HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Four organizations serving the Greater Owensboro region are partnering to present “From Chat to Change: Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” a community seminar focused on helping people better understand how artificial intelligence is changing the way people work and do business.
Officials say the event will be held March 20 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC)’s Humanities Building, Blandford Hall. It is a collaborative effort between the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC), OCTC, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Open to the public, the program is designed to provide a clear, practical look at how artificial intelligence is already shaping workplaces and day-to-day operations.
“Artificial intelligence is already shaping how work gets done across every industry,” said Claude Bacon, President and CEO at GOEDC. “This is about making sure our community understands what’s changing, feels prepared to adapt, and has practical tools to move forward with confidence.”
Officials say the seminar will highlight real-world applications of AI, common challenges organizations face when adopting new technology and practical ways individuals and businesses can begin using these tools responsibly.
“AI is changing the way the world does business and we want to do everything we can to help prepare our members to adapt and thrive. We’re grateful to get to be a part of this meaningful partnership and excited to see where it leads,” said Dave Kirk, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
Eight women have been named as finalists for the 2026 ATHENA Award, which honors professional and business women for excellence in their careers, community service, and commitment to developing leadership in other women.
The award is presented annually by Girls Inc. and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. The award luncheon will be held on March 24, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center.
The 2026 ATHENA Award finalists are:
Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, President and CEO, RiverValley Behavioral Health
Jan Goldman, Executive Director, Kentucky Community Learning Network
Jessica McDonald, Operations Group Manager, (Vice President), Mortgage Financial Operations
Rebecca McQueen-Ruark, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville
Tracy Naylor, Executive Director, Owensboro Health Foundation
Jessie Schartung, Program Director, St. Benedict’s Women and Family Shelter
Jackie Smith, Owner, Operator and Designer, Jackie Blue Handmade
Samantha Taylor-Kaai, Chief Operating Officer, Audubon Area Community Services
A total of 28 nominations were submitted by the community. Nominees completed a detailed questionnaire that was reviewed by a selection panel, which narrowed the field to eight finalists. A separate panel will now evaluate the finalists and select the 2026 ATHENA Award honoree. Members of both panels are from outside the community and have no prior knowledge of the nominees beyond the submitted materials.
“We were very pleased with the quality of the nominees and the stories of the lives they lead,” said Tish Correa Osborne, CEO of Girls Inc. “There is real excellence in this community, and the impact on girls, women, and men will be felt for years to come.”
ATHENA chairperson Sue Napper said the award reflects leadership that reaches above individual success.
“It celebrates leadership that elevates our entire community and beyond,” Napper said. “By recognizing professional excellence, community service, and the intentional mentorship and assistance to women, ATHENA highlights the kind of leadership that strengthens us all.”
Napper added that the partnership with the Chamber has made the program a lasting tradition.
“This marks the 28th year we have had the privilege of celebrating outstanding women in partnership with the Chamber,” she said. “Each year, hearing their stories and learning about the incredible contributions they make to our community and to the advancement of women is both inspiring and humbling.”
In addition to the ATHENA Award, the luncheon will include the presentation of a posthumous Legacy Award recognizing an individual’s contributions to advancing women and related issues.
The event is sponsored by German American Bank and Owensboro Health. Individual tickets are $100, and tables of eight are available for $800. Reservations can be made by calling Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.
Artificial intelligence has become big in the past few years.
And four organizations — the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., Owensboro Community & Technical College, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Small Business Development Center — are offering a seminar to help people understand how AI is changing the way people work and do business.
“From Chat to Change: Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. March 20 at OCTC.
The program is open to the public.
Dr. Ryan Hall, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Lead at OCTC, said, “Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming an integral part of how our communities work and grow, and people deserve a clear, practical understanding of this technological revolution.”
He said the program is “is about giving citizens, leaders and business partners straightforward insight they can use.”
Claude Bacon, president of GOEDC, said, “Artificial intelligence is already shaping how work gets done across every industry. This is about making sure our community understands what’s changing, feels prepared to adapt and has practical tools to move forward with confidence.”
The seminar will discuss common challenges organizations face when adopting new technology, and practical ways people and businesses can begin using such tools responsibly.
Dave Kirk, chamber president, said, “AI is changing the way the world does business and we want to do everything we can to help prepare our members to adapt and thrive.”
Jody Hulsey, director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, said the session will offer practical tools and insights that people can use immediately.
CrossRoads is marking two decades of service in Owensboro with a Roaring 20’s-themed gala designed to both celebrate the milestone and raise funds to support its programs.
The nonprofit, which operates a food pantry and emergency overnight shelter for women and children, will host its 20th Anniversary Bootlegger’s Ball on March 7 at Green River Distilling Co.
Haley Huskisson, board chair at CrossRoads, said the organization’s roots stretch back well before it formally became a nonprofit.
“We actually started in March of 2006,” Huskisson said. “Some individuals got together at New Life Church and wanted to start feeding people. That’s how it began — as a food pantry and soup kitchen.”
Huskisson said the early operation regularly served large crowds through its soup kitchen, feeding roughly 100 people or more during each meal service.
CrossRoads officially became a nonprofit in 2010 and later relocated in 2014 to its current facility at 1631 Breckenridge St., formerly known as the Blackford’s Automotive building.
As the organization grew, so did its services.
“In September of 2016, we opened our emergency overnight shelter for women and children,” Huskisson said. “At the time, it took nearly two years to work through planning, zoning and all the requirements before we could open.”
In its earliest form, Huskisson said women and children slept on air mattresses and mats placed on the floor. Today, the shelter is equipped with bunk beds obtained through grants, along with expanded food storage capabilities including walk-in freezer and cooler units.
“It blows my mind how far we’ve come,” Huskisson said. “We had girls who were there from the very beginning who now say, ‘I can’t believe we’re not sleeping on the floor anymore.’”
CrossRoads operates as what Huskisson described as a low-barrier shelter, meaning women and children can seek assistance without navigating lengthy intake procedures.
“A woman can walk up to our door at night and say, ‘I need someplace to sleep,’” Huskisson said. “If we have a bed available, she can stay.”
Huskisson said CrossRoads was the first emergency walk-in shelter for women and children in Daviess County. While other organizations now offer shelter services, she emphasized that CrossRoads fills a unique role.
She pointed to My Sister’s Keeper as an example of a complementary program.
“She’s doing wonderful things,” Huskisson said. “We serve similar populations, but in a different way.”
Beyond shelter services, CrossRoads administers multiple food assistance programs. The organization participates in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and operates Nana’s Cupboard, part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.
Huskisson said the nonprofit serves more than 300 seniors each month through its senior food box program, along with grandparents raising grandchildren who receive additional support.
All services are coordinated from the Breckenridge Street facility, a space Huskisson acknowledged is modest for the scale of operations.
“Everything comes out of that building,” Huskisson said. “It’s crowded, but our volunteers make it work.”
The organization relies heavily on volunteer support. Huskisson said CrossRoads employs just two paid staff members on the shelter side, with the remainder of operations powered by volunteers.
“We probably have anywhere from 10 to 15 volunteers on the food pantry side and about five on the shelter side,” she said. “We also have help from veterans, RSVP volunteers and other community organizations.”
The upcoming Bootlegger’s Ball represents CrossRoads’ first large-scale fundraiser in its 20-year history.
“As a board, we said we wanted to do something big for 20 years, so we’re going big,” Huskisson said.
The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at Green River Distilling Co. and will feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and personal stories highlighting the organization’s impact. Barb Birgy of WBKR and WDHR will serve as emcee.
Proceeds will support CrossRoads’ food pantry and shelter programs.
Huskisson said the nonprofit works closely with other local agencies, including the Daniel Pitino Shelter and St. Benedict’s Day Shelter, to help individuals transition into more stable housing and long-term support systems.
“We may be an emergency overnight shelter, but we’re not just giving someone a bed and sending them on their way,” Huskisson said. “We work with other agencies to help them find housing, jobs, treatment — whatever they need.”
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Bootlegger’s Ball are available through CrossRoads’ Facebook page. Organizers said businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event can use the Givebutter link provided online.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
Members of the local farming community, elected officials, FFA participants from the county’s high schools and the community came together early on Saturday morning for the 46th annual Farm City Breakfast, hosted by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Farm Bureau (KYFB) insurance, at Apollo High School.
Cheryl Burks-McCarthy, who served as the event’s emcee, welcomed guests to the annual occasion involving an hour of speeches provided by community leaders and the farming community, the recognition of the Farm City Humanitarian Award and breakfast from Greg Floyd and Highway 54’s Ole South BBQ.
Burks-McCarthy recognized elected officials in attendance, including US Congressman Brett Guthrie, Kentucky Senator Gary Boswell and Kentucky Representatives Suzanne Miles and DJ Johnson, along with local officials, Owensboro Mayor Pro Tem, Bob Glenn, Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen, Owensboro City Commissioner, Curtis Maglinger and Daviess County Commissioners, Janie Marksberry and Chris Castlen.
“I just want to say thanks, everybody, for having me here today. I came here a few years ago…but I’ve always enjoyed coming because this event is great for people who don’t farm…I actually work on the end of the food supplying as a kid. I grew up in a grocery store,” said Congressman Guthrie during his address to the crowd.
Guthrie briefly touched on the “One Big Beautiful Bill” during his address and stated that the agriculture committee is “going to start working on the farm bill, the investment extensions on the farm bill”, which will consider foreign policy coming off of this week’s Supreme Court decisions on the Trump tariff plan. He also said that local members of the KYFB will be heading to D.C. during the upcoming week to discuss farm policies.
Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, president and CEO of River Valley Behavioral Health and Chamber Board member, addressed the audience on behalf of the Chamber, staying that the annual Farm City Breakfast is “one of my favorite gatherings every year because it reflects what this community is about.”
Figueroa-Peralta highlighted the partnership between the Chamber and KYFB, too.
“I also want to recognize the strong and long-standing partnership between the Chamber and Daviess County Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau is such a steady, trusted presence in our rural communities. They advocate for our farmers when it matters the most, and they support youth leadership through scholarships and ag education. I believe that they help to tell the story of agriculture to those who may not grow up on a farm, but benefit from it every single day,” she said.
She also recognized the importance of agriculture on the local community.
“I’ve learned since I was a child that agriculture is more than an industry—it’s a way of life. It shapes our values, hardwork, stewardships and optimism,” Figueroa-Peralta said. “There is this quote that I love. It says that the farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer. It’s not possible to be a farmer without being an optimist…Our farmers rise before the sun, navigate unpredictable seasons and markets and invest not only in crops and livestock, but in the families, their neighbors and the future of life. They adapt. They endure. They give. And they keep going, and we can learn from that and do the same.”
Brandon Gilles spoke representing Farm Bureau, highlighting the partnership between the organization and the Chamber and mentioning scholarships for high school and college aged students that are available through KYFB. Gilles also welcomed Dave Kirk, the Chamber’s incoming president and CEO following the retirement of Candance Castlen-Brake at the end of 2025.
“We all know that farming has its challenges…but we also know that agriculture and business can work strongly together. Whenever we do, we build resilience. We create opportunity,” Gilles concluded, emphasizing the partnership between Farm Bureau and the Chamber.
The Farm City Breakfast’s keynote speaker, introduced by Daviess County farmer Suzanne Cecil White, was Willis Jepson, an eighth-generation Kentucky and Tennessee farmer. His family’s farm began in 1806.
“I’m just a farmer—it’s not that big of a deal,” Jepson said. “We all have a passion. We have to decided what our passion is going to be, and only a very few of us get to live our passion every day, and it’s refreshing for me to be here with y’all today and see this crowd here supporting the county’s agriculture…it’s very refreshing.”
Jepson continued to speak about the current climate surrounding farming, encouraging farmers to keep going and “come together as a community.”
Farm Bureau recognized the county’s top producers for corn, Zoglmann Bros LLC, soy beans and wheat, both topped by Tanner Stroup.
The 17th annual Farm City Humanitarian Award was presented to Tish Correa-Osborne to conclude the event.
“The Humanitarian Award recognizes someone who provides service in its truest form while making a lasting difference in the lives of others,” said Burks-McCarthy.
“There isn’t anybody in here that hasn’t been doing just amazing things to take care of others to make sure that we’re all rising, that we can all still be here. I have been so blessed my entire life that my life work life is not just work, but it’s been my passion. To be able to be a farmer in a little way by planting seeds of future joy, future leadership, future inspiration in little girls’ lives—little girls that sometimes don’t matter or don’t seem to matter to others. And they’re blowing me away with everything that they are becoming or are capable of becoming and what they are doing with their lives, despite the obstacles that they face,” said Correa-Osborne, speaking as she accepted the Humanitarian Award, describing her work as the Chief Executive Officer of Owensboro’s Girls, Inc.
Eight finalists for the 28th annual ATHENA Awards, which are presented by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Girls Incorporated, were announced Friday.
The ATHENA Award celebrates the outstanding contributions of professional and business women.
An individual in the Owensboro community will be recognized for their excellence in their business or profession, who has served the community in a meaningful way and who has assisted women in developing their leadership potential.
“The award recognition represents more than individual achievement, it celebrates leadership that elevates our entire community and beyond,” said Sue Napper, ATHENA chairperson. “By recognizing professional excellence, community service and the intentional mentorship and assistance to women, ATHENA highlights the kind of leadership that strengthens us all.”
There were a record-tying 28 nominations received from the community for the award. Candidates completed a nominee questionnaire packet that was forwarded to a selection panel to determine up to eight finalists.
“We were very pleased with the quality of the nominees and the stories of the lives they lead,” said Tish Correa-Osborne, Girls Inc. CEO. “There is real excellence in this community and the impact on girls, women and men will be felt for years to come.”
The 2026 nominees are:
• Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, president and CEO, RiverValley Behavioral Health
• Jan Goldman, executive director, Kentucky Community Learning Network
• Rebecca McQueen-Ruark, assistant vice-chancellor of student affairs, Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville
• Tracy Naylor, executive director, Owensboro Health Foundation
• Jessie Schartung, program director, St. Benedict’s Women and Family Shelter
• Jackie Smith, owner, operator and designer, Jackie Blue Handmade
• Samantha Taylor-Kaai, chief operating officer, Audubon Area Community Services
Finalists will be assessed by a separate panel to determine the award honoree. Members of both panels are from outside the community with no knowledge of the nominees other than the information provided by the nominee.
In addition to the ATHENA Award, the luncheon will acknowledge someone posthumously with the Legacy Award for their work in advancing women and related issues.
Both winners will be recognized during the ATHENA Award program luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Owensboro Convention Center. The luncheon is sponsored by German American Bank and Owensboro Health.
Single tickets are $100, and tables of eight are available for $800. Reservations may be made by calling Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.
“This marks the 28th year we have had the privilege of celebrating outstanding women in partnership with the Chamber,” Napper said. “Each year, hearing their stories and learning about the incredible contributions they make to our community and to the advancement of women is both inspiring and humbling.
“It is a huge honor to be part of a celebration that recognizes such extraordinary leadership and impact.”
They say Saturday’s Farm-City Breakfast is the 46th annual event celebrating agriculture’s importance to the community.
But the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has been celebrating the agriculture community for much longer than that.
The first mention in the Messenger-Inquirer was in 1959 — 67 years ago.
But however old it is, it’s still “The Best Breakfast in Daviess County,” the chamber says.
Dave Kirk, chamber president, said, “The agriculture community in Daviess County represents everything that’s right in this world. They work hard, long hours to make sure both their families and your families are fed and taken care of.”
He said, “The Farm-City Breakfast is a celebration of what this group of people mean to both our economy and our community.”
Willis Jepson, a partner in Jepson Family Farms, will be the featured speaker.
According to its website, Jepson Family Farms began more than 200 years ago in Simpson County. Today, the sixth, seventh and eighth generations are still working the land.
They grow corn, wheat, soybeans and dark tobacco in Simpson County and in Robertson County, Tennessee.
The gathering is organized by the Daviess County Farm Bureau and the chamber.
It will be at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Apollo High School.
Food will be prepared by Ole South Barbeque and served by FFA volunteers.
The program will include the presentation of the annual Humanitarian Award.
Tickets are $7.
They can be purchased by calling the chamber office at 270-926-1860 or on the chamber’s website — owensboro.com.
OWENSBORO, Ky. — The Owensboro Family YMCA will receive $6.6 million in federal funding to build a new child care center, a move aimed at easing a critical shortage in western Kentucky where parents face waitlists of up to two years for infant care.
What You Need To Know:
•The Owensboro Family YMCA secured $6.6 million in federal funding from Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to build a new 20,000-square-foot child care center in Daviess County •The project will add 150 slots for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, boosting the YMCA’s total capacity past 300 amid 1.5- to two-year waitlists for infant care •Emphasis is on affordability for working-class families, with community partnerships to keep costs low while offering high-quality programs like free tutoring •Site selection is underway, with a possible groundbreaking by December and opening targeted in about two years; it could serve as a model for other Kentucky communities
The funding, secured by Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, will support a 20,000-square-foot facility dedicated to child care. It is expected to add about 150 slots for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, pushing the YMCA’s total capacity past 300, officials said.
Tom Bontrager, president and CEO of the Owensboro Family YMCA, said the demand is overwhelming.
“Currently in Owensboro, there’s about a year and a half to two-year wait list for an infant,” Bontrager said. “We just did a grand opening, and we were filled within a week. That kind of tells you the need.”
The project builds on recent expansions at the YMCA, including new infant, toddler and preschool programs that filled up almost immediately after opening last year. Those additions brought in about 80 slots, which were snapped up without heavy marketing.
The new center, to be owned and operated by the YMCA, will focus on affordability for working-class families. Bontrager said the organization is using community partnerships to keep costs low while providing high-quality care.
“Affordable, high-quality child care is even more needed,” he said. “We’re positioned for the families who are working-class families. You know, we have a lot of great kids here, but they get an experience that you would get at any higher-cost child care center.”
Site selection is underway, with officials hoping to break ground by December and open the facility in about two years. Bontrager said the project could serve as a model for other Kentucky communities grappling with similar shortages.
The effort involved collaboration with Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and city council members, who helped submit the earmark request more than a year ago.
Child care access has become a pressing issue across Kentucky, with many families struggling to balance work and care for young children. The YMCA, the nation’s largest provider of child care, aims to expand its role in filling that gap.
The funding is a step toward closing the gap on affordable child care, a growing challenge for families statewide.
The Owensboro Family YMCA has been expanding its programs, including after-school care for ages five to 12 and free tutoring services in partnership with Kentucky Wesleyan College. Officials said the new center will include indoor activity space tailored to young children.
No specific location has been announced, but Bontrager said plans should be revealed in the next 30 to 60 days.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEVV) — The 46th Annual Farm City Breakfast will be returning to Owensboro this Saturday.
The event, dubbed “The Best Breakfast in Daviess County,” is presented by the Daviess County Farm Bureau and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. It will take place at 7:30 a.m. at Apollo High School on February 21st.
Local farmers and businesses are sponsoring the breakfast, which will be prepared by Ole South Barbeque and served by local FFA volunteers. The program will feature Willis Jepson, Partner of Jepson Family Farms, as a speaker.
The event will also include the presentation of the Humanitarian Award, honoring a leader who has significantly improved the well-being of Owensboro and Daviess County residents.
“The agriculture community in Daviess County represents everything that’s right in this world. They work hard, long hours to make sure both their families and your families are fed and taken care of,” said Chamber President & CEO Dave Kirk.
Kirk emphasized the importance of the event by saying, “The Farm City Breakfast is a celebration of what this group of people mean to both our economy and our community. Do yourself a favor and join us for the best breakfast and some of the best people in Daviess County.”
Tickets are priced at $7 and can be purchased by calling the Chamber office at 270.926.1860 or through their website. Cash will also be accepted at the door.
A locally owned staffing firm is helping connect job seekers and employers across Owensboro and western Kentucky.
Express Employment Professionals, at 1900 Triplett Street, works with individuals seeking full-time, part-time, and temporary employment while partnering with local businesses to fill a variety of workforce needs. According to its website, the Owensboro office operates as a locally owned and operated business supported by an international organization with decades of experience in the staffing industry.
The company emphasizes what it describes as “the best of both worlds,” combining small-business flexibility with the resources and stability of a global network.
Express Employment Professionals places candidates in a wide range of roles, including office services, light industrial, and skilled trades. In addition to matching job seekers with employers, the firm provides businesses with staffing solutions designed to help manage workforce fluctuations, recruit talent, and meet project demands. Job seekers are not charged a fee for placement services.
Current job opportunities highlighted by the Owensboro office include positions such as diesel mechanic, Class A CDL local driver, legal secretary, and CNC machine operator.
Express Employment Professionals is part of a larger international network that has connected millions of workers with employers across multiple industries.
Individuals interested in learning more about available positions or staffing services can search and apply online or contact the Owensboro office at 270-240-5511 or Jobs.OwensboroKY@ExpressPros.com.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
