The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce filled the Convention Center’s German American ballroom Thursday morning to enjoy the first in-person Rooster Booster since the pandemic began more than a year ago.
As Clay Ford from EM Ford introduced the guest speaker — President of Kentucky Wesleyan College Dr. Thomas Mitzel — Ford shared how excited he was to return to the event.
“I don’t care what time we have to get here in the morning or if it rains all day. Let’s enjoy this opportunity to be back together,” Ford said.
Mitzel talked about the 70th anniversary of the College in Owensboro and the impact the community has on its students. According to Mitzel, more than 50% of alum stay in the Daviess County area.
Mitzel noted that the workforce is always difficult to fill and they at the College try to ensure they are educating the students to fill the positions that need to be filled in the area.
As part of the 70th anniversary, Greg Risch, one of the College’s trustees, is asking for people to donate $70 toward the college and he will match the gifts up to $7,000, according to Mitzel.
“We are so proud to be a part of Owensboro, and personally I cannot tell you how happy I am to be here. So thank you for everything, we look forward to working with you in the coming generations,” Mitzel said.
Chamber President & CEO Candance Brake was thankful to all who attended virtually over the past months and to the team that helped throughout the year.
Brake congratulated the graduating Leadership Owensboro Class of the 2021 for their volunteer work and ability to finish during the circumstances.
For the rest of the event, businesses announced plans for the summer — including the Riverfront Live on July 2 during Friday After 5, the second year of the Summer Shop Local on July 24, and the Chamber’s Golf Scramble on Aug. 27.
After the event, Brake said it felt great to be back in the same room as “hundreds of people who are all committed to growing a stronger community.”
“Everyone in the room was there to celebrate the momentum we have here and to connect with friends and colleagues,” Brake said.
By Josh Kelly, The Owensboro Times