GO Chamber Second Edition 2021

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GO CHAMBER . SECOND EDITION 2021

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PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner jason@tannerwest.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Ashley Wedding ashley@tannerpublishing.com

ADVERTISING SALES

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

COPY EDITOR

SECOND EDITION 2021

CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE 6 From the Chamber 8 Executive Answers On the Record

Ashley Gleason

10 Meet the Chamber Board Chair

GRAPHIC DESIGN

11 Welcome to the Chamber

Andrea Roberson Monica Smith

PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie Alexander

CONTENT TEAM Chamber Staff

PRINTING

Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky

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

W. Clay H. Ford New Members

12 The Reading List Sara Hemingway

13 Behind the Scenes

Go behind the scenes with the Chamber

33 Five Questions

With Michael Johnson

BENEFITS 18 Member of the Week Working for You

23 Insurance Plans 24 Marketing Opportunities

EVENTS 24 Ribbon Cuttings

TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

A Cut Above

TALENT PROGRAMS 28 Leadership Owensboro Lead On

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GO CHAMBER . SECOND EDITION 2021

FROM THE CHAMBER Welcome to GO Chamber’s second edition in 2021!

For our cover this edition we feature a shot of our 2021 Chamber Board and Staff Leadership Team.

That rooftop shot was taken an early morning before our May Board Meeting.

CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President & CEO

W. CLAY H. FORD Board Chair

Jason Tanner always likes to push the cover shot concepts to make them new, and even daring, at times. That morning, the humidity and heat were already climbing, but we made it up to the roof of the Hampton Inn as a group.

Over the past 18 months, that is what we have done as an organization. We have had remarkable board leadership and a staff who believes deeply in the Chamber’s transformational capacity in our community. We have made it through because the men and women of our leadership team and the Owensboro Chamber membership have been consistently innovating, adapting, and yes, pivoting.

We have also had to grant each other grace. No, times have not been easy. But tough times are when we can show the world who we are.

While we were all getting by, getting through or getting exhausted, important community happenings took place.

Our bridge was lit; we have a new downtown outdoor skating rink, pubs, and breweries; new music, performance, and event venues are opening; infrastructure projects are accelerating; and oh my goodness - the festivals and events are back and better than ever.

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GO CHAMBER . SECOND EDITION 2021

Chamber Ribbon Cuttings are reaching an all-time high and we are planning for our first membership drive in over a decade. The Member of the Week program and new membership benefits have been added to promote, connect and benefit our Members large and small.

July 1 was our first in-person Rooster Booster. Being in the same room was an overpowering moment for many of us.

Talent Programs like our iconic Leadership Owensboro program returned in-person and Chamber Young Professionals had their first inperson event at Brew Bridge.

Our board welcomed a new member, Michael Johnson, Vice Chair of Owensboro Public School Board, and had a mid-year planning session where we set goals for the remainder to the year to keep things moving forward.

Yes, we are back in-person. And it heals us all to be together. It truly makes us realize more than ever how important our events are that celebrate community achievement and keep our economy moving forward.

Thank you for keeping your portion of the “work” headed forward. We feel deeply honored to serve each of you.

- Clay and Candance

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ON THE RECORD

EXECUTIVE ANSWERS TOM ED BOOTH

COMMUNITY MARKET PRESIDENT, U.S. BANK

“Two things stick out: One is I started walking more and taking care of myself physically. I find it really has helped center me mentally through the grind and isolation that COVID-19 created.

Also, maybe I’m just more aware of nature from the additional walking, but I can’t remember a more beautiful spring in Kentucky than 2021. Second, I keep a mask in my pocket at all times. I have been fully vaccinated but out of respect for any worker, public servant, or gathering I want to make sure and protect and put at ease anyone that may be vulnerable. I feel like it is a responsibility to respect other people’s safety.”

JACOB CALL MASTER DISTILLER, GREEN RIVER DISTILLING CO.

“The constant use of hand sanitizer. I’m also much more appreciative of face-toface meetings.”

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What is a new practice you started during the pandemic that you have incorporated into your life and plan to continue?

FATHER LARRY HOSTETTER PRESIDENT, BRESCIA UNIVERSITY

“During the pandemic I’ve become more aware of the importance of mental health for our employees. We created several opportunities for our employees to find support in each other and from outside professionals.

This need will continue beyond the pandemic and I intend to make it a permanent part of our institutional culture. As Chief Executive I’ve also gained an appreciation of the importance of mental health for myself and how it impacts my ability to be a good leader.”

JOANNA SHAKE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREEN RIVER AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

“In March 2020, I started walking 4 to 5 miles daily. I don’t own a treadmill so I lace up and hit the greenbelt or my neighborhood sidewalks every day. I’ve really embraced the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv and have strolled the streets in every crazy weather element. I have also discovered a love of podcasts (I highly recommend Revisionist History and How to Be Amazing.) I complete an episode each day as I enjoy the outdoors and log my 10,000 steps. It’s truly one of the highlights of my daily routine.”

COMMISSIONER MARK CASTLEN CITY OF OWENSBORO

“Sanitize my hands often and carry sanitizer with me. Getting my restaurant food to go.”

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MEET THE CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR

W. CLAY H. FORD GREATER OWENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD CHAIR PARTNER, EM FORD

Tell us about yourself.

free time is devoted to Owensboro

I was born and raised in Owensboro

and trying to make our community a

and graduated from Owensboro High School. I then moved to Lexington to attend and graduate from the University of Kentucky with finance and management degrees.

I always

knew that I wanted to work with my dad and participate in our family insurance and investments business, EM Ford. I was fortunate enough to convince my lovely wife, Diane, to come to Owensboro with me to start the journey together. I was given the opportunity to launch our Investments and Financial Planning division, and later lead the Benefits division, before becoming a fourth generation owner of the business with my brother, Neel. I am proud to be leading our company towards our 100 year anniversary and to be surrounded by over 30 great people not just working hard, but also

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better place to live and work. I’ve really enjoyed working with the Chamber, the Prichard Committee, the Wendell Ford Government Education Center, Wendell Foster and others. The people you meet are so easy to be inspired by.

Education is the great equalizer in our country, if it is appreciated by those who have access to it and by those who fund it. I want to spend time learning about ways our system can better serve our students, and ultimately benefit employers in our region, by creating a highly qualified and motivated workforce.

What are you looking forward to most in your role as Board Chair?

I most look forward to watching the exceptional staff at the Chamber help our Members succeed. They constantly work to find new ways to make a

working smart on behalf of our clients.

positive difference in our community.

Diane loves Owensboro as much as

The board consists of great community

I do and we have been blessed to raise

leaders to learn from and gives me

our two children, Whitley and John

the chance to see contrasting ideas

Clay, in a fantastic community. My

for solving problems or leveraging

hobbies revolve around my family. We

Owensboro’s unique strengths for

love to go to the farm and get as muddy

future success.

as we can, play tennis, participate in

is special, but I’m biased, so I look

any watersport at the lake, or take

forward to using this time to think big

late night bike rides to Sonic once

and tackle important issues that may be

summer rolls around! Otherwise, any

serving as roadblocks to advancement

I know Owensboro

and improvement. How can we make Owensboro more attractive to employers, small innovative businesses that want to grow here, and most importantly, to a diverse group of young people that want to find opportunity and success here? We need them to feel confident in their ability accomplish their dreams and enjoy all that Owensboro has to offer. The Chamber Young Professionals and Leadership Owensboro are two organizations that give me great confidence in the future.

What do you think the Chamber means for Owensboro and the businesses it serves?

It serves as a resource. The Chamber is an organization that will help you improve your business. It will inform you of changes to laws and regulations and help you understand how that will affect you and your business. The Chamber advocates for Owensboro’s and our Members’ concerns, while bringing people together, which creates opportunities and connections. Don’t miss the chance to be involved and make an impact or be positively impacted.

What is your favorite local spot?

There is no doubt about my favorite place in Owensboro. A morning walk on Owensboro’s beautiful riverfront with a cup of coffee from a local coffee shop is absolutely the best way to start your day.

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER Milliken & Company Owensboro Specialty Polymers Thompson Benefits & Enrollment Group, LLC United Outdoor Media Living Hope Community Church ProRehab Owensboro American Freight Super 8 First United Bank Step Stone Family and Youth Services Grace Christian Academy of Owensboro Fast Lane Auto Repair The Crème Coffee House Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Diocesan Council of Western Kentucky, Inc. Lark Electric, LLC Jiffy Lube (Stonebriar Auto Services, LLC) Strive Health Kidney Care Center of Owensboro ID & A, Inc. Innovative Staff Solutions Whittaker Gun Shop LLC Escape Today Owensboro Brew Bridge Images Day Spa, LLC Elite Auto Glass, LLC. Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville PorchFest OBKY Cabinets Unlimited Murray State University - Henderson Regional Campus Panther Creek Baptist Church 5ive Financial, LLC Julep Home and Gift Owensboro Museum of Science and History Swank Style & Boutique Northwestern Mutual - Joshua Yonts Edward Jones - Cameron Quisenberry American Red Cross - Western Kentucky Chapter

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THE READING LIST

YELLOW WIFE WRITTEN BY SADEQA JOHNSON

REVIEWED BY SARA HEMINGWAY 2021 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARILYN AND WILLIAM YOUNG FOUNDATION

Curling up with an engrossing book has always been one of my greatest joys. Reading relaxes me while providing hours of respite after a stressful day. I am most often drawn to the genre of historical fiction particularly when it involves the trials and triumphs of a formidable and courageous woman. Sadeqa Johnson’s page turning novel Yellow Wife set in the mid-19th century explores the strength of a mother and what ends she will go to protect her children.

Inspired by the true story of Mary Lumpkin and Lumpkin’s jail in Richmond, Virginia, Yellow Wife follows the life of a young mulatto slave named Pheby Delores Brown. A few months prior to her 18th birthday Pheby loses her mother to illness, and after a broken promise of freedom by her plantation’s owner, is sold to traders.

Eventually she arrives on the auction block at Lapier’s Jail, where she is rescued by the jailer and then lives with him as his wife and eventually, mother of his children. Over time, Pheby is elevated to the role of mistress of the jail operation, managing the staff and using her skills as a seamstress to sew clothes for young girls who are to be sold at auction. The years she spends living at the jail are

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deeply emotional and she endures tremendous mental turmoil at the hands of Jailer Lapier. The scenes are often gut-wrenching, and Johnson does not shy away from the atrocities that occurred at the jail.

This novel remains in my mind although I read it months ago. Not only is the story well researched and full of history, but the author also eloquently translates what it felt for Pheby to essentially be the property of another person. Despite her circumstances, Pheby manages to find simple pleasures in her daily routine, and I found this inspiring. She endured difficulties and cruelties which were often arduous to read but I believed it necessary to persist so that I could better comprehend this painful part of history.

Heroes such as Pheby Delores Brown prove that determined women throughout history have sacrificed immeasurably to keep their families safe and provide opportunities for them to advance. She never lost her hope and love for life and I was captivated by her resolve.

Yellow Wife will give you a firsthand perspective on what one woman’s life can do to change the trajectory of an entire generation.

BEHIND THE SCENES CEDARHURST MEMBER VISIT

CHAMBER TEAM

GO CHAMBER TEAM PHOTO

OUT & ABOUT

MIDDAY WITH MIKE

CHAMBER BOARD MEETING WITH SENATOR RAND PAUL

COVID-19 VACCINES

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BEHIND THE SCENES C H A MB E R YOU N G P R OFESS IONAL S

R OOS T E R B OOS TE R

LE A D E R S H I P OW E NS B OR O

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

OCTC: EXPANDING

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES INTERNATIONALLY

JACKIE MCCARTHY

F

OCTC EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CENTER

or the first time Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) is participating in

the Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, where community colleges from the U.S., Jordan, or Iraq team up to take on the global challenges inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

An exciting first meeting of the Global Solutions Conversations program took place Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

Faculty facilitator, Sawsan Al Najjar and students from the Kharwarizmi

second or third language. Students prepared for the meetings with videos, study questions, and basic guidelines provided by Global Solutions. Dress was business casual for the virtual meetings.

Prior to their first virtual engagement, Bennett shared, Jordan the Country,

University Technical College in Amman, Jordan met virtually with students

a video produced by Mosaic Holiday. Jordan is a country rich in history,

from OCTC. Jim Johnson, Spanish faculty member and Co-chair of the OCTC

beauty, and culture. It is a mix of modern new age entertainment, historical

Diversity/Global Studies Committee, initiated this exciting opportunity and

and biblical stories and rich Roman architecture. The vast Wadi Rum desert is

served as facilitator. Faculty members Dr. Bob Glenn, Communications, and

home to ancient architecture like the Treasury of Petra, used in iconic movies

Michael Boyd, Business Administration, are co-facilitators. Helen Bennett,

like Indiana Jones and The Mummy Returns. Though it has a rich history, there

Experiential Learning Center (ELC) Coordinator, assisted in recruiting,

are equally as many modern experiences to enjoy in Jordan’s commercial

showcasing, and promotion of the event, The ELC was developed with funding from a Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant.

These conversations will happen through five binational virtual meetings over a period of six to ten weeks. Students from the United States, Jordan and Iraq will choose one of the 17 initiatives or SDG and progress into the next level of the Global Solutions program. This selection of projects includes many current social justice issues and will provide relevant, hands-on learning to develop student job skills through the binational virtual exchange.

Johnson stated, “The purpose of this program is to provide a unique virtual exchange experience for students to practice empathy and crosscultural communication skills as they learn about design thinking and ideate a sustainable solution to a real problem in the community. As our world becomes smaller, the skill of cross-cultural communication is increasingly important for engaging with colleagues, employers, and community members. Virtual exchange affords an opportunity for students to interact with their peers from

center, Amman. The 2019 metro area population of Amman was 2,109,000.

Jordan’s population that same year was 9,531,712. It is vast country and borders Israel and the Dead Sea. OCTC students reflected on the experience thus far, Bethany Galloway commented, “Jordan is in a time zone eight hours ahead of us, so the meeting took place at the end of their day, yet the student’s eagerly participated in the conversation in their second language.” Thomas Vessels added, “Correcting cultural misconceptions is one of the major benefits of this program, as it helps to reduce the roadblocks to international communication created by stereotypes.” Antoine Smith-Rouse stated, “As a result of this experience, I have begun to research and broaden my perceptions.”

The final Global Solutions Conversation is set for Tuesday, April 6. It will be a joint meeting with all of the participating colleges from Iraq, Jordan, and the United States. To learn more about the Global Solutions project visit

another country and develop cross-cultural communication without having to

https://www.irex.org/project/global-solutions. To learn more about OCTC’s

physically travel.”

Experiential Learning Center and the opportunities available contact Helen.

Arabic is the first language of the Jordanian students: English could be their

Bennett@kctcs.edu or call 270-852-8164.

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FEATURES // BENEFITS

MEMBER OF THE WEEK

WORKING FOR YOU

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T

he Chamber is always looking for ways to promote its Members. In 2021, a new partnership between the Chamber and The Owensboro

Times formed to promote one Member business, organization, or individual each week of the year. As Member of the Week, the business receives a featured article and photo on The Owensboro Times website. The article is shared across all Chamber communications, including the weekly email newsletter, social media, and website. The business logo is also featured as the promo graphic on the Chamber website during that week.

“The Chamber’s Member of the Week promotion is a special way

we spotlight our Members and the great things they are doing in our community,” said Chamber Vice President Shelly Nichols. “Through this collaboration with The Owensboro Times, we get to reach an even larger audience while promoting the Member business/organization and highlighting their individual story. I am so happy we can deliver this membership benefit for our Members.”

Members can sign up to be Member of the Week by contacting Shelly

Nichols at shelly@owensboro.com or (270) 926-1860.

“Obviously, the Chamber is an excellent resource for information and networking, but what I love most is that they are cheerleaders for local businesses! As a new business, that support and encouragement has been invaluable!”

ANNE HIGGINS, WILLOW & PINE MARKET

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FEATURES // BENEFITS

“Being recognized as Chamber Member of the Week is just another great benefit the Chamber offers.

We are always looking for ways to get our name out there and to have the Chamber support its membership like it does is amazing. We operate in several regional markets, and no one does a better job of adding value to their membership than the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. We are happy to be a part of an organization that strives to make local businesses the best they can be.”

RICK EBELHAR, EVERGREEN LAWN CARE, MOSQUITO JOE, WEEDMAN

“Being part of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable component of my business’s success. The networking and support provided by the Chamber helped 54 Pizza Express build its foundation early on, but in recent months, the support and advice provided by the Chamber has been essential in keeping the doors open.”

CINDY TONG, 54 PIZZA EXPRESS

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“We noticed an immediate impact when featured as the Chamber Member of the Week. Our first call that Monday morning was from a family who had not heard of us, but needed care for an aging parent.

He said it was serendipitous to learn about Timesavers from the story in the Owensboro Times. The featured story was also shared and tagged by encouraging friends and colleagues on social media.

We really appreciated the opportunity to participate and help increase awareness of our local small business.”

TINA WRIGHT, TIMESAVERS

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GO CHAMBER FREE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES: Business Directory Listing:

Member Corner:

Online and in print. The full directory is also available by request

Ability to post job opportunities, Member discounts and upcoming

for direct mail efforts.

events on the Chamber website. This information is shared weekly on Chamber social media.

Member of the Week: Featured article and photo in The Owensboro Times, a customized

New Membership Listing:

post across Chamber social media, a featured graphic in the

Featured in the weekly email newsletter, monthly Chamber

Chamber Weekly email and monthly Chamber Matters, and

Matters, quarterly magazine, social media, and all other Chamber

featured on the Chamber website.

communications.

Engage Owensboro:

Rooster Booster Announcement:

A community tool to focus efforts on nurturing existing talent

Introduced as a new Member to 300+ people in attendance, also

programs, developing new ways to connect current and future

broadcast live on WOMI 1490, replayed on Channel 71 public

leaders and creating solutions to regional workforce issues.

access.

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FEATURES // EVENTS

RIBBON CUTTINGS

A CUT ABOVE

BY ASHLEY WEDDING // PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

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“Our ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce was a fantastic experience. The board members, and the various Chamber of Commerce businesses that attended, really went out of their way to make us feel that we are a welcome and vital part of the Owensboro business community.

The experience confirmed to us that opening a Taproom in downtown Owensboro was the right decision for Mile Wide Beer Co.” SCOTT SHREFFLER, MILE WIDE BEER CO.

D

maintenance to keep them sharp!

ue to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber had to pause nearly all of its regularly scheduled in-person events,

•

including ribbon cuttings for new Members. Now that safety mandates are lifted and more Kentuckians have been vaccinated,

logos before COVID-19.

•

all of us at the Chamber are excited to once again hold ribbon cuttings.

The ribbon is exactly 16 Chamber logos long - it was 14 The cost is $200 for Chamber Member businesses, and $50 for non-profit organizations.

•

If your business or organization is interested in hosting a ribbon cutting with the Chamber, the

Here are some fun facts you may not know about this time-

Chamber requires at least two weeks’ notice so

honored Chamber tradition:

that we can plan and promote the event!

•

•

openings! They are a great way to recognize

Chamber Vice President Shelly Nichols followed by a

a new location or re-opening, anniversaries,

presentation by a Chamber Ambassador. Ambassadors

new staff or leadership, or joining the

are Chamber volunteers and representatives of the local business community.”

•

•

Ribbon cuttings don’t just celebrate grand

“At ribbon cuttings, there is a special presentation by

Chamber!

•

The

Chamber

invites

elected

Businesses receive a customized plaque recognizing their

officials, Chamber Board members,

ribbon cutting, a jar filled with business cards from those

Ambassadors, and all of our nearly

attending the event, as well as the ribbon following the

1,000 Members to ribbon cuttings.

official cut.

We also promote the event via our

The scissors are real! Our ribbon cutting scissors are 33

weekly email newsletter and to the

inches long and weigh 7 pounds. They require regular

public via social media.

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FEATURES // EVENTS

“Murphy Excavating loved having so much support from the community at our ribbon cutting. It was a great opportunity to showcase our new location and provide knowledge about our business and all the services we provide.”

ANGIE MURPHY, MURPHY EXCAVATING

“Our Board understands the strength and importance of the Chamber and felt the ribbon cutting was the perfect event to announce Merchant Centre Court. Also, since the Chamber was so helpful during COVID we feel the need to ‘pay it forward.’”

NOEL CLAYTON, MERCHANT CENTRE COURT

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FEATURES // TALENT PROGRAMS

DURING LEADER SHIP OWENSB O RO ’S J UST I CE DAY SESSION, SER GEANT CHRIS HEM PF L I NG A ND K 9 JAKE FROM THE DAVIESS COUNT Y DET ENT I O N C ENTER PROVIDED A K9 DEMO NST RAT I O N O N T HE DAVIESS COUNT Y COURTHOUS E L AWN.

L E A D ER SHI P OWE NSB ORO

LEAD ON

BY ASHLEY WEDDING PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

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F

ocused on educating and engaging individuals to reach their potential and maximize their impact in the community, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to its Leadership Owensboro program.

In order to improve the quality of life in the Greater Owensboro region, the Chamber develops future leaders by familiarizing them with the community’s opportunities, needs, challenges and resources.

Each year, individuals are selected through a competitive application process to be a part of the Leadership Owensboro program. The Leadership Owensboro Curriculum Committee, comprised of regional community leaders, meets regularly to build agendas for the program with the goal of educating the class as much as possible on relevant and timely topics, such as human needs, education, agriculture, government, healthcare, justice and more.

To date, Leadership Owensboro has an alumni base of more than 1,000 civic, business and education leaders. To learn more about Leadership Owensboro, visit chamber.owensboro.com/leadership-owensboro.

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO

In what ways have the lessons of Leadership Owensboro changed your perspective?

So often we fall into the trap of thinking we “know Owensboro” and while we might be knowledgeable about the inner workings of our community there is always more to learn.

Leadership Owensboro allows participants to not only learn more about the community at large but also different people and perspectives within Daviess County. I left each class session with new perspectives and insight on each topic.

EMMY WOOSLEY

Q&A What is the greatest lesson you learned through this program?

Our community is not properly represented by our local elected officials. It is so important for us to have diverse representation in our local government, especially for women and people of color.

Diversity and inclusion are the keys to our city’s success.

TYLER SHOOKMAN

Why did you apply to join this class of Leadership Owensboro?

I understand the important role LO plays in developing leadership within our community and establishing community projects. A lot has changed in our community in 20 years and I’ve changed. I wanted to see our community from a different perspective so I can establish new relationships and help to make our community better for all people.

REV. RHONDALYN RANDOLPH

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FEATURES // TALENT PROGRAMS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS OF 2021!

ALEX ROSS Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline

ELLEN EBELHAR Independence Bank

KATIE DRAB RE/MAX Professional Realty Group

SAMANTHA HOWARD Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline

AMANDA HUFF Audubon Area Head Start

EMMY WOOSLEY Daicel Safety System America Inc.

SARA BUTTERWORTH Owensboro Health

ANTOINE SMITH-ROUSE Owensboro Community and Technical College Workforce Solutions

GWYN PAYNE Owensboro Symphony

KITTY JONES Puzzle Pieces Employment Opportunities

APRIL JENNINGS CherriCare, Inc. BETHANIE ROBERTS Owensboro Grain Company, LLC BRANDY MATHEW Advanced Cardiology of Owensboro BRYSON MORROW Owensboro Parks and Recreation DONNA FITZGERALD Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky DREW HARDESTY Wonder Boy Media

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LESLYE KRAMPE Big Rivers Electric Corporation

SARAH POOLE Wendell Foster

HARRISON BRYANT Malcolm Bryant Corporation

MARY MOORHOUSE German American Bank

SOMER DUNAWAY EM Ford

JASON ANDERSON Owensboro Health Healthpark

MATT FITZGERALD Daniel Dick State Farm

J.D. WINKLER Owensboro Police Department

MEGAN GROSS New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services

DR. STACY EDDS-ELLIS Owensboro Community and Technical College

JEANNA SIDDONS American Patriot Getaways JOE JANES Owensboro Municipal Utilities

QUINCY HARRIS Puzzle Pieces RACHEL WHELAN Brescia University

JOHN DAVID SANDEFUR Owensboro Public Schools

REV. RHONDALYN RANDOLPH Owensboro NAACP

JOY CARROLL IMPACT 100 Owensboro

ROBIN DUNIVAN U.S. Bank

SUMMER CRICK Kentucky Wesleyan College TRAVIS OWSLEY CASA of Ohio Valley TRUDY MATTINGLY Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline TYLER SHOOKMAN Talk to Tyler, LLC (L. Steve Castlen Realtors)

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Five Questions W IT H

MICHAEL JOHNSON New Member of Chamber Board, Vice-Chair of Board of Owensboro Public Schools, President, Truth Outreach, Inc. INTERVIEWED BY ASHLEY WEDDING

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ONE

WHO INSPIRES YOU? I would have to say my mother. She has always been my inspiration. Coming from a single parent family, she worked sometimes two and three jobs to provide for me and my brother.

She taught us to keep our faith strong in God and work hard and love one another and always see the good in everyone.

THREE

WHAT LEGACY ARE YOU HOPING TO LEAVE THROUGH YOUR WORK AND VOLUNTEERISM? I would like to leave a legacy that says I was a person who dedicated himself to service to others above all else. A person of faith and love for people and a person who was passionate about helping those in need.

FOUR TWO

WHAT IS OWENSBORO DOING RIGHT? WHAT DO WE NEED TO WORK ON? Owensboro has a lot to offer a family with its low cost of living and its small hometown feel and great schools. The Owensboro area is also a great place for entrepreneurship. Owensboro is positioned for future growth and expansion across the city.

Owensboro needs to work on and invest in social infrastructure of the inner city as well as rural areas of those who live below the poverty line. We continue to see so many people struggling just to put food on the table and basic necessities to live.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? I believe my greatest accomplishment has to be my US Naval career of 30 years of service to my country. This is truly at the top of my list. My career in the US Navy took me all over the world to many countries and I learned about many cultures and people. I loved it!

FIVE

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG LEADERS? I would say be humble and support the people around you.

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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