HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce says it is introducing a new event designed to help voters become more familiar with candidates running for office in Daviess County.
Officials say “Coffee with a Candidate” will debut on May 7 at the Owensboro Convention Center, immediately following the conclusion of Rooster Booster. The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce says following Rooster Booster, each table will be assigned two candidates who are not running for the same office. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with any candidate they choose and engage in one-on-one conversations. A seven-minute timer will be used to ensure all attendees have a chance to connect.
“We felt like this would be the perfect opportunity for our residents to interact with the candidates running for office. At a time when politics can feel especially divisive, we want to create space for thoughtful, informed conversations. These are our neighbors running to represent us, and we should treat them that way,” said Greater Owensboro Chamber President and CEO Dave Kirk.
Officials note this inaugural event will complement, not replace, the Chamber’s traditional candidate forums held in the fall ahead of the general election. Instead, it offers voters an additional opportunity to connect with candidates ahead of the primary elections two weeks later.
“Our hope is that this new event will encourage more people to get out and vote while also promoting respectful, civil conversation. This is an educational opportunity, not a forum for confrontation,” added Kirk.
According to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the timing of “Coffee with a Candidate” aligns with the May Rooster Booster speaker, Rich Harwood, who will focus on a follow-up from the “Building a Better Owensboro” report and highlight the actions that locally led, community-driven teams are taking to address the report’s findings and strengthen civic engagement in the community.
This event is open to both members and nonmembers attending Rooster Booster. All candidates should RSVP to the Chamber by calling (270) 926-1860 or by emailing Director of Communications and Events Katie Blan at kblan@owensboro.com.
By Jana Garrett Eyewitness News