Owensboro Chamber presents annual Awards For Excellence
Owensboro, KY – On Jan. 17, Friday, at the 2025 Chamber Celebration, presented by Owensboro Health, more than 800 Chamber Members and regional and state leaders recognized community leaders for the 2025 Chamber Awards for Excellence and ten local businesses as the 2025 Businesses of the Year.
The evening began with a Reception sponsored by Green River Distilling Company and a Patio Party sponsored by NextEra Energy Resources. The 2025 Business of the Year Awards were sponsored by Moore Automotive Team.
The award recipients were selected from approximately 100 nominees vying for the honors. Those earning the honors include:
- Emerging Business of the Year – The Party Space Place
- Business of the Year 1-10 Employees – The Skin Therapist
- Business of the Year 11-50 Employees – Baird
- Business of the Year 50+ Employees – German American Bank
- Non-Profit of the Year – Fine Arts – Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens
- Non-Profit of the Year – Human Needs and Services – The Opportunity Center
- Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year – HealthForce KY
- Manufacturer of the Year – Mizkan America
- Minority Owned Business of the Year – Don Mario’s
- Rick Kamuf Agri-Business of the Year – Daviess County Cooperative Extension
Other awards of the night included:
- 2025 Chamber Director of the Year – W. Clay H. Ford
- 2025 Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Charlotte Newton
- 2025 Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year – Rafe Buckner
- 2025 Bill Young Community Leadership Award – Scott McCain
- 2025 Chamber Member of the Year – The Miller House
- 2025 Legacy Award – Anita Burnette
The Celebration also included an address from presenting sponsor, Owensboro Health, and the “passing of the gavel” from 2024 Chamber Board Chair John Marshall Moore, Moore Automotive Team, Legends Outfitters and Marshall Ventures to 2025 Chamber Board Chair Olga McKissic, Western Academy at the Neblett.
Following the Awards Presentation, the crowd gathered in the Jody Berry Theatre for an After-Party sponsored by Hartz Contracting, LLC featuring DJ Adam Johnston with Blue Line Entertainment. It was an evening filled with celebration for the businesses, organizations and individuals who are continually making Owensboro greater.
“The Chamber Celebration is an opportunity to recognize the Members who are leading and excelling in our community. Our business community is like no other. The nominees and award recipients are true examples of excellence. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve our Members and see their growth, innovation and pride in all they do,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO.
Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for a century to provide valuable benefits and services to Member businesses and individuals. Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
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