CYP announces downtown bluegrass art project, seeking original submissions for mural

A new public art project in downtown Owensboro will celebrate the city’s identity as the self-proclaimed Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, featuring a six-panel mural displayed on the exterior of the building at 214 Frederica Street, directly across from the main entrance to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Young Professionals (CYP) announced the initiative in partnership with the Bluegrass Music Capital Initiative, the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum, the City of Owensboro, and OWB Downtown LLC.

Six pieces will be selected for the mural, which will measure approximately 73 feet wide and 16 feet tall. The wall currently displays a mural, but the paint has begun to fade after many years. The initiative aims to bring new life to the wall.

Local and international artists are invited to submit original designs reflecting bluegrass music’s rich heritage and evolving influence. Each artist whose work is chosen will receive a $1,000 award. A portion of the artwork may be reserved for local artists from Daviess County, according to a release.

“This one-of-a-kind project will reflect the international appeal and history of bluegrass music and will serve as a pilgrimage for bluegrass music aficionados and curiosity-seekers alike,” said Steve Johnson, Director of the Bluegrass Music (Capital) Initiative.  

Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson added, “This incredible mural project is a perfect way to celebrate that legacy bluegrass music is woven into the fabric of our community. I am thrilled to see this partnership come together to further enhance our downtown, providing yet another reason for visitors and residents alike to celebrate the unique culture and heritage that makes Owensboro so special.”

The mural expands on CYP’s “Amped Up Artistry” project, which debuted in 2024 with local artists transforming traffic light electrical boxes along 2nd Street into colorful urban art. Like that initiative, the bluegrass-themed designs will be digitally reproduced onto panels for display.

“We are excited to continue our focus on downtown Owensboro with this unique partnership. Working with the Bluegrass Music (Capital) Initiative is a fantastic opportunity for our group to become more ingrained in the music that made Owensboro the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World,” said CYP Vice-Chair Stephanie Bertram. “We enjoyed working with local artists to create something special last year for our Amped Up Artistry project, and we feel this adjacent project is going to continue our efforts to create quality placemaking in our community.”

The deadline for submissions is March 14. Entries will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of the project’s partners.

The mural is set to be unveiled in 2025 in conjunction with musical events at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum.

More information and submission guidelines are available below. All submissions and additional questions can be sent to cyp@owensboro.com or Ashtin Warren at 270-926-1860.

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

The Center of Owensboro launching mobile unit to expand access to essential services

The Center of Owensboro-Daviess County is launching a Community Resource Mobile Unit to expand access to essential services across the region. The initiative aims to provide assistance in areas such as housing, employment, education, and food security, ensuring residents facing mobility challenges can access needed resources.

Executive Director Erica Wade said the mobile unit will serve as a resource hub, bringing critical services to individuals and families throughout Owensboro and Daviess County.

“The Community Resource Mobile Unit is designed to not only eliminate transportation barriers but also allow us to effectively partner with a rotating variety of community organizations, customizing the resources available at each location,” Wade said.

Designed and fabricated by Brewco Marketing Group in Central City, the mobile unit is equipped to provide flexible and mobile assistance where it is most needed.

The mobile unit will utilize a single case management platform, Unite Us, to track individuals served and streamline access to services. The system is intended to prevent duplication of resources, ensure individuals do not fall through the cracks, and provide comprehensive data on local needs. The collected data will be analyzed at the end of the unit’s first year to encourage further collaboration among service providers.

Joe Berry, executive director of the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro, emphasized the initiative’s impact on early learning opportunities and broader community support.

“The Public Life Foundation is proud to support The Center’s Community Resource Mobile Unit,” Berry said. “This innovative approach improves access to early learning resources and other critical services affecting health, education, and economic mobility. By fostering collaboration among nonprofits, education providers, and government agencies, the mobile unit will help bridge service gaps in our community.”

The unit will be on display at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Rooster Booster breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on February 6 at the Owensboro Convention Center.

For more information about the Community Resource Mobile Unit or opportunities for collaboration, contact Community Resource Coordinator Jill Thompson at (270) 684-3837 or Jill@TheCenterODC.org.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Posh Medical Spa brings beauty and wellness to Owensboro

Posh Medical Spa officially opened its doors in Owensboro on Dec. 12, 2024, bringing a focus on beautification and anti-aging services to the community.

Frame and Flash Studios expands offerings with renovations and new services

Frame and Flash Studios, a first-of-its-kind rental studio for photographers, videographers, and content creators in Owensboro, continues to grow and evolve. Studio owners Nick Gray and Mary Lewe are celebrating the completion of major renovations that aim to better serve the local creative community.

Since opening last May, Frame and Flash, which is this week’s Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Member of the Week, has provided access to a fully equipped indoor shooting environment, complete with backdrops, set pieces, lighting gear, and professional cameras. Now, with input from their clients, Gray and Lewe have transformed the space to include a larger open area and a new “psych wall” – a seamless curved backdrop ideal for studio photography.

“This renovation was something we always hoped to do, but we didn’t think it would happen this quickly,” Gray said. “Listening to our customers is key, and their feedback told us this was a much-needed update. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The revamped studio has already proven its value, attracting new clients and setting record-breaking booking numbers this past week. Gray and Lewe emphasized that the space caters to a diverse clientele, from freelance photographers to local agencies, as well as businesses and amateurs exploring their creative sides.

To further support the community, Frame and Flash will launch new offerings in February. For the first time, the studio will introduce discounted day rates for bookings of five hours or more, allowing creatives to maximize their time and resources. The team also plans to bring back their popular free workshops, where beginners can learn basic camera and lighting techniques. Additionally, Gray and Lewe will offer personalized instruction sessions for those needing guidance with equipment or studio setup.

“Providing resources for both seasoned professionals and those just starting out is what we’re all about,” Lewe said. “Whether it’s helping someone shoot their first studio session or enabling a freelancer to book back-to-back mini sessions, we want to be a valuable resource for the community.”

The renovations are part of Frame and Flash’s mission to grow alongside Owensboro’s vibrant arts scene. As Gray noted, the studio’s presence fills a significant gap, offering local creatives a dedicated space that combines flexibility, professional-grade tools, and affordability.

He said every newcomer who steps through the doors is, without fail, surprised to find a resource like Frame and Flash in Owensboro. 

“We hear it all the time — ‘I didn’t know this existed here,’” Gray said. “It just reinforces that this is something the community has needed.”

For more information about Frame and Flash Studios or to inquire about rentals, visit frameandflashstudios.com. Studio memberships are also available for individuals or companies looking for a consistent creative space.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Chamber presents annual awards

Noble Locksmith offers specialized, customer-focused services in Owensboro and beyond

Ryan Clark, owner of Noble Locksmith Tri-State, is proud to serve the Owensboro area with a full range of locksmith solutions, including commercial, residential, and automotive services. While the company specializes in automotive locksmithing, offering key programming and digital security solutions, its services also extend to home rekeying, lock installation, and commercial security systems.

“We do the mechanical side of unlocking cars, picking locks, and cutting blades, but we also work with advanced digital automotive security systems,” Clark said. “For homes and businesses, we provide lock changes, deadbolt installations, and even digital alarms for enhanced security.”

Although Noble Locksmith is a franchise, Clark said he operates with a locally-focused mindset. With a background in the sporting goods industry and a knack for mechanical problem-solving, he said transitioning into the locksmith field was a natural fit.

“We’re called Noble Locksmith for a reason — it’s about doing the right thing and treating people right,” Clark said. “When people call us, it’s usually not their best day. They’ve been locked out of their home or car, lost their keys, or are dealing with an unexpected expense. We strive to make their situation as stress-free as possible.”

Clark and his team cover a broad service area, including Daviess County and surrounding regions such as Henderson, Evansville, Newburgh, and Central City. With two technicians and service vehicles, he said the business ensures coverage across Kentucky and southern Indiana, offering prompt and reliable assistance.

“We carry over 2,000 keys in stock, so we can cut and program most vehicles on-site,” Clark said. “It’s rewarding to help people solve problems, whether it’s a mechanical issue or a complex electronic programming challenge.”

For those seeking their services, Noble Locksmith is active on Facebook and Instagram under the handle @NobleLocksmithTriState. The company’s website, NobleLocksmithTriState.com, also provides further information. Customers can contact them at 270-515-5397 or 812-449-4992 for assistance.

Whether it’s unlocking a car door, rekeying a home, or troubleshooting a digital security system, Clark said the team at Noble Locksmith takes pride in being a trusted solution for the community.

“We love what we do, and we love helping people,” he said. “It’s something new every day, and the appreciation we get from our customers makes it all worthwhile.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Owensboro Chamber presents annual Awards For Excellence

Owensboro, KY – On Jan. 17, Friday, at the 2025 Chamber Celebration, presented by Owensboro Health, more than 800 Chamber Members and regional and state leaders recognized community leaders for the 2025 Chamber Awards for Excellence and ten local businesses as the 2025 Businesses of the Year.

The evening began with a Reception sponsored by Green River Distilling Company and a Patio Party sponsored by NextEra Energy Resources. The 2025 Business of the Year Awards were sponsored by Moore Automotive Team.

The award recipients were selected from approximately 100 nominees vying for the honors. Those earning the honors include:

• Emerging Business of the Year – The Party Space Place
• Business of the Year 1-10 Employees – The Skin Therapist
• Business of the Year 11-50 Employees – Baird
• Business of the Year 50+ Employees – German American Bank
• Non-Profit of the Year – Fine Arts – Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens
• Non-Profit of the Year – Human Needs and Services – The Opportunity Center
• Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year – HealthForce KY
• Manufacturer of the Year – Mizkan America
• Minority Owned Business of the Year – Don Mario’s
• Rick Kamuf Agri-Business of the Year – Daviess County Cooperative Extension

Other awards of the night included:

• 2025 Chamber Director of the Year – W. Clay H. Ford
• 2025 Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Charlotte Newton
• 2025 Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year – Rafe Buckner
• 2025 Bill Young Community Leadership Award – Scott McCain
• 2025 Chamber Member of the Year – The Miller House
• 2025 Legacy Award – Anita Burnette

The Celebration also included an address from presenting sponsor, Owensboro Health, and the “passing of the gavel” from 2024 Chamber Board Chair John Marshall Moore, Moore Automotive Team, Legends Outfitters and Marshall Ventures to 2025 Chamber Board Chair Olga McKissic, Western Academy at the Neblett.

Following the Awards Presentation, the crowd gathered in the Jody Berry Theatre for an After-Party sponsored by Hartz Contracting, LLC featuring DJ Adam Johnston with Blue Line Entertainment. It was an evening filled with celebration for the businesses, organizations and individuals who are continually making Owensboro greater.

“The Chamber Celebration is an opportunity to recognize the Members who are leading and excelling in our community. Our business community is like no other. The nominees and award recipients are true examples of excellence. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve our Members and see their growth, innovation and pride in all they do,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO.

Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for a century to provide valuable benefits and services to Member businesses and individuals. Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

Lane Report

Chamber Celebration honors local businesses and leaders

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2025 Chamber Celebration on Thursday night, drawing more than 800 attendees to honor businesses, nonprofits, and individuals making a significant impact on the community.

“This celebration is about recognizing the entire tapestry of what makes our community so special — our businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and more,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber president and CEO. “It’s about creating optimism and connection, fueling current businesses, and inspiring the next generation.”

From a pool of approximately 100 nominees, the following honorees were recognized:

• Emerging Business of the Year: The Party Space Place
• Business of the Year (1-10 Employees): The Skin Therapist
• Business of the Year (11-50 Employees): Baird
• Business of the Year (50+ Employees): German American Bank
• Nonprofit of the Year (Fine Arts): Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens
• Nonprofit of the Year (Human Needs and Services): The Opportunity Center
• Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year: HealthForce KY
• Manufacturer of the Year: Mizkan America
• All PostsMinority-Owned Business of the Year: Don Mario’s
• Rick Kamuf Agri-Business of the Year: Daviess County Cooperative Extension

Other individual honors included:

• Chamber Director of the Year: W. Clay H. Ford
• Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Charlotte Newton
• Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year: Rafe Buckner
• Bill Young Community Leadership Award: Scott McCain
• Chamber Member of the Year: The Miller House
• Legacy Award: Anita Burnette

Brake emphasized the event’s deeper purpose.

“When you connect people and showcase their success, you inspire the next generation to dream bigger and work harder. That’s what fuels our economy,” she said. 

The event was presented by Owensboro Health. Mark Marsh, president and CEO of Owensboro Health, reflected on the importance of the Chamber’s work and the role of collaboration. 

“We’re fortunate to be part of this amazing community,” Marsh said. “Owensboro is unique in how people come together for the greater good. It’s truly special.”

Brake said the visual impact of the event was a standout feature thanks to Sally Ward, owner of Welborn Floral, who provided all the decorations for the evening. From centerpieces to up-lighting and elaborate backdrops, Ward and her team had full reigns on creativity. 

“We look forward to this every year because it’s a celebration of the community and the businesses that support us throughout the year,” Ward said. “This year, they gave me a photo from a Vogue party in New York and asked me to replicate the look. I was able to source the same linens used in that event to make it truly spectacular.”

Ward added that her favorite part of the process is the creative freedom the Chamber grants her. 

“Candance and Kitty always say, ‘Sally, just do what you do,’ and that trust allows me to make the event unforgettable,” she said. 

The evening also featured a reception sponsored by Green River Distilling Company, a patio party sponsored by NextEra Energy Resources, and an after-party sponsored by Hartz Contracting, LLC.

Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce boasts nearly 1,000 members and foster growth in the region. The 2025 celebration underscored its mission to support excellence and innovation across all sectors. 

As the evening concluded, the gavel was passed from 2024 Chamber Board Chair John Moore to 2025 Chair Olga McKissic.

Brake said the chamber celebration was a resounding success, shining a spotlight on those who make Owensboro a thriving hub of business, culture, and community.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Leadership training for nonprofit board members set for Thursday

The Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute, in collaboration with the Marilyn & William Young Charitable Foundation, is hosting a specialized leadership training opportunity for individuals currently serving on nonprofit boards. This training will take place on Thursday, and space is limited.

“We are proud to offer this unique opportunity to our community’s nonprofit leaders,” said Stacy Edds-Ellis, Executive Director of the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute. “By strengthening the skills of nonprofit board members, we are fostering a stronger, more effective nonprofit sector that can better serve the Greater Owensboro community.”

The program is designed to enhance governance skills, clarify the roles and responsibilities of board members, and provide valuable networking opportunities.

“Whether you’re a seasoned board member or new to nonprofit leadership, this training will equip participants with the tools and insights needed to strengthen their organizations and increase their impact in the community,” Edds-Ellis said.

A limited number of spaces remain available for the training session, set for 5-7 p.m. at Kentucky Wesleyan College’s Jack T. Wells Activity Center (3300 Frederica Street). Register online here or call 270-663-1048.

Training will be presented by Ashley|Rountree and Associates.

“One of the leading indicators of healthy and economically growing communities is the level of citizens’ civic engagement,” said Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “The Leadership Institute was formed to impact civic engagement and to provide a mechanism for our community members to be involved in community leadership. Nonprofit leadership is a gateway for individuals to learn the inner workings of a community and to see potential solutions to issues that impact lives.”

Sara Hemingway, Executive Director of the Marilyn & William Young Charitable Foundation, said their board of directors is committed to strengthening nonprofit leadership

“Our volunteer boards in this community are vital to the success of our non-profit organizations and we are willing to invest in their effectiveness,” she said.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Barrera launches Rize and Shine Services, specializes in home remodeling

After more than a decade in welding and fabrication, Zach Barrera traded sparks for sawdust and launched Rize and Shine Services, a residential contracting business specializing in home remodeling projects.

Barrera, originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, started the company in April 2023 after moving to Owensboro in 2014. His business focuses on services such as flooring, siding, drywall, roofing, and painting. He said the company avoids plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, instead subcontracting those services when needed.

“We try to stay away from plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. We’re not masters of those trades, so we subcontract that work,” Barrera said.

Barrera began his trades experience as a child, working alongside his stepfather, a carpenter who specialized in tile flooring and home remodeling. He spent 13 years as a professional welder and fabricator before a decline in his vision led him to explore a new career path.

Rise and Shine Services handles interior and exterior home projects, including siding, painting, deck construction, and fencing. Barrera noted that the business began with fence and deck installations before expanding into full home remodels. Recently, he said he was contacted for a major renovation project involving gutting and rebuilding multiple homes.

Though the company has been in business for just over a year, Barrera said community support has been strong.

“Being that I’m not originally from Owensboro, I didn’t know anyone when I moved here,” he said. “The community has really supported me, and having my advertiser, David, help with Google listings has made a big difference.”

Barrera hopes to expand Rise and Shine Services by eventually moving into custom home building.

“My goal is to be able to buy land, design floor plans, and build homes we can sell directly to people,” he said.

Rise and Shine Services offers free estimates, with Barrera personally inspecting each project before providing pricing. More information can be found on the company’s website, riszandshineservice.com, or its Facebook page here.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times