE BOOKS EACH MONTH THROUGH THE CHAMBERFUNDED IMAGINATION LIBRARY PROGRAM.
$1,000
TOTAL IN SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO TWO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLERS. EACH RECEIVED $500. 2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 17
A LOOK AHEAD: 2021 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Business and Economic Recovery Unemployment Insurance • Funding of unemployment insurance (not just funding, but system infrastructure) Legal Liability • Support of protection of employers from legal liability from COVID cases in the workplace Infrastructure • I-69 support and funding • Gas tax support to assist with funding options/user tax • Broadband support (immediate need for remote learning, future need of fiber). This area of the state is underserved in relation to other areas of the state. Education and Workforce Development • Child care providers – not enough to meet needs • Impact due to kids learning at home long term with children falling behind at grade level
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2021 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 8
CAFFEINE & QUARANTINE
SEPTEMBER 10
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
JANUARY 20
LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
SEPTEMBER 16
STATE OF THE CITY/COUNTY
FEBRUARY 12
CAFFEINE & QUARANTINE
OCTOBER 8
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
MARCH 12
CAFFEINE & QUARANTINE
NOVEMBER 12
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
APRIL 9
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
DECEMBER 10
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
APRIL
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW
DECEMBER 11
WINTER BLUES 5K
APRIL 23
ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC
APRIL 14
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
MAY
CHILLIN WITH THE CHAMBER
MAY
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
JUNE 11
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
JULY 9
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
JULY 15
AGRICULTURE APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
AUGUST 13
BREAKFAST CLUB NETWORKING
AUGUST
ANNUAL DINNER
(DATE TBD)
(DATE TBD)
OUR 2021 CALENDAR OF EVENTS CHANGES WEEKLY. VISIT HENDERSONKYCHAMBER.COM TO STAY UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST EVENT DETAILS.
(DATE TBD) 2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 19
CHAMBER STAFF ELLEN REDDING
DONNA WARREN
PRESIDENT
EVENT COORDINATOR & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS JENNIFER KEACH
ERIC GARDNER
KIM HUMPHREY
JOHN LAMB
CHAIR Big Rivers Electric
CHAIR, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Pittsburg Tank and Tower Group
BOARD MEMBER Riverview Coal
TONY KRAMPE
DR. KATY GROVES MUSSAT
MISSY VANDERPOOL
SWIN CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER German American
PAST CHAIR Old National Bank
LIN SHANNON CHAIR-ELECT Fine and Hatfield
DOUG LAWSON TREASURER Field and Main Bank
DR. KATE BAKER BOARD MEMBER Baker Chiropractic
RON CHAPMAN BOARD MEMBER Tyson Foods
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CHAIR, AGRICULTURE Farmer and Frenchman
BOARD MEMBER Henderson Economic Development
JO SWANSON
ABBY DIXON
CHAIR, EDUCATION/HEALTH Retired Educator
LINDA WHITE BOARD MEMBER Deaconess Henderson Hospital
RODNEY THOMAS BOARD MEMBER Rookies Sports Bar
LORI TUGGLE CHAIR, MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Shelter Insurance
BOARD MEMBER Henderson Tourist Commission
LYNDSAY LOCASTO BOARD MEMBER Downtown Henderson Partnership
JEFF JUSTICE SWIN CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER Hafer
ELLEN REDDING CHAMBER PRESIDENT Henderson Chamber
THOROUGHBRED MEMBERS
BLUEGRASS MEMBERS ADVANTAGE KENTUCKY ALLIANCE
HENDERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS
SCOTT INDUSTRIES, LLC
AT&T
HENDERSON MUNICIPAL GAS
SHAMROCK TECHNOLOGIES
AUDUBON CHRYSLER CENTER
HENDERSON WATER UTILITY
SITEX
AUDUBON METALS LLC
KENERGY CORP.
SONOCO PRODUCTS
BRENNTAG MID-SOUTH, INC.
NYLENE USA
SUREWAY STORES, INC.
CINTAS CORPORATION
RC / 7UP
VECTREN/CENTERPOINT
COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
REDBANKS
WALMART
EARLE C. CLEMENTS JOB CORPS ACADEMY
RIVER VIEW COAL, LLC RURAL KING OF HENDERSON 2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 21
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 23
114 North Main Street • Henderson, KY 42420
HENDERSON KY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE