GO Chamber - Summer 2022

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PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner jason@tannerwest.com

SUMMER 2022

MANAGING EDITOR

CONTENTS

ADVERTISING SALES

IN EVERY ISSUE

Ashley Wedding ashley@tannerpublishing.com

Brock Quinton brock@tannerpublishing.com Robert Williams robert@tannerpublishing.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Andrea Roberson Monica Tapp

PHOTOGRAPHER

6 From the Chamber 8 Meet the Chamber Staff Ashtin Warren

10 Executive Answers On the Record

11 Welcome to the Chamber New Members

Jamie Alexander

12 The Reading List

CONTENT TEAM

13 Behind the Scenes

Chamber Staff

PRINTING

Brad Davis GO Vote

14 Board of Directors

Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky

24 Five Questions

CONTACT INFORMATION

BENEFIT FEATURE

Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce 200 East Third Street Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-1860 chamber.owensboro.com @GOchamber

With Karla Ward

15 Membership Benefits

EVENT FEATURE 16 Chamber After Hours

TALENT PROGRAM FEATURE TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

18 Leadership Owensboro

COMMITTEE FEATURE 20 Chamber Ambassadors 5

GO CHAMBER . SUMMER 2022

FROM THE CHAMBER

CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President & CEO

BRENDA CLAYTON Board Chair

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Welcome to this edition of GO Chamber 2022. This last quarter has been productive, and action filled to say the least!

Our General Assembly work started in January and by the time the gavel went down in April, we could look back at one of the most productive sessions in memory. Transportation projects we once saw as long-term dreams came to fruition, our community received its second Family Court Judge and All-day kindergarten was funded.

And the Owensboro Health Workforce Innovation Center was funded. This center is the first of its kind and will grow our regional health care workforce and address our health care shortages while at the same time giving our local students the opportunity to connect with life changing careers.

We also successfully advocated for a number of specific pieces of legislation to protect business and to make our community more competitive in the talent retention and recruitment game.

On a local level, our fiscal court is utilizing ARPA funds to ensure that citizens all over Daviess County can access broadband.

These projects together truly show a community that is moving forward and positioning itself for growth. A big thank you to our local delegation for their late hours and

tenacity in making this session such a success and our fiscal court for committing to make countywide broadband a reality.

After the General Assembly session drew to a close, we quickly turned our attention to local government and the local primaries. Our Chamber made several opportunities for our members to connect with candidates including Red White and Blue and a candidate forum.

Our talent programs are bustling as we said goodbye to our 2022 Leadership Owensboro Class and are planning for 2023. We have added a full-time position to focus on talent programs which will include partnerships with our school systems for career pathways for students and higher education programs intent on giving our graduating seniors career opportunities so they can call Owensboro home after college.

Our events are also back in full swing, and we celebrated our first Chamber After Hours since the pandemic. And our packed schedule of Ribbon Cuttings are a sign that good things are happening.

Our takeaway? Our Chamber is bustling and is ready to roll. It is not time to look back but to see what is coming and what needs to be next.

We hope you enjoy the issue!

- Brenda and Candance

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MEET THE STAFF

ASHTIN WARREN DIRECTOR OF TALENT PROGRAMS GREATER OWENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tell us about yourself.

I was raised on a family farm here in Owensboro, Riney farms.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY where I studied abroad in both Spain and Argentina.

Following college, I returned home and served as a translator and interpreter for the Social Security Administration for 10 years before I joined Hospice of Western KY as their Charitable Giving Coordinator. During my time at Hospice, I was able to participate in Leadership Owensboro with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and graduated with the class of 2022. Being a part of Leadership Owensboro made me realize that I wanted to be more deeply involved in our local community; it also nurtured my desire to make Owensboro an even better place to live for current generations as well as future generations.

My husband James and I have 2 children: Jane, age 5 and Pete, age 2, and a golden retriever, Sadie.

Why Owensboro?

Owensboro is where I grew up. I love that my husband and I get to raise our own children where we were both raised, surrounded by family and friends.

What is your favorite pastime?

I love to travel. I love being outdoors. I enjoy reading and running, and of course, spending time with my husband and our kids, and our friends and families.

What are you most looking forward to in your new position?

Cultivating and nurturing the connection between Owensboro’s talent and our workforce! I also look forward to planning an amazing program for the Leadership Owensboro class of 2023 and interacting with all those involved to educate and engage leaders in our community.

What’s your favorite spot in Owensboro?

I love the downtown area! When my husband and I get a chance to have a date night, we like to grab a drink on the patio at the Lure, walk to the Bistro for dinner, or check out the live music at Brasher’s Little Nashville.

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ON THE RECORD

EXECUTIVE ANSWERS As the workforce struggle continues, many employers are finding it difficult to hire and keep their employees. What are the steps your business or company has taken to maintain talent retention?

KYLE AUD GERMAN AMERICAN BANK

In today’s post-Covid work environment, we’ve found that quality of life for our employees is taking priority over just earning a paycheck. That’s not to say it hasn’t always been priority, but this may be the first time the individual employee has held this much leverage, which was overdue in my opinion.

BRIAN GREENWELL

TOBY HALL

GREENWELL CHISHOLM

MPD, INC.

At Greenwell Chisholm we strive to provide a family-like atmosphere for our employees placing an emphasis on work life balance. I want my employees to know that I value them just as much as an individual as a I do an employee. To that effect we offer the ability for our employees to take off early on Fridays through out the year, as well as flex schedule their hours when needed. I have found this to be particularly beneficial to our employees with young families. We are a community focused business that sponsors a lot of local events, and we encourage our employees to take part in community activities by providing free tickets to many events, concerts and shows in the area.

There are several items tugging on talent in today’s market and there is no doubt that the current rate of inflation will push some employees to make tough choices about their jobs. At MPD, we believe that people who are treated well will want to be around other people who treat others well, also. Retaining talent starts with recruiting talented employees. We invest in providing our employees the training they need to be successful in their job whether that is on-the-job, certificate courses, or continued formal education. Being successful in your job leads to a feeling of satisfaction that we believe all our employees share. MPD is a 100% Employee Owned Company with each and every employee contributing to, and benefiting from, the success of the business that we collectively own. We continue to monitor the current economic situation and make adjustments where and when needed.

We offer all of the standard employee benefits everyone has grown accustomed to such as Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, 401k with match and paid vacation and sick leave, but we also offer several additional benefits surrounding mental health such as paid counseling sessions and bereavement days for all employees. I have found that bringing attention to my employees personal needs has allowed us to maintain a closeknit feel while continuing to grow and maintain our current talented workforce.

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German American adapted quickly by creating initiatives for flex hours for many positions and more relaxed dress codes in others. With an increased focus on family quality of life, we’ve also created family bonding leave to help with many life situations that may happen with an employee. With regards to career development, we’re creating an Emerging Leaders program to highlight employees earlier in their career so they get recognized much sooner. There are many others, but these few are some of the more important that come to mind.

Specifically in Owensboro, with us acting as an operations hub for the bank and creating close to 50 local jobs, we have stepped up efforts to make sure our teams feel valued while they are in the office.

Either through Friday donuts, creating contests/ themes around periodic events (Derby, Halloween, Cinco de Mayo, etc…) and most importantly, increasing our communication on how much we value them as an employee. It’s required our leaders to be much better communicators and have an increased level of empathy for our employees and what they may have going on in their personal lives. So, while the workforce shortage has definitely created its challenges, it would be hard to view an increased quality of life for our employees as anything but positive.

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER

SHAWN PATTERSON SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL GAS PIPELINE

Southern Star has always maintained that our People are our #1 asset. Unfortunately, we have had to witness our People struggling in ways like never before merely due to matters of the world largely out of our control. But, in true Southern Star fashion, we met this challenge head on. We instead took the approach to double down on supporting the needs of our People. We have been intentional to listen, respond with urgency and serve in unwavering methods. We elevated our benefits through expanding and upgrading our offerings. We committed to professional, leadership and technical development through customized career pathways. We worked to deliver flexibility and work/life harmony to remain an integral part of our long term work strategy. And of most importance, we made a pervasive commitment to inclusion and diversity. We aren’t perfect, but you can rest assured that we listen to our People, and we go above and beyond to demonstrate care and commitment.

54 Cosmetics, LLC A Day in Time, LLC A+ Leadership, LLC Ace Hardware Marketplace Affordable Concrete Solutions Allstate Insurance, James Russell America’s Car-Mart of Owensboro Art Lab Owensboro Aubrey’s Song Foundation for Eating Disorders Barron Commercial Group Becca Bakes LLC Benchmark Family Services Blood Moon Pictures, LLC Blue Bridge Homes, LLC Bluegrass Dental Bluegrass Dental, Dr. Shawn Stringer C12 Group TriState / Ron Seib Charles Schwab Evansville Independent Branch Don Mario’s Donald R. Neel, MD Evansville Zoological Society Evolving Well Famous Bistro Feel the Love Home Health Care Fern Terra Assisted Living LLC Free Your Mind,. Body and Soul Wellness LLC Hand Therapy Plus Total Body Rehab Hearing by Design Kentucky Heritage Federal Credit Union Ivy Trellis Floral Kamuf Brothers Farms Kentucky Skin Cancer Center, Robert Skaggs, M.D., F.A.A.D Kahkola Tech, LLC Kiwanis Club of Owensboro KORT Physical Therapy- Wesleyan Park Leisure Hut of Owensboro LLC

Leslie McCarty Lincoln Heritage Council, BSA Love Yourself Boutique Lure Seafood and Grille Malone Workforce Solutions Marksberry Real Estate, LLC Midwest Communications, Inc WSTO Midwest Services LLC Neighbors Mortgage LLC OFFROAD OUTLAWZ, LLC Owensboro Warehouse Leasing LLC P & H Fabrication & Machine Par 3 Indoor Golf Payne Construction & Remodeling, LLC Pilot Steel, Inc. River Boat Services Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery Royal Insurance Rustic Roots Western Wear and Party Rentals Samantha’s Closet SolGood. Metaphysical Wellness Storm Insurance, LLC - Charlotte Newton The Boro Nutrition The Spot Coffee and Finery LLC Tonya Payne Towne Square Mall Trilogy Health Services-Calumet Trace Senior Living Trunnell’s Market & Gourmet Deli on 54 TurfBot United Auto Glass Vital Primary Care Volunteers of America Mid-States Wesleyan Medical Practice WEVV-TV Will Mounts ZEB Metals, LLC

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GO CHAMBER . SECOND EDITION 2021

THE READING LIST

WHERE THE DEER AND THE ANTELOPE PLAY: THE PASTORAL OBSERVATIONS OF ONE IGNORANT AMERICAN WHO LOVES TO WALK OUTSIDE WRITTEN BY NICK OFFERMAN

Nick Offerman’s Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside is a whimsical collection of stories and musings about the outdoors, our need to preserve it, and why we need to focus on the people around us, rather than fight with people we don’t know. The fact that Ron Swanson’s voice is in your head as you read is just another plus.

The book is divided into three parts. In the first section of the book Offerman discusses a trip with author George Saunders and Jeff Tweedy of the band Wilcon (if you haven’t heard of Wilco, pl ease go listen to their new album Cruel Country, which is one of the best things you’ll listen to this year). They are on a trip to Glacier National Park. They hike, go rafting, and mostly enjoy each other’s company.

In the next section, Offerman visits with James Rebanks. Mr. Rebanks is a farmer in England. He lives off the grid, raises most of his own food, and extols the virtues of progressive farming. In between stories of

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REVIEWED BY BRAD DAVIS VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GREATER OWENSBORO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

mending fences and working the farm are tidbits about our current food production system, and why it might need to change. More locally grown, locally sourced food is not only better testing, but better for the planet as well.

The final part of the book concerns Offerman and his wife Megan Mullally taking an RV trip across the country during COVID. One of the more poignant stories in the book is of Offerman seeing his family and some of his siblings treating him coldly. After it all spills out it ends up being a lack of communication and misunderstandings through zoom calls leading up to the trip.

Through Offerman’s wit, humility, and willingness to learn, he takes you on a journey through our world while making sure we stay grounded to what is immediately around us. He stresses the importance of locality in all of our lives and illustrates why we should all pay more attention to what is here before us.

BEHIND THE SCENES

PHOTO BY WONDER BOY MEDIA

PHOTOS BY AP IMAGERY

Election years are busy for the Chamber Advocacy Committee.

We host candidate forums we host candidate forums, run a GO Vote campaign which encourages those in the community to vote, and host Red, White & Blue, which allows candidates to address the public with their stump speeches. The fun atmosphere of Red White & Blue, set on the Daviess County Courthouse Lawn, allows community members to interact with candidates on the ballot.

“One of the major components of quality of life is civic engagement," said Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake. "Our Chamber is committed to doing its part in promoting this vital aspect of a thriving community. One way we do that is through events such as Red White and Blue where voters can interact with candidates who are seeking public office. Our members drive the local economy and progress.

Giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions is important to their bottom line.”

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2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BRENDA CLAYTON

Brenda Clayton, CPA

JOAN HAYDEN

Hayden Electric Inc.

CLAY FORD

EM Ford

SARAH MURPHY FORD

Hartz Contracting, LLC

FATHER MICHAEL LARRY JOHNSON HOSTETTER Owensboro Public Brescia University

Schools Board of Education, Truth Outreach Inc.

BRIAN WRIGHT

Owensboro Riverport Authority

MARK MARSH

Owensboro Health

SUSAN MONTALVOGESSER Catholic Diocese of Owensboro

OLGA MCKISSIC

Western Academy at H.L. Neblett Community Center

BART DARRELL

Foreman Watson Holtrey, LLP

MARIO VIZUET

Old National Bank

SHAWN COMMISSIONER PATTERSON JEFF Southern Star SANFORD Central Gas Pipeline

City of Owensboro

JOHN MARSHALL MOORE

Don Moore Automotive, Legends Team Sports, Marshall Ventures

RICK SEARCY Wendell Foster

MATT HAYDEN

Gulfstream Commercial Services, LLC

JOANNA SHAKE

Green River Area Development District

TOM ED BOOTH

U.S. Bank

JACOB CALL

Green River Distilling Co.

COMMISSIONER JEAN GEORGE WELLS Wells Health WATHEN Daviess County Fiscal Court

Systems, Inc.

FEATURES // BENEFITS GO CHAMBER

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS GO Chamber FREE Marketing Opportunities ›› Business Directory Listing: Online and in print. The full directory is also available by request for direct mail efforts

›› Member of the Week: Featured article in Owensboro Times with a social

media blast, a customized post on the Chamber Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page and a featured graphic in the Chamber Weekly email and monthly Chamber Matters in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer.

GO Chamber Networking Opportunities

›› Engage Owensboro: A community tool to focus efforts on nurturing existing

›› Rooster Booster Breakfast

talent programs, developing new ways to connect current and future leaders and creating solutions to regional workforce issues

›› Committees

›› Member Corner: Ability to post job opportunities, Member discounts and

›› Ribbon Cuttings

upcoming events on the Chamber website and in the monthly Member Memo

›› New Membership Listing: Featured in Chamber Matters and throughout Chamber communications

›› Rooster Booster Announcement: Introduced to 300+ people in attendance,

also broadcast live on WOMI 1490, replayed on Channel 71 public access television, and posted on the Chamber YouTube channel and all Chamber social media

GO Chamber Member Cost-Savings Programs ›› Chamber Advantage Health Plans: A comprehensive and affordable healthcare solution

›› ClearPath Mutual: Workers’ compensation insurance program ›› Infintech: Credit card processing company that gives Chamber Members a discount (30-40% off traditional fees)

›› Office Depot: 200+ items discounted for Chamber Members (can access online, in-store and with customized offerings)

›› Constant Contact: 60 days free for this email management and marketing

›› Chamber After Hours ›› Chamber Young Professionals ›› Chamber Golf Classic ›› Red, White and Blue ›› Chamber Celebration ›› The Network

GO Chamber Professional Development Opportunities ›› Chamber Ambassadors ›› Chamber Young Professionals ›› Leadership Owensboro ›› Teachers in the Workplace ›› Professional Development Seminars ›› Small Business Development Center

company

›› Owensboro Health Healthpark: Offers a discount on all annual memberships to Chamber Members

›› Laborchex: Discounted background checks

For more information about your Chamber Member benefits, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at shelly@owensboro.com or 270-926-1860.

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FEATURES // EVENTS

CHAMBER AFTER HOURS Chamber After Hours is a business-led event, meaning the host has a chance to plan its own event with the Chamber’s support.

This makes each Chamber After Hours event unique and exciting, while giving the sponsoring Member an opportunity to showcase their facility, team, products and services to other Members and prospective customers.

In June, Visit Owensboro hosted the first Chamber After Hours since the Covid-19 pandemic halted Chamber inperson events. Visit Owensboro serves the community through promotion of business and commerce, which is why they focused their event around highlighting various businesses/organizations in Owensboro. Green River Distilling Company provided a unique, specialty cocktail and an open bar, and guests enjoyed live music by Chris Joslin and his bluegrass band from the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum!

We encourage our Members to consider hosting their own Chamber After Hours as a way to bring the community to their doorstep!

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PHOTOS BY WONDER BOY MEDIA

“Owensboro and Daviess County have built up momentum, and this is the time to let our light shine.

A strong partnership with the chamber of commerce is a crucial component to the success of Visit Owensboro. It shows we are all working toward the common goal of fulfilling our community’s vision for its prosperity.

Partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on the Chamber After Hours event is a great opportunity to showcase Visit Owensboro’s newly branded visitor’s center and gives us the opportunity to highlight our organization’s successes in creating an economic impact.”

MARK CALITRI, PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE OWENSBORO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

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FF EE AA TT UU RR EE SS // // TT AA LL EE NN TT PP RR OO GG RR AA MM SS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS OF 2022!

ANDREA DENISE BOLDEN Kentucky Wesleyan College

DIRK DOOPER City of Owensboro

DUNCAN KA’AI-EBERT UniFirst Corporation

MAJOR MIKE STAPLES Owensboro Police Department

ALISSA BOONE Advanced Center for Orthopedic and Sports Medicine

GRANT DUNIVAN Helton Insurance Group

BLAINE MATHEW United Way of the Ohio Valley

TRISTAN DURBIN Owensboro - Daviess County Regional Airport

LAUREN MAY Owensboro Health

LAURNA STREHL Western Kentucky Botanical Garden

SANDRA BROWN German American Bank MARIA CLARK Maria Clark Photography STEPHANIE CLAY Owensboro Health TIFFANYE CORSEY Senior Community Center of Owensboro/Daviess County SHARMY DAVIS Owensboro Community and Technical College

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KAITLYN FOSTER New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services

TERRY POLLARD Serene Relief Wellness JULIE PRICE Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline

SCOTT TAYLOR Daviess County Public Schools FELICIA TROUTMAN Owensboro Health TREVOR THOMPSON Consolidated Mechanical Inc.

CALEB HAYNES Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline

CHRISTY ROHNER Brescia University

ASHTIN WARREN Hospice of Western Kentucky

TRAVIS JOHNSON EM Ford

CARLA SHOWN Owensboro Health

KET WEST Hafer

FRANCINE MARSEILLE Friday After 5

DEANNA SPEED Big Rivers Electric Corporation

DANA WILSON Owensboro Municipal Utilities

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO LEGACY LIVES ON

From the thought-provoking class discussions to the knowledgeable speakers and the eye-

opening session excursions, Leadership Owensboro absolutely enriched my life. The class gave me the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills, gain knowledge about relevant community issues, and meet some amazing people – and even form lifelong friendships.

I loved that my class had the opportunity to learn from and with each other while experiencing firsthand some of the challenges and opportunities in our community. The classes gave us exposure to so many aspects of life in Owensboro that I otherwise wouldn’t have been privy to. Leadership Owensboro was an eye opener for me in many ways; It not only gave me a different perspective of our community, it also helped to reveal my passion for making Owensboro greater. I loved Leadership Owensboro so much that I didn’t want it to end, so I took on the role of Director of Talent Programs with the Chamber of Commerce so I can experience the journey all over again!

Even though I won’t be a class member this go around, I hope that my love of the program will inspire the incumbent class and enhance their experiences. I truly treasured the time I had as a member of LO class of 2022.

ASHTIN WARREN, DIRECTOR OF TALENT PROGRAMS GREATER OWENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO GRADUATES, STAY TUNED!

Individuals who have completed Greater Owensboro’s Leadership Owensboro program are a part of an alumni base consisted of more than 1,000 business, civic and education leaders in our community. An exciting opportunity is in the works for these graduates to put their acquired leadership skills in action in our community!

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FEATURES // COMMITTEE BUSINESS VISITS CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND Chamber Ambassadors assist the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce in building membership involvement, recruitment, and retention. They also attend various Chamber functions and meetings while being the face of the Chamber in our community to local businesses who may or may not be Chamber Members.

Chamber Ambassadors are a support system for the Chamber of Commerce and are a vital aspect of the Chambers growth and success. Chamber staff relies heavily on ambassadors to fulfill duties that the Chamber Staff cannot do solely on their own.

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Chamber Ambassador visits add a welcoming touch for Members.

Ambassadors visit Members during the year to thank them for their support and their investment in the community.

They also visit non-members in hopes they will be encouraged to join the Chamber.

PRESENTING AT RIBBON CUTTINGS

A core function of Ambassadorship is the presentation at Ribbon Cuttings. The Chamber holds over 60 Ribbon Cuttings per year for Chamber businesses. Whether it is a grand opening or a new location, these ceremonial events are available to celebrate Chamber Members.

The Ambassador presents the plaque - commemorating the event and gives the business the traditional “jar” of business cards of Ambassadors so that the business can reach out for support and encouragement.

MEETINGS

The Chamber Ambassadors meet monthly to discuss Chamber events and membership. This is a special time to celebrate new Members as well as renewals. A formal meeting is held one month and then the following month the Ambassadors meet for a “social” at a Chamber Member restaurant.

ROOSTER BOOSTER GREETERS

Ambassadors act as greeters at our monthly breakfast, Rooster Booster. This is a great networking opportunity, as the Ambassadors is the first smiling face Members see as they enter the event.

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MINGA TROGDLEN

AVP, TREASURY MANAGEMENT OFFICER INDEPENDENCE BANK

What is your favorite part about being a Chamber Ambassador?

JUSTIN MERRITT PHYSICAL THERAPIST, ADVANCED CENTER FOR ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

What does being a Chamber Ambassador mean to you?

Giving back to the community; my time, talent, and resources. Being an Ambassador is more than just showing up and playing the part, it’s about the relationships you create with both the Chamber and the business we serve.

Why is this role a priority to you?

We are all Ambassadors if we care about our community.

A Chamber Ambassador is the leadership group to set the bar. The priority is for Owensboro and goes beyond the doors of the Chamber office.

What does this mean for you professionally or for your company/ business/organization?

An Ambassador has an advantage with community exposure. Representing ADVANCE in the community events benefit both our company and improves our outreach. The networking relationships I have gained are beyond value. I have no doubt if I called upon a fellow ambassador they would support me. These people are now friends.

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My favorite part is getting to know the Chamber staff and supporting them in any way that I can. I have made some great personal friends through this organization and am so proud of their accomplishments! Whether it is a current staff member or some of those that have moved on to make a difference in another capacity in our community, I treasure those relationships. They have made me a better person by getting to know them.

What would you tell other people who may be considering this role?

If you are thinking about becoming a Chamber Ambassador, speak to one of the existing Ambassadors about it as well as the Chamber staff. Let them share their experience with the program and see if it is a good fit for you.

What role does the Chamber play in our community?

The Chamber of Commerce is so vital to our community! The leadership they provide is second to none and every staff member truly has a desire to grow and prosper Owensboro and Daviess County. I am very proud to make a tiny contribution to their mission and vision.

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Five Questions W IT H

KARLA WARD INTERVIEWED BY ASHLEY WEDDING PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

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Karla Ward is the Executive Director of New Beginnings, an Owensboro-based nonprofit that offers confidential crisis and long-term therapy services to sexual assault survivors of all ages, as well as their family and friends. Karla started her career in January 1998 as Community Educator. During her tenure, she was interim director on a couple of occasions before permanently taking the Executive Director position in 2007. Karla started this role with five board members, a staff of six and a budget of about $400,000. Since that time, New Beginnings has grown to 18 board members, a staff of 19 and a budget of $1.2 million, giving them the ability to provide even more services across the seven counties they serve. Her leadership and dedication to her work earned Karla the prestigious Athena Award from Girls Inc., in partnership with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

ONE

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER? Great employees are everything to success. Engaged board members are everything to success. You can’t do the work without them. I am one person, but collectively we make the agency successful. You can’t create an environment welcoming for clients and guests without employees who love what they do.

Those things take time to build but once you do you can do amazing things.

TWO

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM/HOPE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS AND ITS ROLE IN OUR COMMUNITY? I wish more people knew about us. While I feel we have come a long way in getting our name out there, I inevitably will always run into someone who has never heard of us. And you know, given what we do that may be a good thing.

But we always want individuals to know we are free and available if they do need us. I hope to expand funding even more because we know the statistics of sexual trauma. We know a lot of individuals that are incarcerated, homeless, or use substances have a history of sexual trauma. We still have a lot of work to do.

THREE

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NEW IN THEIR CAREERS? Follow your passion! It took me three years to find that this was where I was supposed to be all along. Don’t be afraid. Take the leaps of faith and keep a healthy balance between work and family. You can do both and still be successful.

FOUR

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS OWENSBORO’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE/GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH? I think our greatest challenge is the workforce. I know we have shortages in our field for clinicians and we aren’t alone.

There are many sectors experiencing that. Our greatest potential for growth though is keeping our youth here.

We have great college and university options to start that process. If we can encourage them to stay in Owensboro for college, we have a better chance of them calling this home.

FIVE

HOW CAN WE, AS CITIZENS, BECOME MORE INVOLVED AND BETTER SERVE OUR COMMUNITY? There are so many volunteer opportunities in this community. Don’t wait for someone to ask you.

If you have a passion for a nonprofit, reach out to them. You can be board members, advocates, home sitters for the elderly, read with a child, be a mentor and so on.

There are some amazing organizations in Owensboro who would love to have you. But most importantly, when you commit to the organization, be engaged as well. Engagement equals success for you and them.

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200 E 3rd St, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-1860 chamber.owensboro.com

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID OWENSBORO KY 42301 PERMIT NO 420