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Puzzle Pieces celebrates new satellite facility with ribbon cutting

Puzzle Pieces celebrates new satellite facility with ribbon cutting

Members of the community came together during lunchtime on Friday to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony, organized by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, for a new

satellite building for the nonprofit agency Puzzle Pieces, located at 2430 New Hartford Road that used to house a Rite Aid pharmacy.

Puzzle Pieces is a nonprofit organization in the Daviess County community that provides support to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The organization’s mission promotes

learning independence and life skills while providing access to the community and community involvement through improving social interaction, communication skills and self-worth in

those individuals. Clients are also encouraged to build trusting relationships with staff members, peers and community members.

The organization currently serves around 430 clients from Daviess County and surrounding communities, including individuals from Southern Indiana.

Amanda Owen, the founder and executive director of Puzzle Pieces, said that more than $1 million dollars was utilized for the building’s renovations.

“And the renovations would haven’t been possible without contributions from the Hager Foundation,” she said.

Owen explained that Puzzle Pieces currently operates out of a 27,000-square-foot facility across the street from the new satellite location, 2401 New Hartford Road.

“So, what better location for our new satellite office than right across the street from our current facility?” she asked the crowd.

The new location, Owen explained, will provide services to younger individuals on the autism spectrum.

Blair Neighbors, the director of autism services with Puzzle Pieces, said that clients range in age from “around 4-years-old to high school graduation, which could be age 21, depending on the individual client.”

Owen said that the Puzzle Pieces current location will transition to providing services to more adult clients.

The new facility is divided into individual classrooms which are attached to larger, common rooms with couches for lounging and tables to complete activities. Sensory rooms have also been installed for the benefit of the clients and there’s a cafeteria for serving snacks and meals.

Owen said that “sweat equity” has gone into the project from members of the community, including the board and her own family members.

“We couldn’t have accomplished this without all of the help from our families and members of the community,” Owen said.

The new building, according to Neighbors, looks to support over 100 clients with intellectual disabilities.

“Our goal is to help our clients with achieving their independence in hopes that they won’t need us anymore,” Neighbors said. “We also want to offer opportunities for them to create friendships and learn skills to help them blend into the community and become self-sufficient adults.”

Neighbors said that the new facility will allow clients to maintain a proper schedule and provide more resources for care opportunities so that clients can work on goals and skills.

Puzzle Pieces’ behavior services director Olivia Hardy said that she’s looking forward to expanding the organization’s early intervention program.

“It’s important for us to start working on communication and emotional regulation skills as early as possible to see success in our clients,” she explained.

Overall, Owen expressed how thankful she is for all of the community support that Puzzle Pieces receives.

“One in 44 people will be diagnosed with autism,” she said. “And here at Puzzle Pieces, we’re not done helping and providing services. Our mission still isn’t finished.”

More information about Puzzle Pieces and the organization’s mission can be found on the nonprofit’s website, puzzle-pieces.org.

By Michelle Ruxer Messenger Inquirer

Chamber Member of the Week: Blitz Salon and Boutique

Chamber Member of the Week: Blitz Salon and Boutique

Blitz Salon and Boutique, located in Owensboro’s Williamsburg Square, has grown steadily over the past 7 years. It offers a range of salon services and a boutique with diverse clothing options. 

Owned by Lindsey Duncan and managed by Stephanie Hicks, the business has expanded from a single space to a larger setup, allowing for an increase in both product selection and services.

“We started as a single unit with a salon and boutique in one space,” Duncan said. “When this adjoining unit opened, we jumped on the chance to expand. It’s allowed us to offer a much wider variety of products.” 

The boutique features sizes ranging from extra small to 3X and has become a popular shopping destination for various customers. 

“We noticed a lack of plus-size options in town, so we dedicated half of the boutique to meet that need,” Hicks added.

The salon side of Blitz is equally bustling, with 14 hairdressers and Hicks as the only esthetician. The team offers full-service beauty options, including hair, skin, nails, and makeup, with a focus on events such as weddings and proms. 

“It’s been amazing to see our salon services grow alongside the boutique,” Duncan said.

Originally, Duncan took over Blitz from another owner and brought over several stylists when the JC Penney salon in the mall closed about 6 years ago. 

“That closure gave us an opportunity to expand the team and grow our services,” she said.

Blitz also engages actively with the community, recently hosting the “Scare in the Square” Halloween event. Local vendors, businesses, and nearby churches supported the event, adding to its success.

“Last year, around 400 people showed up; this year, we saw over 1,000,” Hicks said. “It’s been incredible to see the community rally around these events and support not only us but other small businesses. ”

Duncan said they offer a carefully curated selection of trending items. Popular items include Swig and Corkcicle thermoses and Skinny Syrups, which have become customer favorites for their zero-calorie options. 

“I go to market once a year to find the latest trends,” Duncan explained. “Even on slow days, people come in just for the Skinny Syrups.”

As Blitz Salon and Boutique continues to expand, Duncan and Hicks are grateful for the community support. 

“Owensboro has been amazing to us,” Duncan said. “It’s their loyalty that keeps us going every day.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

HealthForce Kentucky breaks ground on Owensboro simulation center, promises to transform regional healthcare training

HealthForce Kentucky breaks ground on Owensboro simulation center, promises to transform regional healthcare training

HealthForce Kentucky broke ground Friday on a cutting-edge simulation center. The 36,000-square-foot facility is designed to address critical healthcare workforce shortages by providing immersive training for aspiring healthcare professionals.

The facility is located in Owensboro’s former Health Business Center at 2511 Frederica Street. 

HealthForce Kentucky is a collaboration among nine colleges, 16 counties, and numerous public and private partners.

“This project exemplifies what our community can achieve when we unite for a common goal,” said Owensboro Chamber President and CEO Candance Brake. “We’re at our best when we speak with one voice.”

Echoing her sentiment, State Rep. Suzanne Miles highlighted the urgency of the healthcare shortage. 

“We were having calls from nursing homes and healthcare facilities all needing help,” Miles said. “It became clear that we needed a dedicated space to train and develop healthcare talent. With support from legislators across the region, we moved forward with a shared vision.”

Miles also recognized community and state support that brought the vision to life. 

“This was a collective effort, and it’s a testament to what’s possible when higher education and healthcare partners work hand-in-hand,” she added.

Bart Darrell, Chancellor of HealthForce Kentucky, outlined the center’s significance, explaining that it will provide the latest training tools for students across western Kentucky. 

“We know how talented this region is, and we have a responsibility to equip students with cutting-edge skills,” Darrell said. “This building is an opportunity to learn in real-world environments, complete with high-tech simulations.”

Darrell also credited Brewco Marketing Group in Central City for designing, fabricating, and managing HealthForce Kentucky’s two mobile units, which allowed them to expand the initiative.

“The team at Brewco has truly felt like an extension of our own,” Darrell said. “Their support and expertise in designing and managing our mobile units have been invaluable, allowing us to expand HealthForce Kentucky’s reach and impact during this critical build-out phase.”

The facility includes several advanced learning spaces: five “OSCE” rooms, where standardized patients play roles to mimic real-world medical scenarios; a radiology suite; and a lab equipped to support the training of medical laboratory technicians. An immersive room, designed like a high-tech meteorology studio, allows students to interact with scenarios through touch-responsive walls, which could include quizzes or virtual patient care experiences.

Bruce Williams, Director of Simulation at HealthForce Kentucky, described the unique setup. 

“This is a safe space for students to make mistakes, learn, and ultimately be better prepared for real-life situations,” he said. “We’re going to have a cadaver lab, 3D printing, and even a full operating room. This is not just education; it’s hands-on training.”

Dr. Scott Williams, President of Owensboro Community and Technical College, noted the regional impact of HealthForce Kentucky.

“From nursing to respiratory care, the facility is already attracting more students into healthcare fields, with a 6% increase in program enrollment this year,” he said.

Williams emphasized the cooperation among institutions and the critical role of early exposure to healthcare careers. 

“Our post-secondary and secondary institutions have set aside individual needs to work together, showing an unprecedented level of collaboration,” he said. “This is a game-changer not just for our community but for healthcare across Kentucky.”

Owensboro Health President and CEO Mark Marsh credited community leaders and legislators with supporting the project during the pandemic. 

“Our goal is to build healthcare professionals right here in our community,” Marsh said. “We’ve been given a chance to solve our own healthcare challenges.”

Board Chair Gavin Roberts underscored the facility’s importance for the local healthcare system and the region’s economy. 

“This facility is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a commitment to our community and a pipeline for developing the healthcare talent we need,” Roberts said. “We’re investing in the future of Owensboro and the entire region, creating opportunities for people to build meaningful careers right here at home.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Mayoral, city commission candidates make pitches at “Red, White & Blue”

Mayoral, city commission candidates make pitches at “Red, White & Blue”

Candidates for local and state office made their pitches to city residents Thursday night during the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s “Red, White & Blue” event at the Daviess County Courthouse.

With every elected city office on the ballot Nov. 5, candidates for mayor and city commission spoke last to small audience on the courthouse lawn.

Mayoral candidates Mayor Tom Watson and Commissioner Pam Smith-Wright both talked about the progress made during their times in office and actions city government has made to move Owensboro forward.

“This is my 12th year as mayor, and we have seen tremendous growth in our community,” Watson said. “We’ve built a lot of things people didn’t think we could ever build.

Watson said: “My prime purpose as an elected official is public safety,” and said the city has started its own police academy for the Owensboro Police Department, and is building a new fire training center.

“We are ready to do more things,” Watson said.

As in previous forums, Watson touted his state and federal connections, and using them to get city needs addressed.

“There’s very few people in our community, I don’t think, that have ever been more involved in Washington and Frankfort than I have,” Watson said. “I have very good contacts there, I have built very good relationships, and I am always happy to make a call on behalf of our community.”

Smith-Wright, who has served several terms as city commissioner over the years, said she has been active in local issues, such as the recent decision to build a new senior center near Thompson-Berry Park.

“I have been heavily involved with out veterans here,” Smith-Wright said. “I’m on the senior center board, I am the chair, and we are moving that project forward.

“I would just like to tell you, I would like you for a minute to just consider Owensboro as your living room,” Smith-Wright said. “As you consider that, you know that every once in a while you move furniture around so you can get a different perspective, so it looks different. I want to be your difference for the city of Owensboro.

“I think we need a change, we need to look at things differently, we need to step out of the box and do things differently,” Smith-Wright said.

Seven candidates are running for four city commission seats. Rafe Buckner, a business owner and chairman of the Northwest Neighborhood Alliance, said the city needs to address homelessness, while providing more support for agencies that work with young people, such as the Western Academy at the Neblett and Breaking The Cycle.

“If elected, I want to focus on the things to address our growing homeless population,” Buckner said. “I would like to see us repurpose our senior center for transitional housing.

“We also need to look into ways to create more affordable housing,” which might require zoning changes to allow different types of home, such as tiny homes, and multiple homes on the same lot, Buckner said. Regarding law enforcement, Buckner said he would want to increase mental health support for law enforcement and first responders.

Bucker said he would work with the county and Economic Development Corp. “to see if we truly need an industrial park in our community.”

Tyler Goad, an instructor for Daviess County High Schools, said he is a retired Navy intelligence officer who works with students through the school’s Junior ROTC program. Goad said he is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Greater Owensboro Relator Association.

“I represent a change to the status quo,” Goad said. “If you need new ideas, more energy and a fresh perspective, I’m your candidate.”

Goad said he would work to bring more business to the city. “When we bring in more business and develop small business, we end up expanding the tax base without increasing taxes, which allows us to more thoroughly address the problems of homelessness, drug use and crime.

“I’m eager to get to work,” Goad said. “If you want to thank a vet, hire one.”

Jeff Sanford, who served several terms as city commissioner before losing his seat in 2022, said if reelected, working to get an industrial park for the city would be a goal.

“We have done some great things in the past, and currently we are doing some great things,” Sanford said.

In recounting a story about talking to voters, Sanford said: “I’m here because I want to give us opportunity to our kids and to our futures.” Addressing high school students in the audience, Sanford said, “I want them all to come back to Owensboro.

“I’m a big proponent of an industrial park,” Sanford said, and said he would work with the county and agencies such as the EDC and the Chamber of Commerce.

“I want them to put their track shoes on, because we are going to go forward,” Sanford said. “We are going to push and bring in jobs, and everybody is going to work extremely hard on one message, and we are going to make it happen.”

Commissioner Sharon NeSmith told the audience she want to make sure citizens know how City Hall makes decisions on issues and public concerns.

“When I first took this job … I had the idea I wanted to save the world and make everybody happy. But guess what? It didn’t take me too long to figure out that wasn’t going to happen,” NeSmith said. “So what I have committed to do is take each individual event, each project and each concern and I’m going to tell you why I can do it, and I’m going to tell you why I can’t.

“I’m going to listen, I’m going to learn, I’m going to question and I’m going to communicate,” NeSmith said. Public transportation would also be a priority, NeSmith said.

Commissioner Bob Glenn said the current commission had several accomplishments over during their term of office.

“In just the last year and a half, we have accomplished so much, and we can accomplish so much more if you’ll let me continue working for you for another two years,” Glenn said.

“We have developed a site for the new senior center, we have developed a major project for York flood control,” Glenn said. “We have increased wages and increased retention for police and fire(fighters), and we are building a new fire academy.” Glenn also touted the new indoor sports complex being built downtown, which he said would help host larger sports tournaments.

“This city is moving forward in a very positive way,” Glenn said.

Creating more affordable housing options will address homelessness, Glenn said, and said the city is “taking steps to support youth groups to reduce the pace of gun violence in our community.”

“I have the support of a number of labor unions, I have the support of the Sierra Club and I have the support of the Greater Owensboro realtors,” Glenn said, and said, “the most important endorsement I can have is on Nov. 5, to ask humbly for your support.

Curtis Maglinger, a business owner and son to former City Commissioner Larry Maglinger, said he wanted to work to support the city, which he said had supported him.

“I truly love our community,” Maglinger said. “Owensboro has been good to me, our family and our business, and it’s time for me to give back and serve our community.”

Maglinger said, “As a small business owner, I have the leadership to make those tough decisions, be open-minded, be open to change, and I have a vision for the future of Owenboro.

“I assure you I will always make every decision based on what is best for Owensboro,” Maglinger said, and said, “I’m a new generation of leadership.”

Robert Morris, who is retired, painted a less-sanguine portrait of the City Commission’s track record than other candidates.

“In my opinion, the current city commissioners have allowed homelessness, drugs, crime, gun violence and now human and sex trafficking to invade Owensboro,” Morris said. “I will make it a priority to work with the Owensboro Police Department and the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department to ensure all Owensboro citizens are safe.”

Morris said, “In the past two to four years, the past and incumbent city commissioners have allowed the disastrous national trend to invade Owensboro — high property taxes, school taxes and insurance taxes, multiplied by a high (Property Valuation Administrator) rate, have taxed good, struggling Owensboro citizens and homeowners into homelessness.”

The city has long-term debt, Morris said, and said, “we need to spend tax money, but it needs to go toward sidewalks and streets and municipalities.”

Morris said he would work with landlords “to get willing participants into affordable housing.”

Later, Morris said, “if we want to talk about economic development, we have to talk about spreading out our city lines and blending our city and county. We need more area to build industrial park land.”

The audience also heard from candidates for city and county school board, Circuit Court judge, the state Court of Appeals and for state representative and Commonwealth’s Attorney, Of the state races, only the 14th District seat is contested. Rep. Scott Lewis, the Republican incumbent addressed the audience, but Democratic challenger Chanda Garner did not attend the event.

By James Mayse Messenger-Inquirer

Red, White & Blue event to be held downtown Thursday, local candidates to speak to public

Red, White & Blue event to be held downtown Thursday, local candidates to speak to public

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Red, White & Blue event this Thursday, allowing local candidates on the November ballot a chance to speak to all those in attendance.

The event will be held on the Daviess County Courthouse Lawn and begins at 4:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Big Rivers Electric Corporation, with the Fraternal Order of Police sponsoring free food and drinks.

Speeches will begin immediately after the opening of the program and will be quick in succession, according to organizers. Jake Boswell, with Independence Bank and the Chamber Young Professionals Chair, will emcee the event.

Speeches will take place according to ballot position. The following races will be featured:

  • Daviess County Public School Board
  • Owensboro Public School Board
  • Daviess County Circuit Court Judge
  • Judge of the Court of Appeals First District, Second Division
  • Kentucky House Races
  • Owensboro City Commission Candidates
  • Owensboro Mayoral Candidates
  • Commonwealth’s Attorney

“Our Chamber’s Red, White & Blue is a non-partisan political event that spans back decades when it started as Red’s Picnic in Sorgho, just outside of Owensboro. When the Saltsman Family could no longer host the event, our Chamber continued the tradition,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO. “Our Chamber is committed to doing its part in promoting this vital aspect of a thriving community. Giving our members the opportunity to make informed decisions is important to their bottom line.”

Attendees are advised to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating at the event. 

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

Chamber Member of the Week: GRANTED

Chamber Member of the Week: GRANTED

Since its founding in 1986, GRANTED has significantly impacted families with children facing life-threatening and terminal illnesses. What started as “Wish Upon a Star” has transformed over the years into something much more, and at the heart of it is the determination to do more than just grant wishes.

The nonprofit’s development director, Chandra Beck, shared that the turning point came in 2015 when Executive Director Susan Washburn took the reins. At that time, she said the organization was struggling financially and considering closing its doors. 

“They had about enough money for a couple of months,” Beck said. “Susan said, ‘No, our local families deserve more than that,’ and dug her heels in to keep the organization alive.”

Washburn and the board rebranded the organization in 2016 to differentiate it from Make-A-Wish, adopting the name “Granted.” Since then, Granted has steadily grown, focusing not just on granting wishes but on providing long-term support to families.

Granted serves children ages 3 to 18 facing life-threatening conditions, with wishes as unique as the children themselves. From Disney World trips to meeting celebrities, each wish is tailored to the child’s dream. 

“We had a family from Owensboro this year, and her wish was to visit ‘Little House on the Prairie,’” Beck shared. “We connected with the town of Independence, Kansas, and they did an amazing job creating an unforgettable experience for that family.”

Beck said Granted truly stands out because of its Beyond the Wish program, which focuses on ongoing support after the wish has been fulfilled. The program offers gas cards, food cards, hotel stays, and other necessities for families traveling to major hospitals like Riley Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Granted organizes inclusive events and holiday gatherings, adopting entire families for Christmas.

“When a child is facing a life-threatening illness, it’s not just the child who is affected—it’s the whole family,” Beck said. “We don’t just adopt the wish child; we adopt the entire family because they’re all going through this together.”

In the Owensboro area alone, Granted supports 25 to 30 families. While donations are always needed, Beck emphasized the importance of partnerships. “We want to connect our families with resources that already exist in Owensboro,” she said. “If we can find those partnerships and connect families with organizations like the Wendell Foster Center or the local Autism Center, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Looking forward, Beck hopes to expand those partnerships in Owensboro to provide more comprehensive support for local families.

While the organization has grown, the staffing remains small but passionate. Washburn, who wears multiple hats as the executive director, wish coordinator, and financial director, has recently expanded the team by adding a part-time assistant and Beck as the full-time development director.

“It’s been a one-person show for so long,” Beck said with a smile. “Now, we’re a strong staff of two and a half people.”

As Granted looks ahead, its mission remains clear: granting wishes while providing long-term, meaningful support to families in their most challenging times.

For more information on how to support Granted, visit their website or consider partnering to help the families of Owensboro find the resources they need.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Chamber Member of the Week: Cornerstone Information Systems, Inc.

Chamber Member of the Week: Cornerstone Information Systems, Inc.

Cornerstone Information Systems, Inc., a staple in the technology services sector, is celebrating four decades of business. Originally founded as Pennyrile Computer Services in 1984, the company began with just four employees and a focus on programming. Today, it is a leading technology consulting firm with 45 employees and a presence spanning more than 20 states and 10 countries.

Philip Tillman, owner and CEO, reflected on the company’s growth and the decision to rebrand in 1991 to better align with its evolving range of services. 

“The company name changed to Cornerstone Information Systems, Inc., which better describes the broad range of services and products we provide,” Tillman said. “Through the years, we have continued to expand and add additional services and technical expertise to meet the ever-evolving IT landscape needs of our customers.”

At the core of Cornerstone’s offerings are IT consulting and support services, enhanced by partnerships with industry-leading vendors like Cisco, Dell, IBM, and Panduit. 

“Cornerstone provides technology services, support, and products to business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations,” Tillman said.

One of the factors that sets Cornerstone apart, Tillman explained, is the company’s guiding philosophy. 

“The name ‘Cornerstone’ expresses a commitment to Christian business principles,” he said. “We have 45 employees who use those same values in carrying out the way we serve our clients, with over 500 years of combined experience, over 100 advanced certifications, and a broad range of expertise.”

Despite Cornerstone’s growth, Tillman emphasized the company’s dedication to individual customer care. 

“Though our customer base is continuing to grow, we are committed to the attention and satisfaction of each individual customer and helping technology be the answer to their business problems instead of the cause of them,” he said.

Cornerstone has become one of the largest full-service technology consulting firms in Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. Its extensive suite of services includes managed and co-managed services, systems integration, network solutions, cybersecurity, compliance, business continuity, communications, video and audio conferencing, surveillance, and electric, data, and fiber cabling.

For businesses interested in learning more, Tillman encouraged reaching out via their website or other direct channels. 

Visit www.cornerstone.us to learn more about how Cornerstone Information Systems can help with your business technology. They are also available by email at info@cornerstone.us or by calling 270-685-1408.

With 40 years behind them, Cornerstone Information Systems continues to evolve, staying committed to both its customers and its founding values. 

“We’re proud of where we’ve come from, and we look forward to the future,” Tillman said.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

OIA recognized as Spotlight School by New Tech Network for culture of success, community partnerships program

OIA recognized as Spotlight School by New Tech Network for culture of success, community partnerships program

Ever since Owensboro Innovation Academy opened in 2015 as a new project-based learning school, it has been a member of the New Tech Network. The nonprofit, which has more than 200 member schools nationwide, recently recognized OIA as a Spotlight School — highlighting the school culture, community partnerships, and dedication to success.

According to their website, New Tech Network (NTN) is “dedicated to systemic change in education.” They work cloOKsely with district leaders, school principals, and classroom educators to co-design an approach to change that is specific to their context. 

NTN schools are committed to key focus areas including college- and career-ready outcomes, supportive and inclusive culture, meaningful and equitable instruction, and purposeful assessment. 

“The student experience is tied directly to deeper learning outcomes,” the NTN website says. “Students gain skills and use their voices in ways that prepare them for life beyond school. Project-based learning in NTN schools allows students to engage with material in creative, culturally relevant ways, experience it in context, and share their learning with peers.”

OIA implemented the NTN Model in 2015 upon opening the doors for its first cohort of students.

“(OIA) has since developed a customized school culture and robust community partnership program that benefits its students and the community,” the NTN Spotlight on the school says. “OIA leaders regularly attend NTN professional development trainings and workshops to continually improve their classroom instructional practices and receive coaching services and ongoing support.” 

After the pandemic halted progress — specifically preventing group work and community involvement — OIA leadership had to find a way to get back on track.

“To address these challenges, OIA and iMiddle created a shared PBL instructional coach position and launched a school-wide project to rebuild collaboration, community partnerships, and school culture,” the Spotlight says. “This ‘rebranding’ effort focused on collaboration, inquiry-based learning, authentic assessments, and student agency. Over time, with the support of the PBL instructional coach, increased teacher collaboration, and administrative backing, OIA began to regain its former excellence.”

OIA remained committed to ensuring all students, including those with IEPs, had access to dual credit courses, industry certifications, and pathways to post-secondary success. The school has achieved notable success, with 94% of IEP students qualifying for Academic or Career transition readiness and 74% of all students enrolled in college credit courses, according to the release. For example, 71% of current seniors have met the criteria for academic and career readiness, 16% have met the criteria for career readiness only, and 9.5% have met only academic readiness, per the release.

Former OIA Principal Beth Benjamin said the success depends on buy-in from students, staff, and community partners. 

“It’s almost like a triangle,” Benjamin said in the release. “We have our community, who are very supportive. We have our teachers, who are thinking outside the box and are willing to take risks, and we have the Network. We rely heavily on the NTN systems and protocols. You learn things you can tweak and do differently to be successful. It’s like a playbook.”

The community partnerships program at OIA has created opportunities for students and community members to connect over shared projects — so much so that OIA was recognized in early 2022 by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce as the Education & Workforce Development Institution of the Year. 

“OIA creates a love for knowledge and intellectual curiosity, and creates learners that contribute back to the local economy,” said Chamber President/CEO Candance Brake. “The community partnerships with OIA also help many people in these companies rediscover their passion. Working with young people is where you find relevance in your work for the next generation. They spark a passion that always ignited us, and help businesses reconnect with that.”

Brake also stated that the students benefit from the networking aspect inherent in community partnerships. 

“Students will develop pathways to careers locally, and get people to become their champions — people that will help them access college, internships, and eventually, a career, if they build and maintain those connections,” she said.

OIA’s successful community partnerships program includes the local headquarters of businesses like Southern Star Pipeline (who provide volunteer judges and help with the school’s robotics tournaments); Puzzle Pieces, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities (where students have donated 3D puzzles they’ve created for clients); and the Chamber of Commerce that connects students with business leaders in the area.

The sustainable structure of OIA’s project-based learning academy is a result of years of hard work, dedicated leaders and community partners, and a commitment to working through a process that provides the best outcomes for its students. 

“You can’t just copy [a model] and think it’s going to work,” Benjamin said. “You have to work through the process. And we wouldn’t be where we are today without our community, and those relationships, along with our curriculum and the rigor that’s part of that. New Tech Network is definitely the one to credit for that.”

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

Educators in the Workplace visit OMU, Southern Star for IT/STEM session

Educators in the Workplace visit OMU, Southern Star for IT/STEM session

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Educators in the Workplace program had their first session of the 2024-2025 school year this month by visiting Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) Cavin Water Treatment Plant and Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.

The session focused on IT/STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) career pathways, workforce needs, and internship opportunities available in our region. Participating educators learned about specific career options for students at both OMU and Southern Star while touring the sites and speaking directly with the respective employers. The hosts also connected with educators about presentation options for classroom visits which can be catered to a variety of ages and group sizes.

“The Chamber’s Educators in the Workplace program helps to cultivate and nurture the connection between Owensboro’s educators and our business community.” said Candance Castlen Brake, chamber president and CEO. “This program is a win for everyone involved. Students benefit from career opportunities based on their educators’ knowledge of programs; educators benefit from professional development that links classroom practice with workplace practice; and the businesses win through workforce development potential.”

“Each session of Educators in the Workplace will highlight different career paths and regional workforce opportunities; future sessions for the program year include Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Transportation & Logistics,” said Ashtin Warren, Chamber of Commerce Director of Talent Programs. “We are pleased to have 35 professionals from our local middle schools, high schools, and post-secondary institutions committed to the program this year and thankful for their dedication to their students’ success.”

Educators participating and their school affiliation include:

  • Brian Benjamin, Owensboro Public Schools
  • Crissy Bowman, Owensboro Middle School
  • Matt Brannon, Daviess County High School
  • Krista Camp, Owensboro Community and Technical College
  • Cassie Campbell, Owensboro Innovation Academy
  • Kristina Carpenter, Heritage Park High School
  • Jennifer Cecil, iMiddle
  • Michael Claycomb, Heritage Park High School
  • Leah Cravens, iMiddle
  • Ashley Dillbeck, Apollo High School
  • Natalie Ellis, Owensboro High School
  • Leah Embry, Emerson Academy
  • Shawn Gannon, Owensboro Community and Technical College
  • Alaina Gant, Owensboro Innovation Academy
  • Elizabeth Gramelspacher, Brescia University
  • Tripp Grenier, Owensboro High School
  • Barney Hall, Daviess County High School
  • Leslie Hall, Daviess County Middle School
  • Zach Heil, Owensboro Public Schools
  • Cary Hicks, Owensboro High Schools
  • Jenny Hudson, Owensboro Middle School
  • Erin Johnson, Owensboro Middle School
  • Berenice Kennedy, Heritage Park High School
  • Shanda Larue, Brescia University
  • Aimee Miller, Daviess County High School
  • Kara Miller, Owensboro High School
  • Haley Minton, Owensboro Community and Technical College
  • Scott Napier, Owensboro Community and Technical College
  • Ryun Schienbein, Owensboro High School
  • Steve Sergeant, Apollo High School
  • Bayli Stone, Daviess County High School
  • Dr. Justin Trulen, Kentucky Wesleyan College
  • Angie Vessels, Daviess County Middle School
  • Linzie Wells, Owensboro High School
  • Educators in the Workplace is a program of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce designed to provide teachers with exposure to the conditions and opportunities available in the workplace in the greater Owensboro region. Teachers and faculty members go on-site to work locations during each semester. Typical on-site visits will include presentations by the host employers about their industry and their workforce, the levels of proficiency required for employees and any other topics employers wish to cover, followed by time for discussion. To learn more about Educators in the Workplace, visit chamber.owensboro.com/programs/workforce-programs

By Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Messenger-Inquirer

Chamber Member of the Week: Green River Area Down Syndrome Association

Chamber Member of the Week: Green River Area Down Syndrome Association

The Green River Area Down Syndrome Association (GRADSA) is gearing up for its 27th Annual Buddy Walk on October 19, and this year’s event has an exciting new addition: a 5K run. Natalie Love, executive director of GRADSA, said the 5K was added to engage a broader audience and create more opportunities for community involvement.

“The addition of the 5K reflects GRADSA’s commitment to fostering greater participation,” Love said. “We want to include not only families and individuals connected to Down syndrome but also fitness enthusiasts, runners, and those looking for a unique way to support a meaningful cause.”

Love said the Buddy Walk is GRADSA’s largest annual fundraiser and is vital in sustaining the organization’s programs, advocacy initiatives, and outreach efforts throughout the year. The funds raised help the nonprofit continue providing enriching activities such as art, dance, and drum classes for individuals with Down syndrome while expanding support services to families in surrounding areas.

“Every participant, whether they walk, run, donate, or volunteer, directly impacts the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the Green River area,” Love said. “This year, we’re excited about the new 5K run, which we hope will attract more participants and raise even more awareness for our mission.”

GRADSA’s mission is to empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential through education, support services, and community activities. The organization offers a variety of programs, including skills clubs as well as a Medical Outreach Committee that connects families with essential medical resources, and provides doctors with information on delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis.

For those looking to participate in the upcoming Buddy Walk and 5K, GRADSA is still seeking volunteers to assist with event setup, registration, water stations, and cheering sections.

“Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success,” Love said. “We need help to ensure everything runs smoothly and everyone has a great time.”

Love added that the 5K addition is expected to elevate the Buddy Walk experience, strengthen community ties, and unite more people supporting individuals with Down syndrome.

“We’re thrilled about this event’s potential to create lasting memories while raising critical funds for our ongoing programs,” Love said. “It’s all about coming together as a community, promoting inclusion, and making a real difference.”

To register for the Buddy Walk, click here. For the 5K, click here. Those interested in volunteering should complete this form. 

Love encourages anyone who can to get involved, whether by walking, running, donating, or volunteering.

“Together, we can make this year’s Buddy Walk and 5K the biggest and best one yet—a celebration of inclusion, community spirit, and the unique abilities of every individual with Down syndrome,” she said.

For more information on GRADSA’s services and events, visit their website or contact the organization directly.

By john Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times