The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2025 Chamber Celebration on Thursday night, drawing more than 800 attendees to honor businesses, nonprofits, and individuals making a significant impact on the community.
“This celebration is about recognizing the entire tapestry of what makes our community so special — our businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and more,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber president and CEO. “It’s about creating optimism and connection, fueling current businesses, and inspiring the next generation.”
From a pool of approximately 100 nominees, the following honorees were recognized:
- Emerging Business of the Year: The Party Space Place
- Business of the Year (1-10 Employees): The Skin Therapist
- Business of the Year (11-50 Employees): Baird
- Business of the Year (50+ Employees): German American Bank
- Nonprofit of the Year (Fine Arts): Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens
- Nonprofit of the Year (Human Needs and Services): The Opportunity Center
- Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year: HealthForce KY
- Manufacturer of the Year: Mizkan America
- Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Don Mario’s
- Rick Kamuf Agri-Business of the Year: Daviess County Cooperative Extension
Other individual honors included:
- Chamber Director of the Year: W. Clay H. Ford
- Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Charlotte Newton
- Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year: Rafe Buckner
- Bill Young Community Leadership Award: Scott McCain
- Chamber Member of the Year: The Miller House
- Legacy Award: Anita Burnette
Brake emphasized the event’s deeper purpose.
“When you connect people and showcase their success, you inspire the next generation to dream bigger and work harder. That’s what fuels our economy,” she said.
The event was presented by Owensboro Health. Mark Marsh, president and CEO of Owensboro Health, reflected on the importance of the Chamber’s work and the role of collaboration.
“We’re fortunate to be part of this amazing community,” Marsh said. “Owensboro is unique in how people come together for the greater good. It’s truly special.”
Brake said the visual impact of the event was a standout feature thanks to Sally Ward, owner of Welborn Floral, who provided all the decorations for the evening. From centerpieces to up-lighting and elaborate backdrops, Ward and her team had full reigns on creativity.
“We look forward to this every year because it’s a celebration of the community and the businesses that support us throughout the year,” Ward said. “This year, they gave me a photo from a Vogue party in New York and asked me to replicate the look. I was able to source the same linens used in that event to make it truly spectacular.”
Ward added that her favorite part of the process is the creative freedom the Chamber grants her.
“Candance and Kitty always say, ‘Sally, just do what you do,’ and that trust allows me to make the event unforgettable,” she said.
The evening also featured a reception sponsored by Green River Distilling Company, a patio party sponsored by NextEra Energy Resources, and an after-party sponsored by Hartz Contracting, LLC.
Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce boasts nearly 1,000 members and foster growth in the region. The 2025 celebration underscored its mission to support excellence and innovation across all sectors.
As the evening concluded, the gavel was passed from 2024 Chamber Board Chair John Moore to 2025 Chair Olga McKissic.
Brake said the chamber celebration was a resounding success, shining a spotlight on those who make Owensboro a thriving hub of business, culture, and community.
