On March 21 and 22, more than 30 Chamber Ambassadors, volunteers, board members and staff vis-ited nearly 650 members of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce to say thank you for being a member. Window decals were delivered, as were membership directories and new information about

Chamber programs and perks.The outreach event incorporated some com-

petition in it as well, with volunteers competing on how many visits they could make, how many old window decals they could collect and how many member update forms they could com-

plete. The winners were:Most visits – Connie Hardison, Daymar Colleg Most window decals – Kevin Young, Edward

Jones Most member update forms – Jim DeMaio,

Century 21 Partners

650 members contacted in March gratitude campaign competition

greater owensboro chamber of commerce

CHAMBER MATTERS April 2013

Vol 1

2/Is

sue

4

inside:

April Calendar 2New Members 5Ribbon Cuttings 5Anniversaries 5Renewals 6

owensboro.com/chamber

Membermadness

April 11, 2013Owensboro Christian Church 7:30 a.m.

SPEAKER: John A. Williams, Member of Governor’s Tax Reform Commission

Register online at www.Owensboro.com/chamber or call (270) 926-1860

Rooster Booster Breakfast

Chamber1

CHAMBER MATTERS2 Monday, April 8, 2013

John A. Williams will be the guest speaker at April’s Rooster Booster Breakfast. Williams, a member of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Com-mission on Tax Reform, will over-view the commission’s 54 recom-mendations to overhaul Kentucky’s tax code. The proposals from the special panel included everything from revenue-raising measures such as higher cigarette taxes and limits on itemized deduc-tions to tax cuts such as lower rates on income and a new earned income tax credit for the working poor.

Williams is the founder and currently Chairman of Computer Services, Inc.(CSI). He served as chairman of the board of the Fed-eral Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Louisville Branch; is a founder and former president of the Association of Financial Technology (AFT); and former chairman of CUBE (The Burroughs Computer Users). In 2004, he was named Distinguished Citizen by the Paducah Area Cham-ber of Commerce. In 2006, he

received the Governor’s Technology Award as the individual who most deserved to be recognized as a lead-er in technology innovation in Ken-tucky. Williams was the first-ever recipient of Murray State Univer-sity’s Telecommunications Systems

Management Department’s Entrepreneurship Award, and the university further honored him by naming the award the John A. Williams Entrepreneurship Award. In 2009, he was the recipient of the Dr. Gene Wells Ray Telecommunications Sys-tems Management (TSM)

Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Busi-ness and Economics Hall of Fame. Also in 2009, the Paducah Area Chamber presented him the Summit Award for leadership in education and poverty. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Williams is currently serving as co-chair for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute for School Principals.

Williams to share KY Tax Reform Commission recommendations

AMY JACKSON, PRESIDENT & CEO

ajackson@owensboro.com

MISSY GANT, MEMBERSHIP MANAGERmgant@owensboro.com

SUSAN HIGH, ACCOUNTING MANAGERshigh@owensboro.com

JAMIE ROBY, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

jroby@owensboro.com

Chamber Matters is published monthly in the Messenger-

Inquirer for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 825, Owensboro, KY 42302-0825

• (270) 926-1860 • www.owensboro.com/chamber

Follow us on Twitter @GOCHAMBER

GAVIN ROBERTS, BOARD CHAIR

11 Rooster Booster Breakfast OwensboroChristianChurch

7:30am

11 Ribbon Cutting Bass-N-More Bait & Tackle 1308TriplettStreet

12:15pm

16 Advocacy Committee Meeting CommerceCenter

11:30am

18 Make a Business Connection Tumbleweed

7:30am

18 Small Business Committee Meeting CommerceCenter

11:30am

19 Make a Business Connection RamadaInn

11:30am

23 Chamber Ambassador Meeting CommerceCenter

11:45am

APRILcalendar

John A. Williams

Chamber2Chamber2

LET US TAKE YOU THERE

IN STYLE,

CHAMBER MATTERS3Monday, April 8, 2013

Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation is a leader in the aggressive efforts

to strategically reposition the Greater Owensboro Metropolitan Region as a dynamic and diversified region generat-ing wealth, quality jobs and improving quality of place.

Owensboro ranked 28th out of 398 metro areas nationally in job growth last year. Area Development Magazine named Owensboro a leading location and ranked the region in the Top Ten among Small Metros in growth and development nationally.

The EDC fulfills its mission through the following:

New Business Attraction EDC employs a recruitment strategy,

using a targeted approach to attract new companies. The EDC is a key partner with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Kentucky United, which markets and promotes Kentucky to companies and consultants. The volume of projects with the Cabinet has doubled over the past few years.

Existing Business Retention Support for existing businesses

remains a top priority. EDC assists local companies with expansion and retention projects to help them better compete in the wider marketplace.

New Business Formation Emerging Ventures Center for Innova-

tion is the arm of the EDC supporting new company formation. Emerging Ven-tures is responsible for promoting and supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and high tech company development. It operates the region’s high tech business accelerator program, the Centre for Busi-ness and Research.

Workforce Development A skilled, tech-savvy workforce is

a magnet for economic growth. EDC partners with schools and colleges so that Owensboro will remain on the forefront with cutting-edge workforce development programs such as appren-ticeships, career pathway programs, unique degrees and internships. In 2012, Owensboro-Daviess County was named Kentucky’s first Work Ready Commu-nity.

Placemaking Quality of place and amenities are the

key factor for people in today’s world when choosing a place to live. The EDC partners with the local governments to invest in the infrastructure, such as downtown Owensboro to create a quality place for talent and investment.

Infrastructure Development The EDC has spearheaded support for key infrastructure projects such as Interstates 67 and 69, enhanced investment at the Riverport and Airport.

Investment In Economic Development

Support for the work of the EDC is

paying dividends. Over the past two years $650,000 has been invested by local government and $260,000 has been invest-ed by private sources supporting the EDC growth strategy. This financial support has lead to over $104 million in direct private business investment by firms supported by the EDC. Every dollar spend in support of the EDC translates to nearly $50 of private investment in the Owensboro

Chamber3Chamber3

CHAMBER MATTERS4 Monday, April 8, 2013

Community business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Com-merce’s Chick-fil-A® Leadercast® at the Owensboro Christian Church in Owens-boro on May 10, 2013. The event is pre-sented by US Bank Home Mortgage, and tickets are on sale now.

Chick-fil-A® Leadercast® is a one-day leader development event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, GA. to hundreds of sites throughout the nation, including Owensboro. Speakers for this year’s event include:

• Jack Welch, Former Chairman and CEO of General Electric

• Andy Stanley, Best-selling leadership author and communicator

• Mike Krzyzewski, Head men’s bas-

ketball coach, Duke University and Team USA

• John Maxwell, Best-selling author and leadership expert

• Dr. Henry Cloud, Best-selling author and leadership consultant

• LCDR Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL and star of the 2012 movie Act of Valor

• Sanya Richards-Ross, 2012 London Olympic gold medalist, track & field

• David Allen, Best-selling author of Getting Things Done and productivity expert

• Condolezza Rice, Secretary of State (2005-2009) , via exclusive Simply Lead video interview

Last year, more than 100,000 leaders from 14 countries attended Chick-fil-A® Leadercast®. In its 14th year, this full day, experiential conference is predicted to reach its largest audience to date.

“It is one of the single most consoli-dated sources of leadership that I know of,” said Gavin Roberts, chairman of the Chamber board and Kentucky Bureau Insurance Agency Manager. “But it goes beyond that. I think this conference,

although very focused on business and industry leadership, really shows you how to lead in life and set your own life goals.”

“The Chamber is excited to offer this event in partnership with US Bank Home Mortgage and Chick-fil-A. Most of the time our Chamber members have to send their employees to larger cities, at a much higher cost to have access to leadership development like this,” said Chamber President and CEO Amy Jackson.

Get your tickets today by calling the Chamber at 926-1860 or register online at www.owensboro.com/chamber. Ticket prices for Chamber Members are $65 before April 19 and $75 after that date. Non-members can purchase tickets for $85. Limited seating available!

World-renowned leaders to speak at Chamber event

The Chamber is adding a second Make a Business Connection in April! In addition to the 7:30 am session on April 18 at Tumbleweed, the Chamber is adding a lunchtime version on April 19. Join a new crowd at the Ramada Inn for lunch by 54 Pizza Express at 11:30 am. You will be able to pitch your busi-ness and why you are different than your competition to fellow members to build your referral and prospect base!

Member Kevin Bruner, InfoServe, Inc. says, “To-date, I have met over 214 business professionals at MBC meetings. During each meet-ing I meet at least three people that

I never met before. Many of those individuals have made referrals to me and I have made referrals to many of them. Networking is work-ing at Make a Business Connec-tion!”

Two great networking opportunities in April

Chamber4Chamber4

1000 East 4th Street • 684-3283

CHAMBER MATTERS5Monday, April 8, 2013

new MembersAustin Industrial601 Innovative Way(270) 764-3084 Bass-N-More Bait & Tackle1308 Triplett Street(270) 684-5999 Catholic Diocese of Owensboro600 Locust Street(270) 683-1545 C-Leigh-C Salon & Boutique3811 Highway 54, Suite 103(270) 316-9133 Daviess County Property Valuation Administrator’s Office212 St. Ann Street, Room 102(270) 685-8474 Federal Fire & Security(270) 925-5214

Growing Minds Learning Center721 Chuck Gray Court(270) 827-4652 Hayden Furniture1100 East Fourth Street(270) 684-7241 Johnson Family Dentistry722 Harvard Drive(270) 685-5242 Miles LP Gas2760 Keller Road(270) 926-2421 Neely Insurance Agency2120 Frederica Street(270) 684-9851 Pegasus Cycles, Inc.2809 Veach Road(270) 683-4663

RiverPark EyeCare – Dr. Elizabeth Martin221 Allen Street(270) 685-4966 Sanders, Inc.1320 US 231 North(270) 298-0061 Service Master Mid-Kentucky1051 Searcy WayBowling Green, KY 42103(270) 782-8500 SurfKY News GroupMidtown Building, Suite 210(270) 452-1472 Wasabi Express636 Southtown Boulevard(270) 684-3500 Zion United Church of Christ625 Allen Street(270) 683-3811

ribbon cuttings

CYLO – Connecting Young Leaders of Owensboro

200 East Third Street(270) 926-1860

Wasabi Express636 Southtown Boulevard

(270) 684-3500

Chamber5Chamber5

The Chamber would like to recognize those businesses celebrating anniversaries with us this month. Thank you for being a loyal member and supporting local commerce!

35 YearsWendell Foster’s Cam-pus for Developmental

Disabilities 25 Years Big Rivers Electric CorporationDr. Mark Fort DMDEvergreen Lawn Care Inc./

WeedManKentucky Mirror & Plate Glass

Co., Inc.RC Bratcher Radiator, Welding

& AutomotiveTony Clark Realtors, LLC –

Tony Clark 20 Years Home Builders Association of

Owensboro 10 Years Schnitzelbank Catering 5 Years ADventuresBudweiser of OwensboroExcursionsJunior League of OwensboroLand Shark ShreddingUpper Room Music

Mem

ber a

nnive

rsarie

s

CHAMBER MATTERS6 Monday, April 1, 2013

The 10th annual Owensboro Has It! Business Expo has been sched-uled for Thursday, June 6th at the RiverPark Center from 3-7 pm. The Chamber’s BUY-LOCAL expo has evolved into an opportunity for more than 50 members a year to display their products, services and programs! Businesses that partici-pate this year will receive advertis-ing on the Chamber website and social media, in the weekly Cham-ber newsletter, on the radio, in the newspaper and at the May and June Rooster Booster Breakfast, along with exhibit space.

Booths are now available for the

2013 Owensboro Has It! Business Expo. Booths are only $350 until April 26. After April 26, booths will be $400. To reserve your spot, visit www.owensboro.com/cham-ber to fill out a registration form. If you have questions, please call Jamie Roby at 926-1860 or email jroby@owensboro.com.

Reserve your 2013 Owensboro Has It! boothMember Renewals

Advanced Therapy Innovations

Alphatek SolutionsAmerican Engineers, Inc.AT&TAutry’s Septic Tank Service,

Inc.Brilliant Signs, Copies &

Printing, LLCC12 Group of the Tri-StateCircuit Court ClerkCliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club,

Inc.Commodity Marketing

ServicesDaviess County Public

SchoolsEdward Jones, Kevin YoungEdward Jones, Tycen BrockEnterprise Rent-A-Car-

DowntownFinancial Freedom Partners,

Jim Weafer CFPGreater Owensboro Realtor

AssociationH & R Agri-PowerHausner Hard-Chrome of KY.,

Inc.HawesWay, Inc.Hearing CenterHorn & France InsuranceInternational Bar-B-Q FestivalJ.D. Byrider of OwensboroJust Rennie’s, LLCKentucky Wesleyan CollegeKodiak Resources Inc.L. Steve Castlen Realtors,

Diane Brancato

ManpowerMark S. Wheeler, D.M.D.Mechanical Consultants, Inc.Owensboro Convention

CenterOwensboro Goodwill

Industries & Job PlacementOwensboro Grain Holding

Companies LLCPorter Paint Co.Rexel Southland Electrical

SuppliesRight to Life of OwensboroRoad Sprinkler Fitters Local

Union 669Robert F. Kuphal, CPASignProsSprings Urgent CareState Farm Insurance, J. Todd

InmanSwank SalonThacker, Bickel, Hodskins &

Thacker, L.L.P.Unique Granite & MarbleVE CreativeWalgreensWax Works, Inc.WBKR/WOMIWEHT NEWS 25 Gilmore

BroadcastingWestern Kentucky Botanical

GardenWestern Kentucky Regional

Blood CenterWFIE TV 14Yager Materials, LLC

As a member of the “Offi ce Plus” buying group of over 400 dealers, WE CAN BUY CHEAPER AND SELL CHEAPER!

Owensboro’s Locally Owned Offi ce Supplier1701 Breckenridge St. • 926-2222

Thank You forYour Business!

–Gary Sisk

FREEDELIVERY!

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CHAMBER MATTERS8 Monday, April 8, 2013

www.owensboro.com/chamberPRST STD.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDOWENSBORO, KY

PERMIT #218

Friday, August 23 • Owensboro Country ClubTeam reservation and sponsorship information for the Golf

Classic will be coming your way soon!

Save the Date

The February Ambassador of the Month, Belinda Abell, has been a Chamber Ambas-sador since 1989.

She has 20+ years of experience in Marketing/Advertising and is Co-Owner of Impact Market-ing Consultants. She is active in the community, serving on the boards

of Girls Inc., Owensboro Family YMCA, and is very active in her church. A vocal proponent of local business, Abell believes that being an active Chamber mem-ber strengthens her business, as well as the entire business com-munity.

Belinda Abell – Impact Marketing ConsultantsAmbassador of the Month Spotlight

Chamber8Chamber8