Candance Castlen Brake’s more than 10-year tenure as president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce was celebrated during Thursday’s Rooster Booster breakfast held in MidAmerica Jet’s hangar at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.

Brake announced in May that she would be leaving the position she began in March 2015 by the end of the year. Dave Kirk was recently named as her successor, and he takes office Monday.

Brake said the outpouring of affection she felt from the large crowd was indicative of Owensboro-Daviess County.

“You look around the room, and all of the different people, all of the different walks of life, and they gather together,” Brake said. “These are my people, this Chamber, the small business owners, the leaders in this community, the men and women who make it all go every day. Today just touched my heart.

“It makes my heart overflow with love and gratitude.”

Brake was presented framed remarks made into the Congressional Record by Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Brett Guthrie who recognized her service to the Chamber and the community.

Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson presented Brake with the Mayor’s Award of Distinction and a key to the city.

Olga McKissic, chairperson of the Chamber board of directors, praised the Chamber’s accomplishments under Brake, which include positive results through its legislative and governmental affairs work, with highlights including the 165 Interstate shields on the former Natcher Parkway, Highway 54 widening, advance work on the Interstate corridor with Indiana, two family court judges, lighting the bridge, county-wide broadband and lowering the state income tax.

“Candance spent the past decade leading with vision and purpose,” McKissic said. “She has guided the organization through remarkable growth, infused an energy into Chamber events and programs and elevated its role as a powerful advocate of local businesses. Under her leadership, the Chamber became a catalyst for connection, collaboration and community pride.”

Brake focused significantly on creating and reinvigorating leadership and talent programs. Leadership Owensboro, Chamber Young Professionals and Educators in the Workplace were reignited, and the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute was created in 2022. Leadership Owensboro Alumni and Engage Owensboro have been created to connect people with opportunities to volunteer and serve.

“I am so proud of the membership; we’re over 1,000 members now. That was a personal goal,” Brake said. “We have a team that is the hardest working, most innovative, intelligent group of people. The board is phenomenal. The committees. You look around, and it’s the way you want to leave it.

“You look back and go, ‘Thank you God for letting me be part of this.’ ”

The celebration closed with a video of numerous community members recalling personal memories of Brake and paying tribute to her accomplishments.

Brake and her husband, Nick, have moved to Nashville. She’s not sure where her career goes moving forward, but she’s adamant that this isn’t retirement.

“It is truly wide open,” she said of her future. “Nick and I live in Nashville, a five-minute walk from our son’s place. We get to see him all of the time. I’m a big believer that God is in charge, and I’m really glad, because I don’t need to be. I’m going to wait and see what He says.

“But I’ve got to do something. There’s more people to see and meet, more to do and more things to happen.”

By: Scott Hagerman Messenger-Inquirer

Nominations are now open for the 28th annual ATHENA Award, which honors individuals who uplift women, demonstrate professional excellence, and make meaningful contributions to the Owensboro-Daviess County community. 

The ATHENA Award was founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz, who created the program after seeing women’s leadership under-recognized in business communities. Organizers say the bronze sculpture presented to honorees symbolizes strength, courage, and wisdom — qualities reflected in recipients who excel professionally, volunteer their time, and actively help women reach their full potential.

Locally, the program is jointly presented by Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. 

The program also includes a Legacy Award, which posthumously honors individuals whose impact on women and the community was significant; that recognition is selected in partnership with the Owensboro chapter of AAUW.

In 2025, the selection process was updated due to growing interest. Nominees will now complete a detailed questionnaire outlining their accomplishments and impact. An outside panel will review those responses and select up to eight finalists. A second external panel — with no ties to the community or nominees — will choose the recipient.

Both women and men are eligible for nomination. Candidates must live, work, or influence the Owensboro-Daviess County community, and they must meet three criteria:
• Actively assist women in realizing their leadership potential
• Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
• Contribute time and energy to improve quality of life for others

Past recipients are not eligible, but former nominees may be considered again. Additional eligibility guidelines apply.

The nomination deadline is January 7, and forms can be requested by calling Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833. The 2026 award luncheon is scheduled for March 24 at the Owensboro Convention Center. 

ATHENA chairperson Sue Napper said the continued strength of the program reflects the influence of women leaders across the region.

“The Athena Award provides a focused opportunity to celebrate the many and impactful accomplishments of women in our community,” she said. “Women have been a driving force as leaders in the forefront and behind the scenes. … We rely on the community’s input through the nomination process, which is critical in identifying those individuals who truly embody the spirit of the award.”

Girls Inc. CEO Tish Correa Osborne said the partnership behind the event helps highlight role models for future generations.

“The mission of Girls Inc. is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold,” Osborne said. “The Athena Award aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to continue this meaningful event.”

Beth Steele, Chief Operating Officer for Owensboro Health, received the 2025 ATHENA Award, and Mary Hale Dean earned the Legacy Award. 

Owensboro Health and German American Bank are presenting sponsors for the 2026 award luncheon.

By: Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

After more than a decade in the electrical trade, Jonathan Sheriff is finally flipping the switch on his own venture — Zap Electric.

The Owensboro-based business officially launched this year, but it’s been years in the making. Sheriff said the journey began nearly a decade ago when he entered the trades as a way to turn his life around.

“I’m a person in recovery,” he said. “I chose the trades because I knew they were accepting of a background — and I liked the work. I’ve always liked it.”

It takes eight years to earn a Master Electrician license, and Sheriff said opening his own business was always the goal. But more than being his own boss, he said the motivation came down to one thing: family.

“I’m all about spending more time with my kids and being there for my family,” Sheriff said. “I’m tired of missing dances and everything else. Starting a business gives me the freedom to put family first.”

Zapp Electric currently consists of Sheriff and two team members. While he still works full-time on a four-day rotation in the industrial sector, he dedicates his off days fully to growing the business. So far, he said, word of mouth has kept them busy — and he hasn’t even started advertising yet.

The company offers residential, commercial, and industrial services, with Sheriff noting that his strongest skillset lies in industrial work, including instrumentation and automation. Still, Zapp Electric is willing to tackle just about any project.

“Really, we do it all,” he said.

Though still new to the scene, Sheriff hopes to develop strong partnerships within the local business community — whether that’s subcontracting, collaborating, or simply building trusted relationships.

“The hope is to get with other business owners in the community and build relationships,” he said.

Sheriff said integrity and honesty are at the core of his work. While he doesn’t promise the cheapest price in town, he said he offers competitive rates that reflect the value and seriousness of the work.

“Most electricians take the same amount of pride in their work because we have to,” he said. “If you mess up, something could catch fire or worse. So we do things the right way.”

Sheriff is also passionate about encouraging young people to consider the trades. His own son recently started college and will begin working alongside him to start the apprenticeship process.

“My kids can all become journeymen or master electricians themselves,” Sheriff said. “They’ll never have to go into debt for a college education and can still make almost as much as a doctor.”

For now, Sheriff is focused on building a name in the community.

“I just want to put the name out there as an option,” he said. “That’s my goal.”

Those interested in Zap Electric’s services can reach Sheriff directly at (270) 485-3025. For more, visit the company’s Facebook page.

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.

By: John Kirkpatrick

Shop Owensboro kicks off Saturday and runs through all of next week as a celebration aimed at boosting local businesses during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Here’s a full list of the record 81 participating businesses, from shops to restaurants to service providers and more.

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce organizes the effort, and the campaign is powered by Independence Bank.

“Shop Owensboro is one of our favorite ways to begin the holiday season because it shines a light on the heart of our community: our small businesses and the people who believe in them,” said Kitty Jones, Director of Membership for the Chamber. “It’s also a chance for all of us to give back to the businesses that pour so much into Greater Owensboro throughout the year.”

The event kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday at Independence Bank’s Frederica Street location. The first 500 shoppers will receive a free Shop Owensboro bag filled with coupons, a business map, a BINGO card, and, in some cases, gift cards to participating retailers. The kickoff will also include breakfast and coffee from Libertalia Food Truck. 

The shopping event continues through next week. Shoppers can get their BINGO cards stamped by making purchases at participating businesses, including drive-thru and online orders. Completed cards must be returned to the Chamber office by noon on December 12 for a chance to win a prize from Independence Bank.

Maria Roach, owner of Robin’s Resale Boutique, said the event continues to deliver new customers even after more than three decades in business.

“To our small business, Shop Owensboro is remarkably significant,” Roach said. “The community’s support for local businesses and restaurants is highly inspiring. Having been in business for over 31 years, we still experience a considerable influx of new customers due to the Shop Owensboro event. It appears that more individuals are recognizing the significance of supporting local businesses.”

Mandy Collins, owner of Lance & Co. Jewelers, echoed that sentiment.

“We look forward to Shop Small every year,” Collins said. “It reminds us just how special our community truly is and how lucky we are to be a part of it. We take great pride in supporting local businesses ourselves, and we’re deeply grateful for the continued trust and support our community shows us.”

The full list of participating businesses, as announced by the Chamber, includes:

• 54 Pizza
• Adorn Boutique
• Becca Bakes
• Bella Ragazza Boutique
• Beverage Barn
• Big Whiskey’s
• Bonnie Rae Boutique
• Boutique 54
• Byron and Barclay
• Chicken Salad Chick
• Confetti Boutique
• Crazy Me Gifts & Apparel
• David P. Taylor Antiques
• Displaced Pages
• Dispo
• Don Mario’s Mexican Restaurant
• Drake’s Owensboro
• En Vogue
• Escape Today
• Famous Bistro
• Gene’s Health Food
• Gramps Coffee & Donuts
• Healthy Brain & Body
• Ivy Trellis Floral & Gift
• J.J. Fosters
• Jolie Carre – World Café
• Joyfull Java and Juice
• Julep Home and Gift
• Kahawa Java
• Kidstop Children’s Boutique
• Kingdom Chords
• KWG
• Lance & Co. Jewelers
• Legends Outfitters
• Little Explorers Play Café
• Magnolia Mercantile
• Mancave for Men
• Meadow House Home, Gift & Floral
• Mellow Mushroom
• Moore Automotive Team
• Mudd’s Furniture Showrooms Inc.
• M Squared
• Nick T. Arnold Jewelers
• Niko’s Bakery Café
• Owensboro Brew Bridge
• Owensboro Health Healthpark
• Owensboro Nutrition
• Owensboro Symphony
• Paint Headquarters
• Peacocks and Pearls
• Pediatric Dentistry of Owensboro
• Preservation Station Market, Restaurant & Event Center
• Pure Barre Owensboro
• Real Hacienda
• Real Hacienda 54
• Red Wing
• Reid’s Orchard
• Robin’s Resale & Boutique
• Rock N Roll Sushi
• Ryco Jewelers
• Secret Castle Toys and Games
• Senior Community Center Pincushion Gift Shop
• Shoe Stop
• Something Borrowed
• Sprout and Sing
• The Cottage Farm Stand
• The Golf Emporium
• The Lot
• The Lure
• The Lure Smokeshack
• The Market at Hill View Farms
• The Miller House
• The Mobile RN
• The Scrub Shoppe
• The Skin Therapist
• Travelin Toms
• Trunnell’s Market & Gourmet Deli
• VASS CDJR
• Willow and Pine Market
• Windy Hollow Biscuit House
• Wright Implement

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Owensboro, Kentucky – The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce announces Shop Owensboro 2025, powered by Independence Bank.

Shop Owensboro expands upon the national Small Business Saturday initiative by encouraging the community to support local Chamber Member businesses throughout an entire week.

“Shop Owensboro is one of our favorite ways to begin the holiday season because it shines a light on the heart of our community – our small businesses and the people who believe in them. It’s also a chance for all of us to give back to the businesses that pour so much into Greater Owensboro throughout the year. We’re deeply grateful for our continued partnership with Independence Bank and look forward to connecting shoppers with the outstanding retailers, restaurants, and makers who make our community feel like home,” said Kitty Jones, Director of Membership, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

The Shop Owensboro kick-off will take place on Saturday, November 29 at Independence Bank located at 2425 Frederica Street, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Shoppers can pick up a FREE official Shop Owensboro bag, which includes exclusive deals, discounts, and a Shop Owensboro BINGO card. Bags are limited to the first 500 shoppers and will be distributed while supplies last. Some bags will also contain gift cards to participating businesses.

Libertalia Food Truck will serve breakfast and coffee, and WBKR 92.5 – The Country Station will provide on-site music and live radio coverage.

The event spans a full week. After picking up a shopping bag on November 29, shoppers are encouraged to visit participating businesses and use the deals included in the bag.

Each bag contains:

• A map of participating businesses
• Coupons and discounts
• A Shop Owensboro BINGO card

BINGO Instructions

Shoppers can collect stamps at participating businesses when making purchases throughout the week. Online, curbside, delivery, or drive-thru purchases may use proof of purchase in place of a stamp. Completed BINGO cards must be returned to the Chamber office at 200 East Third Street by Friday, December 12 at noon to be entered for a prize courtesy of Independence Bank.

Keep your money where your heart is… Shop Owensboro!

2025 Shop Owensboro, Powered by Independence Bank Participating Businesses:

54 Pizza
Adorn Boutique
Becca Bakes
Bella Ragazza Boutique
Beverage Barn
Big Whiskey’s
Bonnie Rae Boutique
Boutique 54
Byron and Barclay
Chicken Salad Chick
Confetti Boutique
Crazy Me Gifts & Apparel
David P. Taylor Antiques
Displaced Pages
Dispo
Don Mario’s Mexican Restaurant
Drake’s Owensboro
En Vogue
Escape Today
Famous Bistro
Gene’s Health Food
Gramps Coffee & Donuts
Healthy Brain & Body
Ivy Trellis Floral & Gift
J.J. Fosters
Jolie Carre – World Café
Joyfull Java and Juice
Julep Home and Gift
Kahawa Java
Kidstop Children’s Boutique
Kingdom Chords
KWG
Lance & Co. Jewelers
Legends Outfitters
Little Explorers Play Café
Magnolia Mercantile
Mancave for Men
Meadow House Home, Gift & Floral
Mellow Mushroom
Moore Automotive Team
Mudd’s Furniture Showrooms Inc.
M Squared
Nick T. Arnold Jewelers
Niko’s Bakery Café
Owensboro Brew Bridge
Owensboro Health Healthpark
Owensboro Nutrition
Owensboro Symphony
Paint Headquarters
Peacocks and Pearls
Pediatric Dentistry of Owensboro
Preservation Station Market, Restaurant & Event Center
Pure Barre Owensboro
Real Hacienda
Real Hacienda 54
Red Wing
Reid’s Orchard
Robin’s Resale & Boutique
Rock N Roll Sushi
Ryco Jewelers
Secret Castle Toys and Games
Senior Community Center PinCushion Gift Shop
Shoe Stop
Something Borrowed
Sprout and Sing
The Cottage Farm Stand
The Golf Emporium
The Lot
The Lure
The Lure Smokeshack
The Market at Hill View Farms
The Miller House
The Mobile RN
The Scrub Shoppe
The Skin Therapist
Travelin Toms
Trunnell’s Market & Gourmet Deli
Vass CDJR
Willow and Pine Market
Windy Hollow Biscuit House
Wright Implement

Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for over 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.

By: Tyler Foxx 104.1 WIKY

After a life-changing cruise through Rome in 2023, Cindy Whittaker-Gist knew she had found her calling. That trip marked the launch of Get Up and Go Travel, a boutique travel agency based in Owensboro that’s now helping clients explore the world in style — without breaking the bank.

“I want to help people go wherever they dream of going,” said Whittaker-Gist, who started the company in October 2023. “That Rome cruise changed my life. I knew I wanted to become a travel agent and build something that could help others experience that, too.”

Since its inception, Get Up and Go Travel has grown from booking simple cruises and all-inclusive resorts to organizing luxury experiences and customized itineraries across the globe. Whittaker-Gist now specializes in what she calls “luxury travel without the luxury price tag” — including European river cruises, international group trips, and multi-generational vacations.

“People hear ‘luxury’ and assume it’s out of reach,” she said. “But when you start adding up all the add-ons on a cheaper cruise — drink packages, WiFi, gratuities — sometimes you could’ve spent just a little more and gotten everything included on a true luxury line like Explorer Journeys. My job is to find the right fit for how you want to travel.”

Whittaker-Gist said she starts by having clients fill out an online intake form at getupandgotravelco.com, followed by a consultation call to determine if her services are the right match. Planning fees are typically waived for basic cruises and all-inclusive resorts, though more involved itineraries may include a fee.

And while she works with travelers of all kinds — from honeymooners and babymooners to families and faith-based groups — Whittaker-Gist has a growing following for group trips she personally coordinates and attends.

“I started a Facebook group called ‘Let’s Just Go Travel,’ and we’ve gone from two people to 12 and counting,” she said. “We’ve done Italy, we’re doing Ireland next, and we have a Celebrity Cruise to Greece coming up.”

The next major trip she’s promoting is a 10-day Alaskan Land and Sea Cruise in partnership with Princess Cruise Line, scheduled for June 2–12, 2027. Full details can be found here: Alaska Trip Info.

Raised in Owensboro and the daughter of Darrell Whittaker of Whittaker Guns, Whittaker-Gist said entrepreneurship and customer service are part of her DNA.

That said, she admits social media marketing has been one of the toughest aspects of growing her brand.

“My teenage daughters are better at TikTok than I am,” she said. “I’m passionate about building authentic relationships and guiding travelers to dream-worthy destinations.

Whether it’s a group tour through Yellowstone, a luxury Greek island cruise, or a multi-generational family getaway, Whittaker-Gist said her goal is simple: “Wherever you want to go, I want to help you get there.”

Follow Get Up and Go Travel on Facebook at facebook.com/share/19xFntGkMo or visit getupandgotravelco.com to start planning your next adventure.

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.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

T

A couple years after launching Holes to Go, Joshua Bevil says his mobile mini golf business is growing steadily, and the response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everybody loves it. People are excited to have mini golf back in town,” Bevil said. “We’ve had great support from the community — kids, adults, churches, schools. They keep us pretty busy.”

Holes to Go brings a full nine-hole course directly to homes, churches, schools, offices, and special events. Bevil and his team handle all setup and takedown, and customers can book the course for a couple hours or for the entire day.

“It’s 100 percent on us,” he said. “We bring it, set it up, then come back and tear it down. People love the convenience. We can do it inside, outside, in multiple rooms, wherever there’s space.”

The course includes movable obstacles like bridges, loop-de-loops, a frog, and a turtle. Bevil said he rearranges the pieces to keep things fresh for repeat customers and to adapt to different spaces.

“We try to keep it creative,” he said. “We can switch up the layout any time. We’ve even done events where there’s one hole in each room of a house.”

Demand has grown enough that customers are encouraged to book early. Because the company currently operates one nine-hole set, availability can fill up quickly.

“We only have one set right now, so if we’re booked, we’re booked,” Bevil said. “Frequent customers know to call ahead and reserve their spot.”

Each rental includes putters, balls, scorecards, pencils, and a rules sheet. Larger events can request a Holes to Go staff member to help manage the flow of players.

“We’ve done everything from backyard birthday parties to school festivals,” Bevil said. “We even had a guy turn 40 and throw a mini golf party in his backyard while he and his friends watched real golf on TV.”

The course has become a familiar attraction at local events, including the Mardi Gras celebration at St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville and fall festivals in Beaver Dam and Hartford. Holes to Go is also scheduled to appear in the Owensboro Christmas Parade this year.

As the business grows, Bevil is considering expanding into nearby cities and adding additional courses.

“Eventually, we’d love to add more inventory and maybe even open in other cities,” he said. “You could have Holes to Go Bowling Green or Holes to Go Evansville. That’s something we’re looking at.”

Pricing varies depending on travel distance, crowd size, and event duration. Bevil said he prefers to tailor each quote based on what the customer needs.

“I try not to advertise a flat rate because every event is different,” he said. “We work with people to come up with something fair.”

For more information or to request a booking, visit Holes to Go.

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.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

EM Ford Insurance is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of growth, family leadership, and deep ties to the Owensboro community.

Fourth-generation co-owner Clay Ford said the milestone is both humbling and energizing for the company’s nearly 50-member team.

“It feels wonderful,” Ford said. “We are very proud of this opportunity, and to have achieved this milestone, it’s pretty special to be able to celebrate that with not only the community, but of course with our team — both the current group that we work with now that we’re so proud of and excited about, but also our retirees and former employees who really helped to make this possible.”

EM Ford marked the milestone Thursday night during a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce After Hours event at the agency’s downtown office. Ford said the gathering was a chance to honor multiple generations of employees, including some who helped lay the foundation for the company’s long-term success.

“We’re excited to have this celebration with them and to share in that excitement of what they helped us to accomplish,” he said.

The company’s roots date back to 1925, when founder Ernest Milton launched the agency from an office above a car garage on 3rd Street, near the old Owensboro Hotel. EM Ford later moved several times along or near Frederica Street before returning downtown in 2019.

“Obviously, the world was different in 1925,” Ford said. “It was a much simpler operation at the beginning of our career. We have evolved from an organization that helped people with their homes and when autos finally came to pass, and now we help them with their very large and complex businesses that have so many challenges in today’s world.”

Ford and his brother Neel represent the fourth generation to lead the agency. Their father Steve, along with cousins Rick and Rey, made up the third generation. Their grandfather Wendell and great uncle Reyburn led the agency through decades of expansion and change.

Over the past century, EM Ford has grown from local operation into a regional firm with nearly 50 employees and clients with locations across the country. The company operates offices in Owensboro, Henderson, and Glasgow, the latter added this year following the acquisition of Pedigo-Lessenberry. EM Ford also expanded its Henderson office by acquiring Henderson Insurance Services.

Ford said the company’s people — past and present — are the key reason the agency has endured.

“The people that have worked here, they are talented, they care tremendously about how their clients are treated and their success, and they’re dedicated to each other as teammates in this community,” he said. “There’s no question that the quality of the people is the reason we have been able to get to 100 years.”

He said many longtime employees devoted decades of service, including one who “was the last person hired by our founder and worked for us for almost 40 years.”

Ford said the agency has weathered countless changes in the insurance world, from insuring early automobiles to helping modern businesses navigate cyber threats, financial planning, and succession strategies.

“We know that we can help them accomplish their goals and their dreams for their families,” he said. “If our clients have success, our employees and our team will have success as well.”

Ford also credited the company’s legacy of public service — including former Kentucky Gov. and U.S. Sen. Wendell Ford — with shaping how generations of the family approached community involvement and client relationships.

“They showed us how people should be treated, whether they were clients or employees,” he said. “He was in government to serve people, and we are here in this business to serve people as well.”

While the 100-year milestone is meaningful, Ford said the company remains focused on what comes next.

“The future — that’s important,” he said. “This is great that we’re celebrating 100 years. We’re very proud of that, but we’re just getting started.”

He said EM Ford has grown drastically over the past few years after completing a new strategic plan, and he expects that momentum to continue.

“We think Owensboro and Henderson and Glasgow, and Kentucky in general, is a strong market to be part of,” Ford said. “We want to make sure that we contribute to that growth and success.”

More about EM Ford is available at emford.com.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

For Michael Johnson, joining the Navy was more than a career decision. It was a calling shaped by his Owensboro roots, his family’s influence, and a lifelong desire to serve.

Born and raised on the west side of Owensboro, Johnson grew up surrounded by faith, discipline, and music. He attended Owensboro High School, where he played football and basketball and ran track, all while performing in the school orchestra and studying cello at Brescia College under Dr. Mack. 

The lessons he learned at home and in school, Johnson said, carried him through 22 years in the U.S. Navy and continue to guide him today.

“I was raised by a single mother who worked hard and instilled a strong work ethic in us,” Johnson said. “And my grandmother was a preacher — she influenced me to go into ministry. Those two women shaped everything I’ve done.”

Johnson graduated from Owensboro High School in 1987 and left for the Navy the very next day. At just 17, with his mother’s signed consent, he began boot camp in San Diego before reporting to his first duty station aboard the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier in Naples, Italy. It was the first of many stops in a career that would take him around the world — from the Mediterranean to the Middle East — and through a variety of leadership roles.

“I was a culinary specialist, so I started off cooking and learning supply work,” he said. “Eventually, I was supervising more than 250 men and women and ordering everything from food to ship supplies.”

Johnson served aboard multiple ships, including the USS John Hancock Destroyer, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He also completed duty assignments in Florida, Virginia, and Illinois, climbing the ranks to Chief Petty Officer and earning designations as both an Aviation Warfare and Surface Warfare Specialist.

His deployments placed him at the center of major U.S. military operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. But among his most cherished memories, Johnson said, are the humanitarian efforts he took part in along the way.

“In Italy, we worked with an orphanage to build a small track so the kids could run and play,” he said. “That was one of my favorite experiences — helping children, seeing their smiles, and showing them what America is all about.”

Johnson retired from the Navy in December 2009 after serving as a Navy recruiter in charge in his hometown. He said returning to Owensboro to inspire the next generation was the perfect way to close his military chapter.

“I recruited over 120 young men and women from Owensboro,” he said. “It was rewarding to tell them how the Navy changed my life and could change theirs.”

Since retiring, Johnson has continued his life of service on land. He’s an ordained minister, an independent gospel artist with two releases, and the founder of Truth Outreach Inc., a nonprofit serving individuals who are homeless and low-income families in Owensboro. 

His leadership has extended to numerous local organizations, including the Owensboro Public Schools Foundation, Owensboro RiverPark Center, Audubon Area Community Care Clinic, and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

Johnson also served as vice chair of the Owensboro Board of Education, helping launch an equity task force and a healthcare partnership between Owensboro Public Schools and Audubon Clinic. The initiative placed healthcare clinics inside school buildings to provide physicals and medical care to students who might otherwise go without.

“Serving my country was about protecting and helping others — and that’s still my mission today,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s through ministry, music, or community work, I just want to give back.”

A devoted husband to his wife Christie, Johnson has seven adult children and 11 grandchildren. He has two sons who followed in his footsteps — one an Army veteran and the other a Marine. He remains active as president of the Men’s Mass Community Choir of Owensboro and senior activities coordinator for the H.L. Neblett Community Center, where he encourages older adults to stay connected and active.

“To whom much is given, much is required,” Johnson said. “I’ve been blessed to see the world, to serve, and to come home to give back to the place that raised me. Owensboro made me who I am.” 

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Care Net Owensboro will kick off the holiday season with its 11th annual Reindeer Run/Walk on December 6 at Smothers Park. The festive 5K, presented by Baird Private Wealth Management’s Longtine, Ivey, Wilkerson Group, Hausner Hard Chrome, Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air, and Southwire, invites runners and walkers of all levels to participate in the family-friendly event.

Participants are encouraged to wear holiday-themed attire as they race through a new course that passes Care Net’s medical clinic on 18th Street. The event is one of the nonprofit’s two major annual fundraisers, supporting its free medical and educational services for individuals and families across Owensboro.

Founded in 2004, Care Net Owensboro is a non-profit medical clinic funded entirely through donations from individuals, businesses, churches, and local grants.

More than 27 sponsors have contributed to this year’s Reindeer Run. The organization is also offering a fundraising component for both participants and non-participants to raise additional support, with prizes and exclusive merchandise available for top fundraisers and teams.

The morning will feature three events: the 5K Reindeer Run/Walk, a Reindeer Dash for children 7 and under, and a Virtual Run/Walk. The Reindeer Dash, which begins at 7:30 a.m., gives kids a chance to dash down Veterans Boulevard alongside Santa and his reindeer. Every young runner will receive a medal, and optional shirts can be purchased separately.

The main 5K begins at 8 a.m. and will be a timed race with awards for division winners. Virtual participants can complete their routes anytime, anywhere. Registration is $35 through November 30 and increases to $40 beginning December 1. Children 13 and under receive a $5 discount, and those who register by November 14 will receive a long-sleeved race T-shirt. Packet pickup will be held at Care Net on December 5 from noon to 6 p.m., or beginning at 7 a.m. the morning of the race.

Funds raised from the event will support Care Net’s mission of providing free, confidential services such as pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, and parenting education. The clinic’s staff and volunteers aim to provide holistic care that supports emotional, social, mental, spiritual, and physical health.

For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/KY/Owensboro/CareNetReindeerRun5K.

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.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times