Would you be willing to risk it all for your dream? That’s the question most if not all small business owners have to ask themselves on a daily basis.

May is National Small Business Month.

How would you define a small business? An organization of less than 10 employees? 50 employees?

The Small Business Association Office of Advocacy defines a small business as a company that has less than 500 employees. That means that nearly all of our Chamber members are small businesses.

Nearly 68% of new small businesses survive about two years. Nearly 50% make it to five years. Just over 25% make it over 15 years.

It’s hard. It’s sacrifice. It’s not a 40-hour work week.

Small businesses are what you remember about a city. They allow interactions you don’t forget.

While online shopping is convenient, it doesn’t greet you with a smile or ask how your kids are doing.

I think one of best things we can do for our small businesses is ask our big businesses to use them for their services.

I love getting to hear stories about our larger corporations buying Christmas gifts for their employees from our local shops. Or taking their out-of-town clients to their favorite local restaurant. We see that often at the Chamber.

Small businesses often play a large role in getting big businesses to locate in your community.

Let’s do our part.

Try something new.

Meet a friend and support their dream.

By Dave Kirk For the Messenger-Inquirer
 

Friday After 5 will mark its 30th anniversary this summer with what organizers are calling its biggest and most diverse season yet, continuing a long-standing tradition of free, family-friendly entertainment along the downtown riverfront.

The 2026 season, presented by Jagoe Homes, runs from May 15 through August 7 and will once again feature weekly concerts, a street fair, and a mix of national touring acts, regional performers, tribute bands, and emerging artists across two stages.

Organizers say the milestone season reflects both the event’s growth and its enduring role as a community gathering place.

“This is without a doubt the biggest and most exciting season we’ve ever put together,” said Heath Eric, CEO of The Eric Group and talent buyer for Friday After 5. “The level of talent, the diversity of the lineup, and the number of special moments planned for this 30th anniversary are unmatched.”

Board chair Brad Howton said the longevity of Friday After 5 can largely be attributed to its accessibility and community-driven atmosphere.

“My opinion is, what makes what’s made it so successful and long-lasting is the fact that it is free entertainment,” Howton said. “It’s an opportunity for friends, for families, to get out on a Friday night during the summer, go downtown to Owensboro and just enjoy the weather, enjoy the entertainment, and just mingle.”

Originally launched in 1997 as a small series of concerts aimed at drawing people back downtown, the event has grown into a regional attraction that draws thousands each week. In 2025, organizers reported more than 120,000 attendees over the course of the season.

Howton said the event has evolved beyond music into a broader experience.

“I think what’s different now is we’ve tried to focus more on the family side of things, providing things for all ages to do,” he said. “The Street Fair has become a huge part of it. Now it’s not only a place for people to come hang out — they’ve got craft vendors, food vendors, beverage vendors. It’s grown into that come down on Friday night and stay for a long time and just enjoy it.”

The Kroger Street Fair opens at 5 p.m. each week and includes food trucks, local vendors, and activities, while live music begins on the Overlook Stage from 6-8 p.m., followed by Main Stage performances from 7-10 p.m.

The event has also expanded geographically over the years, stretching along the riverfront beyond its original footprint near the RiverPark Center.

“It’s grown to the point now where the attendance for the main stage would not fit in that back patio of the RiverPark Center,” Howton said. “It’s just a good thing. It really is.”

Organizers say the event continues to have an economic and tourism impact, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.

“I like to walk up and down Smothers Park before things get started and talk to people,” Howton said. “It was Michigan, Illinois, Alabama, Georgia — people saying that’s how they came to town was because of Friday After 5.”

This year’s lineup includes a wide range of genres, from Southern rock and country to pop, R&B, and dance music. Highlighted nights include the July 3 drone show and America 250 celebration, the July 10 30th anniversary celebration, and the August 7 back-to-school bash season finale.

Howton said the event’s continued success depends heavily on community support.

“What I really like to express is that without the sponsorship that we do get and the support that we get — city, county, sponsors — it would not be possible in any way to have the events and the bands that we have downtown,” he said.

Principal sponsors for the 2026 season include Jagoe Homes as the title sponsor, along with Romain Subaru and Romain Cadillac, Owensboro Racing & Gaming, Atmos Energy, and Kroger, among others.

Howton also credited both longtime and newer board members for helping sustain the event.

“It’s the energy, it’s the passion of those new board members, too,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re down there each and every Friday night. I think that gives people a sense of ownership, and that we care about it and enjoy it as well.”

Admission to all Friday After 5 events remains free. Organizers say additional announcements, including the final night’s headliner, will be released in the coming weeks.

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

If you couldn’t make it out this weekend, we’ve got you covered. Managing Editor Ryan Richardson and his 5-year-old daughter Emery stopped by Maui’s Indoor Theme Park and streamed a walkthrough during its Sneak Peek event, which continues today.

Watch the video here.

The public can again check things out (not every attraction is optional just yet) from noon to 9 p.m. today at Maui’s, located on Frederica Street in the former Towne Square Mall. The park will then close Monday through Thursday before reopening for its official launch on Friday.

Inside, the space is rapidly coming to life with a wide range of attractions, including an indoor roller coaster, go-karts, laser tag, a virtual reality 4D motion theater ride, mini golf, duckpin bowling, arcades, and multiple activity zones for younger children. The layout centers around a large open hub, with check-in and redemption areas anchoring the main floor and attractions branching out across the facility.

Emery gave the experience two thumbs up — and yes, she convinced her dad to stick around and play after the video.

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

Communication boards are being installed at playgrounds across Owensboro’s city parks, giving children of all abilities new ways to interact, play, and build friendships.

The initiative is the result of a partnership between Owensboro Public Schools, RiverValley Behavioral Health, and the City of Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday at Moreland Park, though the boards are being placed at multiple parks citywide.

Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, president and CEO of RiverValley Behavioral Health, said the effort builds on a similar initiative launched last year in local schools.

“We partnered with Owensboro Public Schools to bring communication boards to every elementary school and preschool playground,” Figueroa-Peralta said. “We provide services to children and families with autism, developmental delays, and other communication challenges, and one of the places they sometimes feel isolated is during play.”

She said the success of those school-based boards led to expanding the concept into public spaces.

“We wanted to take it a step further because we know inclusion should not stop when the school bell rings,” she said. “Parks are where families gather and where children have the potential to build friendships and where community truly happens.”

The boards feature pictures, symbols, and simple words that allow children — including those who are nonverbal or learning English — to communicate basic needs and ideas such as “play,” “stop,” “bathroom,” or activities such as using the slide.

Carrie Wedding, director of special education for Owensboro Public Schools, said the boards are designed to remove barriers for children who may struggle to communicate.

“For us, we believe that all kids can do all things, but sometimes there are barriers for kids to access things that everybody else can access,” Wedding said. “This is just an easy thing to do to break the barrier so that you can have access to things just like everybody else can.”

Wedding said the boards mirror tools already used in classrooms, helping students apply those communication skills in real-world settings.

“It’s all about how our kids transition out into the real world,” she said. “It’s just another bridge for them to go from school out into the community.”

RiverValley Behavioral Health provided funding for the boards, while the City handled installation. Amanda Rogers, director of Owensboro Parks and Recreation, said the project was an easy decision once it was presented.

“This is a wonderful project,” Rogers said. “It’s been a great partnership to make this communication tool available to the public.”

Rogers said playgrounds are often a child’s first opportunity to socialize independently, making communication especially important.

“Playgrounds are one of the first places kids go to socialize with other children,” she said. “If you’ve got a child who doesn’t speak English or is nonverbal, that limits that interaction. This expands the potential for interaction for all.”

She added that the boards can also benefit children who are learning English as a second language, creating a more inclusive environment for a wider range of families.

Figueroa-Peralta said the initiative aligns directly with RiverValley’s mission to improve mental health and well-being through connection and inclusion.

“Communication is foundational to mental health and well-being,” she said. “When someone is not integrated and they don’t feel heard and valued, there is a lot of frustration and anxiety. This initiative supports making sure every child in every space in the community is heard.”

Wedding said early feedback from schools has been encouraging, with teachers requesting materials to help students learn how to use the boards and sharing examples of children actively engaging with them.

“It’s been really cool,” she said. “Something so simple can make such a huge difference.”

Community leaders say the collaboration highlights Owensboro’s broader commitment to inclusion.

“This is yet another way that Owensboro is a very inclusive community,” Wedding said. “We truly want everybody to have the opportunity to participate in everything that we have to offer.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Downtown Owensboro is hosting a Kentucky Derby celebration today through Saturday, aiming to bring together local restaurants, retailers, and entertainment across multiple locations.

Activities will include extended shopping hours, themed food and drink specials, live entertainment, and interactive promotions designed to draw people downtown.

“We got a bunch of the food and beverage district and retail district together downtown,” said Derek Stone of Downtown Owensboro. “I was trying to do more things to get everybody working together across the different areas.”

Stone said the idea was inspired in part by the success of downtown’s holiday stroll, with a similar goal of encouraging collaboration and increasing foot traffic.

A central feature of the event is a prize card promotion that encourages visitors to stop at multiple participating businesses. Customers can receive signatures with purchases, and completed cards will be entered into a drawing for a large prize basket made up of donations from local businesses.

“We’ve got a prize card that includes a lot of the downtown restaurants and shops,” Stone said. “Basically, you go somewhere, make a purchase, and they sign off on it. We’ve got a big prize basket put together with items donated from The Pub on Second, Magnolia Mercantile, and others, and Hampton Inn put in a free hotel night voucher.”

Second Street will be closed Thursday and Friday evenings between Allen and St. Ann streets to allow for vendors, outdoor shopping, and entertainment.

“We’re going to have an open shopping market,” Stone said. “We’ll have live music outside Thursday night, and then Friday night, one of our vendors is going to do the first disco downtown of the season.”

Many businesses will feature Derby-themed food and drink specials throughout the weekend, including traditional offerings and creative spins.

“Everybody’s got drink and food specials going on,” Stone said. “Of course, you’ll see mint juleps, Woodford spires, oak lilies, and some unique takes, too. I think Don Mario’s is doing a mint julep margarita.”

Retailers are also planning to extend their hours on Thursday and Friday.

“Most of them are going to stay open until 8 p.m.,” Stone said. “They usually close earlier, so this gives people a chance to do some late-night downtown shopping.”

While the street closures and larger outdoor elements are focused on Thursday and Friday, activities will continue Saturday during regular business hours, including the final opportunity to complete prize cards and enjoy Derby-themed offerings. Many establishments are also expected to show the race.

“We’re trying to encourage people to get downtown and make it a full Derby weekend instead of just one day,” Stone said.

Individual businesses will also host their own promotions, including best-dressed contests, photo opportunities, and giveaways.

“It should be a fun and good time for anybody who wants to get out and enjoy the weekend,” Stone said.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

A regional chimney and fireplace service company with roots dating back nearly four decades is continuing to build on its reputation for reliability and customer care.

Gray Cat Chimney, founded in 1987 by a local couple, was established with a goal of providing dependable chimney and fireplace services to homeowners. Company officials said that commitment to quality work and customer relationships has helped the business grow into a trusted name across the region.

In 2019, the company entered a new chapter under the ownership of Scott and Jeremiah, who now lead daily operations. Scott, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified technician, brings technical expertise and a service-oriented background to the business.

Company leaders said they remain focused on maintaining the values that have guided Gray Cat Chimney since its founding, including honesty, attention to detail, and treating customers like family.

Gray Cat Chimney offers a wide range of services centered on chimney, fireplace, and masonry care. Those services include chimney inspections, sweeping and cleaning, repairs, relining, and installation of chimney caps and dampers. The company also provides fireplace installation, repair, and conversion services, along with routine cleaning and maintenance.

In addition, the business specializes in masonry work such as brick and stone repair, tuckpointing, waterproofing, and full construction or restoration projects.

Company representatives emphasized the importance of regular chimney inspections and maintenance, noting that buildup of creosote, soot, and debris can create fire hazards or restrict airflow. Early detection of issues such as cracks or structural damage can help prevent more serious problems and improve overall safety.

Gray Cat Chimney also offers dryer vent cleaning services, which officials said can reduce fire risk and improve energy efficiency by removing lint buildup that can accumulate over time.

With more than 30 years of experience, company leaders said their goal remains to provide homeowners with peace of mind through safe, efficient, and high-quality service.

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

Terracon, a U.S.-based consulting engineering firm, has grown into a nationwide provider of environmental, geotechnical, facilities, and materials engineering services since its founding in 1965.

The company, which is 100% employee-owned, operates more than 200 locations across the country and employs over 8,000 people, according to information from its website.

Terracon specializes in helping clients plan, design, and manage projects across a variety of industries, offering services that range from environmental site assessments and regulatory compliance to geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing.

The firm’s work often spans the full lifecycle of a project, assisting with site selection, development, construction, and long-term facility performance.

Founded as Soil Testing Services of Iowa in 1965, the company was later renamed Terracon Consultants, Inc. and became employee-owned in 1980.

Terracon emphasizes a company culture built on innovation, safety, and community involvement, with a stated purpose of “explore beyond the surface” to develop solutions that support long-term sustainability and infrastructure growth.

Today, the firm serves a wide range of public and private sector clients, including those in construction, energy, transportation, and real estate development, completing thousands of projects each year nationwide.

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

The Owensboro Family YMCA unveiled plans Monday to increase the number of children the organization can serve through its preschool, toddler, after-school and day camp programs this year, with officials saying the organization will be ready to add about 250 childcare spots by the end of the summer.

YMCA officials also announced a plan to construct a new childcare center in an as-yet undetermined location. When complete, that center will create another 150 child care openings, officials said.

The announcements were made at Monday’s ribbon-cutting of the Y’s childcare center behind the YMCA main building at 730 Harvard Drive. YMCA trustees purchased the facility, which had been a childcare center previously, and renovated the structure with a combination of dollars from local and state governments and donations from private foundations.

“It’s unbelievable what this community did for us,” Family Y President and CEO Tom Bontrager told the crowd of officials Monday.

The city, county and state each contributed $330,000, while the Family Y raised $1.8 million in funds from foundations to renovate the Harvard Drive facility. The Public Life Foundation provided $423,000 for operations of the center

“(State Rep.) DJ Johnson really led the charge” on securing the $330,000 contributions from city, state and county government, Bontrager said.

Meanwhile, the Public Life Foundation was heavily involved in helping the YMCA board secure donations from foundations, Bontrager said.

“This is a unique project,” in that it involves city dollars, county dollars, state dollars and private investments, Public Life Foundation executive director Joe Berry said.

“This is an investment in our future, an investment in our workforce that is going to pay dividends,” Berry said.

The YMCA is moving to address a deficit in available childcare in the community, Daviess Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said.

“We’ve had two churches that announced they are closing their daycares,” Castlen said.

“One thing we have to have is good childcare, so people can feel comfortable going to work,” Castlen said.

Bontrager said Kentucky Wesleyan College will allow the Y to use space in the Jack T. Wells Activity Center for the YMCA’s after-school program, which is currently housed at the Harvard Drive facility. That move will free up space in the Harvard Drive facility to be used entirely as a preschool, Bontrager said.

The shifting of programs will also create 40 additional spaces for the YMCA’s toddlers program, Bontrager said.

All of the changes, including renovating space in the Wells Activity Center, will be completed this summer. The city and county both put about $100,000 toward renovation of the Wells Center.

“We are going to end up with about 250 additional slots,” Bontrager said.

The facility the YMCA plans to construct will be built with $6.6 in federal funds that officials received through Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell. The funds are through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development grant that YMCA board members have not yet received.

“We are still finding a location,” YMCA board chairman Harrison Price said.

Bontrager said Kentucky Wesleyan will allow the YMCA to use space in the Wells Activity Center for two years, while the new facility is constructed.

Price said officials have not yet decided what kind of childcare programs will be housed in the building once it is finished.

“It’s certainly going to more than double the capacity we have in this facility,” Price said.

Berry said the Public Life Foundation’s $423,000 contribution to the Harvard Drive facility is intended to for operations and staff salaries.

“One of the challenges for the childcare industry is the pay scale,” Berry said, and that the Public Life Foundation provided the donation “to ensure the quality of the education is consistent.”

Bontrager said Mayor Tom Watson and former Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Candance Castlen Brake helped secure the federal loan.

The community was an important part of securing the various streams of funding, Bontrager said.

“I’m proud to be part of Owensboro,” Bontrager said.

By James Mayse Messenger-Inquirer

OWENSBORO, Ky. — The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration in partnership with the Owensboro Family YMCA on Monday, April 20.

The event will take place at 900 Kentucky Parkway, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to marking the grand opening, the celebration will feature a special announcement unveiling plans for a new YMCA facility, including its future location. Officials say the project represents a significant investment in the Owensboro community and underscores ongoing efforts to support local families and workforce development.

“The YMCA is proud to continue expanding its impact in our community,” said Tom Bontrager, CEO of the Owensboro Family YMCA. “This project reflects our commitment to providing high-quality childcare and supporting working families in meaningful ways.”

Following the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the YMCA’s plans, connect with community leaders, and celebrate the milestone.

“We are proud to partner with the Owensboro Family YMCA for this important celebration,” said Dave Kirk, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “This announcement speaks to the continued growth and momentum in our community, and the Chamber is excited to support initiatives that strengthen our workforce and improve quality of life for families in Owensboro.”

For more information, contact the Chamber office at chamber@owensboro.com or call (270) 926-1860.

By Mike Mohundro 44 News

Community and business leaders gathered Thursday at the Owensboro Convention Center as the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation outlined continued economic momentum, major project updates, and a forward-looking strategy centered on workforce, entrepreneurship, and smart growth.

Claude Bacon, president and CEO of GOEDC, reflected on the city’s transformation over the past two decades while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and intentional growth moving forward.

“When I arrived in Owensboro just over 20 years ago, I could never imagine standing here today leading the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation,” Bacon said. “What I didn’t realize at the time was that I wasn’t just building a career. I was becoming part of a community that was transitioning into something much bigger.”

Bacon said Owensboro’s progress has been driven by alignment among leaders, business investment, and a willingness to create opportunities rather than wait for them.

“I’ve seen what happens when community and elected leaders align around a shared vision,” he said. “I’ve seen businesses and industry take risks that paid off.”

He pointed to a stronger, more confident community with a growing downtown, expanding retail corridors, and industries choosing to stay and grow locally.

“And I’ve seen this community decide that they weren’t going to wait for opportunity but they were going to create it,” Bacon said.

He said recent economic development wins have helped Owensboro earn dual top-10 rankings nationally for total projects and projects per capita. Bacon highlighted several major investments, including Swedish Match’s $232 million expansion, UniFirst’s $28 million expansion now complete, Mizkan’s planned $156 million project, and R+L Carriers’ $25 million transportation hub that opened in 2025.

Additional developments include Maui’s Indoor Theme Park, an $18 million project expected to open in the coming weeks, and continued activity at the MidAmerica Airpark, where officials are optimistic about landing multiple projects.

While some development prospects remain confidential, Bacon said the outlook remains strong.

“You know our business, so while our pipeline is confidential, we are confident the economic development future is bright,” he said.

Bacon also highlighted key sites positioned for future growth, including the Massie property — a 121-acre site acquired by the city in 2025 — which has received nearly $4 million in state funding support. He also pointed to the Owensboro Riverport Authority as a major asset, citing its multimodal connectivity and infrastructure investments.

Workforce development remains a central focus, with officials reporting increases in both labor force participation and average wages. Bacon said Daviess County added approximately 335 workers in 2025, with participation rates exceeding the state average.

Programs such as GO FAME, Elevate Owensboro, the Reentry Success Program, and the PACT initiative are helping connect employers with talent while expanding opportunities for diverse populations.

“We are continuing to see steady progress in average annual wages,” Bacon said. “At the same time, both population and labor force numbers are moving in the right direction.”

Small business growth and entrepreneurship were also emphasized, with local partnerships supporting startups and expansions through coaching, funding assistance, and mentorship programs. In 2025, five businesses received support through a city-backed subsidy program.

GOEDC is also advancing plans for “The Landing,” a proposed downtown entrepreneurship and coworking hub in the former Turley building. The project has secured $2.2 million in state funding and aims to serve as a central space for innovation and remote work.

Beyond GOEDC-led efforts, Bacon highlighted the broader economic impact of key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, education, healthcare, and tourism.

He said manufacturing alone accounts for nearly one out of every four dollars produced locally, while agriculture continues to lead the state in grain production and livestock value.

Healthcare remains the region’s largest employment driver, with Owensboro Health generating nearly $978 million in economic impact, according to Bacon.

Tourism also plays a significant role, contributing nearly $250 million in economic impact locally and supporting nearly 2,000 jobs in Daviess County, Bacon said.

Guest speaker Michael Antonelli, a market strategist with Baird Private Wealth Management, provided a broader economic perspective, noting long-term growth trends in the U.S. economy.

He pointed out that the U.S. gross domestic product has grown from roughly $5 trillion in 1973 to approximately $22 trillion today, when adjusted to constant dollars.

Antonelli also emphasized demographic trends, noting that many of the fastest-growing cities are driven by populations in their mid-to-late 30s — a period associated with peak earning, spending, and household formation.

Bacon closed the event by shifting focus from financial metrics to the human impact behind economic development.

“The real story is the parent who gets a better job, the couple earning a better life, the student or college graduate who sees a future here instead of somewhere else,” he said. “Economic development isn’t only about dollars — it’s about dignity, opportunity, and people building better lives right here in our community.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times