From museum displays at the St. Louis Arch to military installations in the Philippines and entrance mats in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, Hendrick Screen Company’s custom metalwork can be found across the globe — all proudly manufactured in Owensboro.

Now celebrating its 51st year, Hendrick Screen has evolved from a coal industry supplier to a global leader in custom stainless steel fabrication. The company’s work has been shipped to China, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Puerto Rico, and beyond — and is also featured in high-profile U.S. locations like the new Atlanta Braves stadium.

“We’ll screen anything from sewage to gold — quite literally,” said Charlie Payne of Hendrick Screen. “We don’t make window screens or do screen printing. We manufacture stainless steel screening systems and architectural features that serve industries around the world.”

Founded in 1974 as a spinoff of Hendrick Manufacturing in Pennsylvania, the Owensboro-based company was originally created to serve the coal mining industry. Today, Hendrick’s markets are far more diverse, ranging from water filtration and power plant cooling systems to architectural panels and industrial components for food, paper, and petrochemical companies.

“We’ve grown steadily over the years, and that’s because we’re adaptable,” Payne said. “Ten years ago, we didn’t have an architectural department. Now, it’s almost half our business.”

Their work includes massive water intake screens designed to pull water from rivers while filtering out debris and aquatic life, entrance mats that improve safety and add visual appeal, and custom-designed metal grates for public spaces. The company even provided tree grates and decorative metalwork for the lifestyle district surrounding the Braves’ stadium in Atlanta.

Though their reach is international, Hendrick has remained grounded in Owensboro, employing 50 people and maintaining its family-owned roots.

“It’s always been family-owned — different families over the years, but the feel has stayed the same,” Payne said. “We’ve had people work here for 40 or 50 years. It’s a good place to work, and we take care of our team so they can take care of our customers.”

Payne said Hendrick stands out for its willingness to customize every order and maintain strong relationships with both customers and suppliers.

“We make it easy to do business with us,” he said. “Some places treat customers like an inconvenience. We do the opposite.”

Locally, Hendrick has completed projects for Owensboro Grain and has quoted work for Wendell Foster and Green River Distillery. Payne said their specialized components — such as “liquor drainers” used in paper processing — may also be in use at nearby industrial facilities.

“If you can draw it on a piece of paper, we can build it,” Payne said. “And it doesn’t matter if it’s one small piece or a dozen oversized grids being shipped out on a flatbed — we treat every job like it matters.”

With in-house engineers, CNC technicians, fabricators, and electrical specialists, Hendrick continues to thrive by doing what it does best: building high-quality, functional products that solve real-world problems.

“People want clean water. They want their power plants running. They want safe, attractive walkways,” Payne said. “We’re here to make that happen.”

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 

Olga McKissic has spent a lifetime breaking barriers and building communities. Now, she’s making history as the first Black board chair of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce – a role she initially hesitated to take but ultimately embraced as a calling.

A longtime community leader and former executive director of the H.L. Neblett Community Center, McKissic returned to Owensboro in 2015 after more than three decades in Louisville. She has since become a driving force in local education, economic development, and advocacy.

“God told me to come back,” McKissic said. “It was the best move I’ve ever made.”

Her journey began with South Central Bell, where she climbed the corporate ladder before retiring from BellSouth. Despite a successful career in telecommunications, she felt a deeper pull to make an impact in her hometown.

Upon her return, McKissic quickly became involved in community efforts, including founding the Western Academy at the Neblett, a mentorship and educational program designed to support young boys. The initiative, backed by local schools, businesses, and community leaders, reinforced her belief in Owensboro’s ability to rally behind impactful causes.

“The community came together and supported that,” she said. “It was amazing to see so many people invest in the future of our young boys, letting them know they are at promise, not at risk.”

Her role with the Neblett Center introduced her to the Chamber of Commerce, though she initially hesitated to get involved beyond her immediate responsibilities.

“When I first started at the Neblett Center, I didn’t want to be involved in anything else because I needed to hone my job,” McKissic said. “I had to learn how the community worked and how the community affected the center.”

As she grew more comfortable in her role, McKissic accepted invitations to join various boards, including the Chamber, the Owensboro Health Foundation, and the Economic Development Corporation. That involvement led to her eventual selection as board chair – a position she initially resisted but ultimately embraced.

“When they asked me, you already know what I told them — I don’t want to do that,” she said with a laugh. “But I prayed about it, and the answer was yes.”

Now, at the head of the Chamber’s leadership, McKissic recognizes the weight of her position.

“We talk about sitting at the table, but sitting at the head of the table is a different view,” she said. “It means understanding everyone’s perspectives and bringing them together to move forward.”

McKissic said she follows in the footsteps of influential female leaders, including former Chamber board chairs Brenda Clayton and Sarah Ford. She credits them, along with past chair John Marshall Moore, for setting a strong foundation.

Looking ahead, McKissic plans to focus on growth, leadership development, and strengthening connections between business leaders and the broader community. She emphasized the partnership with Chamber President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake as a key factor in her approach.

“Candance is very heartfelt, creative, and thinks outside the box,” McKissic said. “I can learn a lot from her.”

Brake said McKissic’s leadership is a perfect fit for the Chamber’s mission, citing her experience, perspective, and ability to unite people.

“We are so excited to have Olga McKissic leading our board this year. Olga has a unique background that has shaped her leadership skills and her understanding of how all of the aspects of our economy fit together,” Brake said. “She worked for decades in business in Louisville, then came back to her hometown with fresh eyes and a love for Owensboro. She is courageous and encouraging. And she has an ability to lead across generations. From the oldest among us to the youngest, her wisdom and perspective are invaluable.”

As she embarks on her tenure, McKissic remains as determined as ever.

“I’m very competitive,” she said. “If I have to push, I will push. If I have to walk fast, I will walk fast. I just want to see big things happen — not just for me, but for the whole community.”

McKissic believes Owensboro’s momentum will only continue to grow.

“Nothing stagnant,” she said. “Let’s keep it moving.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

A little over a year ago, Devin Taylor decided to take a leap. After advertising in Coupon Crazy for years, he saw an opportunity when the previous owner decided to retire. Now, Taylor and his mother Rita are running the publication as a small, family-operated business helping others grow their own.

“It’s been in business about 11 years, and I purchased it just over a year ago,” Devin said. “I had run ads in there for years, so when the opportunity came up, I just bought it.”

Coupon Crazy is a seasonal print publication that features, full- or half-page ads from local businesses. The publication is mailed to about 20,000 homes and businesses in targeted areas based on income demographics.

“If someone did a mailer themselves to that many people, it’d cost them about $12,000,” Devin said. “With us, it ends up being just a few cents per copy. You can’t even send a postcard for that.”

The print format also allows advertisers to track the effectiveness of their ad campaigns.

“With the coupons, you can determine how much business you’re actually getting from it,” Rita said. “They have to bring the coupon into the business. But even if you don’t use a coupon, it gets your name out there.”

Devin manages the business while Rita handles the accounts and customer communications.

“My gut when I bought it was to manage it, not run it,” Devin said. “That’s basically what I do now. She takes care of the accounts.”

Rita, who retired from US Bank in 2013 and previously worked as a piano teacher and Weight Watchers representative, said returning to work has been fulfilling.

“It’s been nice to come out of retirement and get back into business for a little bit,” she said. “It gives me flexibility, and I like being Grandma, too.”

The ad process is simple for clients, who can submit as little or as much content as they want. Devin and Rita handle the rest, working with an in-house designer to ensure everything looks professional before sending it to print.

“All they have to do is send their information — email, text, however — and I’ll put it together,” Rita said. “I can even go out and take pictures if I need to. Once they send me their stuff, they’re basically done.”

The publication is released seasonally, with spring, summer, fall, and winter editions. Ad space is available in various sizes and placements, including premium spots like the cover and centerfold. Businesses can choose what fits their needs and budget, and discounts may be available for first-time customers or those who refer other advertisers.

“We try to make it affordable,” Rita said. “Sometimes I’ll say, ‘If you can get another business to run an ad, I’ll cut a little bit off yours.’ We negotiate based on their budget and how big they want their ad.”

Devin said the biggest challenge has been connecting with the right people, especially business owners who aren’t always on-site.

“That’s one reason we joined the chamber — to meet owners directly,” he said. “We’re also trying to let former advertisers know it has new owners and we want them back in.”

For the Taylors, the most rewarding part is helping other local entrepreneurs.

“My entire career is networking, and this helps with real estate too,” Devin said. “It feels good when someone tells us they got business from being in the book.”

Rita agreed.

“I’m all about shopping local and supporting small businesses,” she said. “My being successful helps them be successful.”

Coupon Crazy doesn’t have a storefront or website — it operates entirely through phone, email, and text.

“We’re hands-on and community-based,” Rita said. “If you’re sending out mailers, come talk to us. I promise I can do better.”

For more information or to advertise, businesses can contact Rita at couponcrazyads@gmail.com. 

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region. 

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times 

Courtney Biggs has always had a love for fashion — a passion that was born during shopping trips with her grandmother, Bonnie Rae Biggs. That inspiration led to the creation of Bonnie Rae Boutique, which officially launched online on August 15, 2020.

“Bonnie Rae Boutique is named after my grandmother, Bonnie Rae Biggs. She could out-shop anyone. I always say I got my love for shopping from her,” Biggs said.

Though Biggs earned a sports management degree from Western Kentucky University, she said her passion for clothing and retail always ran deep. After working at a local boutique for six years following college, she took a leap and launched Bonnie Rae during the pandemic.

“Bonnie Rae Boutique was a unique situation opening up during COVID. When we first opened all of our sales were online, but once things began to open back up, we were able to attend many markets and pop-up events,” she said. “We have been able to expand our reach and ship to 32 states. We are looking to attend more markets and pop-up events around the state.”

The boutique started with women’s clothing and has expanded over the years to include a wide range of accessories. Biggs said she focuses on offering quality pieces at affordable prices, and the store features everything from dressy work attire to casual, comfy looks. Free shipping and local delivery are part of the appeal.

“I always carry pieces that are perfect for game days. And I would say the pieces I choose for spring and summer have a beach vibe,” she said. “My three favorite things are fashion, sports, and being at the beach. I think you can tell that in the pieces I pick out for Bonnie Rae.”

Biggs is a Daviess County High School graduate who still helps coach softball at the school alongside her father. She said the boutique allows her to blend her interests and build meaningful connections with customers and fellow business owners.

“Even though we are an online boutique, I have met so many amazing people through this business. So many customers have become more like family, and other business owners have become some of my best friends,” she said. “I have been able to support many local organizations by making donations. Small businesses really are the heart of your community.”

Biggs credits her parents for helping every step of the way — from steaming clothes and packing orders to setting up booths at pop-up events.

“None of this would be possible without my parents’ love and support,” she said.

Bonnie Rae Boutique can be found online at bonnieraeboutique.com, where customers can shop and sign up for text alerts to receive early access to new arrivals and discounts. The boutique is also active on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok under the handle @shopbonnieraeboutique.

“When you shop small, you’re allowing people to fulfill their dreams along with helping the community grow,” Biggs said.

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