Mentor Kids Kentucky, an area nonprofit organization that pairs underprivileged youth with community mentors, celebrated the grand opening of the program’s new facility, 2809 Veach Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, performed by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

The journey that the organization took to get to the ceremony, said Mentor Kids Kentucky Executive Director Berly Sullivan, took about two years and a lot of “blood, sweat and tears” to get to this point.

“If you could have seen this building before …” Sullivan said in a speech as she addressed city officials, Mentor Kids Board members, members of the community and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

The building, she said, initially had no running water or heat and the lighting wasn’t great.

At Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting, guests were able to view the upgraded and renovated facility, which includes areas to do arts and crafts and play board games, a pool table, a video game area, a fully functioning kitchen and a washer and dryer, which allows the community mentors to work one-on-one with their mentee to learn basic kitchen and laundry skills, “so kids don’t have to go to school in dirty clothes,” Sullivan explained.

Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, lunch was served inside the facility and two speakers, City Commissioner Curtis Maglinger and local periodontist Dr. Greg Adams, along with Sullivan, addressed the crowd, talking about the importance of community mentors.

Commissioner Maglinger spoke in the place of Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson, who is still recovering from a medical event at the end of 2025.

“This community is always believing in people,” said Maglinger. “As someone who’s spent their life here in Owensboro and serving as a city commissioner, I see that spirit every day. Programs like Mentor Kids continue that tradition by investing into the next generation. This facility has become a place where encouragement is given, confidence grows and young people deserve opportunities that they may not have, that they might not have thought possible.”

Adams spoke about the positive impact that mentors make, especially when a child’s home life isn’t ideal, something that he recalls growing up with an alcoholic father.

“Dad was a smart man. He was very well educated. He worked in the distillery business for a number of years, and at 4:45 p.m. he got home, but at 5:30 p.m. I couldn’t talk to him. It was gibberish because he had a significant alcohol problem. …So, growing up with a parent like that, it’s kind of tough,” Adams said.

He said that he found support from a coach in his life, Mayor Tom Watson.

“Coach was my guy in high school. …At practice, he would come up, put his arm around me and say, ‘What’s going on today?’ And we would talk. …We didn’t have a place like this,” said Adams. “When I told (my dad) I was going to medical school, he said, ‘Well, you’re the biggest failure in my life, get out and don’t come back.’…But Tom was there.”

Adams said that he and Watson exchanged letters and phone calls while he was in college.

“We stayed in touch, and, to this day … I still have all his letters, and I’m going to go back and read those letters because they were all affirmations, like ‘You got this,’ ‘You can do this,’ ‘Keep your head up’ and ‘Don’t quit.’ — all those things that we need to hear growing up because, for me, I wasn’t getting it at home. And that was the difference that mentorship made for me,” Adams said.

Sullivan shared an entry she wrote in a journal in 2023, stating that the building repairs and renovations were “quite the journey.”

“What if word got out and kids found out about a safe place, where dreams for their future were encouraged and actually achievable with the dedicated support of people, where they could actually start to believe that they might actually start to believe that they might actually be about to achieve their dreams, and hope their future is planted by the way of a mustard seed. And even though the mustard seed is the tiniest, over time, with consistency and the love and support of those people, that little mustard seed that has been planted into a child, it reaches its fullest potential, breaking through the barriers and the hard circumstances that were set to keep them captive,” Sullivan said.

She continued, “They break the cycle before the cycle breaks them. And they had the courage and the strength to do so because of those people showing up, and then having a safe place to go. What if word got out on the street that there was a safe place built with love and grace, where kids could go when they feel they have no one in their corner, and the darkness is settling in around them. A place where they could safely take a breath. …When that light pierces their darkness, ushering in hope — hope for the moment, hope for the night, hope for the future.”

Sullivan said that those words described her goals for the new venue, which the organization moved into in January 2024, spending the past two years renovating the facility to make the space ideal for mentors to spend time with their mentees in an ideal location.

More information about Mentor Kids Kentucky, along with information about how to become a mentor, can be found on mentorkidsky.org.

By Michele Lohman Messenger-Inquirer

A new wellness business in Owensboro is blending medical services with convenience, offering everything from IV hydration therapy to weight-loss treatments — sometimes delivered right to a client’s doorstep.

Mobile RN, owned by 22-year-old nurse Emma Krampe, began as a mobile-only service in September before opening a brick-and-mortar location in December at 750 Salem Drive, Suite 2A.

Krampe said the concept centers on helping people feel better through vitamin therapies and wellness treatments, often without the need for a traditional clinic visit.

“So we have a brick-and-mortar location here, but we also do mobile services,” Krampe said. “If you’re sick and you’re like, ‘I don’t want to get out of bed,’ we’ll come to you, hook you up to the IV and get you feeling better.”

The business offers IV hydration drips, vitamin injections and a variety of wellness therapies designed to address specific needs such as immune support, athletic recovery, migraines and hangovers.

Among the options are hydration treatments like the Myers’ Cocktail, energy drips, metabolism blends and beauty-focused infusions that include ingredients such as glutathione, vitamin C and biotin. Mobile RN also provides vitamin injections including B12, vitamin D and B-complex.

According to the company’s website, IV hydration therapy allows fluids, electrolytes and nutrients to enter the bloodstream directly, which can help the body absorb them more quickly than oral supplements.

“The science behind it is really a twist on modern medicine,” Krampe said. “You can eat vitamins all day long. Some people don’t absorb them well. When it goes straight into your vascular system through an IV, it’s absorbed instantly.”

In addition to IV therapy, Mobile RN offers medical weight-loss treatments using medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, as well as Botox injections, laser hair removal and skincare services. Krampe said the business also plans to hire an esthetician to expand its facial offerings.

A key part of the company’s model is flexibility.

“We’re all about convenience,” she said. “If you have an appointment scheduled, there’s no waiting room. You come in, fill out your paperwork and I’m here waiting on you. But if you can’t make it here, we can come to you — at work, the office, even somewhere like a basketball practice.”

Mobile services have also become a way to introduce new people to the treatments, she said.

“When you’re getting an IV somewhere and people see it, they ask questions,” Krampe said. “Then they want one too.”

Before launching the business, Krampe worked as a travel nurse, commuting frequently to Bowling Green. She said the demanding schedule led her to rethink her career path and consider starting a business in her hometown.

“I never thought I’d be a business owner in Owensboro,” she said. “I was travel nursing and driving back and forth every day, and I realized I couldn’t keep doing that. I saw the need for this and thought, ‘I think this is what I’m supposed to be doing.’”

Krampe grew up in Stanley and graduated from Apollo High School before earning her associate degree in nursing. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Indiana and plans to attend nurse practitioner school in the future.

The business initially operated out of her home before quickly gaining traction.

“There was really no risk starting out of my house,” she said. “Especially with the weight-loss medications, it took off. I realized this is my calling.”

Mobile RN operates on a private-pay model because most insurance plans do not cover IV hydration therapy. However, Krampe said clients can use health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts for many services.

Before receiving treatment, clients complete a consultation process that includes a brief telehealth evaluation with a physician.

“The doctor consult usually takes about five minutes,” Krampe said. “They review your information, ask a few medical questions and approve you for services.”

The consultation remains valid for six months as long as a patient’s medical history does not change.

The Salem Drive location includes a small waiting area, treatment space for IV therapy and injections, and a separate room for facial treatments. A nurse practitioner with Guided Path Solutions also operates in the building, offering Department of Transportation physical exams during evening hours and on weekends.

Although the business is still growing, Krampe said the response from the community has been encouraging.

“It’s been busy,” she said. “I’m a perfectionist, so I want it to be constant. But I love helping people feel better and getting that one-on-one time with them.”

Appointments can be scheduled by phone, text or through the company’s website.

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

Local members of the Kentucky General Assembly Senator Gary Boswell, Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, Representative DJ Johnson and Representative Scott Lewis joined members of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce on Saturday morning, providing a legislative update.

The event was open to members of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and held in the Chamber’s third floor conference room.

Jake Boswell served as the event’s moderator, presenting the legislators questions and discuss points.

All legislators agreed that the main theme of the current legislative session, which is currently on day 42, is passing a budget.

Representative Johnson called the budget the “elephant in the room,” which “takes a lot of focus.”

Representative Miles agreed, saying, “Obviously, the budget is the number on thing, and that’s what we focus most on.”

Representative Lewis said that, as education chair, education is a focus for him, stating that, while there’s always discussions about the school systems in Jefferson and Fayette County, he wants to make sure that legislation benefits local counties, too.

“I’m fighting for public education funding. They’re fighting. Everybody’s fighting for their piece,” said Lewis, who represents the 14th House District containing parts of Daviess County, along with Ohio and Hancock Counties.

Senator Boswell, who serves on the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, explained that, this session, the budgeting process has been different.

“If it’s up to me, we would figure out a zero-based budget. We’d start with nothing and start adding. We’re not going to do that, but if it was up to me, that’s what we’d do,” said the senator. “We have a tight budget.”

The senator continued, “I don’t think the revenue is our issue. I think we just got to make sure that we control our spending.”

Johnson echoed Boswell’s comments about enforcing more “responsible spending,” stating that agencies requesting funding need to “tell us why you want the money. Prove that you need the money. Otherwise, we’re looking to have a responsible budget, where we can send as much money back to the taxpayers as possible.”

Miles stated that the biggest obstacle that legislators faced concerning the budget was “getting the numbers that we needed to work from.”

“That is what we require from the agencies, but we didn’t get it. These agencies are saying, ‘We want exactly what we had, plus more’, but they didn’t give us any backgrounds to be able to kind of look to see, is there anything in there that may not be needed anymore,” she said.

Miles said that subpoenas had to be issued to some of these agencies “to get more information.”

Johnson said that he’s noticed that “we’re putting an emphasis on trying to prioritize and fund local projects as much as we can, projects like the judge-executive and the city mayors…have come to us as priorities.”

The legislators also touched on Governor Beshear’s pet project, mandating public preschool for all kids across the state of Kentucky, a campaign called “Pre-K for All.”

Johnson called the governor’s plan a “good concept,” but said that the method that the governor wants to use to make the campaign happen “would be devastating to our childcare industry, statewide.” He added, “I know our private industries are doing just as good a job teaching our children as public schools,” countering Beshear’s proposal for “Pre-K for All” to only public schools.

Lewis pointed out that the “Pre-K for All” movement could be a way to better prepare students for kindergarten.

“We have a test called kindergarten readiness when they come to school, and our kids that go to daycare and our kids that go to pre-K score higher. The ones who we really need to capture are ones that don’t enroll anywhere. So, they’re staying in whatever environment they’re in the whole time, so they’ve got a limited amount of language skills, justing depending on what home life they come from,” said Lewis.

Lewis continued, “We don’t have the space right now to do pre-K for all. Some of our school districts don’t have the extra rooms to do that. That is something we have to consider.”

Miles said that HB6, which Dave Kirk, president of the Chamber, said has been endorsed by the organization, has passed the House and heads to the Senate. The bill provides modifications to current child care legislations with the goal of returning more adults into the workforce.

Miles said the she’s supportive of local projects, including creating a resource location for entrepreneurs, but continued to say, “We’re going to have to figure out the difference between our wants and needs. And, right now, our needs are in the budget, so we’ll see where we can fit in the wants.”

Moderator Boswell asked the legislators about the movement to get Kentucky residents relief from paying income taxes to the state.

“I think the idea was to go down what? Probably .5% this year…I don’t think we met that criteria,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of states that have just decided they’re going to go from whatever their number was to zero overnight, and it created a catastrophe for their states. We are not doing that. We have a process in place where each year we evaluate some certain criteria that we have to meet. …But the bottom line is, instead of just saying we’re going to do something and we do it regardless of what happens afterwards, we have a measure process where we meet criteria each year. We evaluate that criteria.”

Medicaid fraud was also a topic of discussion, with Miles saying, “the Medicaid Oversight Advisor Board was created specifically to work on Medicaid and try to figure out what’s going on…we have found that there has been some fraud that we’re trying to work through. I think the more sunlight that we put on the Medicaid issue and pair that with what’s coming down from the Federal (government) and trying to figure out how we navigate that.”

Senator Boswell added, “We just have to make sure that we control and make sure that the people who really need those programs are the ones who get the money. That’s because we can’t sustain what we’re doing now. That’s why the House is taking such a bold approach to trying to figure out where all this money is going.”

And undoing some of the legislation passed during the COVID pandemic, Boswell said, will help encourage more economic growth for the area.

“We have got to go back and undo a lot of the stuff that we thought was necessary during COVID times,” he said. “And when we do that, it’s just going to free up businesses, agencies to do what they’re supposed to do without too much overburden.”

The legislative panel took some time to talk about the emergence of data centers into the area, highlighting the announcement from TeraWulf Inc. that the company was seeking to establish a location in Hancock County. Data centers are described by IBM as “a physical room, building or facility that houses IT infrastructure for building, running and delivering applications and services. It also stores and manages the data associated with those applications and services.”

HB593, which has been passed by the House and sent to the Senate, details regulations concerning electricity and power usage for the data centers.

“The one thing that this bill was target towards is the consumers would not be having to pay for the electricity for the data centers. So, if the data center comes, they’ve worked out a way to have access to power that will not harm the consumers on their electric bills,” Senator Boswell said.

Miles stated that the project in Hancock County is supposed to bring in around 2,000 construction jobs and around 100 permanent jobs to the region.

Other items addressed during the forum include wind energy, entertainment, property taxes, adding Constitutional amendments, a Keep Kentucky Free of Litter campaign, election reform and how to handle issues surround real “unused” property maintenance, with Boswell noting that Constitutional amendments are only done “every other year.”

Johnson identified the former Department of Juvenile Justice property on Highway 54 as a an example, stating that hundreds of thousands of dollars were lost because the property wasn’t properly maintained.

Senator Boswell touched on a bill that he drafted concerning fish in private Kentucky ponds and lakes.

“In the state of Kentucky, there’s 69,00 ponds and lakes. But did you know that the fish, if you have a pond, like a private pond, the fish that are in that (pond) don’t belong to you,” Boswell said.

By Michele Lohman Messenger-Inquirer

Editor’s Note: This is a new monthly column called Chamber Chat by Dave Kirk, president & CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. The column is scheduled to run the first Saturday of every month.

On October 24, 2025, the day before my 38th birthday, I got a call to come in and receive the best career news of my lifetime.

I had been selected to be the new president & CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. This wasn’t just an early birthday present. This was a dream come true for a guy from Habit, KY.

My first interaction with the Chamber was when my wife Jessica started working for Chamber President Amy Jackson.

Jessica, a Lexington native, will tell you working for the Chamber is what made her fall in love with Owensboro, and what made her want to call this community home.

When Candance Castlen Brake took the Chamber reins, she put a lot of well thought out effort into building the talent programs at the Chamber specifically Chamber Young Professionals.

I was fortunate to get to join this wonderful organization and eventually serve as Chair. My time in CYP helped me understand the impact the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has on the community.

When you’ve been involved with the Chamber as long as I have as a CYP member and Chamber husband, you think you know everything the Chamber does.

Here’s the reality. You don’t.

I can’t tell you how many times during these first 90 days I’ve learned something new the Chamber touches.

Whether it be the daily phone calls and texts I have with our lobbyist in Frankfort to ensure legislation protects our members business interests, or small businesses reaching out asking for the Chamber’s help in starting or growing their dream.

It’s an incredible responsibility.

What we do affects people’s lives. Our membership has grown well over 1,000 members representing nearly 50,000 employees.

That’s credit to the tireless work of our staff.

The time they put into creating events to network, talent programs to develop employees and overall effort to ensure our business community is set up to thrive is a beautiful thing to witness.

I’m grateful.

Grateful to get to work with my team.

Grateful to get to work with and for our board.

Grateful to get to call business owners friends.

And grateful to get to serve this community.

By Dave Kirk For the Messenger-Inquirer

A new family-owned business is helping companies and homeowners across the region solve space challenges with flexible, on-site storage solutions.

TALK Storage & Rentals, based in Sturgis, officially launched in 2025, offering 53-foot dry van storage trailers along with 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers for rent or purchase. The company serves western Kentucky, southern Indiana and southern Illinois.

The name TALK is rooted in family. The initials represent the founding family members, reflecting the relationship-driven approach at the core of the business. The company is also 75% woman-owned, with leadership and daily operations managed by members of the family team.

On the commercial side, TALK provides 53-foot dry van storage trailers to manufacturers, warehouses, construction companies and retail operations needing additional space. The trailers are often used for overflow inventory, seasonal demand, renovation projects and temporary staging.

For residential customers, the company offers shipping containers that can be rented or purchased. Homeowners frequently use the containers for moving, remodeling projects, storm recovery and long-term storage.

“Containers provide a practical, secure and affordable on-site storage solution without the need for permanent construction,” owner Trey Hutchinson said.

From the beginning, the company built its business model around service as much as equipment. In addition to delivering trailers and containers, TALK maintains its fleet locally and provides maintenance services when needed.

“We take pride in not just delivering equipment, but standing behind it with responsive service,” he said.

The company began with 53-foot dry van storage trailers — an area where the founders already had experience — and focused on building a reliable fleet to serve local businesses. Maintenance and service were part of the plan from day one, ensuring customers had dependable support after delivery.

Since its launch, TALK’s trailer division has steadily expanded, and demand for shipping containers has remained strong. The company continues to reinvest in both trailers and container inventory to meet growing needs.

“Our growth has been intentional and steady, focused on expanding responsibly while maintaining strong customer relationships and consistent service,” Hutchison said.

While based in Sturgis, the company sees Owensboro as a key market.

“Owensboro has a strong industrial foundation and a growing business community, which makes it a natural fit for our services,” he said, noting the consistent demand created by manufacturers, construction companies and expanding local businesses.

They said launching in the Owensboro market aligned with their mission to provide locally managed equipment backed by responsive service.

“Businesses here value reliability and relationships, and that aligns with how we operate,” he said.

The company is a member of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and says it is committed to supporting the communities it serves.

At its core, TALK remains a hands-on, family operation. The current team consists entirely of family members, with owners directly involved in sales, customer service, delivery and maintenance.

“That hands-on approach allows us to stay connected to our customers and maintain a high level of accountability,” Hutchison said. “When someone calls TALK, they’re working directly with the people who own and operate the company.”

As the business grows, leaders say their focus will remain on reliability, responsiveness and building strong relationships throughout the tri-state.

Kristin Joiner, Alex Hunter, Lauren French and Trey Hutchison are the owners of TALK Storage & Rentals.

TALK Storage & Rentals can be reached at 270-952-9992, by email at TalkStoragerentals@outlook.com, or through its Facebook page, TALK Storage & Rentals.

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-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau has been recruiting college athletes for positions in the organization.

And Mark Calitri, CVB president, said the program is working well.

He calls it “turning college athletes into community leaders and keeping young talent here.”

Calitri said the CVB is “finding success by intentionally hiring and developing college student-athletes through partnerships with local colleges.”

He said, “The long-term goal is to recruit young people to Owensboro, help them grow through education and real work experience, and encourage them to stay, build careers and build families in the community.”

The first three student athletes hired are Daylin Tolgo, destination marketing and services director; Lucas Daunhauer, sports destination sales & development director; and Addy Harris, social media and marketing intern.

Tolgo, a Huntsville, Alabama, native, came to Kentucky Wesleyan College on a bowling scholarship and competed as a collegiate athlete.

She worked at the CVB as an intern and graduated last year with a degree in communications. 

Calitri said, “She was given real responsibility and real expectations. She did what was asked of her. Then she did more. She exceeded at a high level. She showed creativity. She took ownership. She followed through. She earned trust, and that internship turned into a full-time position.”

He said, “Daylin represents how student-athletes can turn opportunity into a career and choose to stay in Owensboro.”

Daunhauer, an Evansville native, graduated from KWC in 2021 with a degree in sports management and went on to Syracuse University, graduating in 2022 with a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises.

While at Syracuse, he was part of the men’s soccer team that won the NCAA national championship.

After college, Daunhauer played professional soccer in Europe for two years.

At the CVB, he works in sports destination sales and development.

Calitri said, “Lucas represents how elite athletic experience translates into workplace leadership and performance.”

Harris is still a collegiate softball player at Brescia University.

Calitri said, “As a student-athlete, she manages a demanding schedule while gaining real-world experience locally. She brings strong time-management, teamwork and accountability into her work. Addy represents the next generation of young professionals developing in Owensboro.”

Calitri said his own experience in college athletics shaped how he builds his team today.

“When I played college basketball, I learned about hustle, effort and getting results.,” he said. “I learned what it means to compete at a high level every day. That’s why I believe in hiring athletes. They already understand what it takes to perform.”

Calitri said, “Our goal is to help young people build careers and lives here. When they stay and invest in this community, Owensboro wins.”

Dave Kirk, former CVB destination management director and now president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, said, “Our local colleges serve as some of the strongest talent recruitment tools we have in Greater Owensboro. It’s vital that we continue to seek out our local graduates and connect degrees with careers.”

Dr. James Cousins, KWC president, said, “Our student athletes benefit from the academic rigor Kentucky Wesleyan is known for, but also live into additional expectations from coaches, peers and from a competitive environment that asks them to raise their standards, deliver under pressure and sacrifice for their team’s success.”

Jason Vittone, vice president for intercollegiate athletics at KWC, said, “The discipline, accountability and commitment our student-athlete develop help shape who they are in the classroom, in the workforce and in their community. Being a college student-athlete truly prepares them for their professional experience.”

He said, “They learn how to manage their time, work as a team, overcome adversity and perform under pressure. These are skills that every employer is looking for. Winning and losing is a natural part of athletics, but the real value comes in the lessons you learn along the journey. Those qualities stay with them long after their playing days are over.”

Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Four organizations serving the Greater Owensboro region are partnering to present “From Chat to Change: Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” a community seminar focused on helping people better understand how artificial intelligence is changing the way people work and do business.

Officials say the event will be held March 20 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC)’s Humanities Building, Blandford Hall. It is a collaborative effort between the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC), OCTC, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Open to the public, the program is designed to provide a clear, practical look at how artificial intelligence is already shaping workplaces and day-to-day operations.

“Artificial intelligence is already shaping how work gets done across every industry,” said Claude Bacon, President and CEO at GOEDC. “This is about making sure our community understands what’s changing, feels prepared to adapt, and has practical tools to move forward with confidence.”

Officials say the seminar will highlight real-world applications of AI, common challenges organizations face when adopting new technology and practical ways individuals and businesses can begin using these tools responsibly.

“AI is changing the way the world does business and we want to do everything we can to help prepare our members to adapt and thrive.  We’re grateful to get to be a part of this meaningful partnership and excited to see where it leads,” said Dave Kirk, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. 

Registration for the event is now open.

By Jana Garrett Eye Witness News

Eight women have been named as finalists for the 2026 ATHENA Award, which honors professional and business women for excellence in their careers, community service, and commitment to developing leadership in other women.

The award is presented annually by Girls Inc. and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. The award luncheon will be held on March 24, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center.

The 2026 ATHENA Award finalists are:

• Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, President and CEO, RiverValley Behavioral Health
• Jan Goldman, Executive Director, Kentucky Community Learning Network
• Jessica McDonald, Operations Group Manager, (Vice President), Mortgage Financial Operations
• Rebecca McQueen-Ruark, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville
• Tracy Naylor, Executive Director, Owensboro Health Foundation
• Jessie Schartung, Program Director, St. Benedict’s Women and Family Shelter
• Jackie Smith, Owner, Operator and Designer, Jackie Blue Handmade
• Samantha Taylor-Kaai, Chief Operating Officer, Audubon Area Community Services

A total of 28 nominations were submitted by the community. Nominees completed a detailed questionnaire that was reviewed by a selection panel, which narrowed the field to eight finalists. A separate panel will now evaluate the finalists and select the 2026 ATHENA Award honoree. Members of both panels are from outside the community and have no prior knowledge of the nominees beyond the submitted materials.

“We were very pleased with the quality of the nominees and the stories of the lives they lead,” said Tish Correa Osborne, CEO of Girls Inc. “There is real excellence in this community, and the impact on girls, women, and men will be felt for years to come.”

ATHENA chairperson Sue Napper said the award reflects leadership that reaches above individual success.

“It celebrates leadership that elevates our entire community and beyond,” Napper said. “By recognizing professional excellence, community service, and the intentional mentorship and assistance to women, ATHENA highlights the kind of leadership that strengthens us all.”

Napper added that the partnership with the Chamber has made the program a lasting tradition.

“This marks the 28th year we have had the privilege of celebrating outstanding women in partnership with the Chamber,” she said. “Each year, hearing their stories and learning about the incredible contributions they make to our community and to the advancement of women is both inspiring and humbling.”

In addition to the ATHENA Award, the luncheon will include the presentation of a posthumous Legacy Award recognizing an individual’s contributions to advancing women and related issues.

The event is sponsored by German American Bank and Owensboro Health. Individual tickets are $100, and tables of eight are available for $800. Reservations can be made by calling Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.

By Meghann Richardson The Owensboro Times

Artificial intelligence has become big in the past few years.

And four organizations — the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., Owensboro Community & Technical College, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Small Business Development Center — are offering a seminar to help people understand how AI is changing the way people work and do business.

“From Chat to Change: Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. March 20 at OCTC.

The program is open to the public.

Dr. Ryan Hall, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Lead at OCTC, said, “Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming an integral part of how our communities work and grow, and people deserve a clear, practical understanding of this technological revolution.”

He said the program is “is about giving citizens, leaders and business partners straightforward insight they can use.”

Claude Bacon, president of GOEDC, said, “Artificial intelligence is already shaping how work gets done across every industry. This is about making sure our community understands what’s changing, feels prepared to adapt and has practical tools to move forward with confidence.”

The seminar will discuss common challenges organizations face when adopting new technology, and practical ways people and businesses can begin using such tools responsibly.

Dave Kirk, chamber president, said, “AI is changing the way the world does business and we want to do everything we can to help prepare our members to adapt and thrive.”

Jody Hulsey, director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, said the session will offer practical tools and insights that people can use immediately.

To register, go to edc.owensboro.com.

By Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer

CrossRoads is marking two decades of service in Owensboro with a Roaring 20’s-themed gala designed to both celebrate the milestone and raise funds to support its programs.

The nonprofit, which operates a food pantry and emergency overnight shelter for women and children, will host its 20th Anniversary Bootlegger’s Ball on March 7 at Green River Distilling Co.

Haley Huskisson, board chair at CrossRoads, said the organization’s roots stretch back well before it formally became a nonprofit.

“We actually started in March of 2006,” Huskisson said. “Some individuals got together at New Life Church and wanted to start feeding people. That’s how it began — as a food pantry and soup kitchen.”

Huskisson said the early operation regularly served large crowds through its soup kitchen, feeding roughly 100 people or more during each meal service.

CrossRoads officially became a nonprofit in 2010 and later relocated in 2014 to its current facility at 1631 Breckenridge St., formerly known as the Blackford’s Automotive building.

As the organization grew, so did its services.

“In September of 2016, we opened our emergency overnight shelter for women and children,” Huskisson said. “At the time, it took nearly two years to work through planning, zoning and all the requirements before we could open.”

In its earliest form, Huskisson said women and children slept on air mattresses and mats placed on the floor. Today, the shelter is equipped with bunk beds obtained through grants, along with expanded food storage capabilities including walk-in freezer and cooler units.

“It blows my mind how far we’ve come,” Huskisson said. “We had girls who were there from the very beginning who now say, ‘I can’t believe we’re not sleeping on the floor anymore.’”

CrossRoads operates as what Huskisson described as a low-barrier shelter, meaning women and children can seek assistance without navigating lengthy intake procedures.

“A woman can walk up to our door at night and say, ‘I need someplace to sleep,’” Huskisson said. “If we have a bed available, she can stay.”

Huskisson said CrossRoads was the first emergency walk-in shelter for women and children in Daviess County. While other organizations now offer shelter services, she emphasized that CrossRoads fills a unique role.

She pointed to My Sister’s Keeper as an example of a complementary program.

“She’s doing wonderful things,” Huskisson said. “We serve similar populations, but in a different way.”

Beyond shelter services, CrossRoads administers multiple food assistance programs. The organization participates in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and operates Nana’s Cupboard, part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.

Huskisson said the nonprofit serves more than 300 seniors each month through its senior food box program, along with grandparents raising grandchildren who receive additional support.

All services are coordinated from the Breckenridge Street facility, a space Huskisson acknowledged is modest for the scale of operations.

“Everything comes out of that building,” Huskisson said. “It’s crowded, but our volunteers make it work.”

The organization relies heavily on volunteer support. Huskisson said CrossRoads employs just two paid staff members on the shelter side, with the remainder of operations powered by volunteers.

“We probably have anywhere from 10 to 15 volunteers on the food pantry side and about five on the shelter side,” she said. “We also have help from veterans, RSVP volunteers and other community organizations.”

The upcoming Bootlegger’s Ball represents CrossRoads’ first large-scale fundraiser in its 20-year history.

“As a board, we said we wanted to do something big for 20 years, so we’re going big,” Huskisson said.

The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at Green River Distilling Co. and will feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and personal stories highlighting the organization’s impact. Barb Birgy of WBKR and WDHR will serve as emcee.

Proceeds will support CrossRoads’ food pantry and shelter programs.

Huskisson said the nonprofit works closely with other local agencies, including the Daniel Pitino Shelter and St. Benedict’s Day Shelter, to help individuals transition into more stable housing and long-term support systems.

“We may be an emergency overnight shelter, but we’re not just giving someone a bed and sending them on their way,” Huskisson said. “We work with other agencies to help them find housing, jobs, treatment — whatever they need.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Bootlegger’s Ball are available through CrossRoads’ Facebook page. Organizers said businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event can use the Givebutter link provided online.

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