The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce celebrated outstanding contributions by local businesses and nonprofit organizations Friday night during its annual gala at the RiverPark Center.
The evening kicked off with showers of sparks from the stage as master of ceremonies Chad Benningfield energized the crowd in the RiverPark Center’s Cannon Hall. Ten businesses and nonprofits received Awards for Excellence, while several community leaders were recognized for their service to the Chamber and the county.
Chamber President and CEO Dave Kirk, who began work last month, said the annual celebration has grown into a major community event.
“About 10 years ago, there was really an investment to make this thing the event in Owensboro,” Kirk said. “They’ve grown it each year … They wanted it to really feel like an awards show, with great bands, a networking event and of course to celebrate most of all, the companies that have worked so hard, that have put so much into their businesses and into the Chamber, to represent Owensboro and make our community.
“It’s kind of become the ultimate date night,” Kirk said of Friday’s event. “With the timing of everything, with the snow coming in tomorrow, I think people, too … will want to get out at the last minute and celebrate the business community.”
There were about 100 nominations for this year’s awards. After a business or nonprofit is nominated, it must submit an extensive application to be considered, Kirk said.
Madlyn Hyland, owner of The Skin Therapist Medical and Wellness Spa, received the Business of the Year award for companies with one to 10 employees. Being a member of the Chamber has benefited the business, Hyland said.
“The Chamber helped in many ways, from Shop Local, which is one of our biggest ways to gather new clients,” Hyland said.
The Chamber is also a place to make business connections, she said.
“The community engagement and interaction, coming here and meeting people, it’s crazy, the interactions with local business owners,” Hyland said. “I have a lot of contacts to call whenever I need help.”
Kirk said the annual celebration is important because it allows business leaders to share ideas in person.
“I think anytime, especially in the technology world we are living in … any time you can actually bring people together in the same room to talk and network, that’s what the Chamber is,” Kirk said. “Technology is wonderful and we will continue to embrace it, but there comes a time when you need to have everybody together and celebrating with each other, because I think that’s where a lot of the best ideas are exchanged.”
The winners are selected by past Chamber of Commerce board chairs, Kirk said.
winners of this year’s Awards for Excellence
Emerging Business of the Year — Faris Guitar Company
Business of the Year (1-10 employees) — Donatos Pizza
Business of the Year (11-50 employees) — Lure Seafood and Grille
Business of the Year (50 or more employees) — TrueNorth Treatment Center
Nonprofit of the Year (fine arts) — Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
Nonprofit of the Year (human needs and services) — Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County
Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year — Daviess County Public Schools
Manufacturer of the Year — Mulzer Crushed Stone
Minority-Owned Business of the Year — Strength Renewed
Rick Kamuf Agribusiness of the Year — Reid’s Orchard
Chamber Director of the Year — Michael Johnson
Chamber Ambassador of the Year — Jennifer Richardson
Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year — Katie Case
Bill Young Community Leadership Award — Kirk Kirkpatrick
Chamber Legacy Award — Rosemary Conder
By James Mayse Messenger-Inquirer