The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce celebrated National Manufacturing Month on Thursday during its October Rooster Booster breakfast, spotlighting the industry’s local impact and hosting Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel as keynote speaker.
The event, sponsored by Owensboro Community and Technical College, was held at the Owensboro Convention Center. A special “Made in Owensboro: The Heart of Manufacturing” showcase highlighted local manufacturers before and after the breakfast program.
“Greater Owensboro’s commercial and economic history has been linked to manufacturing from the beginning. Our regional manufacturers produce goods for customers and consumers nationally and globally,” said Candance Castlen Brake, president and CEO of the Chamber. “The men and women of our community make goods that impact our world. That is reason to celebrate.”
Brake also credited OCTC for preparing the next generation of workers.
“Owensboro Community and Technical College is at the table with our premier employers making sure that the existing and future workforce continue to have the skills to grow business right here,” she said.
Noel, who has led the Cabinet since 2022, shared personal connections to Owensboro and praised the community’s hospitality, customer service, and vision. He recalled summers spent working in the region and friendships that helped shape his early career.
“You don’t find these kinds of opportunities, these kinds of people, these kinds of just friendly folks that want you to enjoy your stay in the community that they love,” Noel said.
He told attendees that manufacturing workers and small business owners are “the true heroes in the community,” noting their role in creating jobs and building stronger neighborhoods.
“It’s time we as a country — and as a community — spend more time talking about the heroes in our communities,” Noel said. “That’s different here in Owensboro. You sense it, you feel it. That’s why you’re growing. That’s why you’re on a roll.”
Noel also urged Kentucky to remain competitive in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, including electric vehicle and battery production. He said maintaining that position is crucial to the state’s economic future.
“Winning is an attitude,” Noel said. “As long as you win with integrity, you’re making life better for all Kentuckians in the home, and not just a few.”
He pointed to recent state investments, workforce development initiatives, and Owensboro’s strong site development as proof that Kentucky is poised to continue its growth.
“The proof of success in this community is in this room today,” Noel said. “What you do matters, how you do it is amazing, and the results speak for themselves.”
By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times