The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce will be relaunching an online platform called Engage Owensboro, which is designed to “connect individuals with meaningful opportunities to serve, lead and grow within the community.”

The platform had previously been a connected service on the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s website, but, through the “generous support of the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation,” Engage Owensboro has been given an independent website to make it easier to access for organizations and members of the community.

The online platform is designed to help connect members of the community with volunteer and internship opportunities, along with nonprofit board positions that are available to be filled. Individuals can create a profile on the platform, which will allow them to explore a variety of local organizations to find areas of interest and causes “that matter to them.” These profiles and preferences will allow organizations to “directly connect with candidates whose skills and interests best match their mission,” states the press release.

“Engage Owensboro supports local talent development, recruitment and retention while helping individuals discover how their unique skills can make a difference,” said Ashtin Warren, director of talent programs with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “When individuals find the right place to contribute, it not only strengthens our community, but it also enriches lives with purpose. Connection is key to improving quality of life, which is the cornerstone of a thriving economy.”

“Whether you’re a young professional eager to get involved, an experienced leader looking to give back, or simply someone ready to contribute to the community, this platform makes it simple to find your place,” Warren concluded.

An information session was conducted on Thursday to highlight the benefits of the relaunched system and provide an overview of how the system works for both individuals and organizations. Representatives from a variety of local nonprofit organizations were in attendance.

Eric Kyle with Red Pixel Studios assisted the Chamber with the development side of the new Engage Owensboro website.

He explained that the new website, now separate from the Chamber of Commerce website,

allows individuals to make a Google search requesting “Owensboro nonprofit board opportunities” and have the Engage Owensboro website populate for the search.

“The goal was to make the platform easier to access by members of the community to help out our local agencies and organizations,” Kyle said.

Also new to the upgraded system is the ability for interested individuals to search for nonprofits that are listed on the Engage Owensboro website without making an account, something that the old version didn’t allow, according to Kyle.

The website address for the new Engage Owensboro platform is engage.owensboro.com.

More information about the relaunch can be received by contacting the Chamber office at 270-926-1860 or via email at chamber@owensboro.com.

By Michele Lohman Messenger-Inquirer

The Owensboro Family YMCA is expanding its early childhood services by launching a new full-day Infant and Toddler Child Care program, offering care for children as young as 6 weeks old.

The program begins September 2 at the YMCA’s main campus, and care will be available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. For more information about registering your child, call 270-926-9622.

YMCA CEO Tom Bontrager said the expansion is part of a broader effort to address the region’s child care shortage and provide more options for working families. The program is being offered in partnership with the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro.

“We know access to child care is critical for working families, and we are thrilled to be able to open infant and toddler care, with preschool coming in January,” Bontrager said. “This service has been supported by our governments, foundations, and donors and will provide a nurturing, engaging environment where little ones can learn, grow, and thrive.”

The new facility is located on the YMCA’s second floor, where staff have spent weeks preparing classrooms with fresh paint, new flooring, and brand-new equipment such as cribs, desks, and shelving. Bontrager said community partnerships and support ensured the project was completed without going into debt.

The program is designed with transition in mind: infants will begin in one classroom until they can walk, then move to a middle room before aging into a third toddler space. A room across the hall will eventually house pre-K and kindergarten programs.

Bontrager noted the expansion is only the first step, with a preschool program scheduled to open in a building across the street in January 2026.

“This is phase one,” he said. “Phase two will be in January with additional slots — about 150 more — and that’s a big deal. We couldn’t have done it without the city, the county, the state, and the child care licensure board, who were with us every step of the way.”

A ribbon-cutting for the program was held on Wednesday, with local and state leaders saying the project reflects the community’s ability to come together and solve pressing issues.

“This project is truly one of those that encapsulates the spirit of Owensboro,” said Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake. “Give us an issue, tell us others aren’t making it work, and we are going to get together and we’re going to figure it out. … This really does encapsulate what you can accomplish when nobody is worried about who gets the credit.”

State Rep. DJ Johnson called the opening “absolutely exciting,” saying it marks “a momentous day for Daviess County and for this entire region, as we open this child care center and serve the community.”

Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen said the need for more child care options has been clear for families across the county, including his own.

“My daughter has three children, and they used to go to (Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church daycare). They got a letter a couple of months ago that said, ‘We’re closing our doors.’ She called daycare after daycare, and all they had was waiting lists,” Castlen said. “Two of my three grandkids will be going here as soon as you open your doors. What you’ve done inside is incredible.”

Owensboro Mayor Pro Tem Bob Glenn shared a personal memory of seeing a young mother struggle to complete her education due to a lack of child care, saying efforts like the YMCA’s expansion help ensure families don’t have to make similar sacrifices.

“People don’t have to make those exchanges today because of the great work of the YMCA,” Glenn said. “You are going to be part of the village that raises the next generation, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.”

Joe Berry, President and CEO of the Public Life Foundation, said the initiative represents a model partnership among government, business, and philanthropy.

“On the surface, you may not think this is an issue that impacts businesses, but it does. It is a workforce development issue,” Berry said. “If we can find solutions like this in this community, we’re going to help create opportunities for the workforce of the 21st century.”

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

Candance Castlen Brake, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, stops by “Inquire” for a wide-ranging interview regarding her career in Owensboro-Daviess County from her time being with the Chamber as programs manager in the early 1990s, becoming an administrative assistant to replace then-Deputy Judge-Executive Kim Logsdon in February 1995 — and was eventually appointed to Logsdon’s former title that August, the Chamber’s vice president for work force and education initiatives and eventual executive vice president, a three-term City Commissioner during the pivotal development of downtown and the riverfront and her decision to leave her current post after a decade.

Additionally, in Chamber fashion, Brake and Julia Kimbrell Brooks, the Chamber’s director of events and communications, host a brief “ribbon cutting” ceremony for the podcast.

By Freddie Bourne Messenger -Inquirer

Morning Pointe of Owensboro celebrated the ceremonious grand opening of its newly renovated assisted living facility Thursday evening, marking the completion of a $2.5 million project aimed at enhancing services and amenities for local seniors.

The event featured remarks from local and state leaders, including Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson, Kentucky State Rep. DJ Johnson, and Daviess County Central Commissioner Larry Conder, as well as Morning Pointe Senior Living Co-Founders Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow. Guests enjoyed live music, chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres, and tours of the updated facility.

Executive Director Karleigh Roby said the renovation represents more than just an upgrade to the building.

“It’s more than just a building. It’s a community built on care, dignity, and respect,” Roby said. “It’s definitely a new chapter for our residents and our family and our team here.”

Morning Pointe acquired the former Heritage Place Assisted Living in September 2024 and has since completed a full interior and exterior renovation. Improvements include new furnishings, lighting, artwork, and system upgrades, as well as a functional nurses’ station. The facility offers an on-site therapy gym, restaurant-style dining, and a transportation bus for medical appointments and outings — both first-time additions.

The one-level community can accommodate up to 66 residents and offers 24/7 clinical staff, licensed nurse assessments, medication administration, life enrichment programs, intergenerational activities, farm-to-table dining, and beauty salon services.

Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake praised the investment and the staff’s commitment to quality care.

“I want to thank the corporate team that’s investing in the community. We appreciate that,” Brake said. “I also want to thank the employees — the compassionate care that each of you gives is some of our most cherished citizens.”

She also addressed the residents in attendance.

“Thank you so much for your service to our community,” she said. “You have built Owensboro and our region; your hard work, active citizenship, and you set a great example for all of us here.”

Roby said the support from local officials and the community has been strong.

“The mayor’s office has come, the Chamber has helped, and the community has really come out and supported us,” she said.

Morning Pointe of Owensboro is one of 13 locations the company operates in Kentucky and continues to welcome new residents weekly. Officials said the facility employs more than 40 people and contributes an estimated $15 million annually to the Daviess County economy.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Franklin Farrow and Greg Vital, co-founders of Morning Pointe Senior Living, received a call from a former acquaintance, who was within the assisted living facility industry, and mentioned finding “one of their buildings” in Owensboro.

“He said he’d found one of the buildings ‘kind of like the ones you bought years ago, and built your company on,’ ” said Farrow, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Owensboro Morning Pointe Assisted Living facility, 3362 Buckland Square, the former home of A Place for Mom and Heritage Park assisted living facilities.

Farrow said that the description of the property, “having been built in the early 2000s,” was the same type of layout and construction that he and his business partner, Vital, acquired when setting out to accomplish the business plan of the Morning Pointe Assisted Living Facility.

The newly renovated facility, which received all new furnishings, lighting, artwork, a functional nurses station and major system upgrades as part of a $2.5 million renovation project, contains 66 assisted living apartments, all located on one level. Officials expect the facility to provide around 40 to 50 jobs for members of the Owensboro community.

The Morning Pointe chain of assisted living facilities consists of 43 locations throughout the southern United States, including 12 in the state of Kentucky, said Vital on Thursday during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“So, we’re pretty excited about expanding our service here,” Vital said.

“On behalf of the citizens of Owensboro, all of our employees, all of our retirees and all of our elected officials, we’d like to welcome you here,” said Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson. “I’m 75 years old and it’s nice to realize that I could end up in some really nice place like this.”

Farrow said that July of 2024 marked a “major milestone” in Kentucky’s regulations concerning assisted living care for seniors within the state.

“They (Kentucky lawmakers) have been working several years on revamping the way healthcare and senior living is provided in Kentucky. And we were fortunate to be a part of learning that process,” he said. “We are happy to be up and running under the highest level of regulations in the state.”

Some of the facility’s expanded services include licensed nurses, clinical or care staff on site at all times, regular nurse assessments to meet changing care needs, medication administration by licensed professionals, on-site coordination of physical, occupational and speech therapy, menus reviewed by a licensed dietician or nutritionist and CPR and emergency response training protocols.

According to Morning Pointe Senior Living’s ceremony program, “the community now features an on-site therapy area and a resident transportation bus — both first time offerings-designed to enhance access to medical appointments and local outings.”

Daviess County Commissioner Larry Conder joked that he thought his wife, Rosemary, was wanting him to attend the ribbon-cutting as a way to “pick out a room.”

“But I do see in the program, and even in an assisted living community, sometimes what we may want to remember is that it’s bigger than assisted living. It is actually an assistance of life,” Conder said. “The services that you provide, all the programming, is absolutely awesome. Those represent true assistance of life. And for that, the people of Owensboro say thank you to the staff, and especially those that have made everything, everyone’s life, livable and worthwhile.”

Claude Bacon, the president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, said that Morning Pointe is “more than just senior living.”

“(Morning Pointe) is a local economic driver. This renovation investment provided construction dollars. It brought dozens of stable jobs … and partnerships with local suppliers to keep money circulating right here in Owensboro,” Bacon said. “Families visiting residents spend the night in our hotels. They visit our restaurants. They visit our shops, and, of course, that boosts local business. By keeping seniors close to home, you help working-age adults stay in the workforce, which strengthens Owensboro’s economy and makes our community more attractive for future growth, and, for that, we thank you.”

Candace Castlen Brake, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, thanked Morning Pointe for investing in the Owensboro community and becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

“I also want to thank the employees for the compassionate care you give to some of our most cherished citizens,” said Brake. “But I also want to take a moment to recognize the service that these residents have provided to our community. Thank you so much. You helped build Owensboro and helped build our region … I’m just thrilled to be here today to honor each of you and the employees of Morning Pointe.”

Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony added the Owensboro area to the list of 12 cities that are already served by Morning Pointe Assisted Living, including Russell, Richmond, Lexington, Danville, Frankfort and Louisville

By Michele Lohman Messenger- Inquirer

Fastek Services, LLC has earned a spot in Inc. magazine’s ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. The Owensboro-based IT and cybersecurity firm came in at No. 3790 of the 2025 Inc. 5000 list.

Founded in 2014 by Chris Murphy from his Owensboro home, Fastek has achieved 199% revenue growth over the past three years, serving clients in more than 20 states, according to a release from the company. Fastek delivers managed IT services, advanced cybersecurity solutions, and compliance expertise to industries such as financial and professional services, healthcare, and manufacturing.

“It’s an honor to represent Owensboro on a national stage,” Murphy said. “This recognition belongs to our incredible team and the clients who trust us. By putting people first — both our employees and our customers — we’ve been able to help small and mid-sized businesses navigate an increasingly complex cybersecurity and technology landscape.”

Inc. says this year’s honorees thrived despite economic uncertainty, labor shortages, and rapid technological change. Past recipients include Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, and Patagonia.

“Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision,” said Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “These businesses didn’t just weather the storm — they grew through it.”

The list is based on percentage revenue growth over a three-year period, with qualifying companies required to be U.S.-based, privately held, and for-profit, and to meet minimum revenue thresholds.

For more information about Fastek, visit fastekllc.com. For the full 2025 Inc. 5000 list, visit inc.com/inc5000.

A release from Fastek said they join Canteen’s 2014 honor as the only local companies to ever make the list.

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times