A nonprofit rooted in family values and community care continues to grow its impact in Owensboro, with the Dannheiser Fund for Kids now preparing to serve more than 300 children this year.

Founder Jon Troutman said the organization was inspired by his own childhood, when his grandparents — the Dannheisers — made sure he and his siblings had what they needed to start the school year.

“We didn’t have a lot growing up, but our grandparents always made sure we had a pair of back-to-school shoes,” Troutman said. “That stuck with me.”

That memory resurfaced about a decade ago when Troutman learned of a local child who didn’t have shoes just weeks before school began.

“That kind of broke my heart,” he said. “A kid in Owensboro, right before school, didn’t even have shoes. I thought maybe there’s something we can do about this.”

Troutman and his family later launched the Dannheiser Fund for Kids, naming it in honor of his grandparents and their example of giving back.

Since then, the program has expanded rapidly. After serving six children during its first year — which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic — the organization has steadily increased its reach, helping 242 children last year and aiming to exceed 300 this year.

“You can actually see the impact in these kids’ eyes,” Troutman said.

The program goes beyond providing shoes. Participants complete a four-week curriculum focused on emotional stability, confidence, physical fitness, and educational awareness.

“We wanted more than just handing out shoes,” Troutman said. “We wanted to give them something educational they can take into their future.”

As part of that effort, students have visited local colleges and interacted with representatives from institutions including Kentucky Wesleyan College, Brescia University, Owensboro Community and Technical College, and Western Kentucky University in Owensboro.

At the conclusion of the program, children are able to pick out a new pair of shoes ahead of the school year.

“We don’t put parameters on it,” Troutman said. “They pick out whatever makes them happy and comfortable for school.”

The organization operates entirely through volunteers, with all funds going directly toward shoes, supplies, and program materials.

“We don’t have a building. We don’t have staff,” Troutman said. “Everything we raise goes to the kids.”

To support its continued growth, the Dannheiser Fund for Kids is launching its annual fundraising campaign this week, with a goal of raising $2,500 that will be matched by its board.

In addition, the group is hosting its second annual “Cards for a Cause” charity card show on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club, 3415 Buckland Square.

The event will feature more than 120 tables of sports and Pokémon cards, along with a 50-50 raffle and free items for children in attendance. Food vendors will also be on site, and admission is free.

Proceeds from table sales will benefit both the Dannheiser Fund for Kids and the Boys & Girls Club.

Troutman said community support will directly impact how many children the organization can serve.

“The amount of kids we help is directly tied to how much we raise,” he said. “We know we can help at least 300 kids this summer, but if we have a strong push, that number could grow even more.”

For Troutman, the mission remains focused on giving children confidence as they head into a new school year.

“We feel like this is a great way to make a difference,” he said. “Just like my grandparents did for us.”

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

A family-driven roofing and restoration company is planting deeper roots in the Owensboro area, aiming to bring structure and transparency to an industry often marked by confusion in the wake of severe weather.

Grex Construction, co-founded by brothers Bobby Gregory and J.R. Gregory, traces its origins to a broader family involvement in roofing and restoration work that began years ago in Arkansas. The company’s foundation is built on that experience, with a focus on helping homeowners navigate the often-chaotic aftermath of storms.

Gregory said the path to launching Grex Construction was shaped by firsthand exposure to the industry through family members.

“It was founded by my brother and I. Years ago, my sister and her husband started a roofing company in Arkansas, and my brother went to work for them,” Gregory said. “I was constantly being drawn into what was becoming kind of the family business, which was in restorations and storm restoration.”

Gregory officially entered the industry in 2023, joining his brother in building a new company that emphasized professionalism and organization.

“My brother and I realized there were so many gaps in just lack of professionalism, lack of structure, so we decided to build a platform and a roofing company that could bring some clarity and professionalism,” he said.

Grex Construction’s website, the company provides roofing, restoration, and exterior services, with a strong emphasis on storm damage assessment and insurance claim support. The company works to document damage, guide homeowners through the claims process, and complete repairs efficiently.

The Gregory family has ties to western Kentucky, with roots in the region dating back generations. That connection played a key role in the company’s expansion into Owensboro.

“When the hailstorm broke out here, it was a no-brainer,” Gregory said. “We want to expand and go back home.”

The March hailstorm served as a turning point, prompting the company to shift its focus more fully to the Owensboro market. Gregory said the family relocated back to the area and committed to building the business locally.

“We had done a handful of roofs before the storm and were kind of building a brand here, but the majority of our income was coming from Arkansas,” he said. “When this hailstorm hit, the whole family relocated back to the family house in Lewisport and decided to go all in on Owensboro.”

Grex Construction continues to maintain operations in Bentonville and Little Rock, Arkansas, and has also completed work in southern Indiana, but Gregory said the Owensboro area is now a central focus.

The company primarily handles residential projects, though it has completed some larger jobs, including work on a church in Owensboro. Expansion into commercial projects is a long-term goal.

“Right now, we’re mainly focused on residential,” Gregory said. “That’s where we are most knowledgeable. That’s where we can help people the most.”

At its core, Gregory said the company’s mission is to simplify the restoration process for homeowners, particularly after major storms.

“What we specialize in is when it’s chaotic,” he said. “After major severe weather events, we come in, document damages, provide detailed damage reports to homeowners and try to make a chaotic time of their life — provide clarity and structure and direction — and just make it seamless and flawless.”

Gregory said the company also aims to address trust issues that can arise in the industry.

“It seems like there’s a lot of con artists and scammers in this industry, and we just want to provide clarity, explanation, clear instructions, and just make a seamless process for our homeowners,” he said.

As Grex Construction continues to grow, Gregory said the company’s foundation remains rooted in family and community.

“We’re not a family-only business, but the core of this company is family-owned and from right here in Kentucky,” he said. “We’ve gotten to help a lot of our neighbors out — people that have known my family for generations.”

With expansion underway and a focus on consistent service, Gregory said the goal is simple.

“We just try to make a difficult time turn into a good outcome,” he said. “We try to do a good job and be honest, and that’s what we’re built on.”

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

Morning Pointe Owensboro is continuing to establish its presence in the local senior living landscape, with leaders emphasizing a model centered on clinical support, convenience, and a home-like environment for residents.

Karleigh Roby, executive director of Morning Pointe Owensboro, said the community is designed to strike a balance between independence and access to care and services.

“The idea is for this to truly be home,” Roby said. “Residents can move in, build relationships, and remain here as their needs evolve.”

The community operates under a basic health model, with clinical oversight that distinguishes it from social-model assisted living facilities.

“Some assisted living communities are social models, so they don’t have the clinical support or nurses on site,” Roby said. “Here, we provide that added level of care.”

For residents like Linda Robbins, the environment and amenities have helped ease the transition into senior living.

“I like it here,” Robbins said. “The food is really good, and it’s nice. You’ve got this natural light in the courtyard, and when the weather’s fitting we can get outside.”

Robbins said she also enjoys the facility’s daily programming.

“I like my apartment, and I like the activities,” Robbins said. “I go to exercise every morning and devotion, too. I like all that.”

Living at the facility with her husband has also been meaningful, she said.

“It’s nice that we can be here together and kind of look after each other,” Robbins said.

Morning Pointe Owensboro is owned and managed by Morning Pointe Senior Living, a Tennessee-based company with more than 40 communities across the Southeast. According to April Barker, regional director of sales and marketing, the company acquired the Owensboro facility in October 2024.

“Everything from the floors to the windows to the roof has been refreshed,” Barker said. “Morning Pointe invested more than two and a half million dollars into renovating and repositioning the building.”

The community can accommodate up to 66 residents and continues to move in new residents, Barker said.

Roby said the facility’s design prioritizes accessibility and ease of navigation.

“It’s all one level, so it’s very easy to navigate,” Roby said. “If you just keep walking, you’ll get where you need to go.”

Morning Pointe Owensboro features multiple shared spaces, including living areas, a game room, and three courtyards. Families also have access to a private dining room that can be reserved for gatherings.

“We want residents to feel like the entire community is their home, not just their apartment,” Barker said.

Dining services are structured to mirror a hospitality-style experience, Roby said.

“We do restaurant-style dining,” Roby said. “Residents come down, get their drinks, place their order, and meals are prepared and served just like you’d experience at a restaurant.”

In addition to a daily menu, residents have always-available options, with staff tailoring the offerings to individual preferences.

“We know our residents really well,” Roby said. “We understand what they like and make sure there are choices that work for them.”

Residents also have access to on-site services, including a beauty salon, therapy gym, and visiting medical providers. Morning Pointe partners with HealthPRO Heritage to provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy services.

“Families don’t have to worry about taking mom or dad to multiple appointments,” Roby said. “Therapy, physician visits, and even labs can be handled here.”

For families, the combination of care and proximity has also been a key factor. Matt Robbins said his parents moved to the Owensboro facility shortly after the start of the year.

“We moved them here right after the first of the year, around Jan. 8,” Robbins said. “They’ve been here almost two months now, and Karleigh and the entire staff have been incredible to work with. The services they provide for my parents have been excellent.”

Robbins said keeping his parents together while ensuring they received the care they needed was a priority.

“Our goal was to keep my mom and dad together to the greatest extent possible,” Robbins said. “This has allowed us to do that in a place that’s close to us. My brother and I live about five minutes away, so we’re able to come by frequently.”

He also said the family has appreciated the facility’s environment and staff.

“You can see the facility is clean, well kept, and a nice surrounding,” Robbins said. “But more importantly, the people here have been incredible. If I had a pretty place but didn’t have good people inside taking care of them, then I really haven’t accomplished a whole lot. This place has given us both.”

Morning Pointe Owensboro operates as a private-pay community. Barker said pricing is based on needs and care levels.

“Our goal is to help people,” Barker said. “If we’re not the right fit financially or clinically, we still work to help families find solutions.”

Roby, who has worked in senior living for approximately a decade, said the facility’s philosophy centers on dignity, independence, and relationships.

“It’s very much relationship-driven,” Roby said. “That’s been key to our success.”

To learn more about Morning Pointe, visit its website here.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Owensboro Health has launched a new state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit to expand access to breast cancer screenings across the region.

The mobile unit, which has been in development for roughly 18 months, is designed to travel throughout Owensboro Health’s service area, bringing screenings directly to workplaces, community events, and underserved areas.

Beth Steele, chief operating officer of Owensboro Health, said the project represents a major milestone for the organization and its mission to improve community health.

“It’s been an 18-month journey for us to be able to bring this out to our communities that we serve,” Steele said. “It’s a pretty fabulous dream that’s come true, and we know that women, when they see this, will either participate by getting their screening, or maybe it will just remind them to go get their screening, and it saves lives.”

Steele said the unit will serve as both a healthcare resource and a visible reminder of the importance of regular screenings.

“To me, bringing the care to all the regions that we serve is the best way we know how to meet our mission,” she said.

The unit was designed and fabricated by Brewco Marketing Group, headquartered in Central City.

It will offer 3D mammography and is designed to provide the same level of care as a hospital-based screening, with exams typically taking less than 15 minutes and results reviewed by radiologists within a few days.

Officials said the clinic will travel to workplaces, community events, and rural areas, helping eliminate common barriers such as transportation, time constraints, and access to care. Walk-ins will also be accepted, making screenings more convenient for patients.

Community leaders said the mobile clinic removes many of the obstacles that often prevent women from receiving timely screenings.

Dave Kirk, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, said transportation, time constraints, and childcare are among the biggest challenges.

“This is such a great example of innovation,” Kirk said. “There’s nothing more neighborly than bringing healthcare to your front door. It’s meeting people where they are. This makes it so that there are no barriers for these women to get screened, hopefully prevent anything from happening before it’s too late.”

Karen Dennis, Owensboro Health’s director of outpatient radiology, said the unit will be especially impactful for busy families and those who struggle to access traditional healthcare settings.

“This unit will be especially meaningful to those moms who are trying to work, get their kids to school, get them to practices, and take care of aging parents,” Dennis said. “We are going to go out into the region, and I look forward to seeing this bus rolling down the highway, expanding access to care, and truly making a difference in women’s lives.”

Dennis shared a letter from an Owensboro Health employee that highlighted the importance of convenient access to screenings.

“I was on my way to work, running late. On the opposite side of the road, I saw a mobile mammography clinic parked in a church parking lot,” the employee wrote. “Before I knew it, my car was turning in there. I knocked on the door and asked if they could work me in since I was a little behind on my yearly mammogram.”

The employee said the screening led to additional testing.

“My life changed in those two weeks waiting for those results,” she wrote. “The doctor told me that if I hadn’t stopped to get the mammogram when I did, it definitely would have become cancer. I’m glad I didn’t wait.”

Leaders with the Owensboro Health Foundation said donor support played a key role in bringing the project to life.

Tracy Naylor, senior director of the foundation, said the initiative reflects the organization’s mission and the generosity of the community.

“What we’re seeing here today is because of that generosity,” Naylor said. “Our donors, our corporate partners, our grant funders, and our employees made this possible.”

Dr. Jim Tidwell, vice president of population health, emphasized the broader impact of mammography and early detection.

“It’s estimated that 13.1% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime — about one in eight,” Tidwell said. “Mammography has helped decrease breast cancer mortality by 44% in the United States.”

Tidwell said the mobile unit is focused on improving outcomes locally by increasing access.

“Mobile mammography is entirely about access,” he said. “We’re seeking to reduce or eliminate the barriers that prevent women from being screened.”

He added that the unit will help reach populations that historically experience worse outcomes due to later-stage diagnoses.

“This will help us target those groups and eliminate disparities within our community,” Tidwell said.

Owensboro Health officials said the mobile mammography unit will begin traveling throughout the region in the coming weeks, offering screenings and helping raise awareness about the importance of early detection.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

A lifelong connection to landscaping has shaped the growth of Outback Lawn & Landscape and Tree Service, a locally owned business operated by Jared Dockery and his wife, Maddie.

Dockery said the business offers a wide range of exterior property services, including lawn care, landscaping, tree and shrub pruning, mulch installation, retaining walls, fencing, and paver patios for both residential and commercial clients.

“We handle pretty much anything exterior — property maintenance, mulch, landscape installations, tree and shrub pruning, retaining walls, fences — just about anything outside,” Dockery said.

The company has also carved out a niche focused on education and sustainability, encouraging clients to rethink how they view plants and even weeds in their yards.

“We push edible gardening spaces,” Dockery said. “We try to apply the knowledge that we’ve learned with plants and weeds — not only do we try to prevent weeds in people’s gardens, but we also push discussions on things that are medicinal and edible.”

Dockery’s experience in the field dates back to his childhood, when his parents owned schools and nurseries. He said he began working at a young age and gradually built the foundation for what would become his own business.

“From the time I was about eight, I was on a lawnmower maintaining a commercial property for them,” Dockery said. “That developed into a point where I was old enough to take on several of those schools.”

He said he transitioned into running his business full-time in his late 20s after building up a base of commercial and residential clients.

“I started obtaining other properties part-time until I quit my day job,” Dockery said. “I was about 27 when I quit. I’m 48 now.”

Over the years, the company has expanded and contracted at different times, depending on business needs and direction. At its peak, Dockery said he managed multiple crews and handled large-scale contracts across the region.

“I had three to four crews out daily for years,” Dockery said. “We mowed everything from state parks to the housing authorities of Owensboro — large properties, hotels, and apartment complexes.”

Today, the operation is smaller and more hands-on, with Dockery and his wife leading the work.

Dockery said faith has played a central role in shaping both the business and its direction.

“There was a lot of prayer and petition that went into it before stepping into it,” Dockery said. “Trying to figure out who God wanted me to be in business.”

That mindset has also led the couple to take their work beyond the local community. Dockery said they have participated in mission efforts in Honduras, helping build playgrounds and exploring ways to assist with sustainable gardening practices.

“We’ve been asked to come back and maybe figure out how to do some gardening spaces for the missionary ranch,” Dockery said. “Utilizing natural resources as far as fertilizers and things of that nature.”

Dockery said one of his favorite aspects of the job is the variety it provides, allowing him to shift between different types of projects.

“I like to create,” Dockery said. “I can be in a yard planting shrubs one day, and maybe the next week I’m doing a fence. It keeps me from getting bored.”

He said he also enjoys working outdoors and seeing the unique character of each property.

“I love being outside, and I love visiting everybody’s gardens,” Dockery said. “It’s nice to see different gardens all day long.”

In addition to landscaping services, the company also handles snow removal for both commercial and residential clients, with past work including large retail and restaurant properties.

Dockery said the business maintains an active online presence, sharing project updates and educational content through its website and social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

More information about Outback Lawn & Landscape and Tree Service can be found on its website at https://outback-outdoors.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

Ever want to sit down and have coffee with a candidate?

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is giving voters that chance on May 7.

“Coffee with a Candidate” will debut at the Owensboro Convention Center immediately following the Rooster Booster Breakfast that morning.

Dave Kirk, chamber president, said, “We felt like this would be the perfect opportunity for our residents to interact with the candidates running for office. At a time when politics can feel especially divisive, we want to create space for thoughtful, informed conversations.”

He said, “These are our neighbors running to represent us, and we should treat them that way.”

Kirk said the event will complement, not replace, the chamber’s traditional candidate forums in the fall.

When Rooster Booster is over that day, each table will be assigned two candidates who are not running for the same office.

People can visit with any candidate they choose and engage in one-on-one conversations.

A seven-minute timer will be used to ensure that everyone has a chance to connect.

Rooster Booster that day will feature Rich Harwood, “who will focus on a follow-up from the Building a Better Owensboro report and highlight the actions that locally led, community-driven teams are taking to address the report’s findings and strengthen civic engagement in our community,” the chamber said.

Both Republicans and Democrats are praising the event.

Jesse Hagan, chairman of the Daviess County Republican Party, said, “What makes this event special is that it shifts the focus from candidates speaking or responding to each other to candidates engaging directly with voters. That kind of personal interaction gives people a better understanding of who they’re voting for and what they stand for.”

And Larry Miller, chairman of the Daviess County Democratic Party, thanked the chamber “for providing this opportunity for all of our local and state candidates to meet face to face with those attending the May 7 Rooster Booster Breakfast.”

He said, “One of our most important duties as citizens is to be involved in the election of our local, state and national leaders. That involves getting to know our candidates and determine where they stand on important public policy issues. This is a great opportunity to do just that. What a great idea.”

Kirk said, “Our hope is that this new event will encourage more people to get out and vote while also promoting respectful, civil conversation. This is an educational opportunity, not a forum for confrontation.”

This Rooster Booster and “Coffee with a Candidate” are open to the entire community.

Candidates who want to participate should call the chamber at 270-926-1860 or email Katie Blan, director of communications and events, at kblan@owensboro.com.

By Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer

A new partnership between two local small businesses is set to bring a unique dessert option to Owensboro, as Hanna Bailey of Doozie Doez prepares to open a self-serve fridge inside Crazy Me Gifts and Apparel.

Bailey said the concept allows her to offer many of the benefits of a storefront without taking on the added overhead.

“I have a commercial kitchen license, so I have everything I need for a storefront without actually having one,” Bailey said. “I don’t really want a full storefront, so this allows me to offer those same options in a different way.”

The fridge is scheduled to open on Friday morning when the store opens, giving customers the ability to walk in and purchase items on demand.

Bailey said the idea came together through her long-standing relationship with Crazy Me owner Donna Southard, who has supported her business from the beginning.

“Donna has helped me from the very beginning,” Bailey said. “I’ve done a lot of pop-ups here, and when I mentioned the idea, she was all for it. I’m really grateful for her support.”

Bailey launched Doozie Doez in 2019 after years of baking, including experience gained while working on her family’s blueberry farm. What started as baking cakes for friends has quickly grown into a full-time venture.

“I started out just making cakes for friends, and it’s grown from there,” Bailey said. “Now I’m booked most weekends, so it’s definitely taken off.”

She said much of that growth has come from staying focused and pouring her energy into the business.

“When my dad passed away, I really threw myself into it,” Bailey said. “It gave me something to focus on, and I think that helped me grow the business.”

Bailey said her love for baking began at home.

“My mom is a great cook, and I grew up watching her,” Bailey said. “We didn’t have a lot, so she made all of our birthday cakes and treats, and that kind of stuck with me.”

The new fridge will feature a rotating selection of desserts, including whole cakes, cupcakes, and a new product Bailey is introducing called “cake cans.”

“There will be several cakes available, along with cupcakes and my new cake cans, which are more of a gourmet, layered dessert,” Bailey said.

The cake cans are designed for convenience, with a resealable lid that allows customers to enjoy them over time. Bailey said opening-day flavors are expected to include Dubai chocolate, white chocolate raspberry, Samoa, and banana cookie butter.

In addition to desserts, Bailey will also offer her homemade chicken salad.

“This chicken salad is the best in town,” Bailey said.

Southard said the partnership is a natural fit and builds on a relationship that has developed over time through pop-ups and collaborations.

“Anytime one small business can help another, it’s a great thing,” Southard said. “It truly is about supporting Hannah and what she’s built, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow while also giving our customers something new.”

The fridge will be stocked daily, giving customers the option to stop in and grab desserts without pre-ordering, though custom orders can still be arranged for pickup at the store.

Crazy Me, located at 235 East 20th Street, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Southard said the addition aligns with the store’s customer base and offers added convenience for shoppers.

“A lot of times, people are looking for something quick for a birthday or celebration,” Southard said. “Now they can pick up a gift and something sweet all in one stop.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Retired Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham told local business leaders Thursday morning that success — whether in military operations or economic development — depends on teamwork, preparation, and a willingness to take risks.

Basham, a retired U.S. Air Force officer who logged more than 3,400 flight hours in the B-1, B-2, and B-52, served as the featured speaker at the March Rooster Booster breakfast hosted by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce at the Owensboro Convention Center.

Chamber President and CEO Dave Kirk said Basham’s experience offered a valuable perspective.

“We’re honored to be joined by retired Lt. General Steven L. Basham,” Kirk said. “His distinguished military service has several highlights, including Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command, Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, and over 3400 flight hours in the B-1, B-2, and B-52. There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and Mr. Basham certainly had some good insight going forward.”

Basham used stories from his military career — including flying one of the first B-2 stealth bomber combat missions in 1999 — to draw parallels between military operations and the work of local business leaders.

He said innovation, vision, and risk-taking are essential to success.

“We all love talking about fun, but what I really love talking about is what it took to do that right there,” Basham said. “It’s the innovation, it’s the vision, it’s the ability to be able to take a risk, as a matter of fact, to make the investment.”

Basham emphasized that while pilots often receive recognition, missions rely on a much larger team working behind the scenes.

“But let’s talk about who’s behind the scenes,” Basham said. “It’s the maintainers, it’s the intelligence, it’s the personnel, it’s the folks that have been doing the planning. It’s the folks that do medical, that do support across the organizations… we don’t say thank you enough to those folks out there.”

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration across military branches and allied nations, noting that large-scale operations require coordination well beyond a single unit.

Reflecting on his first combat mission in a B-2 bomber, Basham described months of preparation leading up to a 31-hour flight that included multiple in-air refuelings and precision strikes on multiple targets.

“Success that night didn’t come from — and I use this term very, very carefully — a hero moment,” Basham said. “It came from hundreds of routine actions done well by people who understood the mission and trusted each other.”

Basham said that same principle applies to the business community, where visible successes often overshadow the behind-the-scenes work required to achieve them.

“To the businesses, you’re the operational force,” Basham said. “You’re the ones that are out there taking the risk, you’re investing, you’re hiring, you’re innovating, you’re creating jobs to keep the community alive.”

He also recognized the role of chamber staff and support teams, comparing them to mission planners and support crews in the military.

“Most people will only see the visible wins,” Basham said. “They’ll see the new plant that opens up… what they’ll not see is the late-night calls, the advocacy trips, the professionals and business leaders who are doing all the behind-the-scenes work to make sure that things happen.”

Basham closed by expressing pride in returning to Kentucky and drawing a connection between military service and community leadership.

“But let me tell you, here’s why I’m so proud to be an American, and certainly proud to be a Kentuckian,” Basham said.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce says it is introducing a new event designed to help voters become more familiar with candidates running for office in Daviess County. 

Officials say “Coffee with a Candidate” will debut on May 7 at the Owensboro Convention Center, immediately following the conclusion of Rooster Booster. The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce says following Rooster Booster, each table will be assigned two candidates who are not running for the same office. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with any candidate they choose and engage in one-on-one conversations. A seven-minute timer will be used to ensure all attendees have a chance to connect.

“We felt like this would be the perfect opportunity for our residents to interact with the candidates running for office. At a time when politics can feel especially divisive, we want to create space for thoughtful, informed conversations. These are our neighbors running to represent us, and we should treat them that way,” said Greater Owensboro Chamber President and CEO Dave Kirk.

Officials note this inaugural event will complement, not replace, the Chamber’s traditional candidate forums held in the fall ahead of the general election. Instead, it offers voters an additional opportunity to connect with candidates ahead of the primary elections two weeks later.

“Our hope is that this new event will encourage more people to get out and vote while also promoting respectful, civil conversation. This is an educational opportunity, not a forum for confrontation,” added Kirk.

According to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the timing of “Coffee with a Candidate” aligns with the May Rooster Booster speaker, Rich Harwood, who will focus on a follow-up from the “Building a Better Owensboro” report and highlight the actions that locally led, community-driven teams are taking to address the report’s findings and strengthen civic engagement in the community.

This event is open to both members and nonmembers attending Rooster Booster. All candidates should RSVP to the Chamber by calling (270) 926-1860 or by emailing Director of Communications and Events Katie Blan at kblan@owensboro.com.

By Jana Garrett Eyewitness News

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEVV) — The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is launching a new event to help voters meet candidates running for office in Daviess County.

Coffee with a Candidate will debut on May 7th at the Owensboro Convention Center, immediately following the conclusion of Rooster Booster. Following Rooster Booster, each table will be assigned two candidates who are not running for the same office, and attendees will have the opportunity to visit with any candidate they choose and engage in one-on-one conversations.

A seven-minute timer will be used to ensure all attendees have a chance to connect. The event will take place two weeks before the primary elections.

“We felt like this would be the perfect opportunity for our residents to interact with the candidates running for office,” Greater Owensboro Chamber President and CEO Dave Kirk said. “At a time when politics can feel especially divisive, we want to create space for thoughtful, informed conversations.”

This inaugural event will complement, not replace, the Chamber’s traditional candidate forums held in the fall ahead of the general election. Instead, it offers voters an additional opportunity to connect with candidates ahead of the primary elections.

“What makes this event special is that it shifts the focus from candidates speaking or responding to each other to candidates engaging directly with voters,” Daviess County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Hagan said. “That kind of personal interaction gives people a better understanding of who they’re voting for and what they stand for.”

Daviess County Democratic Party Chair Larry Miller praised the initiative. He said one of the most important duties as citizens is to be involved in the election of local, state and national leaders.

The timing of Coffee with a Candidate aligns with the May Rooster Booster speaker, Rich Harwood, who will focus on a follow-up from the Building a Better Owensboro report. Harwood will highlight the actions that locally led, community-driven teams are taking to address the report’s findings and strengthen civic engagement in the community.

“Our hope is that this new event will encourage more people to get out and vote while also promoting respectful, civil conversation,” Kirk said. “This is an educational opportunity, not a forum for confrontation.”

This event is open to both members and nonmembers attending Rooster Booster. All candidates should RSVP to the Chamber by calling 270-926-1860 or by emailing Director of Communications and Events Katie Blan at kblan@owensboro.com.

By Ben Thomas 44 News