Business Equipment has been a trusted name in office solutions across Western Kentucky for more than 50 years, offering everything from multifunction copiers and printers to office furniture and supplies. Now based out of Henderson, the company is making a renewed push into Owensboro — a city they’ve long served and are committed to growing in.

“We’ve always been in Owensboro. We actually had a store here at one time,” said Dallas Roberts, a local representative for Business Equipment. “Since I came on about six or seven months ago, we’ve really pushed hard into Owensboro again.”

Roberts, a Philpot native, said the company is built on a reputation of reliable service and local connection.

“What separates us is that we’re local, and we handle service after the sale,” he said. “From the point of sale, we take care of everything: parts, toner, training — whatever’s needed.”

Business Equipment is an authorized dealer for Kyocera printers, copiers, and wide-format machines capable of producing banners, vinyl graphics, and other large-scale print projects. They also offer flexible purchasing and leasing options, with tailored consultations to meet each customer’s specific needs.

Beyond machines, the company also outfits workspaces with office furniture — including desks, chairs, conference tables, and even full-building layouts for commercial or educational settings.

“We recently put in a bid to furnish a whole office down in Johnson Springs,” Roberts said. “But we also do smaller jobs, like a single chair or student desk.”

Business Equipment delivers throughout the tri-state region, offering free next-day delivery for local customers. Supplies such as toner, paper, and even everyday office items like pens, scissors, and tissues are either shipped directly or hand-delivered by Roberts and the service team.

With a staff of eight, the company covers a two-hour radius from Henderson, with loyal customers across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

“Some of our clients have been with us for more than 20 years,” Roberts said.

While the company’s physical presence in Owensboro was consolidated years ago, the team remains active in the community, and Roberts said the personal touch is part of what keeps customers coming back.

To learn more about their products and services, click here.

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

Cub Express Auto Wash is now open at the corner of the bypass and KY 54, bringing new life to an existing site and pairing a value-focused model with the same emphasis on quality and service that its owners have built their reputation on.

The new location celebrated its opening on Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting alongside the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Located at 2915 Wimsatt Court, the site becomes the third Owensboro car wash operated by Cheetah Clean, which acquired the property after it had gone dark and invested heavily in renovating the facility.

Cheetah Clean founder Jeff Fields said the company saw the Wimsatt Court location as an opportunity to reopen a well-positioned site while expanding options for customers. The Cub Express brand, he said, is designed to complement Cheetah Clean’s higher-end locations by offering a more streamlined, value-oriented wash without sacrificing quality or customer experience.

“This location has some of the best visibility, especially with the bypass nearby,” Fields said. “We wanted to open it back up, create more opportunity for our current members, and introduce another entry point into our ecosystem.”

The Cub Express name differentiates this site from the traditional Cheetah Clean model. While Cheetah Clean locations are known for their premium prep process and high-touch service, Cub Express offers a more streamlined, value-focused wash with three price tiers — starting at $12.99 and going up to $23. All tiers include access to amenities like towels for post-wash touchups, and Fields said a self-prep area will be added in warmer months.

“We spent over half a million dollars returning the equipment and installing a modern point-of-sale system,” Fields said. “This ensures Cheetah Clean members have full access, and Cub Express users benefit from a simple, high-quality experience.”

Fields emphasized that even at this new express site, service remains a priority. While Cub Express runs with a smaller team of around three, staffing will increase in busy seasons to maintain quality. Seven total jobs were created for the location, and Fields said it also opens the door for a new market management position and a maintenance technician role — both of which offer competitive pay and benefits.

He said Cheetah Clean is known for its emphasis on employee development, offering fast-track programs, strong healthcare benefits, and advancement opportunities. Fields said the company is as much about people as it is about clean cars.

“We wash cars, but we’re really a personnel development company,” he said. “We’ve got people in this market who are approaching $100,000 a year.”

With plans to renovate their KY 54 location soon and long-term aspirations of building an interior cleaning tunnel at Cub Express, Fields said the company is committed to continued growth in Owensboro.

“We’re grateful for the support this community continues to show,” he said. “This site helps us serve more customers and provide even more value.”

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

A new four-part professional development series aimed at helping small businesses better understand and manage technology will launch in Owensboro later this winter.

The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Owensboro, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, and Fastek, has announced Plugged In: A Tech Series for Small Businesses, a lunch-and-learn program focused on practical technology topics for small and mid-sized businesses.

The series is geared toward business owners, managers, and decision-makers and will address topics such as basic technology planning, cybersecurity, productivity tools, and practical applications of artificial intelligence. Sessions are designed to be discussion-based and accessible, with an emphasis on practical information.

The sessions will be held at the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on January 27, February 24, March 17, and April 21. Lunch will be provided.

“Most small businesses know technology matters, but they don’t always know where to focus or who to trust,” said Chris Murphy, Founder and CEO at Fastek. “Plugged In is about cutting through the noise and giving business owners practical guidance they can actually use — how to protect their data, work more efficiently, and make smarter technology decisions without needing to be an IT expert.”

Each two-hour session will include instruction, interactive discussion, and course materials. Session topics will be finalized based on a pre-event survey of registrants.

“We’re excited to partner with the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation to offer this training to our business community,” said Dave Kirk, President & CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “As an added benefit, our Chamber members will get a price break on this learning opportunity.  We look forward to continuing to grow our collaboration with the EDC on future endeavors.”

Businesses that attend all four sessions will receive a complimentary cybersecurity vulnerability assessment from Fastek, valued at $950, along with a certificate of completion.

“Small business owners juggle a lot of responsibilities, and technology can feel like unfamiliar territory,” said Jody Hulsey, Director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Owensboro. “The Plugged In series offers a practical approach to IT that will help business owners protect what they’ve built, save time, and make the most of the tools that support their growth.”

Registration for the full series is $100 per person, with Chamber members receiving a $25 discount. Discounts are available for businesses registering multiple employees. Attendance is limited to 30 participants.

“Strong businesses need strong tech,” said Claude Bacon, President & CEO of GOEDC. “Plugged In will help our local businesses understand and use technology in ways that make them more efficient, more secure, and better positioned for growth in Greater Owensboro.”

Registration information is available online here or by calling the Chamber at 270-926-1860.

By: Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

Owensboro Nutrition recently celebrated its one-year anniversary of serving up protein-packed shakes, energizing teas, and healthy coffee alternatives from its shop on East 18th Street.

The business, owned by Akeisha Hibbard and her husband, offers what she describes as “a healthy alternative to other energy drinks,” including loaded teas made with a green tea base, protein shakes, and protein coffees. All drinks are customizable, and seasonal menus bring fresh new flavors throughout the year.

“We’ve got loaded tea, which is like a natural caffeine, and then it’s also packed with different vitamins and minerals,” Hibbard said. “Our top seller is probably the Tired Mama — it’s strawberry, watermelon, and pineapple. But we have over 100 flavors, and we can customize any drink.”

Owensboro Nutrition is located at 448 E. 18th Street, between King Laundry and Calhoun’s Barbershop in the Gabe’s shopping center. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

They also offer free delivery to businesses within a 12-minute radius — as long as orders are placed before 10 a.m.

“We deliver every day, and there’s no charge,” Hibbard said.

Drinks are reasonably priced, with larger drinks costing $8.18, including tax.

Hibbard said opening the shop was the result of a leap of faith.

“We’ve always wanted to open a business, but we prayed about it a lot and really felt good about it — so we just went out on a whim,” she said.

The couple’s risk has paid off. Over the past year, the shop has built a strong base of regulars and formed new connections.

“It’s been very rewarding — stressful at times — but we’ve met a lot of new people and created friendships through the process,” Hibbard said. “The part I enjoy most is interacting with the customers.”

Though Hibbard is originally from Texas and her husband was born and raised in Ohio County, the couple is now firmly planted in Owensboro and thankful for the community’s support. Hibbard said she chose this line of work because she had previously worked at a similar shop and felt there was a need for healthy, tasty options in the area.

“There’s not a lot of healthy options out there for people,” she said. “And they also taste good. I don’t like to drink stuff that doesn’t taste good, too.”

For more information or to see drink options, visit Owensboro Nutrition on Facebook.

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

The Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute (GOLI) has been awarded a grant to support a new local arts initiative aimed at fostering community connection and belonging.

The $1,200 Intercultural Microgrant comes from the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX), through the Kentucky Foundation for Women (KFW) funding pool. The grant will support two key projects — the Artist Mixer and the Portrait Project — both designed to bring people together through creativity.

The Artist Mixer will provide networking opportunities for Owensboro-Daviess County artists, encouraging collaboration and partnerships that benefit the community. The Portrait Project will highlight the stories and faces of 12 local residents, celebrating the area’s diverse identities and experiences through individual portraits and personal narratives.

“We believe art has the power to bring people together across lines that can sometimes divide us,” said Maria Clark, who leads the GOLI Art Team. “This initiative creates space for people to see and hear one another in new ways. When we lift our community’s stories through creativity, we strengthen our sense of belonging and can move forward together.”

The Art Team is one of four formed through GOLI’s collaboration with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, part of a broader effort to spark community-led change. Each team is focused on addressing local concerns while helping strengthen the civic culture of Owensboro-Daviess County.

The RUX Microgrant Program awarded $23,200 in total funding this year to support collaborative projects that connect Kentuckians across geographic, cultural, and political lines. Since its founding in 2014 by Art of the Rural and Appalshop, RUX has grown into a statewide leadership network with more than 325 alumni from 65 counties.

Learn more about the program and its recipients at kyrux.org.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Harold’s Cleaners has been a staple of Owensboro’s small business scene for generations, and Molly Tichenor is proud to carry on the family legacy.

Tichenor officially took over the business on Jan. 1 of this year, following the retirement of her father, Eddie Tichenor, who had owned and operated the dry-cleaning service since 1992. Before that, the business was owned by Harold and Betty Jones — Molly’s great uncle and aunt — who bought it in the 1950s after it had operated under the original name, Economy Cleaners, since at least the 1940s.

“Nowadays we just go by Harold’s Cleaners,” Molly said. “My dad added tuxedo rentals for a while, but I dropped that. We’re just back to focusing on what we do best.”

Molly has been around the business her whole life. She said the long-term success of Harold’s is due to the tight-knit, family atmosphere and dedication to customer service.

“I’m 32, and I’ve pretty much done this my whole life,” she said. “When you’ve got family, they really show up for one another. And even our employees turn into family — the people my dad hired while I was growing up felt like aunts and uncles to me.”

That sense of community has helped Harold’s weather ups and downs, including the financial strain of economic downturns and a full year of scaled-back operations during COVID-19.

“Dry cleaning is a borderline luxury service,” Molly said. “During tough times, it’s one of the first things people cut. In 2020, we closed one of our locations, and my dad did everything by himself for a year. He was still cleaning lab coats for doctors and finding ways to fill in the gaps.”

Today, business is thriving. Molly said demand has increased steadily in the post-pandemic era as people return to dressing up for work, events, and nights out.

“Younger guys are getting into nice polyester shirts and fancier clothes that look better when dry cleaned,” she said. “People want to look sharp, and they don’t always have the tools at home to get it done.”

Currently located at the corner of 22nd Street and Veach Road — “we back up to Gary’s Diner, and everybody knows Gary’s,” Molly said — Harold’s is also looking to expand. Tichenor is eyeing early 2026 to open a second location more tailored toward alterations.

“I was lucky enough to have my mom teach me to sew, and we have a professional seamstress as well,” she said. “Being able to offer more alterations at a storefront is something we see a need for.”

In the meantime, Harold’s offers next-day service and even same-day service for early-morning drop-offs. Turnaround has improved as the business has ramped up operations.

“We’re cleaning more days a week now than we were even three months ago,” Molly said.

She’s also proud that Harold’s uses a more environmentally friendly cleaning solution — a fortunate decision made years ago that allowed the business to avoid costly upgrades recently faced by other cleaners.

“Some places have had to shut down due to stricter environmental regulations,” she said. “We’ve been lucky that our solution is already considered greener.”

Though the recent closure of Swan Cleaners raised concerns about the future of the industry locally, Tichenor said dry cleaning is far from dead in Owensboro.

“There’s still a huge need. We’re busier now than we’ve been in years,” she said. “What’s really happening is that many of these family-run places don’t have someone willing to take over. It’s not something you can just buy and figure out later — you have to be in it, day in and day out.”

That’s the life Molly has always known, and one she’s proud to carry forward.

“None of this would be possible without my dad,” she said. “He’s not just a businessman — he’s part of this community. He still comes in every day. That’s what a small-town family business is.”

The business even retains loyal customers who span generations.

“One of our biggest customers, Becky and Marty Mitchell, are actually Harold’s daughter and son-in-law,” she said. “It’s amazing to see not just three generations running the place, but three generations of customers coming through the doors.”

Harold’s Cleaners also operates a pickup and drop-off site in Hartford at Soar Heads Gift Store, a partnership Molly said reflects her passion for supporting other local businesses.

“Being raised in a small business, you see the struggles and the importance of supporting one another,” she said.

As she leads the business into a new chapter, Molly said the foundation her father built — and the commitment to service he instilled — will remain at the heart of everything Harold’s does.

“We’re still here because of him,” she said. “And because we treat our customers like family.”

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

Candance Castlen Brake was honored Thursday morning during her final Rooster Booster breakfast as president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, a role she has held since 2015.

Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson presented Brake with a key to the city, and State Representative Suzanne Miles delivered a citation of appreciation from the Kentucky House of Representatives.

“Candance has been an amazing community partner in so many capacities for many years to me professionally and personally,” Miles said. “So special to get to appreciate her today and so excited to watch for her future.”

Brake also received national recognition, with tributes read into the Congressional Record by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie. Both lawmakers praised Brake’s long-standing dedication to the Owensboro community and her leadership at the Chamber.

Guthrie called Brake “a staple in the community,” citing her decades of work to bring new investments and opportunities to Owensboro and Daviess County. He highlighted her tenure as Deputy Judge-Executive, her time as a government professor at Western Kentucky University, and her three terms as a city commissioner.

“Under her leadership, the city has seen tremendous growth, the transformation of the Owensboro riverfront, and so much more,” Guthrie said. “Her efforts have, without a doubt, contributed to the success we see in Owensboro today.”

McConnell echoed those sentiments, calling Brake “a force of nature” who inspired community leaders to “think big.” He praised her advocacy for key infrastructure improvements, including the widening of KY 54, the lighting of the Owensboro Bridge, and the expansion of countywide broadband.

Chamber Board Chair Olga McKissic introduced Brake with a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on her accomplishments and personal impact.

“Candace’s true legacy is not measured by titles or accolades,” McKissic said. “It is defined by her deep love of Owensboro and her genuine heart for the people.”

Brake became emotional as she addressed the crowd, thanking small business owners, community leaders, and her Chamber staff for their support.

“This role has been one of the biggest privileges I’ve had besides being a wife and a mom,” she said. “To come to work every day and hear your dreams, that’s what makes this Chamber strong.”

Brake emphasized her roots in a small business family and how that shaped her mission to make the Chamber more inclusive.

“My grandparents owned a welding shop and a grocery, and they never felt welcome in the Chamber,” she said. “But now, this Chamber is truly open to everybody. The more of us that come together, put our shoulders down and work, the more this community will continue to move forward.”

Brake announced in May that she would step down later this year to relocate with her husband, Nick, to be closer to their adult children.

She began her career at the Chamber in 1993 and later served as executive vice president before being elected to public office. During her tenure as Chamber CEO, she oversaw leadership programs, expanded talent development efforts, and strengthened state and federal advocacy.

Among her accomplishments are the relaunch of Leadership Owensboro, the creation of the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute, and the establishment of new programs for executive and civic engagement.

Brake said she is confident the Chamber is in good hands and encouraged young people to step into leadership roles.

“When you feel that call, listen to it,” she said. “This community is special. We figure things out. Just keep showing up and working together.”

Dave Kirk has been named as Brake’s successor.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County are accepting nominations for the 28th annual ATHENA Award.

The award honors someone within the community who has assisted women in attaining their full leadership potential, personifies the highest level of professional excellence and has devoted time and energy to the community in a meaningful way.

Founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz, ATHENA International is a nonprofit organization that seeks to support, develop and honor women leaders.

“The Athena Award provides a focused opportunity to celebrate the many and impactful accomplishments of women in our community,” said Sue Napper, ATHENA chairperson. “Women have been a driving force as leaders in the forefront and behind the scenes. With the award program, we recognize their contributions and assistance in helping other women reach their potential”.

Napper added that the public is encouraged to make nominations.

“We rely on the community’s input through the nomination process,” she said, “which is critical in identifying those individuals who truly embody the spirit of the award.”

Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce have successfully partnered in a focused and collaborative effort, embracing the ATHENA vision to recognize and celebrate not only the contributions of women, but also those individuals who opened doors and enabled other women to be self-sufficient and to reach their full potential.

Napper said the effort has resulted in widespread community support of the program and the showcasing of the efforts of many outstanding individuals in the community.

In addition, in 2017, the annual award program expanded its reach to include the Legacy Award, which posthumously honors individuals who had a profound impact on the community and women. Girls Inc. partners with the Owensboro Chapter of AAUW in naming the Legacy Award recipient.

Beth Steele, chief operating officer for Owensboro Health, was the recipient of the 2025 ATHENA Award, and Mary Hale Dean was honored with the Legacy Award.

The criteria for being a nominee includes having actively assisted women in realizing their full leadership potential; demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; provided valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

Eligibility requirements for nominees are:

• Females and males are eligible for consideration.

• The nominee must live, work or influence the Owensboro-Daviess County community.

• Past ATHENA Award recipients are not eligible for nomination. However, past nominees may be nominated again.

• There is no age qualification for nomination or consideration.

• Nominees do not need to be actively employed to be considered.

• Award candidates may not nominate himself or herself.

• Current or past affiliation with Girls Inc., the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce or award sponsors is not a prerequisite for consideration or given undue weight in the selection process.

• No staff member of Girls Inc. or the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce or award committee member is eligible for consideration during their active tenure.

• No posthumous awards will be given except for the possibility of a person who died within the current year of the award.

“We are truly grateful for the partnership with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, our sponsors and supporters which allow us to celebrate leaders who have positively impacted the lives of women in our community,” said Tish Correa Osborne, Girls Inc. CEO. “The mission of Girls Inc. is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold — preparing our next generation of female leaders.

“The Athena Award aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to continue this meaningful event.”

Due to the growing interest in the award and the number of nominees, the judging was changed in 2025. Nominations will be received and nominees will be asked to complete a questionnaire that details their accomplishments and impact. The responses will be sent to an outside panel that will select up to eight finalists for consideration. Those finalists will then be announced and considered by a separate panel to select the recipient of the award.

Members of both panels are from outside the community with no knowledge of the nominees other than the information provided by the nominee.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Jan. 7, 2026. Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.

The award program and luncheon are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. March 24, 2026, at the Owensboro Convention Center. Owensboro Health and German American Bank are presenting sponsors of the award luncheon.

Anyone else wishing to help sponsor the event should contact Girls Inc.

By: Scott Hagerman Messenger-Inquirer

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