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

Dr. Laura Stephenson, vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky, addressed the audience at Thursday morning’s Rooster Booster, presented by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, a monthly event held at the Owensboro Convention Center.

“Stephenson knows Kentucky well and has deep roots in our state and at the college through decades of work and leadership in Cooperative Extension,” said Olga McKissic, the Chamber’s 2025 board chair, during Stephenson’s introduction. “She has served in extension at both the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee.”

In addition to those credentials, McKissic said Stephenson “has been a leader on millions of dollars in grant awards around issues such as workforce training, nutrition, community building and health.”

“This is kind of a nexus for agriculture in this area,” Stephenson said. “The waterways, the train system, being in the middle of so much of our productive farmland and the industry that is attached to that is truly Owensboro’s signature.”

Stephenson told the audience that the goal of Extension Services is to help “improve lives across Kentucky.”

“That’s our mission,” she emphasized.

Stephenson explained that the University of Kentucky is a land-grant university — an institution of higher education designated by a state to receive benefits from either the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 or the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.

“When you talk about being a land-grant university and what that means, we take that very seriously because over 100 years ago, the federal government said that it wanted to have universities that are dedicated in their mission to take research to the people,” she said. “It’s not about just having research at the campus level. It’s looking at what the state needs, and how do we build research programs, discovery and innovation? And then how do we teach our students to be those who value and go back out to their communities to bring in that knowledge?”

Stephenson also praised extension services around the state, saying, “We have one of the strongest extension organizations in the country.”

“We don’t say that lightly because it is because of the communities in Kentucky who have said, ‘We want to invest,’ and we want to make sure that the partnership that you bring with federal and state money is accelerated by our commitment,” she said. “And in Owensboro, in Daviess County, you all have made a deep commitment to Extension, and that’s why you have the number of people you have in the Extension office, but also the quality because, as I look across the state, the people that support and stand by Extension are the ones who are really the banner and standard carriers for the quality of people that want to come and work in that community. So, again, another congratulations to you all here for being that type of community.”

Stephenson then transitioned to discussing agriculture.

“We’re finding that our farmers are facing the largest margin gap between farm costs and prices received for crops in more than 25 years,” she said. “Grain prices have fallen, and we’re hopeful that we’ll see change in this area. Data from the Kentucky Farm Business Management program found for the first time in 35 years that the average net farm income is below zero.”

The volatility in farm markets, she said, is prompting those involved with Extension Services at UK to think about how to better prepare for the future.

“We do have some bright spots. We’ve had steady growth in specialty crops, and we really try to talk about how do we diversify? Producers are saying that they want to branch out to make sure that they are ready for different markets and different opportunities that come our way,” she said.

Data gathered from UK suggests that around 175 farmers markets operate across the state and that product prices at those markets are averaging around 20% higher than in 2021, Stephenson said.

“It’s become a much more accepted and better way to get a better margin on commodities, especially crops in some of our farmers market situations. So well done for communities who really encourage farmers markets,” she said.

Cattle prices are also a bright spot for farmers, Stephenson said.

“We’re trying to make sure that we’re helping farmers manage risk,” she said. “Think about how they make decisions that could decrease the risk but develop their marketing plans in such a way that they’re forecasting as much as possible with the headwinds that they have. We also are helping with our research and Extension to talk about water, alternative crops and markets, and what opportunities we can help with from an innovation perspective for the producers to be able to use and move into their plans. We do some financial guidance, one-on-one support, to analyze finances and plan strategies. But more importantly, I personally think, is that we’re really focused on how do we help farmers at different scales.”

Stephenson explained that the college offered, for the first time in January, the Kentucky Farm Launch program — a beginning farmer accelerator program for Kentucky. The nine-month, in-person training program is based in Lexington, according to the school’s website.

“Our targeted audiences are beginning farmers with less than 10 years of experience. There is no cost for the program, but it does require a passion for launching your farm operation and an ability to participate in person for one full day per week,” the university’s website states.

Stephenson said the school has completed one cohort and will launch the second in January. She said she hopes to extend the program across the state because “it’s important.”

The presentation concluded with Stephenson providing statistics about the Extension Service, noting that more than 15,000 Kentucky children participated in 4-H camps across the state in 2024.

“We appreciate the people who invest in our youth,” she said.

Stephenson also discussed improvements and upgrades that UK is making for the agriculture department at its Lexington campus.

“It’s our commitment and mission to you that we bring (knowledge) here to Daviess County, and that we make sure that the work that we do on campus matters,” she concluded.

By: Michele Lohman Messenger-Inquirer

The Daviess County Farm Bureau celebrated more than a century of agricultural advocacy and local leadership Thursday morning as it co-sponsored November’s Rooster Booster breakfast alongside the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service.

The event featured remarks from Daviess County Farm Bureau President Brandon Gilles and a keynote address by Dr. Laura Stephenson, dean of the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment and vice president for land-grant engagement.

Gilles opened the breakfast by calling the gathering “fueled by strong coffee and even stronger community spirit,” crediting Owensboro’s farmers, business owners, and civic leaders for keeping the region’s agricultural economy vibrant.

“As we break biscuits together, let’s take a moment to celebrate our agricultural roots and the organization that has championed them for over a century,” Gilles said. “It’s proof that Kentucky’s farmers roll up their sleeves — we don’t just endure, we lead.”

Gilles, a fifth-generation Daviess County farmer, reflected on KY Farm Bureau’s founding in 1919 and its growth into the nation’s largest state Farm Bureau organization, representing more than 500,000 member families. He explained the dual structure of the organization — its nonprofit advocacy federation and its insurance company — describing them as “two siblings” that work hand-in-hand to protect rural families and communities.

He also touched on the current state of agriculture in Daviess County, noting that the county is home to more than 900 farms covering roughly 238,000 acres and generating about $186 million in market value annually.

“While corn and soybeans dot our landscape, we also have producers raising livestock, poultry, and produce,” Gilles said. “From drone-monitored fields to sustainable grazing, autonomous equipment to artificial intelligence, Kentucky farmers are proving agriculture isn’t fading — it’s evolving.”

He also addressed the pressures facing farmers, including development encroachment and the loss of farmland nationwide, but said local producers continue to show resilience through innovation and collaboration.

Gilles closed by recognizing outgoing Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake for her partnership and advocacy for agriculture during her tenure.

“Your tenure has been a master class in bridge building,” Gilles said. “From ag roundtables to farm-to-table initiatives, you’ve woven agriculture into our community’s fabric.”

Daviess County Farm Bureau recently earned two statewide honors from Kentucky Farm Bureau, receiving regional recognition in both the 2025 Health & Safety Awards and the County Activities of Excellence Program. The organization was also honored for its Family & Farm Agriculture Day, a community event that featured hands-on safety demonstrations, health screenings, and agricultural education exhibits.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

A two-year initiative aimed at fostering collaboration, civic engagement, and community-led problem-solving is well underway in Owensboro, led by the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute in partnership with the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation.

Founded by Rich Harwood nearly four decades ago, the Harwood Institute works with communities across all 50 states and in 40 countries to help bridge divides and build what Harwood calls a culture of shared responsibility. Owensboro is one of only a handful of U.S. communities chosen for the organization’s “intensive multi-year engagement program.”

“In a time when the country seems to be coming apart, we’re focused on how to bring communities together, how to strengthen civic culture and help people work toward a shared purpose,” Harwood said. “Owensboro was already starting from a position of strength. The question is how to build on that — how to work better together, be more inclusive, and make sure young people want to stay and raise their families here.”

The effort began with more than 50 in-depth interviews conducted by the Harwood team with local leaders and residents, aimed at understanding how people view life in Owensboro-Daviess County and what issues matter most. The findings were compiled in a report titled Building a Better Owensboro: A New Path Forward for Owensboro-Daviess County, released in partnership with the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute.

That report identified key challenges such as housing and homelessness, drug addiction and recovery, and limited opportunities for youth — as well as an overarching theme that, while Owensboro has strong organizations, those groups don’t always work effectively together.

“What people said is, too often we’re putting Band-Aids on problems instead of getting to the root of them,” Harwood said. “This initiative is about addressing what really matters to people — and strengthening the way we work together in the process.”

To tackle the issues identified in the report, four action teams were formed focusing on housing and homelessness, youth, the arts, and health. Each group includes representatives from different sectors, organizations, and neighborhoods who are working collaboratively to create small, meaningful actions that can spark broader change.

“These teams are not just creating plans — they’re already taking action,” Harwood said. “The arts team, for instance, started arts mixers to build stronger networks among local artists, and they’re launching a portrait initiative that celebrates people from all walks of life in Owensboro. None of that costs money — it just requires people working together differently.”

Harwood said many communities mistakenly assume major change always requires new funding. In reality, he said, success often depends more on collaboration and coordination among existing organizations.

“Owensboro Health and RiverValley Behavioral Health both had mobile units that served different purposes,” he said. “They realized if they went to the same part of the community at the same time, they could provide better care — and it didn’t cost a dime. That’s what we mean by working differently.”

According to Harwood, the Owensboro effort is progressing even faster than expected. Attendance at recent sessions has grown, and more community members are joining by word of mouth.

“The initiative is going exceedingly well,” he said. “People are taking this approach and embedding it in their organizations. It’s spreading, which is the whole point.”

Stacey Edds-Ellis, executive director of the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute, said the partnership with Harwood’s team has provided a valuable framework for advancing leadership and engagement locally.

“Our network keeps growing, which is a good sign that people want to come together and move the community forward,” Edds-Ellis said. “People are using this practice not only in the Harwood teams but also on the boards and organizations they serve with — that’s how the ripple effects start.”

The Leadership Institute, established in 2022, was initially inspired by Chamber of Commerce leaders who saw a need to cultivate more engaged local leadership. It operates independently as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization funded primarily through local foundations, including the Lawrence & Augusta Hager Educational Foundation, which also underwrites the Harwood partnership.

Harwood said the next year will focus on expanding those community-led actions and deepening collaboration among organizations. The initiative continues through 2026, with coaching, workshops, and storytelling designed to help local leaders sustain the approach beyond the formal partnership.

“We’re not consultants — this is the community’s work,” Harwood said. “When we started, some people wondered if this would amount to anything. My message now is: it’s working, and it’s going to produce a lot more moving into the future.”

Edds-Ellis emphasized that anyone can still get involved.

“The tent is always open,” she said. “If someone wants to be part of the effort or start a team around a new issue, all they have to do is reach out. This work is about people coming together to make Owensboro stronger, and there’s room for everyone in that.” 

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Local government officials and business leaders gathered downtown Tuesday afternoon for the official ribbon-cutting at the new Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel on West Second Street.

The $50-million project broke ground in 2019 but was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed back the completion date. The hotel began accepting reservations in mid-September.

“This is one of the only hotels you’ll find that started during COVID and was built during COVID,” said Ed Ray, chief operating officer for Gulfstream Commercial Services, the company that developed the hotel.

Construction was impacted by factors such as architects working from home during the pandemic and various delays, Ray said. The western side of the building had to be redone after sustaining damage in a large spring hailstorm, he said.

Having the hotel open despite the delays was a “miracle,” Ray said.

Candance Castlen Brake, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, said when city and county elected officials voted to raise the insurance premium tax to pay for downtown development, “we told the community, ‘this is not a beautification project, this is economic development.’”

Brake was a city commissioner when the tax increase was approved in 2009.

The government investment has led to an influx of private-sector spending on downtown development, Brake said.

“I’m so proud to say, to date, for every $1 (in government spending), there has been $5 in private-sector investment,” Brake said.

Samir Lakhany, president of Superhost Hospitality, the company managing the hotel, said the 144-room hotel is “going to be a great asset for the community” and will create careers as hotel workers move up the business ladder.

The Home2 Suites is the third hotel to open downtown, joining the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Owensboro Waterfront and the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront. Lakhany said the Home2 Suites is unique because it offers rooms for guests on extended stays.

“We’re not trying to take business away from other hotels,” Lakhany said. “This is the only all-suite product you have in downtown Owensboro, and right now people are going to municipalities, other cities that are 40 minutes away for that type of use.”

The new hotel is within a stone’s throw of the city’s indoor sports complex being built downtown.

Lakhany said sports teams look for Home2 Suites hotels and noted in a separate interview that the hotel will attract a variety of business.

“Most hotels are focused on just corporate business or group business or sports teams,” Lakhany said. “We have the ability to attract all types … of those types of groups to our hotel.”

The second phase of the project, which will include apartments, a parking garage and retail space, is under construction.

That portion of the project will be completed “sometime in 2026,” Lakhany said.

By: James Mayse Messenger-Inquirer

Community and business leaders gathered Tuesday night to celebrate the grand opening of Home2 Suites by Hilton Owensboro with a Chamber After Hours event.

“The highly anticipated Home2 Suites by Hilton Owensboro is now officially open, bringing a fresh and modern extended-stay option to the heart of downtown Owensboro,” said Ashtyn Redmon, director of sales for the hotel. “The team is thrilled to join such a vibrant and welcoming community and looks forward to building strong partnerships with local businesses, corporations, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Owensboro.”

Redmon said the new addition supports Owensboro’s continued growth as a destination.

“The addition of Home2 Suites further supports Owensboro’s ongoing economic growth, enhancing the city’s ability to host larger conventions, sports tournaments, and other major events,” she said. “We extend our sincere gratitude to our development partners at Gulfstream, the contractors from Envision, and our management company, Superhost Hospitality, for their dedication and collaboration throughout this project. We are proud to begin this new chapter serving guests and contributing to the continued success of downtown Owensboro.”

The grand opening event, held at the new hotel at 560 West 2nd Street and hosted by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, began with a ribbon cutting and remarks before guests toured the property and enjoyed live music from the Owensboro Symphony. 

Attendees also had the chance to win several door prizes, including a 40-inch TV, Amazon Fire Stick, AirPods Pro, and a branded tumbler.

“Our Chamber After Hours at Home2 Suites by Hilton was a great opportunity for our business community and membership to tour the latest hotel and lodging offering in our downtown,” said Chamber President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce will host a Chamber After Hours event Tuesday, Nov. 4, in partnership with Home2 Suites by Hilton Owensboro to celebrate the hotel’s grand opening at 560 W. Second St.

According to the Chamber, doors will open at 3:30 p.m., with a ribbon cutting and remarks beginning at 4 p.m. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to tour the property and connect with fellow Chamber members.

“The highly anticipated Home2 Suites by Hilton Owensboro is now officially open, bringing a fresh and modern extended-stay option to the heart of downtown Owensboro,” said Ashtyn Redmon, Home2 Suites by Hilton Owensboro director of sales. “The team is thrilled to join such a vibrant and welcoming community and looks forward to building strong partnerships with local businesses, corporations, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Owensboro.”

Redmon said the addition of Home2 Suites supports Owensboro’s ongoing economic growth and enhances the city’s ability to host larger conventions, sports tournaments and other major events. She thanked the project’s development partners at Gulfstream, contractors from Envision and management company Superhost Hospitality for their collaboration.

The celebration will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, along with live music from the Owensboro Symphony. Guests will also have a chance to win door prizes, including a 40-inch flat-screen TV, Amazon Fire Stick, AirPods Pro (4th generation) and a branded tumbler.

“Our Chamber After Hours at Home2 Suites by Hilton will be a great opportunity for our business community and membership to tour the latest hotel and lodging offering in our downtown,” said Candance Castlen Brake, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber After Hours events are designed to bring the business community together for networking, celebration and a behind-the-scenes look at local organizations. They provide Chamber members a chance to showcase their services, mission and team members in a lighthearted environment.

By: Messenger-Inquirer Staff Messenger-Inquirer

More than four decades ago, a small group of Owensboro residents came together to ensure that no one in the community would have to die in pain or alone. From their efforts, Hospice of Western Kentucky was born.

At Trinity Episcopal Church, Rev. Gledon Coppick, Alice Bagot, Ann Greer, and Bea Lennox founded what was originally known as “The Hospice Association.” It was officially incorporated on July 7, 1980, and served its first patient two years later. For 12 years, the organization operated entirely through volunteer efforts before becoming Medicare-certified, allowing services to expand into Hancock, Hopkins, and Muhlenberg counties.

In October 2013, Hospice opened The Heartford House — the first free-standing inpatient hospice facility in Western Kentucky. The center provides around-the-clock care for patients who need more intensive symptom management than can be provided at home, offering an alternative to hospitalization in a peaceful, home-like setting.

Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, now often referred to as HPC, remains devoted to providing individualized end-of-life care.

“Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky offers a specialized service that focuses on providing individualized care to help people live with dignity through the final stages of life,” Marketing Director Hannah Cecil said. “Our dedicated staff works hard to provide excellent care. We serve patients from all walks of life and of all ages, including pediatrics. We are proud to say no one is ever turned away for their inability to pay.”

In addition to patient care, HPC offers bereavement services to families, including counseling and grief groups that are open to the entire community.

Cecil said being part of the Owensboro community is both rewarding and vital to its mission.

“Being a part of Owensboro is incredible because the community is so supportive of our mission,” she said. “We have a great group of volunteers who are integral to what we do. To help give back, we have a program called Hospice Cares, Hospice Gives. This program consists of staff members frequently participating in a volunteer capacity, whether that be collecting items for donation or serving at a local homeless shelter.”

Leaders at HPC also want to dispel misconceptions about what hospice care truly means.

“There is a stigma that hospice means giving up. This couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Cecil said. “Hospice helps individuals spend quality time with family and encourages them to live their life to the fullest. While we can’t add days to life, we can add life to days.”

Recently, the organization’s Board of Directors approved a new logo, marking a refreshed look while keeping the same mission and leadership.

“We will now be referred to as HPC, Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky,” she said. “We are still under the same leadership, same ownership, and are still providing the same great service! It was just time to refresh our look – so be on the lookout for our new logo.”

To celebrate Veterans Day, HPC will host a ceremony at 9 a.m. on November 10 at The Heartford House to unveil a new flagpole. Veterans and community members are invited to attend, with donuts and coffee provided.

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

New CEO of Owensboro Chamber of Commerce appointed

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — A new president and CEO has been appointed at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

David Kirk was chosen by the chamber’s board after a search that involved more than 60 applicants. Kirk is an Owensboro native and has worked in local media, public schools and at Visit Owensboro.

Eyewitness News El’Agance Shemwell interviewed Kirk during First at Four about the new position and what he hopes to accomplish in the role. You can watch the full interview in the video above.

By: Ian Young, El’Agance Shemwell

Dave Kirk, an Owensboro native, is the new president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

He takes office on Dec. 8.

He succeeds Candance Castlen Brake, who has held the position since March 2015. Brake announced in May that she would be leaving by the end of the year.

Kirk, 38, has served as destination management director for the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau since 2018.

“Leaving is bittersweet,” he said.

Mark Calitri, CVB president, said, “I am incredibly proud of Dave, and he has absolutely earned this opportunity. I’ve watched him pour his heart out into this community, giving everything he has to make Owensboro better. With Dave’s leadership, Visit Owensboro has become a powerhouse in the tourism industry, raising the bar for what a destination marketing organization can achieve.”

He added, “We’ll have big shoes to fill, but I’m excited for the energy and vision he’ll bring to the Chamber. The future looks bright for Owensboro, and with the Chamber, economic development and Visit Owensboro working together, we’re going to show what great things can happen when a community moves forward together.”

Brake said, “Dave Kirk and his wife, Jessica, have poured themselves into the Chamber’s work for over a decade. We are so excited that Dave will be leading the organization and look forward to seeing where he and the team will take us.”

Olga McKissic, board chairwoman, said Kirk was the unanimous choice of both the selection committee and the board of directors.

She said the Chamber conducted a national search and received 70 applications from across the country.

“We realized that he stood out above all the rest,” McKissic said. “And we had some really good candidates.”

She said Kirk had volunteered with the Chamber in the past and is familiar with the organization’s culture.

The Chamber, CVB and Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. all work closely together.

Kirk said he applied for the position in July.

“It’s an incredibly important position,” he said. “I’m honored to be selected.”

Kirk said, “Candance has set the bar very high. They’ve done incredible work.”

He added, “I’ll be looking for new initiatives and ways to serve our members. I love Owensboro. It’s exciting to watch it grow.”

Kirk said, “I want to listen to members and nonmembers. I want to know why nonmembers aren’t members. I want to listen and meet their needs.”

He continued, “I want to make sure Owensboro is heard in Frankfort. We have to go get it.”

McKissic said the Chamber has 988 members today, the most in about 12 years.

Kirk said if membership hasn’t hit 1,000 before he arrives, that will be his first goal.

McKissic said that after an initial round of virtual interviews, four finalists from across the country were interviewed face-to-face — and Kirk was the unanimous choice.

Kirk is a graduate of Owensboro High School and holds degrees in journalism and communications from the University of Kentucky.

Worked in TVAfter graduating from UK, he worked as a television reporter in Jackson, Tennessee, before moving back home to work in the news department at WFIE-TV.

In 2012, Kirk was appointed public information officer for Owensboro Public Schools. During that time, he became heavily involved in the Chamber.

Kirk served on the Advocacy Committee; acted as moderator for forums and legislative updates; participated in Owensboro Day in Frankfort; and served as media coordinator for the Red, White and Blue Picnic.

He graduated from Leadership Owensboro in 2016 and chaired Chamber Young Professionals during its relaunch, helping the group grow from eight members to more than 150.

The group was responsible for bringing ridesharing services such as Lyft to Owensboro.

Kirk’s wife, Jessica, worked at the Chamber for several years as executive director of Leadership Owensboro and director of talent programs. She currently works for Boardwalk Pipelines as a GasQuest development specialist.

They have three sons.

By: Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer