2012 Owensboro Magazine

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Owensboro 2012 U.S.A. Greater

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2012 Owensboro Magazine

Transcript of 2012 Owensboro Magazine

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Owensboro2012

U.S.A.

Greater

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KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM4800 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 686-4400 Toll Free 1-866-755-6282 www.owensboro.kctcs.edu

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OCTC is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution.

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Call or visit any of our seven fi nancial advisors in the Owensboro area. To fi nd an Edward Jones offi ce near you, call1-800-ED-JONES or visitwww.edwardjones.com

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Patient and Family CenteredA comforting, soothing atmosphere will enable patients to heal in a low-stressenvironment, while helping to put families at ease. Opportunities for wellness,prevention and health-related activities will be a priority.

Easy to NavigateAs a regional medical center, the new hospital must be easily accessible by patientstraveling from surrounding counties. Once inside, patients and visitors will easilyfind their way through the building.

Efficient Staff and Patient FlowThe new OMHS hospital will offer a functional design that enables clinicians toprovide patients with the safest and highest quality care. The standardization ofpatient room layouts throughout the facility will increase both staff efficiency andpatient safety.

Safe EnvironmentSafety for patients, visitors and all staff is a priority and necessary to providequality care and make continued advancements.

Advanced TechnologyAn environment that will support highly developed and changing technology isnecessary to grow and make continuous improvements in patient care.

Flexible, AdaptableSpace will be used efficiently and construction will allow for future expansion tomeet changing healthcare needs.

The structure for the new 477-bed OMHS hospital stands nine stories tall and hasreshaped Owensboro’s eastside skyline.

Opening in 2013, see our vision for design and construction:

See a view from our construction cam, visit us at omhs.org.

New skyline today. New hospital tomorrow.

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MEMBERFDIC

We’re seeing stars. Five to be exact.

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The Evansville Management TeamM. Lynn Cooper, President

First Security would like to congratulate our employees and thank our customers for helping us earn a coveted 5-Star Rating from BauerFinancial, Inc.,* the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm, giving us the distinction of being one of the strongest banks in the nation. It’s the highest rating any bank can achieve. How have we earned our 5 Stars? We’ve quadrupled our banking locations and doubled our asset size. We’ve grown more in percentage of loans in the past two years than any other bank in our markets, and we’ve created 79 new jobs in just the last 3 years. Check us out online at www.FirstSecurity.net.

–First Security Bank has been rated 5-stars* by BauerFinancial Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. See www.bauerfinancial.com

What an exciting time to call Owensboro my home. The annual Owensboro magazine provides our residents, visitors and new citizens an overview of the many things that make Owensboro so special. Our visionary entrepreneurs and some of our wonderful businesses are highlighted, which exhibit the enthusiasm that moves Greater Owensboro forward.

With more than 1,000 members, the Greater Owensboro Chamber is a solid voice that has a mission to create economic activity within our region. As you will read, our agriculture community is embracing technology and providing better ways to run their operations. The development of downtown, the expansion of existing business, and the prospect of having access to an interstate positions Owensboro to control its own destiny in building a community with much to offer.

So what other things excite me about Owensboro? The people. With a strong work ethic and focus on family we have great determination to do things smarter and better than anyone else. There is no doubt that our award winning school systems and progressive colleges and universities support our community’s belief that one of our best investments is our youth.

I welcome you to be part of our community. Be a part of our future and “Think Big” with us!

Michael Beckwith2012 Board Chair

Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

From the Chair

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OwensbOrO 2012

U.S.A.

Greater

An official publication of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

Downtown

Designing Downtown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Bold design ideas for a convention center, hotel and riverwalk will shocase the beauty of the Ohio River and draw business and tourism downtown.

Taste for Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12While major rennovations have created buzz, two downtown restaurants have been thriving since long before a revitalization plan was in place.

Arts & EntErtAinmEnt

Music Fesivals Flourish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14From the free, summer event Friday After 5 to the annual ROMP Bluegrass Roots and Music Festival, music festivals are alive and well in Owensboro.

Center Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Local performers have joined forces to create Back Alley Musicals, the newest theater group on the Owensboro arts scene.

Owensboro Attractions and Cultural Events . . . . . . . . . . . 18Kentucky’s “Festival City” offers events and attractions all year.

wEllnEss

Center Offers Hope for Cancer Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22New and advanced treatments for cancer patients at Owensboro’s Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center give those with lung cancer a reason to hope. The state-of-the-art treatment has been called “surgery without a scalpel” by some.

sports & rEcrEAtion

Area Recreational Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Owensboro has been named Sports Illustrated’s #1 Sportstown in Kentucky. Here’s a listing of Owensboro’s world class sports and recreation facilities from sports complexes to golf courses to show you why Owensboro was chosen.

trAnsportAtion

Upgraded US 231 Gives Owensboro Advantage . . . . . . . . 28A new four-lane limited-access connector on U.S. 231 (26 miles of roadway now called the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Parkway) opened in March 2011 as the result of nearly 30 years of lobbying at the state and federal level by officials from both the Kentucky and Indiana sides of the river. Transportation is a major piece of any economic development strategy; with the new road providing better access, Owensboro’s economic development efforts have gotten a shot in the arm.

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Airport Sees Growth. . . . . . . . . . . .30The Owensboro region has a new jewel that is getting admiring glances from other communities. After all, only two other cities in the state have one. It’s the 8,000-foot runway at Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport. That’s just one of many projects marking the airport’s growth.

AgriculturETechnology Helping Farmers. . . . . . . . . . . .32Owensboro farmer Tony McCarty and others in the area are turning to new technology like precision agriculture guidance systems to keep them on the straight and narrow.

EntrEprEnEurshipTechnology Helping Farmers. . . . . . . . . . . .32Owensboro area farmers turning to new technology like precision agriculture guidance systems to keep them on the straight and narrow.

nEighborsWelcome to the Neighborhood . . . . . . . . . .40Growing with entrepreneurial opportunities, industry and home-grown small businesses, Owensboro’s economy thrives, establishing a solid housing market largely unaffected by national trends.

Moving In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Helpful information for new residents.

K-12 EDucAtion

High-Tech Tools . . . . . . . . . . . .52Owensboro Public Schools are using MacBook Air laptops in grades 5-12 to give students the digital advantage.

Preparing for Success . . . . . . . . . .54The mission of the Daviess County Public Schools district is to prepare students to succeed for life — REAL life.

Bringing Faith to Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Owensboro Catholic Schools are committed to instilling values, morals and proper attitudes.

Private Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57Several small private schools enhance the educational choices in Owensboro.

postsEconDAry EDucAtion

Collaboration Creates Options . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Owensboro has several postsecondary institutions, each with many options. With high enrollments, new staff and achievements, Brescia University, Kentucky Weslyan College and Owensboro Community and Technical College all have reasons to celebrate this year.

smAll businEss AnD inDustry

Evolution in Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Carl Greenwell, of Greenwell-Chisholm Printing Company, has spent a lifetime in the printing business: literally. Greenwell recalls sweeping floors at the age of five before working his way up to become a leader in the company.

Owensboro Grain Thriving . . . . . . . . 64 Founded in 1973, Riney Hancock CPAs set out to be an uncommon firm dedicated to providing timely, quality services, through commitment, excellence and innovation.

One-Stop Business Permitting . . . . . . . . 66Easy-to-follow information about starting or locating a business in Owensboro or Daviess County.

DEpArtmEntsFrom the Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Community at-a-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

By the Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Dining and Catering Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

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E-MAIL - [email protected] • www.bryant-eng.com

CIVIL ENGINEERS

LAND SURVEYING

4215 Benttree Drive, P.O. Box 21382 - Owensboro, Kentucky 42304(270) 685-2811 • OFFICE (270) 683-4991 • FAX

Celebrating 21 years of Service to Owensboro, Daviess County

and the surrounding area

In Kentucky, You Can Count On US!

Owensboro Offi ces

700 Frederica Street • 926-5363 Carter Road Offi ce • 926-5283 New Hartford Road Offi ce • 926-5250 OMHS Offi ce • 926-5244 Southtown Offi ce • 689-7228 Towne Square Offi ce • 926-5270 Wesleyan Offi ce • 926-5201 U.S. Bank Home Mortgage 4801 Frederica Street

U.S. Bank is proud to support our local communities. From Paducah to Pikeville and throughout the Bluegrass state, our roots are strong in Kentucky with ...

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Home Mortgage in Owensboro - Bank by phone! 24-hour account access at 800-771 BANK (2265)

A publication of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce with advertising and editorial

produced by the Messenger-Inquirer

Advertising

Faye MurryAdvertising director

editoriAl

Jacqueline Jordaneditor

Jenny SevcikPhotogrAPhy editor

John dunhaMGary eMord-netzley

stAff PhotogrAPhers

John SheltongrAPhic designer

Contributors

Joy caMpbelllee denney

benJaMin hoaklibby JohnSonkriSti Mccabe

Mike Graykaren GroSS

larry vick

Greater Owensboro U.S.A. is published annually by the

Greater Owensboro Chamber of CommerceP.O. Box 825

Owensboro, KY 42302This edition was produced by the Messenger-Inquirer,

Owensboro’s daily newspaper.No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the Messenger-Inquirer.

printed by progress commercial printing

and graphics, inc.

ChAmber of CommerCe stAff

debbie benedek, interim President

MiSSy Gant, membership manager

Sydney Warren, membership services mgr.

JaMie roby, Administrative Assistant

SuSan hiGh, Accounting manager

270-926-1860 • owensboro.com

OwensbOrO 2012

U.S.A.

Greater

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INSIDE - INSTYLE

TOWNE SOUARE

Towne Square Mall 5000 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY

www.shoptownesquare.com

INSIDE - INSTYLE

TOWNE SOUARE

Towne Square Mall 5000 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY

www.shoptownesquare.com

INSIDE - INSTYLE

TOWNE SOUARE

Towne Square Mall 5000 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY

www.shoptownesquare.com

Towne Square Mall has over 50 fabulous stores including:Aeropostale

Airbrush Inc.American Eagle Outfi tters

Bath & Body WorksCandy Craze

Christopher & BanksClaire’s

Cruisers Classic DinerDollar Store

F.Y.E. Movies & MusicGameStop

GNCGreat American Cookie

Greg’s HallmarkHibbett Sports

JourneysJustice

Kay JewelersKirkland’s

Life UniformMastercutsMaurice’s

Noble Roman’sPayless Shoes

Piercing PagodaRadio ShackRegis Salon

Rogers JewelersRue 21 Etc.Show-Me’s

Sports AdditionsSpencer Gifts

Sunglass CompanyThe Children’s Place

Top NailsVanity

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Downtown

A rendering of the planned Owensboro Convention and Events Center, which has a target completion date of 2013.

Designing Downtown:Owensboro poised for big thingsBy Benjamin Hoak

How many cities can you name that sit in a sweeping curve of one of the grand riv-ers of the United States? While Owensboro is indeed the proud owner of such an advan-tageous location, the town has not always taken full advantage of that position.

Until now. Armed with an economic de-velopment strategy of creating an attractive destination where citizens can work, live and play, community leaders who launched a downtown development plan three years ago are seeing their efforts pay off in a big way.

Now in the midst of the $140 million dollar plan (in local and federal dollars, plus private investments) that includes a new hotel and convention center, a riverwall, an expanded park with state-of-the-art play areas and a signature water feature, Owens-boro is poised for big things.

A new public area with a clock tower

called RiverFront Crossing already opened in October. Smothers Park is currently un-der construction and scheduled to open in August 2012. Construction on the hotel and convention center begins in January 2012, with a target completion date of De-cember 2013.

“The potential for this city is just phe-nomenal,” said Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne as he warmed to his favorite topic. “Our riverfront will be second to none.”

Placemaking economic development is a new strategy compared to years past, when towns focused on attracting titans of industry. Now, college graduates and profes-sionals are looking for high quality of life in addition to jobs.

Owensboro’s natural setting with beau-tiful river views offers a built-in advantage. The placemaking strategy aims to turn Owensboro’s downtown into a walkable destination site with restaurants, shops, resi-dential living, attractive outdoor areas and

venues for concerts and events. The town in turn can then do a better job of attracting people who want to move here and compa-nies who will invest in the area.

“It’s easier to sell the community when you have this type of investment going on,” said Nick Brake, president of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Cor-poration. “The downtown project is going to have a long-term positive impact. It’s not enough just to have a job – people are look-ing for a bigger package. It’s really an invest-ment in the very heart of who we are.”

“We want a vibrant, culturally strong place to live,” said Malcolm Bryant, who is developing the new downtown hotel. “The Ohio River is one of our leading attributes to retain people.”

Bryant is a local businessman with 20 years of experience in the hotel industry. He wanted his company to develop the new hotel because he understands how

continued on page 10

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Civil • Structural • Mining • Geotechnical • Special InspectionsLand Surveying • Steel Detailing • Construction MonitoringEnvironmental • Drilling • Forensic • Laboratory Services

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www.associatedengineers.com

Serving Our Community For Over 40 Years

Proud Supporters of the Chamber of Commerce

1700 West 5th St.,Owensboro, KY270-686-1600

Board ChairDaisy James

Chief Executive Offi cerAubrey Nehring

Serving Our Community For Over 40 Years

The Frederica Street overlook, above, is part of the Smothers Park construction. The park is set to be completed in 2012.

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Eat, Play, Stay, Meet...

215 E. Second St. - Downtown1-800-489-1131

270-926-1100

Downtown

This rendering of the Owensboro Convention and Events Center shows the view of the facility from the Ohio River.

Continued from page 8

important this project is to the dynamics of the community. To an out-of-towner, it’s just another hotel. To Bryant, it’s a game changer. “We thought we were in the right place at the right time for this community,” he said.

The new hotel will be a 151-room, seven story convention-class Hampton Inn and Suites overlooking the Ohio River. The $20 million hotel isn’t the cookie-cutter inter-state version, but features a brick-and-glass exterior with a full-service restaurant in one corner and retail space in the other. A third of the rooms will be suites.

Bryant said the hotel will include solar panels and be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certi-fied hotel in Kentucky.

The hotel’s design provides a connection point between downtown’s classic look on the east side and the more modern glass-and-steel look of the 169,000-square foot convention center that will overlook the Ohio River on the west side of the hotel.

Scheduled for construction at the same time as the hotel (they’ll be connected by a bridge), the convention center will replace the longtime Executive Inn convention cen-ter and will help bring tourism dollars back to Owensboro.

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Mayor Payne said the city will hire a na-tional firm to manage the center and bring in name-brand attractions and events. The firm will also work with the RiverPark Center and the Sportscenter to maximize opportunities for the entire community.

Community leaders also plan to turn the state office building at the corner of Frederica and Second Streets down-town into a Bluegrass Music Center – an expanded version of the city’s current bluegrass museum – that will help brand Owensboro as the home of bluegrass. Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, was born just 30 minutes down the road.

Mayor Payne, who is hoping for an $18 million state appropriation for the proj-ect, said the center will give the commu-nity access to the 80 million bluegrass fans worldwide. “The potential is unlimited,” he said. “It will benefit the entire state; it puts Kentucky on the map.”

He’s also thrilled for the excitement he sees in Owensboro, especially downtown, where, for example, 12,000 people turned out to walk across the blue bridge during a special event in October that Payne hopes will turn into an annual “Bridge Day.”

“The future really looks bright,” he said. “The excitement is becoming infec-tious. We will be captains of our destiny. We can’t wait for anyone to change us – we’re going to have to make it happen, and we are.”

The artist’s rendering above shows Owensboro’s signature fountain, a feature of Smothers Park which should be completed in 2012.

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Downtown

Rosa Barragon cleans a table on the sidewalk in front of Famous Bistro at 102 W. Second St.

A taste for success:Downtown restaurants thriveBy Benjamin Hoak

While downtown development in Ow-ensboro promises lots of excitement, two restaurants have been succeeding there for two decades without fanfare. While both welcome the coming changes to downtown, their success has resulted not from outside plans, but from their own hard work, dedi-cation and loyal customers.

Colby’s (on the corner of Third and St. Ann) opened in 1987 when owner Colby MacQuarrie and his wife Carol – both with restaurant experience – finally took the plunge after checking out Owensboro loca-tions a couple of times. They saw potential in the vacant light-brick building with its soaring ceilings and airy feel.

Built in 1895, it needed renovation after spending time as Weir’s Drug Store, so the MacQuarries kept the original ceilings and floors, uncovered the tall arched windows around the front and sides of the building

and tied a bar area on one side of the build-ing with the restaurant area on the other side with a brick archway. Historic Owens-boro photographs line the walls to celebrate the area’s past.

The restaurant opened with the goal of appealing to everyone with seasonal American-style food in a casual-but-nice at-mosphere. Twenty-four years later, the res-taurant, with its iconic green metalwork and simple oval logo, has become an Owensboro staple. MacQuarrie said they originally es-timated about 3,500 people worked in the downtown area; his goal was to capture 10 percent of that for the lunch trade. “We did that and more,” he said.

Colby’s filled a need and gave people a reason to go downtown. “It was perfect timing for Owensboro,” MacQuarrie said. “We’ve had incredible support from the community.”

Menu mainstays include prime rib and chicken tenders, a perennial favorite. Some

customers ate the tenders as kids, for their prom meals and are still ordering them now as adults.

MacQuarrie says part of their success – they’ve never even had to think about clos-ing – results from an exceptional staff (they now have 39 employees), including cooks who helped open the place and other mem-bers who have worked there for at least 12 years.

Customer commitment is also vital, in-cluding many who come from across the river. One couple even drives down from Jasper, Ind., each week for a mini-getaway.

MacQuarrie sees the downtown de-velopment plans as nothing but a positive. Restaurant traffic is already up with people just stopping by to see what’s going on in the area. When the new hotel and conven-tion center open, he expects foot traffic to increase as visitors explore the entire down-town area.

While several newer restaurants have

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opened, with more likely to follow, Colby’s has a good relationship with each one. Mac-Quarrie compares what he envisions for Owensboro’s downtown to Atlanta’s High-lands area where there are dozens of shops, boutiques and eateries within a few blocks of each other. “It will benefit everyone,” he said. “A destination spot will happen here. We have more choices now.”

A few blocks away on Second Street, Fa-mous Bistro is in its nineteenth year of dish-ing up menu items based on Mediterranean cuisine. Growing up in the northeast as part of a Greek family gave George Skiadas a natural flair for food. After graduating from Kentucky Wesleyan and returning to Ow-ensboro a few years later, he opened Famous Deli in 1993 as a northeastern-style deli sell-ing sandwiches and meat and cheeses by the pound.

When that concept failed to take off, he changed the name to Famous Bistro and while the new restaurant still struggled at times, including nights with as few as three tables, it has been there ever since.

The menu is now “the classic American ideal of dining – a blend of cultures,” said Ben Skiadas, George’s son and the manager of the restaurant. “It’s part of the excitement now. People’s ideas of food have changed.”

Skiadas sees food as art, as a method of pulling people out of their comfort zone and getting them to try new things. While much of the Bistro’s menu follows tradition, many items are based on family recipes as well. Popular menu choices include chicken mar-sala, steaks and pork chops.

Their pizza is Philadelphia-style and they sell grinders as well. In fact, George Skiadas’ cousin developed the first grinder in the

United States – salami, lettuce, tomato, on-ion and provolone, with salt and pepper and oil and vinegar.

The Bistro, as it’s commonly called, is a long and narrow building that holds only 13 tables. Decorated with family and historic photos on the wall as well as photos of George Skiadas’ five heroes – the Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Mother Teresa and Duke Sny-der (look him up) – the restaurant nears the verge of becoming reservation-only for dinner, Ben Skiadas said, adding that they’re working on plans to expand.

He credits loyal staff for much of their success as well. Now with 22 employees, the restaurant becomes a family of its own for many of them. “That’s the beau-tiful thing about mom-and-pop shops,” Skiadas said. “(you build) nurturing, real relationships.”

Downtown development will be good

for helping the town to develop a sense of pride and place, he said. He’s excited for what the changes represent – an ener-getic, artistic town on the move. “Owens-boro is a great place to nurture ideas and grow,” he said. “I’d love to see downtown jam-packed with local eateries, bars, bou-tiques and galleries.”

Now 28, Skiadas has worked at the restaurant since he was 9 and got paid five cents a box to fold pizza boxes. Since then, he’s held every position in the place and is “now having a lot of fun.”

Even with success, neither restaurant is resting. “We’re just really thankful to be here,” MacQuarrie said. “We don’t take it lightly – we try every day to improve. When we open that door, it’s like our first day open-ing.”

“Life is good,” Skiadas said. “Celebrate, enjoy. If you’re not going to celebrate it, you’re missing out.”

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Proud to call Owensboro Homewww.sscgp.com

A couple enjoys the atmosphere while ordering their food recently at Colby’s Fine Food and Spirits at 202 W. Third St.

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Steve Martin performs at the annual ROMP Bluegrass Roots and Branches fmusic festival, held at Yellow Creek Park.

Music festivals flourish By Beck Glenn

During the 1980s and 1990s, Owens-boro earned a reputation as the Kentucky destination for big name live musical enter-tainment. Even before the main venue that reputation was based on closed in 2008, Owensboro began reinventing it’s enter-tainment scene.

According to Karen Miller, execu-tive director of the Owensboro Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau, many groups and individuals have stepped stepped up in the last 10 years to create live music concerts and festivals that draw crowds from the region.

“They are filling a niche that was left open,” Miller said. “These newer music fes-tivals and events have kept Owensboro’s reputation for great entertainment alive. And we definitely see a surge in hotel room rentals when those events are happening.”

Hotel room rentals mean out-of-town

visitors spending money at local restaurants and other businesses and adding to the local economy.

The Friday After 5 free summer concert series joined the Owensboro music scene in 1996 and has grown into a 16-week sig-nature event for the city. The event draws more than 50,000 visitors each season.

Friday After 5 is definitely more than just a concert.

Each week, the all-volunteer group puts on a full-blown festival with four main at-tractions: A live band on RiverPark Center’s BB&T Plaza overlooking the Ohio River, acoustic music in the Courtyard, a street fair with vendors and unique children’s ac-tivities and gospel music on the stage inside RiverPark Center’s Cannon Hall.

“We are always tweaking it to make it better for the crowd,” said Brandon Gentry, Banking Center Manager for Republic Bank who is the group’s volunteer chairman for 2012.

“We try to provide a great atmosphere so anyone of any age can come down to the beautiful Owensboro riverfront and relax on a Friday evening,” Gentry said.

All Friday After 5 events are funded through local, regional and national spon-sors. “We are thankful for the sponsors and volunteers who put on such a great, free event,” Gentry added.

In 2009, Owensboro residents Steve Terry and Chris Edwards created Big O En-tertainment and entered the music scene with Rockin’ on the Runway, a rock concert at Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport. That event has evolved into the Big O Music Fest, an annual summer concert at Reid’s Orchard.

According to Terry, Big O Music Fest draws more than 10,000 people to hear some of the top names in country music. While Big O Entertainment produces other events, Terry says the attendance at Big O Music Fest definitely makes it their signature.

Arts & Entertainment

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OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRANicholas Palmer, Music Director and Conductor

The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra enriches, educates and entertains the residents of

Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

For information call 270-684-0661 or www.theoso.com

“We got lucky our first year with Jason Aldean and Chris Young,” said Terry. Aldean was already booked for Big O Music Fest when his third country album debuted at #2 on the Top Country Albums Chart and his popularity skyrocketed.

Terry and Edwards now take advice from their contacts in Nashville and spend a lot of time carefully choosing the acts they book to continue the momentum created that year. “Owensboro has had big names in, but never at the height of their popularity,” Terry added. “Owensboro has never seen the type of entertainment we have brought in and we’re really proud of that.”

Owensboro’s music scene also includes the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, which has been entertaining since 1919 and offers a season including classical and pops concerts.

For almost 10 years, the International Bluegrass Music Museum has offered ROMP!, a multi-day bluegrass music fes-tival featuring live music, a bluegrass mas-ters gathering, master classes, films, on-site camping, and all-night jam sessions. The event draws bluegrass music fans from around the country and around the world each year in June.

Legendary Entertainment is also of-fering several live music events in various venues in Owensboro each year, typically featuring country artists. And the River-Park Center offers a gospel festival in Febru-ary and a full season of Broadway musicals.

Karen Miller says the Owensboro music scene will have a new event in 2012 with the addition of a jazz and bourbon festi-val planned for June. The festival will be a multi-day celebration of jazz music and the local bourbon industry.

“I’m really excited about where Owens-boro is right now,” said Miller. “And there are so many things growing and happening!”

February 9-10, 2012Gospel Festival 2012Two nights of Gospel music in RiverPark Center's Cannon Hall.www.riverparkcenter.org

May 18-September 7, 2012Friday After 5Owensboro's popular FREE concert

series returns to the Ohio Riverfront for its 16th year for the perfect way to start your weekend from Memo-rial Day through Labor Day. Headline bands play on the RiverPark Center's BB&T Plaza, while Gospel on the River performs inside in Cannon Hall. Acoustic music plays in the Courtyard or take a stroll through the weekly Street Fairs.

www.fridayafter5.com

June 15-16, 2012Jazz and Bourbon FestivalNew in 2012, this event will be a

celebration of jazz music and the local bourbon industry.

www.visitowensboro.com

June 28-30, 2012ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches

FestivalThe 9th Annual River of Music Party

brings three days of bluegrass music! Thursday will bring jamming and sto-rytelling at the Museum. Thursday, Fri-day and Saturday nights bring concerts to Yellow Creek Park.

www.bluegrassmuseum.org

July 4, 2012Celebration of the American SpiritView the fireworks from the Ohio

River as the City of Owensboro cel-ebrates the Fourth of July with music from the Owensboro Symphony Or-chestra. Gates open at 6 pm, followed by speeches, Color Guard, and fire-works accompanied by patriotic music at 9.

www.visitowensboro.com

Summer 2012Big O Music FestThe 4th Annual Big O Music Fest

featuring top name country artists will take place at Reid's Orchard in late summer 2012.

www.bigomusicfest.com

2012 Music Events

Matthew Ryan Hayden from the Owensboro band Midwest performs at the International Bar-B-Q Festival.

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Arts & Entertainment

Back Alley Musicals’ production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was staged in the Summer of 2011 at the Owensboro High School Theatre. Amy Cox directed.

Center stage: New production company shines

By Libby Johnson

In the summer of 2010, Back Alley Musi-cals (BAM) appeared on the Owensboro arts scene for the first time. Comprised of a crew of local theatre participants and enthusiasts, the production company is led by Ron Waite. Waite, a retired educator and caterer, says he and his co-producers were aware of the pub-lic’s desire to see musicals and simply respond-ed accordingly.

“People like musicals,” says Waite, who spent 30 years in the Owensboro Public School system. His friend Donna May, a member of the BAM company who has been active in the Owensboro theatre scene for years, agrees. “The response to our first sea-son was overwhelming and encouraging.” May says that despite the economy, when people are likely to cut luxuries like the theatre from their budgets, the audience “found us, even though our first show was something no one had ever heard of.” Both May and Waite con-

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tend that part of BAM’s success is due to the material, which to date has been purely musi-cal comedy. “People leave the theatre feeling happy; they forget their problems for a while,” says May.

Of course, putting on a musical is not without its challenges. “With a play, you pay one fee,” Waite explains. “With a musical, you have to lease the rights and the material, and there’s a per performance fee.” BAM must pay local musicians each night as well. Typi-cally, BAM musicals are accompanied by a five piece orchestra.

Each BAM show is “a ten to twelve week ordeal,” says Waite. The average show takes about eight weeks of preparation beyond audition. Auditions are open to anyone and depending on what musical is being put on, a wide range of ages and types are needed. “We like put on our biggest musicals in the summer,” says Waite, mentioning that school being out makes it easier for high school and college students to participate.

The opening night of each show for 2011-2012 season is a dinner theatre, which is convenient due to the fact that BAM’s home stage is located within Pangea Cafe. Every production runs for 6 shows. Season tickets are $60, and per production tickets are avail-able for $20 each.

The lineup for BAM’s 2011-2012 season is as follows: “Nunsense,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Crazy for You.”

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Owensboro Museumof Science and History

Preserving The PastEducating For The Future

Hours of OperationTues - Sun 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Coal Mine Tours Tues - Fri 3:00 pm Sat 11:30 am & 3:00 pm • CLOSED MAJOR HOLIDAYS

For information on membership, tours and admission call us at 270.687.2732 or visit www.owensboromuseum.com

122 East 2nd Street • Owensboro, Kentuckywww.owensboromuseum.com

HoHoururss ofof

Owensboro AttractionsEdge Ice Center1400 Hickman Avenueowensboroparks.org

International Bluegrass Music Museum207 E. Second Streetbluegrassmuseum.org or (270) 926-7891

Owensboro Museum of Fine Art901 Frederica Streetomfa.museum or (270) 685-3181

Owensboro Museum of Science and History122 East Second Streetowensboromuseum.com or (270) 687-2732

Owensboro Regional Farmers Market2818 New Hartford RoadSeasonally: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings

Owensboro Symphony Orchestra211 E. Second Streetowensborosymphony.org or (270) 684-0661

RiverPark Center101 Daviess Streetriverpakrcenter.org or (270) 687-2770

Theatre Workshop of Owensboro407 W. Fifth Streettheatreworkshop.org or (270) 683-5003

Western Kentucky Botanical Garden25 Carter Roadwkbg.org

The RiverPark Center is transformed into Winter Wonderland each year. The event features an outdoor ice rink, outdoor holiday movies, carnival rides and more.

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Main Branch

900 Kentucky Parkway Athenian Branch

650 Chuck Gray Court

270-926-YMCA

Serving the Owensboro/Daviess County

Community since 1895

Windy Hollow Speedway4731 Windy Hollow Roadwindyhollowspeedway.net or (270) 785-4065

Festivals and EventsGospel Festival offers two nights of gospel music in RiverPark Center’s Cannon Hall.riverparkcenter.org

Windy Hollow Speedway revs up the ex-citement with dirt track racing from April to October.(270) 785-4065 or windyhollowspeedway.net

International Bar-B-Q Festival is two days of barbecue heaven when cooking teams gather in May to compete with their secret recipes for barbecue. bbqfest.com

Friday After 5 is a series of free summer concerts from May to September along the downtown riverfront every Friday evening.fridayafter5.com

Owensboro Regional Farmers Market is open seasonally on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings in the parking lot of Owensboro Christian Church.

Summer Movies on the River is a free out-door family movie night on the plaza at Riv-erPark Center. riverparkcenter.org

The Dazzling Daylily features a national display garden of hybridizes daylilies, tours, food and fun at the Western Kentucky Bo-tanical Garden. (270) 852-8925 or wkbg.org

ROMP: Bluegrass Roots and Branches Festival is the International Bluegrass Mu-sic Museum’s annual bluegrass festival in June featuring concerts and events at the museum, the RiverPark Center and Yellow Creek Park.1-888-MY BANJO or bluegrassmuseum.org

Family Freedom Fireworks Festival is a fam-ily celebration of Independence Day at Pan-ther Creek Park. daviesscountyparks.com

Celebration of the American Spirit is the City of Owensboro’s July 4th celebration featuring fireworks extravaganza on the river at English Park. owensboroparks.org

Daviess County Lions Club Fair is the fun-filled annual county fair in July featuring tractor pulls, beauty pageants, animals, rides and more. daviesscountyfair.com

The International Bar-B-Q Festival is held annually in May. Cooking teams compete with the ir secret recipes to be the Bar-B-Q Festival champions.

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International

BAR-B-Q FESTIVAL

www.bbqfest.com

2nd Saturday Every May

Dust Bowl is a nine-day outdoor basketball tournament held in July at Owensboro’s Kendall-Perkins Park.

Multicultural Festival offers a unique blending of cultures each August to edu-cate and celebrate our diversity at First Presbyterian Church, 1328 Griffith Ave. (270) 684-1467 or firstpresbyterianowens-boro.com

Owensboro Symphony Orchestra’s Con-cert on the Lawn is presented each August on the lawn at Kentucky Wesleyan College on Frederica Street.

Owensboro PumpkinFest celebrates the season with a traditional family fall fes-tival with games, rides and activities for all ages at the Owensboro Sportscenter. owensboropumpkinfest.org

Patriot Days at Yellow Creek Park features living history exhibits, colonial games, a scavenger hunt, prizes and refreshments.patriotdays1776.com

Scarecrow Festival starts the fall season off at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, 15 Carter Road. (270) 852-8925 or wkbg.org

Fireworks paint the sky during the Daviess County’s Family Freedom Fireworks Festival at Panther Creek Park.

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Send A Taste Of HomeNow you can order our incredibly good cookies online, anytime! Just Rennie’s Cookie Company’s elegant gift boxes hold six, 12, 18 or 24 cookies, baked fresh to order, individually sealed and packed with care to arrive in perfect condition. Choose from eight fl avors!

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U.S. 60 Yard Sale in October, stretches from Union County to Meade County along U.S. 60. highway60yardsale.com

Voices of Elmwood Cemetery brings local history to life in October with a series of unique nighttime hay rides through the historic cemetery organizes by the Owens-boro Museum of Science and History and the Daviess County Public Library. owens-boromuseum.com

Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival celebrates the fall season and everything apple in Oc-tober at Reid’s Orchard, 4812 Kentucky 144. (270) 685-2444 or reidorchard.com

Veterans Day parade brings bands, floats, scout troops and organizations to down-town Owensboro to honor our veterans in November.

Owensboro Christmas Parade is one of the largest Christmas parades in Kentucky and features bands, lighted floats and more to kick of the season on the Saturday be-fore Thanksgiving. ChristmasParade.net

Holiday Forest features trees and deco-rations designed by regional artists, civic groups and schools. The trees are installed as an exhibit at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art for the month of December.

Owensboro Dance Theatre’s annual per-formance of “The Nutcracker” includes elaborate sets, beautiful costumes and showcases the talent of the theatre com-pany and guest artists from Kentucky Bal-let Theatre.riverparkcenter.org

Holiday Stroll enhances the holiday season at the beginning of December with live music and other activities and attractions at several locations in downtown Owens-boro.

Winter Wonderland features an enormous Christmas tree at the entrance of an out-door skating rink overlooking the Ohio River at the RiverPark Center from No-vember to January. Also features holiday movies on an outdoor air screen, caroling, children’s rides, sleigh rides and visits from Santa.riverparkcenter.org

For more information about events happen-ing in and around Owensboro, call the Ow-ensboro-Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-489-1131 (toll free) or go to visitowensboro.com.

The SprayPark at Kendall-Perkins Park is just one of the many fun features in the county’s park system.

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By Lee Denny

Owensboro Medical Health System’s Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center is on the cutting edge with state-of-the-art can-cer treatment technology, referred to in some medical circles as surgery without a scalpel.

Radiation oncologists and neurosur-geons at the Owensboro facility have many of the same high-tech tools as cancer treatment centers in Nashville and Louis-ville. Cancer patients from the 11 coun-ties in the OHMS service area do not have to travel far from home to receive quality treatment, with outstanding results.

Among the latest medical marvels are stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT), used to treat early-stage cancers in the lungs and certain other parts of the body; stereotac-tic radiosurgery (SRS) is employed to treat tumors in the brain or spine.

Dr. Todd Scarbrough is one of the more experienced radiation oncologists in the country in working with SBRT, using the technology for seven years before joining the Mitchell Center staff in 2010. He like-ly was among the first radiation oncologists in the world to use the advanced SBRT and SRS for many of his patients.

“We are able to locate and target tu-mors with amazing accuracy,” Scarbrough said. “This results in much less treatment time—over fewer days—with more organ preservation, higher cure rates and lower side effects,” (such as radiation burns on the skin).

“Just a few years ago,” he adds, “The cure-rate for lung cancer was about 60 to 70 percent. Now it is 80 to 90 percent, making it hard to distinguish our success rate from that of surgically removing a tu-mor.”

In the spring of 2010, Teresa Rea, an Ohio County grandmother, was diagnosed with stage-one lung cancer. In her mid-fifties, she was a smoker with emphysema and only 23 percent lung function. “I was physically and mentally distraught,” Rea said. “Cancer is a very scary word, and my father had died from lung cancer. I faced 23 sessions of radia-tion, Monday through Friday, several hours a day over a five-week period.”

Scarbrough, who had arrived in Owens-boro just two weeks earlier, recommended SBRT, using just four high doses of radia-tion delivered in 90-minute sessions over

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Health & Wellness

Patient Teresa Rea plays with her granddaughter. Rea was diagnosed with stage-one lung cancer in her mid-fifites. After treatment, scans showed her tumor was gone.

Center offers hope for cancer patients

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MAKE A CHANGE. TRY AGAIN. MOVE FORWARD.

Will you...Move Forward? Will you stop thinking the way you've alwaysthought – learn what it takes to eat right, to manage stress, to implement preventivehealth measures – and start becoming all you were meant to be?

What if – by physically moving more – you then had more strength and energy –enabling you to enjoy life more?

Will you try again to get up off that couch, outthat door, silence that inner voice?

Will you...

JOIN the Movement!For exercise tips... For classes...

www.omhs.org/healthpark Call 688-LIFE!For a tour...

Move forward.It’s something we’re told when we need some perspective, a bit of motivation or a little encouragement.

six days. Rea was thrilled with the results. “The treatment was not hard to deal with and follow-up CAT scans have showed that the tu-mor is gone,” she said.

There are other horizons for SBRT, accord-ing to Scarbrough. “It is being used (in the United States) for certain liver cancer, pan-creatic cancer, and is beginning to be used in prostate cancer.”

Scarbrough points out radiation oncolo-gists, working with neurosurgeons, are also successfully treating brain tumors with SRS. Instead of removing the tumor surgically, doc-tors use a single, very high dose of radiation. “The risks are much less, one percent to zero. It is an outpatient procedure, the patient is not anesthetized, and there is no recovery time.” Dr. Todd Scarbrough

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Western Kentucky’sPremier Golf CourseTh e Homes. Th e Life. Th e Style.

270.281.4653www.summitky.com

Country Club & Estates

Sports & RecreationArea Recreation Facilities

Adkisson Greenbelt Parkowensboroparks.orgThe 15-mile Adkisson Greenbelt Park links neighborhoods, parks and schools. The trails offer a 10-foot wide asphalt surface to easily accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists.

Ben Hawes Park Golf Course(270) 687-7137The park features an 18-hole regulation course, a 9-hole par 3 course and a driving range. The Pro Shop offers pull carts, golf cars and rental clubs plus golf apparel, clubs and balls. The public archery range at Ben Hawes Park is located near the Pro Shop.

Combest Pool1530 McJohnson Avenueowensboroparks.orgCombest Pool is an Olympic-sized municipal pool on the east side of the city. The facility offers certified lifeguards, public swimming, swim lessons for youth and adults, fitness and acquatics classes and private party rentals.

Cravens Pool2815 Cravens Streetowensboroparks.orgCravens Pool is a municipal pool on the west side of Owensboro. The facility offers a showering mushroom and lily pads and ranges from 1 to 4.5 feet deep..

Edge Ice Center1400 Hickman Avenueowensboroparks.org

This state-of-the-art municipal center re-placed an outdated facility in 2009 for rec-reational ice skating. Edge Ice Center is also home to Owensboro Youth Hockey Asso-ciaton, Hockey Cheerleading, varsity high school hockey and the Owensboro Figure Skating Club.

English Park Boat RampHanning Laneowensboroparks.orgThe English Park Boat Ramp opened in 2008 as part of a major upgrade to the riverfront park. The ramp features a wide ramp, reaser-ved parking for trailers and a dock.

Hillcrest Golf Course4346 Old Hartford Road(270) 687-8717Hillcrest Golf Course is a year-round, 9-hole municipal golf course. It offers a pro shop, practice green and chipping green and fea-tures bermuda fairways, tees and bent grass greens.

Horse Fork Creek Park Soccer Complex3005 Fairview Drive(270) 685-6142Horse Fork Creek Park features nine soccer fields and is home to the Daviess County Youth Soccer Association.

Kendall-Perkins ParkWest Fifth Streetowensboroparks.orgKendall-Perkins Park is a 2-acre neighbor-hood park featuring a Spray Park, two light-ed tennis courts and two lighted basketball courts. The park has been the home of Ow-ensboro’s Dust Bowl basketball tournament since 1973.

The Edge Ice Center at 1400 Hickman Avenue offers a venue for skating and hockey.

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LLC

Fern Terra hone 70-926-2345 Today PPPPPPhone 2222222222270-926-2345 Today

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Kentucky Motor Speedway8135 Haynes Station Road, Whitesvillekentuckymotorspeedway.netThis asphalt stock car racing track features a three-eighths-mile oval track. KMS is lo-cated just of Kentucky 54 near Whitesville in Daviess County. The racing season begins in April.

Legion ParkByers Avenueowensboroparks.orgLegion Park is the oldest city park. The 23.75-acre park includes two tennis courts, one lighted basketball court and Spray Park.

Moreland Park Tennis CenterWest Parrish Avenueowensboroparks.orgThe Moreland Park Tennis Center includes 12 lighted tennis courts and is host to youth and adult tennis tournaments and high school and college matches. The center is also home to the Moreland Park Tennis As-sociation and the National Junior Tennis League. Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department provides tennis lessons during the spring, summer and fall.

OMHS HealthPark1006 Ford Avenue(270) 688-4820The Owensboro Medical Health System Health Park offers a wide range of wellness services in their 110,000 square-foot facil-ity. The facility includes a cushioned indoor walking/running track, indoor lap pool, car-dio and more.

Owensboro Oilers’ Ryan Rogers pitches to Tradewater Pirates’ Braden Brumley in the KIT League baseball playoff game at Chautauqua Park.

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* Specializing in Nursing Home Medicaid Qualifi cation * Asset Protection Planning* Government Benefi t Coordination - including Veterans Benefi ts for In-Home Care* Benefi ts Application Assistance & Representation

ELDER ADVANTAGE, LLCNicole L. Hawkins, Certifi ed Senior Advisor (CSA)®

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“I do not know what I would have done without Nicole - she is a Godsend.”

Owensboro Family YMCA900 Kentucky Parkway (full family facility)650 Chuck Gray Court (adults only with childcare available)(270) 926-9622The Owensboro Family YMCA is an in-clusive organization providing services to structure spirit, mind and body. The Ow-ensboro Family YMCA offers a full selec-tion of fitness and acquatics programs for every age in a Christian atmosphere.

Owensboro Softball Complex3900 West 5th Street Roadowensboroparks.orgLocated in Jack C. Fisher Park, the com-plex features four lighted softball fields, a field house with concessions and an-nouncer’s area. While providing space for local leagues and schools, it also hosts many local, state, regional and national tournaments.

Owensboro SportscenterHickman AvenueThe Owensboro Sportscenter is a 5,500-seat auditorium and arena. The venue hosts many public and private events and is home to the American Basketball As-sociation’s Kentucky Bisons.

Panther Creek Park5160 Wayne Bridge Roaddaviesscountyparks.comPanther Creek features six diamonds for softball and baseball and is home to Owensboro-Daviess County Babe Ruth League and Daviess County Church League.

Thompson-Berry Soccer ComplexRaven DriveThe Thompson-Berry Soccer Complex has 11 fields and a concession and rest-room building. The complex is home to the Green River Area Soccer Association.

Waymond Morris Park Football Complex5200 Todd Bridge Roadowensboroparks.orgThe complex features four lighted fields, concession and restroom building and 290-car lot. The complex is home to the Owensboro-Daviess County Youth Foot-ball League.

Windy Hollow Speedway4731 Windy Hollow Roadwindyhollowspeedway.net or (270) 785-4065The area’s home for dirt track stock car racing features a three-eighths-mile banked dirt oval track. The racing season at Windy Hollow Speedway runs from April to October.

Yellow Creek Park5710 Kentucky 144daviesscountyparks.comYellow Creek has three lighted diamonds for softball and baseball and is home to Owensboro-Daviess County Babe Ruth League and Daviess County Church League. The park also features a disc golf course which hosts sanctioned PDGA B-tier tournaments and is home of the Da-viess County Disc Golf Club.

Owensboro Catholic High School cross country runners Olivia and Elizabeth Cason start their early morning practice along the David C. Adkisson Greenbelt Park.

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We wish to thank our Medical Director, Dr. Bill Bryant and his staff , our residents, our stakeholders, and the community for our 5 Star ranking.

• We were featured in February 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report as 2011 Best Nursing Homes.

www.usnews.com/nursinghomes

• We received ZERO defi ciencies during our most recent state survey.

• Over the past 2 years, 67% of our Medicare patients returned home.

• Ranked 5 Star (highest ranking) by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service.

Call today for your personal tour(270)684-4559

Hermitage Care and Rehabilitation Center

Since 19651614 W. Parrish Ave. - Owensboro, KY

(270) 684-4559

Hermitage Care andRehabilitation Center

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Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels addresses the crowd during a rib-bon cutting near Gentryville, Ind. for the opening of the U.S. 231 corridor. The four-lane corridor between the William H. Natcher Bridge and I-64 near Dale opened following the ceremony.

Upgraded U.S. 231 gives Owensboro advantage

By Benjamin Hoak

The conversation used to go something like this: “Oh, you’re driving from Louisville to Owensboro? Let me tell you how to get here – and listen carefully, because it’s kind of complicated.

“From I-64 West, take Exit 79 for In-diana State Road 37 South. Drive on this desolate road for about 17 miles, then turn left at the blinking light onto Indiana State Road 237. Follow that over the Ohio River bridge in Hawesville, then turn right on U.S. 60 and drive until you reach Owensboro. Got it?”

Here’s the new, easier version of that conversation, thanks to the recent upgrad-ing of U.S. 231 in southern Indiana from a winding two-lane state route to an open, four-lane limited-access connector: “From I-64 West, take Exit 57B for U.S. 231 South (there’s a sign for Owensboro). Drive for about a half hour, and you’re there!”

The new 26 miles of roadway (now called the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Park-way) opened in March of this year as the result of nearly 30 years of lobbying at the state and federal level by officials from both the Kentucky and Indiana sides of the river. Transportation is a major piece of any eco-nomic development strategy; with the new road providing better access, Owensboro’s economic development efforts have gotten a shot in the arm.

“I think it has been a great boon for us,” said Nick Brake, president of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Cor-poration. “It’s a straight shot, four-lane lim-ited-access route to the largest city in the state.”

It gets better. Owensboro is also build-ing another four-lane connector directly to U.S. 231 from U.S. Highway 60 on the east side of the city. When that is complete, Ow-ensboro will sit at the midpoint of a route

from I-64 at Dale, Ind., to I-65 in Bowling Green, Ky. You’ll be able to travel the entire way on four-lane interstate-grade highways, which gives Owensboro a vital spot on the national interstate network.

“The biggest issue is always the bridge,” Brake said, “and we’ve already got an inter-state-grade bridge.” The cable-stayed Wil-liam H. Natcher bridge, which opened in 2002 east of Owensboro, is part of U.S. 231.

All of this work also feeds into the bigger picture of Interstate 69, which is planned to extend through seven states from Michigan to Texas. The proposed route runs through Henderson County just to the west of Ow-ensboro. With access to I-69 by way of the Audubon Parkway, Owensboro will be in prime position in the midst of an interstate network – a position that will only enhance economic development efforts.

“A lot of projects … come to commu-nities by virtue of proximity to interstates,” Brake said.” (Some) won’t even consider

Transportation

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cities more than 10 miles away (from an interstate).” Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne said he has heard companies talking about the economic advantages of the new road as well.

Owensboro’s central location puts it with an easy drive of a high percentage of the population of the United States. Add in the town’s access to the world through the Ohio River and its connection to railways and “(We) can really reduce transportation costs for companies,” Brake said.

For now, the upgraded U.S. 231 offers a significant advantage, shaving 10-15 min-utes from the normally two-hour trip to Louisville. But it didn’t come easily.

“The last five or six years, it has been one of our top legislative priorities,” said Shir-ley Cecil, chair of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Owensboro’s push for the project actually began nearly 30 years ago, when David Ad-kisson began advocating for the road.

Over the years, the project continued to attract the time, energy and partnership of Owensboro and Indiana officials working at the state and federal levels. Now that the project is complete, local residents notice a difference.

“Almost everyone (we talk to) has trav-eled it,” Cecil said. “It’s nice and quick.”

Jody Wassmer, former president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, center right, shakes hands with Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the U.S. 231 cor-ridor.

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Ramp agent Jason Campbell of Owensboro directs Allegiant Air’s MD-80 airplane as it taxis to Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport’s terminal after arriving from Orlando.

Airport sees growthBy Joy Campbell

The Owensboro region has a new jewel that is getting admiring glances from other communities. After all, only two other cities in the state have one.

It’s the 8,000-foot runway at Owens-boro-Daviess County Regional Airport.

That’s just one of many projects marking the airport’s growth.

Airport officials and community leaders believe that securing a new commuter air carrier will be the next enviable asset and the one that will capture attention from business and industry.

“We feel like the airport has improved for the leisure traveler,” Airport Manager Bob Whitmer said. “But we still need that reliable commuter for the business com-munity which is the purpose of the EAS program.”

EAS, or Essential Air Service, is a federal program that subsidizes airlines to provide service to small communities.

The airport’s current carrier, Kentuck-ySkies, gave notice that it would not con-tinue as the EAS provider. It has been mak-ing daily flights to Nashville since 2009. Its subsidy ran out Aug. 31. The carrier’s notice set in motion the process to find a new one.

The deadline to submit proposals was Sept. 13. The U.S. Department of Transpor-tation’s process allows a local committee to

study the proposals and make a recommen-dation to the agency, which makes the final selection.

A new carrier could be selected by early fall.

Experienced airlines interestedWhitmer and Board Chairman Ray

Assmar attended an EAS conference Aug. 26 at which three “very reputable airlines” expressed interest in Owensboro. Two of those companies already have gate space in large airports, Whitmer said.

That is in contrast to Kentucky Skies that was unable to secure gate space in Nashville.

“If we begin to serve the business com-munity the way we’d like to, we’ll have the airport performing at a level the board has been striving for, for many years,” Whitmer said.

Two of the companies had visited Ow-ensboro by early September, and a third had plans to come to the city.

Commercial air service is a vital link for companies, said Nick Brake, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation.

“Many companies here are global, and they need connections to their offices,” Brake said.

U.S. Bank officials, for example, need to be in Indianapolis and Milwaukee; Board-

walk executives travel to and from their Houston headquarters; Southern Star execs travel to Kansas City and the Midwest.

“If we want to look at those headquar-ter-type of operations to locate here, it’s ex-tremely important to have the airport and the commuter service,” Brake said.

Brake said companies the EDC courts do ask about air service.

“The EAS is important for companies as well as the business traveler,” he said. “Hav-ing not just reliable service, but also mul-tiple options for them to do a day’s business or two days’ business easily is important.”

Joe Lowe makes about 30 trips per year as an announcer for Feld Motor Sports. He’s also a member of the regional airport board.

“Having commercial air service is real important,” Lowe said. “Everyone’s time is valuable, and now that we have to be at air-ports one to one and a half hours ahead of the flight, it’s even more important.”

Travelers must consider the add-ons if they drive to another airport -- like travel time and gas prices to get there, and parking fees, he said.

“And coming home from a big trip and finally landing and then having to drive two to three hours more is just crazy,” Lowe said. He weighs the costs, and if they are close, he uses O-DC Regional Airport.

It’s important for travelers to know they are going to land close to where they’re go-

Transportation

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ing to stay, he said. And that has implica-tions for the new events center Owensboro is planning that will attract business con-ventions, he said.

“We’ve done a good job for the vacation traveler, and now it’s time to concentrate on the business traveler,” Lowe said.

When Wayne Foster was chairman of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Com-merce, that group polled companies about air travel.

“Every company said they weren’t going to leave because of the lack of service, but it would help if they could come directly to Owensboro,” Foster said. “A lot of people fly out of here a couple of times per week. They end up taking two to three days for what ought to be a little over a day’s busi-ness.”

When a business traveler doesn’t have affordable, reliable air service where they live, it becomes complicated, Foster said.

Owensboro could have the nine-passen-ger commuter planes full for each trip with “the right flights to the right place for con-nections,” he said.

The EAS flights will be what the indus-try calls “sterile.”

“That means when you go through the TSA (Transportation Security Administra-tion) check here, when you get the hub, you don’t have to go through it again,” Whitmer said. “For the frequent flyer, this is a very important service.”

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Agriculture

Technology making life easier for farmers

Wes Poole scoops up 5-gallon buckets of cattle feed inside a storage bin at land he leases in Sythia. “I’m a young farmer, and I’m trying to get established,” Pope said. The University of Kentucky and area cooperative extension offices hosted “KyFarmStart” to help new farmers in the Owensboro region learn more about modern agriculture practices. Poole participated in the sessions.

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By Benjamin Hoak

Watch a combine churning through a field, dust and debris flying through the air, sun glinting off the cab as it turns row after endless row of beans or corn into stubble, and you can understand how the operator might lose his place in the middle of sev-eral hundred acres. Besides, what difference does it make if a planter drifts a couple of rows off course?

Doesn’t sound like a big deal until you realize that at $250 per bag of seed, replant-ing ground you’ve already covered adds up quickly. That’s one reason Owensboro farmer Tony McCarty and others in the area are turning to new technology like precision agriculture guidance systems to keep them on the straight and narrow.

GPS auto-tracking and variable rate planting and fertilizing systems won’t magi-cally create good farmers, but it will make them more efficient, which in turn increases their profit margin and protects the envi-ronment.

Chris Kluck, an agriculture manage-ment solutions specialist at Wright Imple-ment, a John Deere dealer in Owensboro, sees demand for new agriculture technol-ogy increasing more and more – he sells several hundred thousand dollars worth of the equipment every year. With that, comes increased calls for service. During planting and harvest seasons, Kluck averages about 110 phone calls a day asking for help.

Auto-steering systems, which allow ma-chinery such as tractors or planters to steer themselves from point A to point B – and even turn around – are currently popular. They’ll even maintain perfectly spaced rows. “All you gotta do is sit there and eat a sandwich or read a book,” Kluck joked. Auto-steering also keeps a farmer from get-ting fatigued as he fights the steering wheel all day.

The same technology applies with vari-able rate fertilizing and planting. McCarty said if he happens to steer his sprayer so it overlaps a couple of rows he has already fer-tilized, the sprayer will automatically shut

off just those rows, saving both fertilizer and the environment. It works the same way with planting, even on a hillside, where the planter can automatically offset rows. The system saves all the data as well, so McCarty said he can use the exact same wheel tracks from one year to the next.

Here’s how it works: there are several different types of systems, but the one Mc-Carty uses is called RTK – real time kinetics. An RTK base station sends out a signal for a radius of up to about 15 miles if a repeater is used. The signal bounces off the GPS sat-ellites to an antenna on the tractor (or com-bine, sprayer, etc.), guiding the tractor with sub-inch accuracy.

A display monitor in the cab relays the information to the operator, who can tell at a glance exactly where he is and what his machinery is doing. A blinking light marks his position in the field, and blue bars at the bottom of the screen show which rows of the planter or combine are in use. Sensors deep inside a combine also calculate the yield and moisture rates as the grain flows

Mechanic Scott Mackey tightens bolts while assisting farmer Jerry Bailey with his com-bine on Massie's farm near the 60 bypass and West Kentucky 56. Mackey is with Wright Implement. Bailey share crops the land. "There is a vibration in the blade, and we're trying to correct it," Bailey said. "There's 23-acres (of soybeans) in this field that I'm trying to finish."

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through the machine. While the equipment can be expensive,

ranging from a couple thousand dollars up to $25,000 for an RTK system, they are more than worth it, according to McCarty. “You see payback quickly,” he said. “It’s more efficient.”

McCarty, 52 and with a weathered face that shows a lifetime spent out of doors, farms about 800 acres mostly in the Pan-ther Creek area, split between corn and soybeans. He’s been at it for more than 30 years, starting straight out of high school in 1978.

He began using the GPS technology about six years ago, when another local farmer bought the RTK station. McCarty rents the signal from him and has a repeater on top of his own silo to extend the signal to his farm.

The first time he implemented the sys-tem in a field of 39.9 acres, it showed he used 39.2 acres worth of seed – a big im-provement on the 42 acres’ worth he nor-mally used.

The learning curve for the technol-ogy systems is like that of a computer, he said. He can download data to a flash drive and create yield printouts for each field he farms. This helps him calculate profit shares (he rents some of the land) and gives him

George Lozano Ruelas of Hidalgo, Mexico, left, reaches for more burley tobacco as he sets the plants with Lisa Bittel while her husband, Hugh, drives the tractor at Hugh Bittel Farms. Hugh Bittel said there were approximately 25 acres of tobacco set. “I always make straight rows,” Hugh Bittel said. “Time is money. The shortest distance be-tween two points is a straight line according to geometry.”

Page 38: 2012 Owensboro Magazine

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Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service 4800A New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303-1800 (270) 685-8480 FAX: (270) 685-3276 http://ces.ca.uky.edu/daviess

The Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service, located on the Owensboro Community and Technical College Campus, is your connection to the University of Kentucky and the world, growing ideas that make a difference in your life, your family, and your community by offering educational programs in: Community and Economic Development; Horticulture; Family and Consumer Sciences; 4-H Youth Development; and Agriculture and Natural Resources.

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valuable information, such as how many nutrients he has taken out of the soil and how much fertilizer he needs to apply the next year. The data is also vital after flood-ing and replanting, when insurance com-panies want accurate planting and yield information.

Trees and hills can block the GPS sig-nal, but overall the system “gives more in-formation,” he said. “I can choose what’s best for my situation. I always strive to be better. These are tools we use to do our job more efficiently and take care of the environment.”

Kluck said other new technologies in-clude software that will let owners sit at their desks and monitor fuel levels and machine optimization on their equip-ment. If a fuel filter gets clogged, for ex-ample, technicians can make one service call instead of two because they’ll know exactly what the problem is and have the parts they need on the first trip to the farm, saving the farmers money and giv-ing them less downtime.

For farmers supporting a family – like McCarty, who with his wife has adopted two girls from China and a boy from Ken-tucky – that’s an advantage they don’t want to miss.

Veni Sales, 33, top, reaches down to grab a stick full of burley tobacco from Pat Zoglmann while hanging the leaf in a barn on Todd Bridge Road.

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By Jacqueline Jordan

Glenn Higdon, founder and CEO of LinGate Hospitality, has long known the value of a dollar. He started working sum-mers on his uncle’s farm when he was just ten years old. During the school year, he worked at a local barbershop after his classes, sweeping hair and shining shoes. He continued to work part time posi-tions through high school and in college, he supported himself with three jobs — all while remaining a full-time stu-dent. After starting his own hospitality business with just one property in 1985, LinGate Hospitality now manages 19 hotels around the country, including the new 109-room Courtyard by Marriott on Highway 54 in Owensboro. It’s that level of work ethic that earned Higdon the title of Entrepreneur of the Year.

By working a variety of jobs at an early age, Higdon learned the importance of responsibility. He also learned that he wanted to work for himself, he said in his award nominee interview.

“To be successful, I believe you need a strong work ethic,” Higdon said. “I feel in-tegrity, honesty and loyalty to the people you work with is crucial.”

He added that he also thinks it is es-sential to lead by example because it helps develop a strong work atmosphere, which translates into excellent service for your customers.

Like many in the hospitality and travel industry, LinGate Hospitality was dealt a crippling blow in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks as people were reluctant to travel. Higdon said many companies and organizations dramatically cut back or eliminated busi-ness travel, while group and leisure travel seemed to evaporate into nothing. Hig-don’s company was on the verge of losing two hotels.

With non-recourse debt on the prop-erties, Higdon and his investors were not liable for the loans. He could have walked away, leaving the hotel to pick up the pieces. Instead, he developed a plan to pay the loan down and guided the busi-ness through it’s most difficult time.

On one property, Higdon proposed a

Entrepreneurship

Glenn Higdon, founder and CEO of LinGate Hospitality, won the honor of Entrepreneur of the Year from the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

Entrepreneur of the year:Glenn Higdon

Page 40: 2012 Owensboro Magazine

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reduction of the interest rate and inter-est-only payments for three years. This prevented foreclosure on the hotel. After three years, the company sold the hotel to their benefit and continue to manage the property. No employees were laid off or lost their jobs due to financial hard-ship.

The second property was just a week from foreclosure when Higdon proposed a similar plan. This time, he also contact-ed the franchise company and convinced them to eliminate the royalty fees for four years. They agreed and ten years lat-er, the company still owns the hotel and it’s doing well.

Through creative thinking and dedica-tion to their work, LinGate came through a tough economic era with no loan de-faults, foreclosures or lost franchises and never laid off an employee.

Under Higdon’s leadership, the com-pany has developed, acquired and man-aged hotels in Texas, New Mexico, Colo-rado, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas. Eighteen of the hotels in their current portfolio are in the Mar-riott and Hilton families.

Not only does Higdon shine in the business world, he’s also an impressive philanthropist.

As an alumnus of Western Kentucky University, Higdon is active in supporting the university through the Foundation Board, the Advisory Board, Health and Human Service Stakeholder Board and Investment Committee WKU. In 2006, he and wife Mary founded the Glenn and Mary Higdon Football Scholarship pro-gram.

On top of his community involve-ment, Higdon encourages his corporate staff and hotel employees to support lo-cal organizations.

“To be successful, I believe you need a strong work ethic,” Higdon said. “I feel integrity, honesty and loyalty to the people you work with is crucial.”

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L-R: Larry and Rosemary Conder, Riverwalk Properties, and Jarred Bowman, Vice President, Loan Offi cer, Independence Bank. Used with permission.

A BANK THAT PEOPLE TRUST? NOW THERE’S A REVOLU TIONARY IDEA.

Not only was I surprised that a local bank could compete with the bigger banks on rate, but they too shared my vision and were involved with our project from start to fi nish and still continue to support my local businesses.

Larry Conder, Riverwalk Properties

TO JOIN UP, VISIT 1776BANK.COM Member FDIC

Entrepreneurship

Diamond Lake shinesBy Jacqueline Jordan

Long-established Diamond Lake Resort had a tarnished reputation when Brian and Janice Smith pur-chased the outfit in 2005. Today the business is back on it’s feet as a pre-mier recreation location in Daviess County, due in large to the Smith’s attention to detail and knowledge of their business.

When the couple bought the resort it had failed six times in five years, Brian Smith said, and there was not much business to improve upon. He thinks they were fortunate, in some ways, to start from scratch. As a result, the resort will host 13 major events this year, including Grillin’ & Chillin’ (Kentucky state barbecque championship), Owensboro Gran Prix, Street Legends car show and the American Cancer Society fundraiser Relay for Life.

They alspo had to improve the neglected property’s reputation. They did this not only through marketing, but by being involved in the day-to-

day operation of the facility and stay-ing in contact with their customers to learn what they did or didn’t like.

Since then, they’ve been getting feedback through their website and Facebook page, and try to take cus-tomers’ suggestions. From suggestions have come the creation of a swim-ming pool, pedal boats, golf carts and even an ice-cream parlor.

The Diamond Lake Resort Good Time Theater, a 749-seat live-music venue was remodeled and opened two years ago. This season it will play host to more than 18 shows.

The Smiths weren’t always in the resort business. Brian Smith got his start as a maintenance man for a bank in California. Janice Smith started in the quality assurance department of an aircraft corporation, where she learned just how much the details matter.

Through hard work and a love for what they do, the Smiths were able to turn their dream of owning their own business into a thriving reality.

Diamond Lake owners Brian and Janice Smith stand by the resort’s front lake. The business was recently named Small Business of the Year.

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By Jacqueline Jordan

It takes more than a fancy camera to produce a stunning video. It requires pas-sion for the art, attention to detail and a love of creativity — basically, it takes Michael Hicks, founder of A Unique Video Produc-tions.

While still a student at Western Kentucky University, Hicks started filming events and weddings. The referrals poured in and after graduation in 1995 he was able to turn the part time gig into a thriving business. Since then he has tackled everything from wedding videos and web-videos to niche DVDs and more.

He’s had videos featured on national tele-vision but a real shining point in his career came after producing a video of the Univer-sity of Kentucky’s seven basketball champi-onships. The video was played at a fundraiser where UK coach John Calipari congratulated him on his good work. Hicks lengthened the video and Team Marketing, a part of Wax-Works/VideoWorks, distributed the video nationally.

That made him think bigger about his business and want to work on a wider level,

Hicks said. He has since worked on music doc-umentaries, workout videos and much more.

As with any high tech industry, there’s a constant struggle to keep up with chang-ing technology. Hicks said A Unique Video produces films that can be used on websites, Facebook and cell phones through web-video capabilities. Needless to say, the trade has changed since the VHS days and Hicks has learned to adapt through constant equipment upgrading.

Of course, it isn’t just about the equip-

ment, it’s about the producer.Hicks has learned to work with each cus-

tomer to determine what they desire from their product. Then he uses his storytelling style to piece together something both he and the client can be proud of.

Hicks passions don’t stop there as he is also dedicated to giving something back to the community. He has worked with The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, The Ow-ensboro Symphony Orchestra, The Alma Randolph Foundation and many others.

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Entrepreneurship

Creating a ‘unique’ business

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to the NeighborhoodWelcome

W ith all the southern charm of a small town, Owensboro delights residents and visitors with the many benefits of a larger city. As the fourth largest city in Kentucky, Owensboro offers a wide variety of living, dining, shopping and entertainment options. And with the U.S. 60

Bypass connecting the city’s four corners, everything is literally only 15 minutes away.The friendliness of the community permeates its neighborhoods as residents greet each other, providing a

sense of familiarity and comfort. Part of the Owensboro charm is the variety of housing options for families of any size. The many neighborhoods in Owensboro offer safety and beauty, and are largely unaffected by national real estate trends. Parks, pools, walking and biking trails and tennis courts are common in neighbor-hoods.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2010 American Community Survey, there are 41,452 total housing units in greater Owensboro.

The median home value is $104,200, but total home values range from less than $50,000 to $1 million or more. There are 30,676 owner-occupied homes in the area.

There are 14,721 individuals paying rent in the Owensboro area. They pay a median $606 per month, with prices ranging from $200 to $1,500.

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TheSummit

The Summit is a family golf community in east Daviess County which has been provid-ing a unique lifestyle for residents since 1993. Community ammenities include a world-class golf course, clubhouse, swimming pool, excersise room amd tennis courts. Neighborhood children attend nearby Eastview Elementary School, then Daviess County Middle School and Daviess County High School.

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From design to detail…• At Martin Custom Building, we insist on quality• We revere thoughtful design• We are uncompromising in our specifi cations and selections• We demand superior workmanship at all times• Lots available in Creek Haven, Hunters Ridge, and Lake Forest

or we will build on your lot!• We offer: ~ Custom home developments ~ In-house drafting and design ~ A counselor to guide you in selections, budget and fi nancing ~ An experienced job superintendent ~ Walk-thru inspections ~ A custom service program ~ A true custom home with a unique design in fl oor plans, elevations,

kitchens, baths, moulding, stairways and much more

…experience the difference for yourself!

Mike & Bruce Martin (270) 926-2060

Building In: Hunters Ridge

Lake Forest Creek Haven

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In Lake Forest, residents are just minutes from a wide variety of dining, entertainment and shopping options. Students in the neighborhood attend Daviess County Public Schools starting with Highland Elementary School, then Daviess County Middle School and Daviess County High School.

Lake Forest

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There’s a Jagoe HomeThat is Perfect for You.Jagoe builds award-winning homes in an array of styles and price ranges, from charming starter homes to custom, craftsman-inspired designs. There is an Energy Smart, quality-constructed Jagoe home that’s perfect for you.

New Jagoe homes are backed by our Builders Quality Home Warranty, and all Jagoe homes benefit from a full-time service and warranty department. Visit our website and chat live with online sales consultant Jennifer! Just look for this chat icon!

Build Where You Want.Jagoe will build on the homesite of your choice! Build on your own lot or let us help you find the perfect spot. The Jagoe design team will work with you to customize your floorplan – or work with our architectural design team to custom-design your dream home.

For more information, including the option to chat with Jennifer, our Online Sales Consultant, visit

Homes from the $140s2801 Avenue of the Parks

270.852.3900

Homes from the $100s2259 Village Run270.852.3900

Homes from the $230s2833 Brooks Parkway

270.926.0065

Homes from the $140s2325 Deer Valley Blvd.

270.485.2348

Come See these Featured Communities in Owensboro!

Visit www.JagoeHomes .com for a full list of Model Home locations in your area!

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Keeneland Trace

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3317 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301

(270) 684-2100

For All Your Real Estate Needs! Call or Click

www.Century21Partners.com

BUY – BUILD – REMODELChoose A Registered Builder & Remodelor

Professionalism. Reliability. Peace of Mind. Don’t Accept Less.

Home Builders Association of Owensboro3515 Wathens Crossing

(270) 688-0353www.HBAO.com

Telephone

AT&TResidential service toll-free in Kentucky: 1-877-757-6500Residential service toll-free out-side Kentucky: 1-800-477-4459Business service toll-free in Kentucky: 1-866-620-6000Business service toll-free outside Kentucky: 1-800-947-8398

newspaper

Daily local news for the greater Owensboro area is provided by the Messenger-Inquirer. Call (270) 926-0123 to have the print edition delivered daily, or log on to www.messenger-inquirer.com to subscribe to the online edition.

Cable Television

Time Warner Cable100 Industrial BoulevardOwensboro, KY 423011-888-683-1000

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cuts • sprains • colds & flu • physicals • xrays on-site

852-1632 2200 East Parrish Hwy. 54 • Building C

WALK-INS WELCOME! NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY!

OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8-7 • SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8-3

If you are new to Owensboro or Daviess County, here is some information to help you get moved in.

Moving InElectric

Owensboro Residentsowensboro Municipal Utilities2070 Tamarack RoadOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 926-3200omu.org

Daviess County ResidentsKenergy3111 Fairview Drive(270) 926-4141kenergycorp.com

Water

Owensboro Residentsowensboro Municipal UtilitiesOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 926-3200omu.org

Daviess County Residentssoutheast Daviess County water District(270) 685-5594 oreast Daviess County water association(270) 281-5187

Natural Gas

atmos energy2401 New Hartford RoadOwensboro, KY 423021-888-954-4321atmosenergy.com

Sewer

regional water resource agency1722 Pleasant Valley RoadOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 687-8440rwra.org

Broadband

Broadband services are available from a variety of sources. High-speed Internet, including cable modem, DSL and wire-less are available throughout Owens-boro and some county locations. Here are a few of the many providers.

norlight1-877-472-3341 or norlight.com

Time warner(270) 852-2000

aT&Twww.bellsouth.com/DSL

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We make selling your home a lot less complicated.

270.684.6221 3424 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42301

www.RealLivingHomeRealty.com

To sell your home, you'll need more than yard signs and advertisements. You need a Sales Associate who will work as your Trusted Advisor, Skilled Negotiator

and Expert Facilitator ®. Your Real Living Home Realty Sales Associate can help

you sell your home more quickly and easily. Call us and we’ll put Premier Service® to work for you!

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FiddlesticksSingle Family Homes,

Estate Homes, & Townhomesfrom the low $200’s.

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Thorobred Crossing Single Family Homes

& Townhomesfrom $127,000.270-852-6626

The DownsSingle Family Homes

from the $220’s.270-683-7979

Keeneland Trace Single Family Homes

from the $130’s.270-316-1222

ThompsonHomesInc.com

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SPORTING GOODS

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& APPAREL”

5040 FREDERICA STREET(In Front of Towne Square Mall)

PHONE 926-8956

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Republic Bank offers the best personal& business banking services in town!

We were here for you yesterday.We are here for you today.

We will be here for you tomorrow.®

Source:Highline Financial, LLC, 2011as published inABA Banking Journal | April 2011

SHIRLEY CECILVP, Chief Market Officer

Owensboro270-926-1014

Now with aniPhone and

Android App!

Now with aniPhone and

OWENSBORO3500 Frederica St. .......... 684-33333332 Villa Point Dr. ......... 683-2699

* Message and data rates may apply from your wireless carrier.

Covington Ridge is a community nestled in the country just west of Owensboro. Students in the neighborhood attend Daviess County Public Schools starting with Audubon Elementary School, then Col-lege View Middle School and Apollo High School.

Covington Ridge

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Owensboro’s historic Griffith Avenue neighborhood is located in the heart of Owensboro. Most homes sit back from the street on oversized lots with mature trees. Children in the area are in the Owensboro Public Schools and attend Sutton Elementary School, the Owensboro 5/6 Center, Owensboro 7/8 Center and Owensboro High School.

Olde Stone at Griffith

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By Dr. Larry D. Vick

Owensboro Public Schools strive to en-sure that every student has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential and be suc-cessful in a global society, and that means providing the tools to put the world at their fingertips.

In the fall of 2011, OPS 5th through 12th grade students became the first in the country to receive MacBook Air laptops with Mac OS X Lion, the world’s most advanced operating system. The proficient use of a computer is no longer an optional skill. It is rapidly becoming essential for sat-isfactory educational progress.

Putting a laptop into the hands of our students beginning in 5th grade — when they have sufficiently mastered reading and math skills — means that usage of modern technology will be integrated into their thinking. When our students graduate from high school they will be responsible digital citizens and proficient computer us-ers. Academic success for every student is our goal. The laptops have become a tool of the trade.

The district serves a diverse student population and works diligently to meet the needs of every child whether academically advanced or academically challenged. We are committed to continuing to align curric-ulum to national standards and to provide the education necessary for today’s students

to be successful as they graduate from Ow-ensboro Public Schools.

As a way to monitor achievement, stu-dent growth in areas of math, reading and language usage is measured through the Measures of Academic Progress testing system. A key to meaningful instruction is tailoring individual instruction to this data and our schools are doing just that. Our elementary schools (K-4) are among the highest performing on state assessments.

To ensure continued success as students enter intermediate grades, all 5th through 8th graders attend Owensboro Middle School. Although 5th and 6th graders and 7th and 8th graders are housed in separate buildings, counselors and teachers work to-gether to align curriculum and to smooth

transition for students through those grades. Middle school students have the opportu-nity to participate in instrumental and cho-ral music, drama, team athletics, academic competitions and other clubs and organiza-tions.

Owensboro High School has a long tra-dition of excellence ranging from academics and the arts to athletics. The high school of-fers approximately 20 Advanced Placement courses each year. Well known for its ex-cellence in the arts, OHS provides the fine arts component of the Community Campus partnership among area high schools. In ad-dition to band, orchestra, visual arts, chorus, drama and dance, a unique technical the-atre/technical arts course provides students training and experience in set design, set

Education

High tech tools help teach

OPS enrollment – approximately 4,500 students Hager Preschool serves at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds

Elementary schools (grades K-4) – 5Middle schools (grades 5-8) – 2 campusesTraditional high schools (grades 9-12) – 1

Alternative schools (grades 6-12) – 1For more information visit owensboro.kyschools.us

OPS QUICK FACTS

Owensboro Middle School 5th graders Chloe Rafferty and Darrion Wimsatt are all smiles moments after receiving their MacBook Air laptops.

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construction and dressing, costume design, lighting design, sound design and publicity.

Routinely, Owensboro Public Schools produce National Merit Finalists, Gover-nor’s Scholars, Regional Academic All-Stars, state MathCounts winners, Duke TIP pro-gram participants, state music competition winners, academic team standouts and out-standing athletes, just to mention a few areas of excellence.

We believe that a balanced education that incorporates academics, the arts, essen-tial skills and extracurricular opportunities will provide students with the foundation they need to be successful. The nationally recognized OPS Instructional League for elementary students encourages physical ac-tivities intended to help establish a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Numerous sports opportunities are available to students.

Our greatest resource is our highly skilled and caring teachers, excellent support staff and a dynamic administrative team. Special Education Director Kim Johnson received

the national 2011 “Outstanding Special Education Administrator of the Year Award” from the Council of Administrators of Spe-cial Education. Owensboro High School

principal Anita Burnette was the 2010 “Ken-tucky High School Principal of the Year.”

Dr. Larry D. Vick is Superintendent of the Owensboro Public Schools

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Owensboro Public SchoolsA Tradition of Excellence

visit us online at: www.owensboro.kyschools.us

450 Griffith Avenue, Owensboro, KY • Phone 686-1000

Junior April Morphew shows her new MacBook Air laptop to Owensboro High School Principal Anita Burnette. Mrs. Burnette was named “Kentucky High School Principal of the Year” in 2010.

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Preparing for successBy Mike Gray

The mission of the Daviess County Public Schools district is to prepare stu-dents to succeed for life.

Our parents and community already know that DCPS is recognized across the state and nation as a leader in education. Our students’ classroom achievements are exceptional.

But success at the K-12 levels are not enough ... for us, for our community, or for our students … because we know our students are going to transition to col-lege and the workplace in just a few short years.

Far more than any pop quiz or state assessment, we believe “real life” is the true test of a quality education!

We take our role and responsibil-ity very seriously. The DCPS district has worked closely with representatives from higher education and business/industry to develop a new “measuring stick” for success.

Skills that have been identified as crucial for success today — and tomor-row — include critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication.

We know the workplace has evolved dramatically in recent years and is still changing. DCPS has accepted the chal-lenge of recognizing that preparing stu-dents to successfully meet the expecta-tions of college and career will require a change in the K-12 classroom as well.

We believe we can do this by focusing

our vision on these areas:• Meeting the individual needs of stu-

dents• Ensuring quality instruction• Developing a learning communityOur strategy for achieving those goals

includes an emphasis on the “new” Three R’s — Rigor, Relevance and Relationships — which we believe form the foundation of teaching and learning.

Parents’ greatest areas of concern are proactively and successfully addressed in

DCPS enrollment – 11,434 students in grades P-12Elementary schools (grades P-5) – 12

Middle schools (grades 6-8) – 3Traditional high schools (grades 9-12) – 2

Non-traditional high schools (grades 9-12) – 1For more information visit dcps.org or e-mail [email protected]

DCPS QUICK FACTS

West Louisville Elementary School’s Ryan Ash, in white, waves his small American flag during the school’s eighth an-nual Veterans Day celebration.

Education

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Everyone has wings.A disability need not keep anyone from using them.

That ’s where we come in.

815 Triplett Street . Owensboro, Kentucky270-683-4517 . www.wfcampus.org

Outpatient Services . Assistive TechnologyResidential Programs

Daviess CountyPublic Schools

“Preparing StudentsTo Succeed For Life”

1622 Southeastern ParkwayP.O. Box 21510

Owensboro KY 42304-1510Visit us online: www.dcps.org

For information about DCPS: (270) 852-7000 or [email protected]

Developing ... Challenging ...Preparing ... SUCCEEDING!

the DCPS district. Parents have the right to know their children are being educat-ed in a safe, caring and positive environ-ment that encourages individual growth, and this is a priority across our district.

Parents are certainly aware that their children will live and work in a very com-petitive world. The DCPS district has re-sponded to these challenges by ensuring that our students are prepared for college and career – beginning from the time a student is enrolled in preschool or kin-dergarten, and continuing at every step along the way.

DCPS led the way in the development of the Community Campus program – a “Next Generation Learning” initiative that has gained national attention. In this innovative concept, high school students have the opportunity to explore areas of interest outside the traditional classroom walls. These Next Generation learning environments may be in the workplace or in the world of virtual learning, and may take place during the day, during the evening hours or on weekends. It’s a “real life,” hands-on learning experience for our students – and they have the potential to earn college credit, technical certifica-tions and/or work experience along the way. Internships and culminating projects are an important part of this experience.

Community Campus academies in-clude STEM (Science, Technology, En-gineering, Mathematics); Theatre Arts; Construction, Trades and Energy; Life Science and Biomedical; and Business/En-trepreneurship.

Supporting partners include the Greater Owensboro and Hancock County Economic Development Corporations, Owensboro Medical Health System, the RiverPark Center, Owensboro Community and Technical College, Brescia University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and many others. In addition, the DCPS district part-ners with four other local high schools/dis-

tricts to ensure that high school students across the region have access to the finest resources and opportunities available in their fields of interest.

The Daviess County Public Schools district has established a tradition of ex-cellence in education. We are changing to meet the changing demands of a changing workplace and world! But one thing never changes, and that is our commitment to providing the very best education possi-ble for the students entrusted to our care.

Mike Gray is Interim Superintendent of Daviess County Public Schools

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An education in valuesBy Karen Gross

“With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments” Psalm 119:10

The Owensboro Catholic Schools are com-mitted to instilling values, morals and proper attitudes. Owensboro Catholic upholds a stan-dard of order and discipline to teach students responsibility, accountability and respect. We prepare each student for life in this world and in Eternity with the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church.

Integrating the Catholic Faith and Tradi-tions are part of every aspect of OCS. The Owensboro Catholic Schools focus on four pillars – Daily Faith Formation, Academic Ex-cellence, Championship Caliber Athletics and Award Winning Extracurricular Activities.

Faith formation includes many activities in addition to coursework. Activities include weekly mass, sacramental preparation, service projects and grade level prayer days and days of recollection.

OCS exceed the average composite scores at the region, state and national levels on nationally-normed standardized tests. The OCHS Class of 2011 scored an average ACT composite score of 22.3, exceeding national and state averages.

Keeping up with best practices, current re-search and continuous improvement is funda-mental for a successful curriculum for all stu-dents. For the K-6 grade levels, iPod touches have been integrated into the curriculum as a method of review of basic concepts, such as addition and multiplication facts.

The athletic program through OCS devel-ops God-given talents in leadership and self-discipline, work ethic, drive and determination. The Football Aces finished their season as state runner-up and the 2A player of the year award went to a Football Aces team member. The 3rd Region Girls Volleyball Player of the Year honor went to a Lady Aces team member. The Girls Basketball team earned their first state title in the All ‘A’ Classic. A Lady Aces bas-ketball player was named 3rd Region player of the year. A Boys track and field team member earned the state title for the pole vault compe-tition. The Fast Pitch Softball team continues

Mrs. Lily Barr assists Isaac Settle with his Spanish homework.

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3361 Buckland Square | Owensboro, KY 42301 Accredited Member, ACICS | Financial Aid available for those who qualify

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to be the most winning program in the state, earning its 11th straight Regional Title. Our athletes continue to earn accolades at the lo-cal, regional, and state levels.

Extra-curricular activities give students countless opportunities to share their gifts and talents. The 4th/5th grade academic team won district and regional titles. Other OCS Academic teams are very competitive at the regional and the state level. The OCHS Com-munity Problem Solving Team r-OK? were named State Grand Champions and earned 4th place in the International Competition. The team worked with the city government and waste management to promote easy to use curbside recycling. The Marching Aces earned 8th place in the state with the pro-gram, “Outbreak.’

Students in the OCS system are commit-ted to giving back to their community. Service projects are an integral part of their education.

The Owensboro Catholic Schools have led the way in communication with its stu-dents, families and the general public. We utilize Facebook, Twitter, YouTube along with a free iPhone app. Most recently, OCS released a mobile version of its website for easier use on smart phones. The address is www.m.owensborocatholic.org

Enrollment on the opening day of the 2011 school year for K-12 totaled 1353. This was an increase over the start of the 2010 school year.

PrIvATE SCHOOLS

Heritage Christian SchoolPre-school to 8th grade3585 Thruston-Dermont Rd.Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 685-4002www.hbcowensboro.org/school

Majesty AcademyKindergarten to 12th grade2600 New Hartford Rd.Owensboro, KY 42301(270) 926-9014

Maximilian Montessori Academyand Triplett High SchoolPre-school to 12th grade801 Old Hartford Rd.Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 683-8814www.max-academy.orgwww.triplettschool.org

Students at the OCS Elementary K-3 Campus sing in the choir for the Mass.

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Postsecondary EducationPostsecondary Education

By Kristi McCabe

Higher education options abound in Ow-ensboro, and the city has a lot to brag about when it comes to providing a quality college experience that is close to home. With many schools to choose from, Owensboro resi-dents need not travel far when considering post-secondary education.

Daymar College is a destination for stu-dents seeking a small environment and a hands-on approach to learning. Daymar offers night and weekend classes to fit the needs of its students, and provides career training with a personal touch.

Western Kentucky University-Owens-boro has been educating students for over 40 years, and now has an Owensboro loca-

tion. WKU-Owensboro works closely with area community colleges to aid with student transfers, and is both a viable and affordable option for those seeking bachelor’s degrees.

Kentucky Wesleyan College, Brescia University, and Owensboro Community and Technical College celebrated milestone events in 2011, and are looking toward the future.

Kentucky Wesleyan College offers 40 majors and eleven pre-professional curricu-lums; all of the school’s athletic teams com-pete in the NCAA Division II. For students looking for a small atmosphere that packs a big punch, KWC delivers.

Dr. Craig Turner became KWC’s new president in 2011, and identifies Kentucky Wesleyan’s value for the community as be-

ing three-fold. “There is an economic value, since we

employ people who spend their money within the community,” said Turner. “The second component is the ‘human value’ we bring to the community, since many of our students and staff members volunteer for lo-cal organizations. Finally, KWC sponsors a wide range of cultural events, which brings cultural enrichment to the community.”

Looking to the future, Dr. Craig Turner is certain that Kentucky Wesleyan will con-tinue to grow and change, in order to meet the needs of its students.

“What we must do is move forward with our technology with programs that make sense for the 21st century,” Turner explained. “We are constantly anticipating what the

Higher education institutes continue growth

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Chelsie McCaslin ’10Accepted to U of L School of Medicine for Audiology Doctorate Program

Explore theBrescia

Difference.

Offering more than 40degrees through on-campus

and on-line formats.

717 Frederica Street,Owensboro, KY 42301

1-877-BRESCIAwww.brescia.edu

world will demand from our graduates, and working hard to make sure they are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Brescia University had a lot to celebrate in 2011, with its freshman enrollment being the largest since 1979. Brescia is the only Catholic university in western Kentucky, and was founded nearly 60 years ago by the Ur-suline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph.

Father Larry Hostetter, president of Bres-cia, revealed the four characteristics of the Brescia difference, which set it apart from other schools.

“One characteristic is that we believe each student is made in the image and like-ness of God,” Fr. Hostetter remarked. “The second is our devotion to lifelong learning, which stems from our Ursuline tradition. The third is our commitment to helping our students grow in moral virtue. And the fourth is our promotion of servant leader-ship. We encourage our students to get in-volved in their communities and to make a difference.”

“In the years to come, we hope to make people aware the unique educational expe-rience Brescia has to offer,” noted Hostetter. “The faculty and staff at Brescia are dedicat-ed to excellence, and to giving personal at-tention to each student. That is the Brescia difference.”

Owensboro Community and Technical

Brescia University freshman basketball player, Zac Brown passes the time texting Tuesday afternoon on the quad.

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K E N T U C K Y W E S L E Y A N C O L L E G EExceptional Preparation

Why Kentucky Wesleyan? “The renowned science department made the choice easy.”

Why Johns Hopkins University? “After exceptional preparation at KWC and an exceptional experience at the OCRP, I’m ready for the next step.”

Meet Lauren SeberMagna cum laude chemistry graduate, 2009

Researcher, Owensboro Cancer Research Program, beginning in 2008

Johns Hopkins University master’s program in biotechnology, Fall 2011

Get more information at www.kwc.edu/prepare

OWENSBORO

College (OCTC) kicked off 2011 by cel-ebrating its 25th anniversary, with the inau-guration of new president Dr. James Klauber.

“Our theme for the year has been ‘Achieving for silver, reach for gold,’” Klau-ber commented. “We’ve had a lot to cel-ebrate.”

OCTC’s mission is to provide workforce development training through workforce solutions programs, and to be the “educa-tion workforce and economic development leader for the community.”

“This is how we want the community to view us,” said Klauber. “We tailor our pro-grams to meet the needs of local businesses and industry; that is our goal.”

“Our programs provide the high-wage, high-tech jobs of the future, and we will continue to see the demand for those jobs increase in a knowledge-based economy,” Klauber continued. “We are working hard to fulfill this mission as we celebrate our 25th year, and we will continue to do so in the future.”

It’s clear that Owensboro residents need not travel far from home to receive a quality higher education experience, and that Ow-ensboro’s colleges and universities will con-tinue to reach higher and evolve to prepare their students for the world of tomorrow.Kentucky Wesleyan College students, Emily

Hayden, 20, left, and Eva Tullis, 21, share a light moment on campus recently.

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Students walk towards the Winchester Center on the Kentucky Wesleyan College campus recently.

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Small Business

Evolution in printBy Kristi McCabe

Carl Greenwell, of Greenwell-Chisholm Printing Company, has spent a lifetime in the printing business: literally. Greenwell recalls sweeping floors at the age of five before work-ing his way up to become a leader in the com-pany.

“If I didn’t sweep up a big enough pile of dirt, I didn’t get my nickel,” Greenwell laughed, reminiscing about his early days working for the family business. “I eventually earned an accounting degree from Brescia, and then worked both inside the company and in outside sales. I’ve done it all, starting from the very bottom and working my way up.”

Carl’s father, Norbert Greenwell, joined the company in 1951. Norbert Greenwell came back to Owensboro after serving in the military to help run the family business.

“My father has since passed away,” Carl Greenwell explained. “So now it’s just me and Tony Trego, our Vice President. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished here, and we hope to remain a viable part of the Owens-boro business community for years to come.”

Greenwell-Chisholm first opened its doors in 1919, and was started by the late Emmett Greenwell and the late Paul E. Chisholm. Ch-

isholm combined his experience in typesetting for the Owensboro newspaper with Green-well’s experience as circulation manager, and a lifelong partnership was formed.

“In those days, everything was letter press,” Carl Greenwell noted. “They used hand-set type and Gutenberg printing presses. Things have evolved quite a bit, and our company has changed with the times. We run an en-tirely different kind of business now than we did back in the days before computers.”

In 1994, Greenwell-Chisholm moved its location to Parrish Avenue, and sold its former location on 9th Street to Brescia University. The company has grown so rapidly, however, that Greenwell now rents the building from Brescia and uses it for mailing and fulfillment.

“When we moved to our current location, we doubled the size of our business,” said Greenwell. “Within five years, we had out-grown this location, and we now run three divisions.”

Just like any other industry, the printing business is ever-changing, and the introduc-tion of computers meant that companies like Greenwell-Chisholm had to evolve, or be left behind.

“Printing used to be a craft, and print-ers were thought of as craftsmen,” explained

Tony Trego. “Then automation took hold, and everything changed rapidly. We had to adapt.”

One of the company’s latest innovations is its cross-media marketing program, which helps clients link print with the Internet, mo-bile web sites, text messaging, and other new technologies. Options such as mobile PURL (personalized URLs for direct marketing) platforms, Facebook integration, and PayPal integration are some of Greenwell-Chisholm new offerings to help their clients with “smart marketing.”

In addition to its full-service printing and mailing services, Greenwell-Chisholm also of-fers customized promotional products. The company is certified as a G7 Master Printer, and was recognized in 2009 with the “Best of the Best” honor in the Best Workplace in the Americas program. Greenwell-Chisholm is also a member of both the Forest Steward-ship Council and KY Excel (KY Excellence in Environmental Leadership.)

Besides developing new technologies, Greenwell-Chisholm also keeps current by continually expanding its customer base.

“We do a lot of business in the tri-state area,” noted Tony Trego. “And we have some national accounts, including Domtar. Many people think the Internet has cost printing

Carl Greenwell, left, is pictured with Greenwell-Chilsom Printing Company vice president Tony Trego.

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Fine Furniture & Clothing ConsignmentSince 1971

‘We Are Downtown’

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companies business, but that is actually not true; it has opened a lot of doors for new business.”

Being environmentally-conscious is on everyone’s minds, and Carl Greenwell en-courages his employees to recycle, reward-ing them for their efforts.

“We recycle everything, including news-papers, aluminum cans, batteries, card-board, and even fluorescent light bulbs,” said Greenwell. “The money we earn from recycling goes into a fund and we divide it among our employees at Christmas. We think it is important to sustain environmen-tally-responsible business practices.”

Looking to the future, Greenwell-Ch-isholm will continue to evolve and adapt its business to the ever-changing needs of its customers.

“There is an old adage in business that you are either growing or dying,” said Carl Greenwell. “We have to keep changing, or we will become extinct.”

Greenwell continued, “Over one-third of printing companies in the nation have gone out of business in recent years. It is not cheap to move into the next realm, but we have done it, and will continue to do so. We will keep moving forward to meet our customers where they are.”

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Industry

Soybean industry thrives with Owensboro Grain

By Benjamin Hoak

Drive east on Third or Fourth Street in downtown Owensboro on a busy day during the fall harvest season and you’ll likely see a line of semi-trailers full of soybeans stretch-ing for blocks. While they might be a mild annoyance to drivers, the trucks are a sign that Owensboro Grain – and the community as a whole – is alive and well.

Family owned since 1907, the company that anchors the east end of downtown pro-duces an array of products from soybeans, including soybean meal, hull pellets, refined vegetable oil, biodiesel and lecithin.

Thanks to a worldwide need for soy-bean meal and an Environmental Protection Agency mandate to reduce carbon emissions

nationwide (thus increasing the demand for biodiesel), the last four years of the compa-ny’s 100-plus years have been its most prof-itable, according to Chief Financial Officer Jeff Erb. “It’s been unbelievable,” he said.

With a crushing facility directly on the Ohio River (off Second Street) and a refin-ery and biodiesel facility on Ewing Road on the west side of town, Owensboro Grain is perfectly positioned to send their products out by river, rail or truck. “The river is our highway to the world,” Erb said.

Large agricultural companies like ADM and Cargill buy soybean meal from Ow-ensboro Grain to fill their ocean-going ves-sels. Because of the Ohio River, Owensboro Grain can easily ship product to destinations such as New Orleans and Houston before it

ends up in global spots as far flung as Central America and the Far East.

Due to its high protein content, soybean meal (“the primary driver of the company,” Erb said) is used primarily as one of the best animal feeds around the world. “There’s very little serious competition,” Erb said.

Owensboro Grain processes a 60 pound bushel of soybeans into 44 pounds of meal, 11 pounds of oil and four pounds of hulls (fiber), selling all three products. Take out processing costs and the cost of the beans, and you’ve got their profit or “crush margin.”

When farmers sell their beans to Ow-ensboro Grain, they can get paid that day or they can choose deferred pricing, which allows them to be paid the price of beans on any one day they choose until January 3 of

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the next year – an advantage if beans become scarce and prices rise.

Erb said Daviess County is the largest soybean producer in the state of Kentucky. Farmers can bring in as much as 200,000 bushels a day during harvest, and Owensboro Grain crushes about 36 million bushels a year. Despite that, they still only comprise about two percent of the soybean crushing industry.

In Owensboro Grain’s oil refinery, work-ers introduce hexane to soybean meal, which draws the oil out before they sell the meal. Production of soybean oil has waned over the last five to 10 years (there’s more competition for oil than for meal), but the company began producing biodiesel in 1995 as yet another way to profit from soybeans. Owensboro Grain now sells three and a half to four mil-lion gallons of biodiesel a year (about 30 mil-lion pounds). The fuel, also called soy-methyl-ester, is then blended into standard diesel fuel to produce cleaner fuel.

The added value of biodiesel became clear within the last few years as the EPA mandated that companies reduce carbon emissions dras-tically. Since the mandate is basically forc-ing companies to buy biodiesel, Owensboro Grain has been well-positioned to take advan-tage of the market.

The Owensboro facility is the only major biodiesel plant in Kentucky, and one of the few companies selling biodiesel by barge; a barge holds 400,000 gallons, as opposed to a tanker truck, which holds about 6,000 gallons.

The company also produces lecithin, an emulsifier from inside the soybean that is used, among other things, to coat CDs and DVDs for protection.

Owensboro Grain employs about 150 people and experiences very low turnover, Erb said. Employees tend to stick around for a while (the accounting, financial and hu-man resource department employees all have at least 20 years of experience) because the company is good to them. “They’re tremen-dously qualified and loyal,” Erb said. He him-self has been working at the company for the last 24 years – since he was 29 years old.

The company recently built brand new headquarters just across Second Street from their crushing facility. Constructed partly with insurance money as a result of tornado damage to their previous office, the modern building consolidates offices and is built for growth.

While area farmers are free to sell their beans wherever they want, many still choose Owensboro Grain. “We distinguish ourselves on services,” Erb said. “We do a very fair job with farmers.”

As for the company itself, “It’s tremen-dous,” he said. “It’s an honest company with good people.”

Truck drivers Danny Kerr, left, Finley Ledford, middle, Tim Mid-dleton, all from Sonora, enjoy a laugh while waiting in line for tractor-trailers to empty grain in the hopper at Owensboro Grain. Kerr works for Hodges Inc. and Ledford and Middleton work for Greenwave Farms. “They are our neighbors,” Kerr said. Ledford said he was going to take soybean hulls over to Mount Vernon, Ind., after he completed the corn haul.

Daniel Dick, Agent 270.686.7676

www.danieldick.net

3101 Alvey Park Drive E ● Owensboro Next to 54 Pizza Express

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1PERMITTING

OwensboroCityLimitsCounty BusinessLicenseBusinessLicense (270)687-8530 AlcoholicBeverageControlLicenseAlcoholicBeverageControlLicense (270)687-8537 OccupationalLicenseOccupationalLicense (270)687-8534

2. will you be using an existing building or building a new one?

ExistingNew Planning&ZoningPlanning&Zoning (270)687-8650 FireInspectionFireInspection (270)687-8404 Building&ElectricalPermit (270)687-8661 ElectricalInspection (270)687-8537 BuildingInspection (270)687-8665

LOCALutILItyINFOrmAtION

owensboro Municipal Utilities2070 Tamarack RoadP.O. Box 806Owensboro, KY 42302-0806Phone: (270) 926-3200Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri.Service(s) provided: Electric, water, com-mercial fiber optic services and sign-ups for sewer and sanitation in Owensboro.Requirements to obtain service(s): Must be in the OMU service area and must bring the following to the OMU office: 1. Valid picture I.D. 2. Proof of property ownership, or 3. Letter of credit from previous utilityFee(s) required to obtain service: There is a $5 per meter connection fee and a deposit may be required for those who lease their building or residence.

Kenergy Corp.6402 Old Corydon RoadP.O. Box 18Henderson, KY 42419-0018Phone: (270) 926-4141Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon. - Fri.Service(s) provided: ElectricityRequirements to obtain service: Must show picture I.D. and supply social security num-ber when applying for service.

regional water resource agencyAdministration Building:1722 Pleasant Valley RoadOwensboro, KY 42303Phone: (270) 687-8440Permitting/Engineering:2101 Grimes Ave.Owensboro, KY 42302Phone: (270) 687-8452 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri.Service(s) provided: RWRA is the local pro-vider of regional comprehensive wastewater collection, treatment and transmission ser-vices. Sewer connection permits are issued at 2101 Grimes Avenue (Joseph Murphy Building). Industrial discharge permits are issues at 1722 Pleasant Valley Road.Fee(s) required to obtain service: Sewer connection costs vary, depending upon lo-cation, use and type of discharge. There are no costs involved in obtaining an industrial wastewater discharge permit.

City of owensboro101 E. Fourth St.P.O. Box 10003Owensboro, KY 42302-9003Phone: (270) 687-8534Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri.Service(s) provided: City business licensesRequirements to obtain service: Business location must first be approved by Planning and Zoning.Fee(s) required to obtain service: Fees are based on type of occupations.Business license form is available at www.owensboro.org.

aT&TThere is no local business officeBusiness service toll-free in Kentucky: 1-866-620-6000Business service toll-free outside Kentucky: 1-800-947-8398Corporate Affairs: (270) 926-2737Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat.Service(s) provided: Local residence and business connections, e-commerce services, Web design and hosting, dedicated and dial-up Internet access, digital and data services, wireless communications and local long dis-tance.Requirements to obtain service: Services can be obtained over the telephone or by Internet. Basic credit information (source of income, social security number, etc.) is re-quired to determine if a deposit is necessary.Fee(s) required to obtain service: Installa-tion fees and monthly recurring charges are based upon the service ordered. Billing ar-rangements can be made for the one-time charges.

atmos energy2401 New Hartford RoadOwensboro, KY 42303Phone: (270) 685-80241-888-954-4321 (Customer Service)Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon. - Fri.Service(s) provided: Natural gasRequirements to obtain service: Social se-curity number

answer the following questions to determine what permits you need to launch your business

1. will your business be in the city of owensboro or Daviess County?

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owensboro Metropolitan planning Commission101 E. Fourth St.P.O. Box 732Owensboro, KY 42302-0732Phone: (270) 687-8650 for planning, zon-ing, subdivision, addresses, street accessPhone: (270) 687-8665 for building plan review and building/ electrical permitsPhone: (270) 687-8656 for housing im-provement programsHours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.Service(s) provided: Countywide Planning/Zoning status & changes; zoning develop-ment plan approval; land subdivision plat approval; conditional use permits; vari-ances; major street access approval; street address assignments; FEMA flood insurance rate maps available for public inspection. Countywide building/electrical (exclud-ing city of Whitesville) plan review; build-ing and electrical permits and inspections; zoning administration. City of Owensboro Community Development Block Grant administration; housing improvement pro-grams; property maintenance inspections.Requirements to obtain service: Submis-sion of appropriate application form and fee for items involving review and approval; requests for basic information may be an-swered immediately. Refer to OMPC Form 311 for a flowchart that summarizes the building approval process. This form advises you, prior to submission of building plans, to check whether the current zoning is ap-propriate for the intended use or a zoning change is needed, whether a lot division or consolidation is necessary, and whether a conditional use permit or variance is re-quired for the proposed building project.Fee(s) required to obtain service: Refer to OMPC Form 107 for filing fees for plan-ning/zoning items, which vary by applica-tion type. Refer to OMPC forms 303 and 323 for building/electrical fees, which vary by project type and size. OMPC forms are available at www.iompc.org.

3. research the necessary state licenses and permits.

The Fast Track Business Regis-tration Program site offered by the state of Kentucky provides a comprehensive list of licenses and permits based on the type of business that you will be start-ing. For detailed information visit http://sos.ky.gov and click on “FastTrack”onestop.htm

Wesleyan Park Plaza

2730 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301 270.686.0001

www.lancecojewelers.com

Owensboro City Slickers pulls ahead of Daymar College’s team during the Dragon Boat Festival on the Ohio River along the English Park’s boat ramp.

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Owensboro at-a-Glance

is the industrial and cultural hub of western Kentucky. Located along the southern banks of the Ohio River, Owensboro is the fourth largest city in terms of population in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It is also centrally located to many of the largest metropolitan areas in the Midwest and the southern United States. Owensboro is located 32 miles southeast of Evansville, Ind.; 134 miles north of Nashville, Tenn.; 109 miles southwest of Louisville, Ky.; 209 miles southeast of St. Louis, Mo.; and 209 miles southwest of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Owensboro enjoys a diverse economic base. Of the 45,130 people who work in Daviess County, less than 25 percent work for the county’s 10 largest employers.

HistoryAnthropologists suggest western Kentucky — including the Owensboro area — may have been home to Native American cultures for as long as 12,000 years. More recently, the re-gion served as home and hunting ground for the Shawnee and other tribes, who lived here until territorial disputes forced them north of the Ohio River in 1758.

The first known settlers of European de-scent came to Owensboro in the late 1790s. Local legend has it that in 1798 or 1799, a trapper named William Smeathers built a cabin along the river, near the present loca-tion of the Executive Inn. Over time, a com-munity grew up around the cabin, first called Yellow Banks, then Rossborough, and finally

Owensboro, in honor of Colonel Abraham Owen.

Daviess County — Kentucky’s 58th — formed in 1815 and was named in honor of Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, although the spelling was later modified.

ClimateBetween moderately cold winters and warm, humid summers, the greater Owensboro area experiences a wide temperature fluctuation. The average annual temperature is 58.4 de-grees, with extremes of 105 degrees in 1954 and 1944 and a low of minus 21 degrees in 1951. In the winter, the average temperature is 39.6 degrees, and in the summer 76.9 de-grees is the estimated average. Temperatures are generally highest in July and August and

lowest in January. The average annual rainfall for Daviess County is 44.27 inches.

MediaDaily morning newspaper service for in-depth local news and regional and national news is provided by Owensboro’s Messenger-Inquirer.

The Owensboro market is served by five broadcasting networks located in Evansville, Ind., including WEHT-Channel 25 (ABC), WFIE-Channel 14 (NBC), WTVW-Channel 7 (Fox), WAZE-Channel 19 (The CW) and WEVV-Channel 44 (CBS).

OCTV is a community cable television station run by Owensboro Community & Technical College and airs a variety of com-

Headlights from cars traveling along West Second Street in front of the state office building Thursday evening create streaks of light in this long exposure photo.

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munity events. More than 20 radio stations serve the

greater Owensboro area offering local news headlines and a variety of News/Talk, Coun-try, Top 40, Oldies, Light and Rock formats.

AgricultureDaviess County ranks first among Ken-

tucky counties in total soybean production and third in total corn production. More than 84 percent of the land in Daviess County is devoted to agriculture.

Business and IndustryThe Owensboro area serves as the indus-

trial hub of Western Kentucky, with major in-dustries including aluminum, steel, distilling, mining, automotive manufacturing and natu-ral gas transmission. Locally produced com-modities include automotive components, meat products, smokeless tobacco, office furniture, spaghetti sauce, bourbon whiskey, chemicals, large steel vessels, grain processing, refined oil, paper, plastic extension and case-ment windows.

TransportationLocal passenger and charter air service is

available at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport. The airport has two con-crete runways measuring 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The longer runway has a full-instrument landing system that provides all-weather ca-pabilities.

Allegiant Airlines provides non-stop ser-vice to Orlando Sanford International Air-port with two weekly flights on Wednesday and Saturday, and provides nonstop flights to and from Las Vegas on Mondays and Fridays..

Cape Air provides 18 nonstop flights per week to Lambert-St. Louis International Air-port.

Owensboro is served by an excellent high-way system. The Audubon and William H. Natcher Parkways are designated as Interstate spurs and provide connections to Interstate highways in the south and west. U.S. High-ways 60, 231 and 431 provide direct access in all directions, including a direct connection to I-64 via the William H. Natcher Bridge.

Four of the several dozen common car-rier trucking companies serving Owensboro maintain local terminals. CSX Transportation provides the city with mainline rail services.

The Owensboro Riverport Authority is an international port and is designated as a Foreign Trade Zone.The Riverport provides barge, rail and storage facilities. The city of Owensboro operates a city-wide bus service, and private taxi, rental car and luxury limou-sine services also are available.

Cost of Living Residents of Greater Owensboro enjoy

some of the lowest cost of living anywhere. In particular, the cost of utilities (electricity, water and sewer) are some of the lowest in the nation.

The American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) produces the ACCRA Cost of Living Index to provide a measure of living cost comparisons among urban areas. The index measures relative price levels for consumer goods and services in more than 300 participating areas. The average for all participating areas equals 100 and each participant’s index is read as a per-centage of the average for all areas. As shown below, greater Owensboro costs are lower than the average in every category.

Type PercentageAll items 94.9Grocery 98.5Housing 93.4Utilities 84.7Transportation 96.2Healthcare 89.8Miscellaneous 97.2

GovernmentThe city of Owensboro operates under a

city manager form of government where an elected mayor and four elected city commis-sioners appoint a city manager. The mayor is elected to a four-year term, while the com-missioners each serve two-year terms. The current mayor began his term in 2009. The commissioners began their service in January 2011. The city’s Web site is www.owensboro.org.

Daviess County is part of Kentucky’s

Kentucky Wesleyan College’s Bret Duncan attemts to catch a pass while under pressure from Indianapolis’ Craig Ray.

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Tom Watson, C.P. and Jeff Phelps, B.S., C.P.O.

Celebrating 30 years of serving our patients

WHERE QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE MAKE

THE DIFFERENCECelebrating 30 years of

serving our patients

Since the 1980’s the highly skilled practitioners and

dedicated supp ort staff of Tom Watson’s Lab have been providing

prosthet ic and orthot ic devices for our patients.

Tom Watson’s Prosthetics & Orthotics Lab70 Years of Combined Practitioner Experience

OWENSBORO EVANSVILLE 2819 W. Fourth Street 2616 S. Green River Road Owensboro, Kentucky Evansville, Indiana 270-684-6128 812-471-1234

www.tomwatsonslab.com

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county fiscal court system and is represent-ed by an elected judge/executive and three elected county commissioners. Each county official serves a four-year term. The current fiscal court began its term in January 2011. The county’s Web site is www.daviessky.org.

ChurchesOwensboro is served by more than 150

Protestant churches of 22 different denomi-nations, 18 Catholic churches and one Jewish Temple.

Education Two public school systems, Owensboro

Public Schools and Daviess County Pub-lic Schools, plus the parochial Owensboro Catholic School system comprise the K-12 education system in the community. Heri-tage Christian School and Majesty Acad-emy provide Christian education. Hastings’ Early Learning Center offers the Montessori Method of education for preschool children. The Maximilian Montessori Academy offers the Montessori Method of education for pre-school through 8th grade. And Triplett High School offers the Montessori Method for 9th to 12th graders.

Owensboro is home to two four-year liberal arts institutions — Brescia University and Kentucky Wesleyan College. Each has an enrollment of approximately 800 students and Brescia offers some graduate-level degree

programs. Owensboro Community & Technical

College is one of 16 colleges in the Kentucky Community & Technical College System and is one of the fastest growing colleges in the system.

The Business and Industry division of Owensboro Community & Technical College offers the Work Keys assessment tests which can be used to determine in-dividual skill levels for certain jobs. Free training for individuals to improve their scores and improve their employability is also available.

Western Kentucky University offers extensive undergraduate and graduate programs in Owensboro. In 2010, the first building for a new Western Kentucky Uni-versity satellite campus opened on U.S. 231. The project was funded locally by Daviess County Fiscal Court and calls for additional buildings.

Murray State University also offers classes in Owensboro.

Daymar College is a private career col-lege that offers a variety of training and certifications.

Sports & EntertainmentThe greater Owensboro area has excel-

lent public recreation facilities sponsored and maintained by the Owensboro Parks and Rec-reation Department and the Daviess County

Parks and Recreation Department. Facilities include numerous parks, play-

grounds, swimming pools, golf courses, disc golf courses, tennis courts, softball and base-ball diamonds, basketball courts, soccer fields, nature trails, a municipal ice center and a greenbelt trail for biking and walking. There are two softball complexes, a soccer complex, a youth football complex and sand volleyball courts. At least four play-grounds are equipped for the physically disabled.

The Owensboro Sportscenter is a 5,500-seat air-conditioned auditorium/arena maintained by the city. Ben Hawes Park has two golf courses.

Owensboro is home to the Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers men’s basket-ball program. With eight NCAA Division II championships, 18 Final Four appearanc-es and more tournament victories than any other NCAA school, KWC is THE winter sports event in Owensboro.

Some of the area’s private recreation facilities include three country clubs with golf courses, five swimming pools, 12 indoor movie theaters, three bowling facilities, a large YMCA, the OMHS HealthPark and indoor and outdoor tennis courts.

FestivalsOwensboro is known as Kentucky’s “Fes-

tival City.” Festivals and special events fill

The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden on the west side of Owensboro offers events and festivals throughout the year.

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much of the Owensboro area’s calendar. One of the biggest and best known is the Inter-national Bar-B-Q Festival, which takes place downtown the second weekend each May. Thousands of hungry barbecue lovers sample mutton, chicken and burgoo served up by cooking teams participating in the event. The festival includes musical entertainment, car-nival rides and more than 100 booths selling handmade arts and crafts.

Throughout the summer, a variety of musical styles can be enjoyed at free Friday After 5 concerts each Friday evening on the downtown riverfront. Other events include the International Bluegrass Music Museum’s River of Music Party (ROMP) each June, the Daviess County Lions Club Fair in August, Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival in October, Winter Wonderland in November and De-cember and many more.

Arts & Cultural Attractions

Owensboro boasts some of the best arts and cultural activities for a city its size in the country. Whether your interests lie in muse-ums, music, art or theater, Owensboro has it.

The curtain is always rising on a new event at the RiverPark Center on the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro. The RiverPark Center includes a 1,500 seat multi-purpose audito-rium, an experimental theatre that seats up to 300, lobbies and support facilities, a riverfront plaza, an open-air courtyard, and meeting/re-ception rooms. Each year, the RiverPark Cen-ter hosts more than 150 performance events and more than 900 private and civic events.

The RiverPark Center is home to several local performing arts organizations includ-ing the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Owensboro Dance Theatre, the Owensboro Community College Oak Island Theatre and the Owensboro Concert Association.

Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is cel-ebrating more than 40 years of presenting community theatre to greater Owensboro. Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is housed in the Old Trinity Centre, is a registered historic landmark.

Bill Monroe, known as the “father of blue-grass music,” was born and raised in Rosine, Ky., just a short drive from Owensboro. That tradition is still alive and well in the area and is celebrated at the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which displays the history of bluegrass music through interpretive exhibits, posters, costumes and instruments. Other lo-cal bluegrass events include museum jam ses-sions, the Yellowbanks Dulcimer Festival at English Park and the annual ROMP! River of Music Party bluegrass festival.

The Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History and the Wendell Ford Govern-ment Education Center is one of the finest facilities of its kind in the region. Among the

features of the museum are historic memora-bilia, including arts, crafts and antiques, as well as natural history exhibits and an indoor play area.

The museum’s SpeedZeum exhibit cel-ebrates the rich racing heritage of the region, covering everything from Soapbox Derby to local dirt track auto racing to NASCAR, mo-torcycle racing to hydroplane boats. With six active NASCAR drivers and countless crew members in service in NASCAR’s various racing circuits, Owensboro claims one of the highest levels of motorsports participation of any city in the country.

The Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts is housed in two historic structures — the Carn-egie Library and the John Hampden Smith

House, which dates to the Civil War. The museum features a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries, decorative arts dating back as far as the 16th century, and the spectacular Stained Glass Gallery. The museum also fea-tures traveling exhibits and hosts educational youth tours during the school year.

The Daviess County Public Library pro-vides services to the entire county population from a facility located in the center of Owens-boro. The library provides a wide array of ser-vices, including materials in all formats for all age groups; reference and information services; Kentucky history and genealogy research services; interlibrary loan; pro-gramming for children and adults; home

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bound delivery service; public access Inter-net; dial-in access to the on-line catalog; fax and photocopy services; and outreach services to schools, daycare and headstart centers, and other community agencies. About 275,000 people visit the library each year.

Healthcare Owensboro Medical Health System

(OMHS) is committed to providing health education, prevention, early intervention and wellness programs in addition to high-qual-ity, cost-effective inpatient and outpatient services. At all locations, OMHS offers state-of-the-art technology with a medical staff of 130+ physicians representing a wide range of specialties. This not-for-profit regional health care provider serves 13 counties in Kentucky and southern Indiana. The main hospital, lo-cated at 811 East Parrish Avenue, is licensed for 469 beds. A new facility on the eastern

edge of Owensboro is currently under con-struction.

The OMHS HealthPark was established in 1998 to improve the health of the com-munity. Located at 1006 Ford Avenue, the HealthPark includes a health and fitness cen-ter, a diagnostic center, a health resource cen-ter, outpatient therapy services, a chapel and physician offices.

Several walk-in clinics for illness or mi-nor emergencies are located throughout the community and operated by a variety of pro-viders.

The OMHS Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center provides centralized, quality, local care to cancer patients in the region.

River Valley Behavioral Health provides mental health, substance abuse and mental retardation/developmental disability services in a seven-county area. Its facility in the Cigar Factory Complex contains the agency’s offic-es for outpatient therapy, case management,

DUI education, prevention center/library and administrative services. River Valley also provides residential programs as well as inpa-tient treatment for children ages 5 to 18 at River Valley Behavioral Health Hospital.

Wendell Foster’s Campus for Develop-mental Disabilities is a private, non-profit therapy, training and residential facility for children and adults with developmental dis-abilities. The center also offers outpatient services, including physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

The 63-bed residential facility is the only such facility in Kentucky specializing in resi-dential training and individualized therapy for people diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The facility emphasizes training and development of each individual to help them reach their maximum potential. Houses on the perim-eter of the campus provide independent liv-ing and assisted living opportunities for 19 additional adults.

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By The Numbers

quick FactS Business Cost Kentucky Index, 2008 (U.S. = 100.0) Labor Cost 93 Energy Cost 71 Overall Business Cost 90 Kentucky is tied for the 9th lowest overall business cost in the nation. Gross State Product Per Wage, 2008 Kentucky $2.16 U.S. $2.17 Industrial Electric Cost Per KWH, 2008 Kentucky $0.05 U.S. $0.07 Kentucky has the 8th lowest cost for industrial electric power amongst the 50 states. Daviess CountyStatistical Summary Population 2010 Daviess County 95,944 Labor Market Area 482,785 Daviess County Per Capita Income 2008 $33,278 Median Household Income 2009 $43,031Median Home Price 2009 $108,700 Total Available Labor 2010 Daviess County 4,528 Labor Market Area 23,902 Unemployment Rate 2010 Daviess County 9.2 Labor Market Area 9.1 U.S. 9.6 Average Weekly Wage 2010 Daviess County $666 Labor Market Area $745 U.S. $899

populationPopulation by Race and Hispanic Origin, 2009 Daviess County Labor Market Area Number Percent Number PercentWhite 88,655 92.9 444,457 92.4Black 4,748 5.0 26,503 5.5Asian 633 0.7 3,795 0.8AmericanIndian/AlaskanNative 164 0.2 914 0.2NativeHwaiian/PacificIslander 41 0.0 193 0.0Other/Multirace 1,153 1.2 5,401 1.1HispanicOrigin 1,784 1.9 7,842 1.6Note: Hispanic is not a race category. A person can be white, black, etc. and be of hispanic origin. Source: Applied Geographic Solutions, Simi Valley, Ca. Population Projections 2015 2020 2025 DaviessCounty 96,931 98,507 99,890Source: Kentucky State Data Center, University of Louisville.

buSineSSMajor employers in the greater Owensboro areaOwensboroMedicalHealthSystem RegionalHospital 3300DaviessCountyPublicSchools CountySchoolSystem 1785USBankHomeMortgage MortgageProcessing1022OwensboroPublicSchools PublicSchoolSystem 778SpecialtyFoodGroup Processedmeatproducts 450Wal-Mart(2stores) Retail 541UnileverFoodsNorthAmerica Pastaandsimmersauces 475OwensboroCommunity&TechnicalCollege 494CityofOwensboro CityGovernment 481CommonwealthofKentucky StateGovernment 471ToyotetsuMidAmericaLLC Automotivestampingsandwelded assemblies 390TitanContracting Specialtymechanicalconstruction350UniFirst Uniformdistribution 341Kimberly-ClarkCorp Tissuepaper&towels 337PremiumAlliedTool MetalStamping 250SwedishMatchNorthAmerica SmokelessTobaccoproducts 354

Boardwalk NaturalgasPipelineHeadquarters 228OwensboroMunicipalUtilities PublicUtilities 250Metalsa TruckFrameManufacturer 230GreenRiverDistrictHealth HealthDepartment 224AT&T Nationaldirectorycallcenter 158Sazerac Bottling/warehouseplantofwhiskey, gin,etc. 215MPDInc. CommercialTubesandComponents, microwave&policeradarequipment, breathanalyzers,ceramics&ceramic tometalseals 230MilesFarmSupply FarmServices 175SouthernStarCentralGasPipelineInc. Headquarters 429CRSOneSource Wholesalefood,equipmentand suppliesanddistribution 150OwensboroGrain Soybeanprocessor 159SaraLeeBakeryGroup Wholesaleproducerofbreadand bunproducts 150Source: Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation.

Summary of Recent Locations and Expansions, 2007-Present

Reported Companies Jobs InvestmentManufacturingLocation 1 28 $25,000,000ManufacturingExpansion 28 548-572 $112,791,786Supportive/ServiceLocation 1 3 $8,000,000Supportive/ServiceExpansion 6 212-825 $33,165,075Note: Totals include announced locations and expansions.Source: Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (8/15/10).

Selected Market CentersPercent of U.S.

Within 600 Miles of Owensboro

Population

44%

Personal Income56%

Retail Sales

41%

ManufacturingEmployment

52%

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Highway Distance to Selected Market CentersCity Miles 1.Atlanta,GA 3782.Baltimore,MD 7133.Birmingham,AL 3244.Boston,MA 1,0595.Buffalo,NY 6426.Charlotte,NC 5137.Chicago,IL 3288.Cincinnati,OH 2099.Cleveland,OH 45510.Columbus,OH 31511.Dallas,TX 73812.Detroit,MI 47013.Houston,TX 85914.Indianapolis,IN 17815.Jacksonville,FL 72616.KansasCity,MO 45117.Lexington,KY 17918.Louisville,KY 10919.Memphis,TN 29120.Minneapolis,MN 74921.Nashville,TN 13422.NewOrleans,LA 66423.NewYork,NY 85024.Norfolk,VA 75225.OklahomaCity,OK 70326.Omaha,NE 64127.Philadelphia,PA 77728.Pittsburgh,PA 49529.St.Louis,MO 20930.Wichita,KS 647Source: ESRI ArcView Streetmap, 2007.

WorkForceCivilian Labor Force Daviess County Labor Market Area 2009 Sept. 2010 2009 Sept. 2010 Civilian Labor Force 48,557 49,314 244,695 243,364Employed 43,967 45,130 222,385 222,107Unemployed 4,590 4,184 22,310 21,257 Unemployment Rate (%) 9.5 8.5 9.1 8.7Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Labor market counties are composed of counties which significantly exist within the sixty (60) minute drive range of the originating county’s county seat. A county will be included within the radius if the centroid point of a county (a point representing the center of the geographic area of a county) falls within the drive zone. Additionally, all contiguous counties will be classified as part of the labor market with the exception of non-Kentucky contiguous counties which have been excluded by the above mentioned 60-minute drive range and have a border with the Mississippi and/or Ohio Rivers.

Employment by Major Industry by Place of Work, 2009 Daviess County Labor Market Area Employment Percent Employment PercentAllIndustries 42,309 100.0 210,025 100.0Agriculture,Forestry, 123 0.3 617 0.3FishingandHuntingMining 167 0.4 N/A N/AConstruction 1,997 4.7 11,430 5.4Manufacturing 5,547 13.1 32,012 15.2Trade,Transportation,andUtilities 9,379 22.2 41,575 19.8Information 504 1.2 3,305 1.6FinancialActivities 2,315 5.5 8,389 4.0Services 14,645 34.6 77,752 37.0PublicAdministration 1,347 3.2 5,228 2.5Other 8 0.0 N/A N/A Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average Weekly Wage, 2009 Daviess Co. Kentucky U.S. Ohio AllIndustries $657 $731 $876 $787Agriculture,Forestry, 596 582 503 509FishingandHuntingMining 1,014 1,215 1,644 1,190Construction 686 832 946 907Manufacturing 862 923 1,056 985Trade,Transportation,andUtilities 645 674 750 699Information 698 791 1,330 979FinancialActivities 756 947 1,343 1,032Services 513 650 791 712PublicAdministration 748 802 1,037 994Other 1,041 961 890 606 Indiana Illinois Tennessee VirginiaAllIndustries $736 $931 $774 $928Agriculture,Forestry, 580 597 500 505FishingandHuntingMining 1,112 1,160 1,099 1.158Construction 905 1,138 823 872Manufacturing 1,007 1,076 936 962Trade,Transportation,andUtilities 649 798 732 714Information 840 1,191 998 1,422FinancialActivities 908 1,533 1,091 1,189Services 638 842 704 913PublicAdministration 772 1,077 787 1,287Other 667 798 1,185 738Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Personal Income 2004 2009 Pct. Change DaviessCounty $27,602 $33,390 21.0%Kentucky $27,479 $32,258 17.4%U.S. $33,881 $39,635 17.0%LaborMarketArea$19,560-$33,149$23,089-$39,237Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.

LABORMARKETAREA

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Owensboro Eateries offer a wide variety of choices from pizza and family dining to world-famous barbecue, ethnic and gourmet foods. The following restaurants are members of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

Dining & Catering Guide

RestaurantsBee Bop’s

122 A West Second StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected], cheesesteaks, old-fashioned milkshakes, wraps, subs, paninis, french fries, soups and salads.

Bob Evans Restaurant3123 Kentucky 54Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 683-3515bobevans.comDine in, carry out, breakfast, lunch anddinner in a family atmosphere.

Buffalo Wild Wings4736 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected] winning wings and sauces,full menu and bar, sportsenvironment.

Chick-fil-A4601 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected]

City Subs & Salads3600 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected], wraps, paninis, cheesesteaks, sal-

ads, and real New Yorl catering for all occasions from NY Chef Marcelo Agu-

do.

Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits204 West Third Street

Owensboro, KY 42303-4121(270) [email protected]

Casual fine dining with extraordinary service. Delivery and catering available. Onsite banquet facility.

Cracker Barrel5311 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 684-4118

The Crème Coffee House109 East Second StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected]

Culver’s Restaurant3020 Highland Pointe DriveOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected] quick service restaurant with a family environment. Serving signature Butter Burgers, frozen custard, sandwiches, salads and dinners.

Denny’s Restaurant4545 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301-7438(270) 684-5488

El Tucan3600 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301 (270) 689-0954

Famous Bistro102 West Second StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected] a variety of Mediterranean cuisines and beyond.

54 Pizza Express3101 Alvey Park Drive EastOwensboro, KY 42303-2130(270) 683-5454Pizza Restaurant – eat-in, carry-out or delivery.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries2660 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 684-7888Burgers, fries and hot dogs

Fuji Japanese Steakhouse4028 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 685-0046Japanese steak, seafood and sushi.

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Great Harvest Bread Co.3211 Frederica Street, Suite GOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 691-0093greatharvestowensboro.comgagarrard@greatharvest.comScratch-made breads, cookies and sweets. Made to order sandwiches, hot or cold. Gift bags and baskets.

Harkleys3 3955 East 4th Street Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 240-5237

House of Canton, Inc.2845 West Parrish AvenueOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 683-7662Fine Chinese cuisine and buffet. Full-service bar.

Lee’s Famous Recipe Fried Chicken

1001 Burlew BoulevardOwensboro, KY 42303-1736(270) 685-4542Eat-in, drive through, catering for any size group.

Maloney’s Roca Bar3030 Highland Point DriveOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 684-8080Offering pizza, Italian salad, sandwiches, wings and entrees. Full service sports bar with 24 big screen TVs. Private banquet hall.

The Miller House 301 East Fifth StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 685-5878themillerhouserestaurant.comjkirktmh@gmail.comTraditional food with a southern flair. Full service catering. Private meeting rooms. Indoor and outdoor event space. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations available.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, Inc.2840 West Parrish AvenueOwensboro, KY 42301-2689(270) 684-8143moonlite.comA Kentucky tradition: Barbecue buffet, menu service, catering and carry-out. Voted best barbecue in Kentucky by Kentucky Living and Kentucky Monthly magazines.

Niko’s Italian Restaurant2200 East Parrish AvenueOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 852-1618nikositalianonline.comFull service restaurant servicing fine

italian and world cusine.

O’Bryan’s Bar & Grill7006 HWY 815Owensboro, KY 42303(270)229-9100Bar, grill, patio, lunch, dinner, live enter-

tainment, music, package beer.

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q, Inc.338 Washington AvenueOwensboro, KY 42301-5450(270) 926-9000Barbecue restaurant providing dining, carry out and catering.

Ole South Barbeque3523 Kentucky 54 EastOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 926-6464Providing barbecue buffet, carryoutservice & catering

The Olive Garden Restaurant5204 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 683-4848olivegarden.comGenuine Italian dining, complimentedby a great glass of wine, in a home like setting.

Pangea Cafe & Catering1320-B Carter RoadOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected] of the world creatively combined for your dining pleasure. Open Tues.-Sat.

Papa Murphy’s

3211 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 685-1800papamurphys.comTake N’ Bake Pizza

Penn Station East Coast Subs3525 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 683-1515psevansville.comQuick, casual dining, sandwiches, salads and wraps fresh-grilled to order. Fresh, hand-cut french fries, fresh squeezedlemonade. Catering and box lunch servicewith free delivery.

Pizza by the Guy1915 West Parrish AvenueOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected]

PizzaRoma1401 Carter Road and 3020 Hwy. 60 EastOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected], sandwiches, calzones, pasta, friendly atmosphere, great service. Locally owned for over 45 years.

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BurgooA Fine Tradition for Six Generations

338 Washington Ave. at 25th & Frederica • 926-9000

Mutton • Chicken • HamPork • Ribs • Beef

Dine In or Carry OutCustom Cooking & Catering

Gift CertificatesBanquet Room

“Where local Folks Bring Visitors for Owensboro’s Best Bar-B-Q”

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Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

3023 Highland Point DriveOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected] Mexican food.

Red Lobster Inns3410 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301-6083(270) 926-4045redlobster.comThe flavors and feelings of the seaside.

Salad World Cafe3500 Villa Pt Drive, Suite 102Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 689-3333saladworldowensboro.comSignature salads, wraps, pitas, sandwiches, soups and 1 lb baked potatoes

Salsaritas3500 Villa Point, Suite 101Owensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected] made-to-order meal prepared right before your eyes. Choose from burritos, nachos, taco salads, tortilla-crust pizzas and more made with a wide variety of fresh ingredients. Dine-in, carry-out guests and catering.

Shaker’s Pizza3118 Alvey Park Drive EastOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected], subs, wings, pasta, and desserts. Eat in, pick up or delivery.

Shogun of Japan5010 Wildcat WayOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 685-9980Japanese steak, seafood and sushi

Show-Me’s5000 Frederica Street, Suite 51Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 683-7788

Subway3739 U.S. 60, Suite AOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 684-1330subway.com

Taylor’s Bar & Grill2509 West Parrish Ave.Owensboro, KY 42301(270) 683-5577

Texas Roadhouse943 Mosely RaodOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 689-0086texasroadhouse.com

The Summit6501 Summit DriveOwensboro, KY 42303-9535(270) 281-4653summitky.comGolf and home development and restaurant.

T.G.I. Friday’s5135 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 686-1910fridays.com

Tumbleweed5257 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 685-4111tumbleweedrestaurants.comowensboro@tumbleweedinc.netSouthwest cuisine, catering, buffet, mesquite grill, carry out platters and margaritas.

Zaxby’s5030 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected]

CateringBee Bop’s

122 A West Second StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected], cheesesteaks, old-fashioned milkshakes, wraps, subs, paninis, french fries, soups and salads.

Bob Evans Restaurant3123 US Kentucky 54Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 683-3515bobevans.com

Canteen Service Co./At Your Service

P.O. Box 1785Owensboro, KY 42302-1785(270) [email protected], food management, catering, refreshment services.

Chick-fil-A4601 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected]

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Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits204 West Third StreetOwensboro, KY 42303-4121(270) 685-4239colbysfinefoodandspirits.comcolbysrestaurant@aol.comDelivery and catering available. Onsite banquet facility.

Famous Bistro102 West Second StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected] a variety of Mediterranean cuisines and beyond.

Fantasy Cupcakes1012 East Fourth StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected] cupcakes and imported espresso, tea, coffee and hot chocolatein a whimsical fantasy atmosphere. Available for parties and special events.

Great Harvest Bread Co.3211 Frederica Street, Suite GOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 691-0093greatharvestowensboro.comgagarrard@greatharvest.comScratch-made breads, cookies and sweets. Made to order sandwiches, hot or cold. Gift bags and baskets.

Harkleys33955 East 4th StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 240-5237

House of Canton, Inc.2845 West Parrish AvenueOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 683-7662Fine Chinese cuisine.

Just Rennie’s Catering100 Southeast 4th StreetEvansville, IN 47708(812) 401-8098justrennies.com.

Mattingly’s Ice Scupltures 815 Parkway DriveOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 313-8545mattinglyicesculptures.com

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, Inc.2840 West Parrish AvenueOwensboro, KY 42301-2689(270) 684-8143moonlite.comA Kentucky tradition catering more than just barbecue.

Niko’s Italian Restaurant2200 East Parrish AvenueOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 852-1618nikositalianonline.comFull service restaurant servicing fine italian and world cusine.

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q, Inc.338 Washington AvenueOwensboro, KY 42301-5450(270) 926-9000Barbecue catering.

Ole South Barbeque3523 Kentucky 54 EastOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 926-6464Providing barbecue catering.

Pangea Cafe & Catering1320-B Carter RoadOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected]

Penn Station East Coast Subs3525 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 683-1515psevansville.com

Pizza by the Guy1915 West Parrish AvenueOwensboro, KY 42301(270) [email protected]

Red Lobster Inns3410 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301-6083(270) 926-4045redlobster.comThe flavors and feelings of the seaside.

Salad World Cafe3500 Villa Pt Drive, Suite 102Owensboro, KY 42303(270) 689-3333saladworldowensboro.comSignature salads, wraps, pitas, sandwiches, soups and 1 lb baked potatoes

Salsaritas3500 Villa Point, Suite 101Owensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected] from burritos, nachos, taco salads, tortilla-crust pizzas and more.

Schnitzelbank Catering409 Third AvenueJasper, IN 47546(812) [email protected] mobile kitchens prepares food fresh and hot on the spot.

Texas Roadhouse943 Mosely RaodOwensboro, KY 42301(270) 689-0086texasroadhouse.com

T.G.I. Friday’s5135 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected]

Tumbleweed5257 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42303(270) 685-4111tumbleweedrestaurants.com/[email protected] cuisine.

Yummies by Yuck2922 Greenhill DriveOwensboro, KY 42303(270) [email protected] baked goods.

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Local people coming together is how things have gotten done in Owensboro for over a century. Th at’s why Independence Bank – a local community bank – is the best fi tfor our community project.

Malcolm Bryant, Th e Malcolm Bryant Corporation

L-R: Darrell Higginbotham, President, Loan Offi cer, Independence Bank; Malcolm Bryant, Th e Malcolm Bryant Corporation; and Mark Myrick, Vice President, Senior Lending Offi cer, Independence Bank. Used with permission.

Member FDIC TO JOIN UP, VISIT 1776BANK.COM

THE HEART OF THE REVOLU TION IS LOCAL REPRESENTATION.

Adult imunization management ................ 19Associated engineers inc. ............................ 9Audubon Area Community services, inc. ..... 9bb&t .......................................................... 31b.b.W. Properties .......................................... 6brescia university ...................................... 59brushwood Apartments ............................. 51Century 21 Partners, deborah nunley ...... 46City of owensboro..................................... 11Courtyard by marriott ................................ 29daviess County extension service ............ 35daviess County Public schools .................. 55daymar College .......................................... 57edward Jones ...............................inside backebelhar Whitehead, PllC ........................... 37elder Advantage .......................................... 26farm Credit services .................................. 37fern terrace ............................................... 25first security bank ....................................... 3fleet feet .................................................... 48hermitage Care & rehabilitation Center ... 27home builders Association of owensboro ............................................ 46independence bank .................................. ,80

international bar-b-Q festival .................... 20Jagoe homes, inc. ....................................... 44Just rennies ................................................ 21Kentucky Wesleyan College ....................... 60lance & Co. Jewelers ................................. 67martin Custom building, inc. ..................... 42norman King electric .................................. 9old hickory bar-b-Q, inc. ........................... 77omhs healthPark ...................................... 21owensboro museum of science & history .................................. 16owensboro Catholic schools .................... 57owensboro Community & technical College ....................inside frontowensboro/daviess County tourism ........ 10owensboro dermatology ............................ 1owensboro medical health system......................................................back Coveromhs healthPark ...................................... 23owensboro municipal utilities .................. 63owensboro museum of fine Art ................ 17owensboro Public schools ........................ 53owensboro symphony orchestra ............. 15Patti’s resale, inc. ....................................... 63

Progress Commercial Printing ..................... 2

rbs design group ..................................... 39

real living/home realty ........................... 48

republic bank ........................................... 49

serv Pro ...................................................... 63

southern star Central gas Pipeline, inc. .... 13

springs urgent Care ................................... 47

state farm insurance, daniel dick ............. 65

the summit ................................................ 24

thompson homes ..................................... 48

titan Contracting ....................................... 46

tom Watson Prosthetics ............................. 70

towne square mall ....................................... 7

us bank ........................................................ 6

Wendell foster’s Campus

for developmental disabilities .................. 55

Western Kentucky regional

blood Center .............................................. 31

Western Kentucky university .................... 61

Wright implement of owensboro ............. 34

YmCA ......................................................... 19

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