A new nonprofit named Downtown Owensboro has taken shape, aiming to promote the area by creating experiences, stimulating economic development, and fostering a vibrant community for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Officially launched in August, the organization aims to serve as a central advocate and unifying force for the downtown district.
Executive Director Drew Mitchell emphasized the importance of this initiative.
“The downtown area has been revitalized with significant investments, but we need a coordinated effort to ensure businesses thrive,” Mitchell said. “The idea is to provide organization, structure, and a collective voice for our businesses, which are often small and underrepresented.”
The roots of downtown revitalization in Owensboro date back to the late 1970s, when a group of local business leaders formed Downtown Owensboro, Inc. Their efforts spearheaded projects such as the RiverPark Center and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Mitchell said that after a wave of public and private investment in the early 2000s, including a $250 million downtown renovation, a dedicated organizational focus on the district waned.
“By the mid-2000s, the downtown area lost a funded presence,” Mitchell explained. “Volunteer organizations tried to fill the gap, but without resources or consistent leadership, they couldn’t fully address the needs of downtown businesses.”
Downtown Owensboro’s resurgence as a nonprofit has been structured to ensure long-term success, Mitchell said. The organization is funded through memberships, public and private sponsorships, and in-kind contributions from partners. Sponsors such as Cromwell Media and Greenwell Chisholm have already pledged support, with more partnerships set to be announced.
“We’re not just here for a year,” Mitchell said. “Our goal is to plan for the next three to five years, creating a balanced approach where different events and initiatives benefit all sectors of downtown – whether it’s food and beverage, retail, or entertainment.”
The organization also has its sights set on joining the Kentucky Main Street Network, a statewide program that supports downtown development. Owensboro is currently the largest Kentucky city without representation in the network.
Downtown Owensboro is already making a mark through events including the Holiday Stroll, which took place last weekend. Featuring a variety of activities — including a coffee and hot cocoa stroll, a shop-local initiative, and a pub crawl — the event drew crowds to the area to highlight its offerings.
Another innovation is the introduction of a Downtown Owensboro e-gift card.
“Think of it as a Visa gift card, but it’s usable only at participating downtown locations,” Mitchell said. “This keeps money local and supports our community.”
The nonprofit is also utilizing mobile technology, launching GPS-enabled digital passes for events and scavenger hunts.
“These tools make it easy for visitors to navigate and engage with downtown businesses,” Mitchell said.
While Downtown Owensboro operates independently, it has forged strong ties with City leaders to align branding and goals.
“We are not a city organization, but we’re a partner,” Mitchell clarified. “The City has already done so much to support downtown through events like Hometown Christmas and the Air Show.”
Looking ahead, Downtown Owensboro plans to build on its early successes by fostering collaboration among local businesses and stakeholders.
“We want to be a force multiplier,” Mitchell said. “By amplifying efforts, we can create exceptional experiences that keep people coming back to downtown Owensboro.”
As the organization looks to solidify its impact, community members and businesses are encouraged to get involved through membership or donations.
“Every dollar counts,” Mitchell said. “We hope to announce a matching opportunity soon to double the impact of contributions.”
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