Girls Inc. accepting nominations for 27th ATHENA Award

Know a community member who makes a major positive impact in women’s lives as well as the community as a whole? From now through January 3, you can nominate them for the prestigious ATHENA Award.

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Girls Inc. of Owensboro Daviess County are accepting nominations for the 27th annual ATHENA Award. 

The award honors someone within the community “who has generously 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,” according to a release.

ATHENA International was founded in 1982 as a nonprofit seeking to support, develop, and honor women leaders. Locally, in 1999 Girls Inc. and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce “began a focused and collaborative effort, embracing the ATHENA vision to recognize and celebrate not only the contributions of women but more importantly those individuals who opened doors and enabled other women to be self-sufficient and to reach their full potential,” according to a release.

They began giving out an annual ATHENA award that year. In 2017, the annual award program expanded its reach to include the Legacy Award, which posthumously honors individuals who had that same profound impact on the community and women. Girls Inc. partners with the Owensboro Chapter of AAUW in naming the Legacy Award recipient. 

According to the release, the award recipient must meet each of the following criteria:

• 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.

The release details eligibility as follows:

• Both 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.

Due to the growing interest in the award and the number of nominees, the judging process is changing from past years. 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 and have no knowledge of the nominees other than the information provided by the nominee. 

The award program and luncheon is scheduled for March 19, 2025, at the Owensboro Convention Center.  

The deadline for submitting nominations is January 3. Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833 or online at chamber.owensboro.com.

“We are 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 Awards aligns perfectly with our mission and we are delighted to host the event.”  

By Meghann Richardson The Owensboro Times

ATHENA nominations run Dec. 5-Jan. 3

Chamber Member of the Week: Donatos Pizza

Donatos Pizza first opened in Owensboro in 2017 at 2601 West Parrish Avenue. Six years later, the owners opened a second location on the city’s east side at 3415 New Hartford Road, and they’ve been serving “specialty pizzas with edge-to-edge toppings” ever since.

A representative for the local operation, Leanna Byrne, said the restaurant is committed to giving back to the community and creating memorable experiences for its customers.

“Our name, Donatos, translates to ‘give a good thing,’ and that’s exactly what we aim to do,” Byrne siad. “We’re not just about great pizza. It’s about making a positive impact in the community.”

The restaurant hosts numerous events, from field trips where children (and adults) can learn how to make their own pizzas to fundraisers for local sports teams and organizations. These “donation days” have supported over 100 organizations this year alone, Byrne said.

For sports enthusiasts, Byrne said Donatos has become a go-to spot. 

“We show all kinds of sports, from UK basketball to NFL games, and we’re told we have the coldest beer in town,” Byrne added. “Our signature ice-cold mugs and innovative draft systems are a hit with customers.”

Donatos prides itself on its unique offerings, including the signature edge-to-edge pepperoni pizza, which features 100 pepperonis per pie. Special editions are also available, such as the Pep 150 and Valentine’s Day heart-shaped pizzas. For those with dietary needs, options like gluten-free cauliflower crust are available.

“We also cater a lot of events, including weddings,” Byrne said. “Because our pizza is more of a specialty style, it’s perfect for catering. We offer wings, meatballs, and other appetizers, which people love once they try them.”

The restaurant’s commitment to the community extends beyond its menu. Byrne emphasized Donatos’ slogan, “Every piece is important,” as a reflection of its dedication to treating every person with respect and inclusivity.

“We aim to cater to everyone, no matter their situation,” she said. “That’s why we’re so passionate about our fundraisers, field trips, and outreach programs. It’s all about making a difference.”

With a new location on Owensboro’s east side, she said they’re making it easier for customers to enjoy its offerings. 

“Our delivery area goes all the way to Deer Valley, but a lot of people don’t realize that,” Byrne noted. “We’re working to get the word out.”

For more updates on events and specials, follow Donatos on Facebook. 

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Shoppers show up for Chamber’s ‘Shop Owensboro, Powered by Independence Bank’

Chamber Member of the Week: Jamie Vowels-Beatty, Keller Williams Elite

Jamie Vowels-Beatty, a Realtor with Keller Williams Elite in Owensboro, may only have two years of experience in her current role, but her roots in the real estate industry run deep. With over two decades of experience in banking, mortgage lending, and business ownership, she said she brings a comprehensive understanding of the home-buying process to her clients.

“My background has given me a deep understanding of the industry, from financing to homeownership,” she said. “I bring a well-rounded perspective and valuable expertise to my clients.”

Vowels-Beatty’s decision to formally enter the real estate profession was inspired by a lifelong passion for the housing market and home restoration. However, it wasn’t until she faced significant life changes – selling a business she co-owned for 12 years and experiencing a job elimination during the pandemic – that she found the confidence to pursue her dream.

“Those challenges served as a turning point,” Vowels-Beatty said. “They presented me with the perfect opportunity to align my career with my true passion.”

She said her primary focus is to build genuine connections with her clients.  

“I’m not just focused on delivering the best results but on creating a lasting relationship that goes beyond the transaction,” she said. “My goal is for clients to feel supported, valued, and confident throughout the process. I strive to make the journey not only smooth but also enjoyable, turning what can often be a stressful experience into one that’s memorable and fun.”

Looking ahead, Vowels-Beatty has plans to use her real estate career as a platform for community impact. Over the next five years, she hopes to establish a nonprofit organization to support individuals facing life-changing transitions, such as escaping abuse. Her vision includes purchasing properties to provide safe housing and financial education programs and helping individuals rebuild their lives and achieve homeownership.

“By equipping individuals with the tools and resources to rebuild their lives, my mission is to help create self-sustaining opportunities and lasting stability,” she said.

Vowels-Beatty emphasized her commitment to providing expert guidance for those ready to start their real estate journey.

“As an agent at Keller Williams Elite, I provide the highest level of education and up-to-date information to ensure the best possible outcomes for my clients,” she said. “If you’re looking to get moving with your real estate journey, you can count on me to be the key to finding your way home.”

For more information, contact Vowels-Beaty at her Keller Williams Elite office on KY-54, by phone at 270-315-5071, or via email at jvb.kwelite@gmail.com.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Shop Owensboro returns Nov. 30

Chamber Member of the Week: Windy Hollow Biscuit House

Since opening in May 2022, the Windy Hollow Biscuit House has become more than just a breakfast spot. Hallie McCarty, the general manager and granddaughter of Windy Hollow’s original founder, Hal Miller, oversees the family’s latest venture. 

She said the Biscuit House is a natural extension of the legacy started over 60 years ago, when the original Windy Hollow restaurant, campgrounds, and racetrack became staples in Daviess County.

“My grandfather rebuilt the original location on Highway 81 after it burned down in 2016, and it remains open only on Sundays,” McCarty said. “Right before COVID, my mom and I talked about opening another location. We waited, and when we found the old Ponderosa building, we knew it was the right fit.”

The Biscuit House is open six days a week, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. It offers a mix of home-cooked Southern comfort food and modern touches like specialty coffees, mimosas, and Bloody Marys.

“Our food is all made in-house with fresh or very close-to-fresh ingredients,” McCarty said. “We don’t skimp on quality, and we try to support other local businesses, just as we appreciate when the community supports us.”

The restaurant has embraced its role as a gathering place for locals, hosting groups like the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, and nonprofits through its “Bunches of Lunches” partnership with WBKR. McCarty said community-focused events are at the heart of the restaurant’s mission.

For Thanksgiving, Windy Hollow Biscuit House is serving a meal for just $2.50, with an optional $5 meal, including a drink. Last year, they fed over 650 people, and McCarty hopes to meet or exceed that number this year.

“If you don’t have anywhere to go, come here and be part of our family,” McCarty said. “If you do have plans but don’t want to cook, we’ve got you covered too. It’s about bringing people together.”

In addition to Thanksgiving, the restaurant provides free veterans’ breakfasts on June 6 (D-Day) and December 7 (Pearl Harbor Day). It also offers $5 heat-and-serve Christmas meals to ensure no one goes hungry during the holidays.

The Biscuit House also plans to debut a new menu in December, continuing to cater to customer preferences while staying true to its southern roots.

“Our focus is on good food and good people,” McCarty said. “We love being a space where the community feels at home.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Shop Small Saturday At Shop Owensboro 2024: Exclusive Deals (and Shopping Bags) Await You!

One of the most popular shopping events in western Kentucky is just a couple of weeks away. The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Independence

Bank, is gearing up for Shop Owensboro 2024. It’s become a much-anticipated part of Thanksgiving Weekend here in Owensboro-Daviess County. One day after major retailers

summon shoppers with their Black Friday and Door Buster Deals, locally-owned retailers and restaurants encourage folks to shop local. In this case, you’re encouraged to Shop

Owensboro.

HOW TO GET A ‘SHOP OWENSBORO’ SHOPPING BAG

Some lucky shoppers will find a hidden surprise in their bags. Each participating business donates a $25 gift certificate and those certificates are placed randomly in select bags. So,

some Shop Owensboro patrons will not only get a bag full of discounts, they’ll also find a gift card for free merchandise!

WHICH BUSINESSES ARE PARTICIPATING IN SHOP OWENSBORO 2024?

The official kick off for Show Owensboro 2024 is at 9am at Independence Bank (Frederica Street in Owensboro) on Saturday, November 30. The shopping bags are first come, first served.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

By WBKR 

Chamber Member of the Week: PeopleReady

PeopleReady is a national staffing agency with a branch in Owensboro. The company connects job seekers with flexible, temporary, and seasonal work opportunities across various industries. 

The organization operates under the TrueBlue company umbrella and has provided staffing solutions for more than 30 years. Its ultimate goal is to help employers and job seekers navigate the changing workforce landscape.

PeopleReady’s Owensboro location is currently hiring for a clerical position, inviting detail-oriented and organized individuals to apply. The job post said ideal candidates should possess skills in data entry, customer service, and basic office software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Resumes can be submitted to 7378-br@peopleready.com for consideration.

With the holiday season underway, the local branch is also offering seasonal positions for those seeking additional income. 

The agency’s mobile platform, JobStack, allows job seekers to view and apply for jobs in real-time, track assignments, and receive ratings to increase their visibility for future opportunities. The JobStack app is available for download, or applicants can visit the Owensboro branch at 3427 Frederica Street to learn more.

For more information about PeopleReady’s services and available job opportunities, visit PeopleReady Owensboro.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Chamber Member of the Week: Tropical Smoothie Cafe

While Tropical Smoothie Cafe may be known for its smoothies, its mission in Owensboro extends far beyond the menu. With roots planted firmly in the community, the locally-owned franchise has made giving back a central part of its operations, supporting local schools, churches, and nonprofits through fundraisers, donations, and unique partnerships.

Since opening in 2021, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has donated over $8,000 in cash and thousands more in food to local schools, churches, and nonprofits through its “Give Back Day” fundraisers, where 20% of sales from both Owensboro locations are donated to community organizations. Leanna Byrne oversees these initiatives and said the cafe is always looking for new ways to support the area.

“We just have a great love for the community,” Byrne said. “Although we are a franchise, we’re locally owned and family-operated. Many of us are from Owensboro, and giving back is super important to us.”

The cafe also offers field trips, allowing kids to explore behind the scenes. Students can tour the kitchen, make their own smoothies, and even create a quesadilla. Partnerships with organizations like Puzzle Pieces and Wendell Foster also demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity by providing job opportunities and hosting groups for visits and activities.

“We employ people from Puzzle Pieces and partner with them for field trips,” Byrne said. “Many businesses can’t always accommodate groups like Wendell Foster, but we’re thrilled to welcome them.”

Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s commitment to Owensboro goes beyond its community efforts. The menu features more than smoothies, with wraps, flatbreads, salads, and new yogurt bowls. Popular items like the peanut butter crunch bowl and Bahama Mama bowl have been recent customer favorites. The cafe also caters to breakfast and lunch, offering everything from boxed meals to trays for events.

“We are more than smoothies,” Byrne emphasized. “Corporate added ‘Cafe’ to our name to highlight our full menu. We have options like breakfast wraps, yogurt bowls, and catering for both breakfast and lunch.”

With its focus on community involvement, diverse menu, and catering services, Tropical Smoothie Cafe continues growing as a local favorite while impacting beyond its doors. Community members interested in hosting a fundraiser or field trip can contact Byrne directly through the cafe’s Facebook page.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times