Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp

When it comes to finance, leadership, and public service, Angela Waninger sets the gold standard! ???? This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Angela, who was just named 2024 Finance Officer of the Year by the Kentucky Government Finance Officers Association! As Director of Finance & Support Services for the City of Owensboro since 2012, she oversees finance, HR, and IT operations, ensuring our city runs smoothly and efficiently. Her leadership extends far beyond Owensboro—she serves as KGFOA President, sits on multiple finance and retirement boards, and was recently recognized as one of The Kentucky Gazette’s 2023 Notable Women in Kentucky Politics & Government. Angela’s expertise and dedication are strengthening Owensboro’s future, and her recognition is well deserved. Congratulations, Angela, and thank you for #MakingOwensboroGreater! ?? #HerOBKY #WomensHistoryMonth

Grateful to celebrate the groundbreaking of UniFirst Corporation’s $28 million expansion project in the City of Owensboro—a powerful vote of confidence in our community, workforce, and shared future. With over 520 local employees and a facility expanding to nearly 470,000 sq. ft., UniFirst is investing not just in innovation and efficiency—but in the people and place that helped shape their success over the past 27 years. Thank you to the UniFirst team, local leaders, and partners who made this milestone possible. We’re proud to be part of the story. #EconomicDevelopment #MakingOwensboroGreater

This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to celebrate 4 of the 6 cabinet members leading Brescia University—a powerful example of women shaping the future of higher education right here in Owensboro-Daviess County! ?? Melanie Brooks, CFRE – Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Lori Etheridge – Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Dr. Lauren McCrary – Vice President of Executive Affairs/Chief of Staff Dr. Amanda Morris – Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean These women lead with vision, integrity, and purpose—and their impact reaches well beyond campus walls. Thank you for #MakingOwensboroGreater and inspiring the next generation of leaders every day! ?? #HerOBKY #WomensHistoryMonth

#FastFactFriday: Investing in Downtown Owensboro The City of Owensboro and Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) are working together to drive economic growth through the Downtown Small Business Subsidy Program. This initiative supports businesses and property owners in the Article 21 Downtown Overlay District with: ? Rental Assistance – Up to $25,000 over three years to help businesses relocate or expand downtown. ? Building Improvement Grants – 50/50 matching grants up to $25,000 for building and fa?ade enhancements. This is a great opportunity to bring new energy to Downtown Owensboro! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gr5FVQEQ #MakingOwensboroGreater

UniFirst Corporation’s roots in Owensboro-Daviess County just got even stronger. GOEDC’s President and CEO Claude Bacon shares his excitement and gratitude for this $28 million expansion in our community. #ThankYouUniFirst #MakingOwensboroGreater

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor Ruth Ann Dearness, a trailblazer in Kentucky’s hospitality industry and a lifelong leader in community service. Ruth Ann began her career in hospitality as General Manager of the legendary Executive Inn Rivermont—once Owensboro’s premier destination for entertainment, events, and out-of-town guests. She went on to spend over 20 years with Owensboro-owned LinGate Hospitality, managing the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront, Courtyard by Marriott Owensboro, Fairfield Inn by Marriott Owensboro, and Hilton Garden Inn Louisville East. Her leadership earned some of the industry’s highest honors, including Hotel of the Region, General Manager of the Year, and Marriott’s Chairman’s and Platinum Circle Awards, recognizing top-tier guest satisfaction. But Ruth Ann’s impact reaches far beyond the hotel lobby. She has shared her time and talents with nearly two dozen nonprofit and civic organizations, including the Owensboro Red Cross, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, United Way, Impact 100, and more. She also served as President of the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention Center Board, and has remained a passionate advocate for tourism, hospitality, and quality of life in Greater Owensboro. Her legacy is one of professional excellence, decades of service, and unwavering dedication to community. Thank you, Ruth Ann, for #MakingOwensboroGreater! #HerOBKY

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re proud to recognize the incredible women at Visit Owensboro—a dynamic team working every day to ensure our city leaves a lasting impression on everyone who experiences it. ?? Katelyn Weaver, Director of Visitor Services, ensures that every guest feels welcome in our city. With a background in customer service and a heart for hospitality, she’s the friendly face that helps turn first-time visitors into lifelong fans of Owensboro. Teresa Jones, Destination Account Executive, brings strategic thinking and a warm, relationship-driven approach to meetings, conferences, and new business development. Her goal? To deliver world-class experiences that make Owensboro shine on the regional and national stage. Kristina Collins, Destination Sports Sales & Business Development, brings passion and energy to sports tourism. A former NAIA Female Athlete of the Year, Kristina uses her background in athletics and communication to build strong connections with sports organizations and bring high-impact events to our community. These women play a key role in growing tourism, economic impact, and Greater Owensboro’s brand as a destination. Their talent, professionalism, and passion are helping make Owensboro greater every day. #HerOBKY #MakingOwensboroGreater

We’re having an energizing morning at Next Level Operations: How to Build a Thriving Business That Runs Without You with David Hasler and Drew Sutton. Grateful to our host Allyson Sanders with Bayside at The Party Space Place and our co-sponsor Kentucky Small Business Development Center for supporting local entrepreneurs. There’s more to come—stay tuned! #NextLevelOperations #Entrepreneurship #WorkforceDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #MakingOwensboroGreater

If you love live music in Owensboro, you already know Tamarra Brasher! ??? As owner of Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville and founder of PorchFest OBKY, Tamarra has cemented Owensboro as a true music destination. PorchFest started as a grassroots idea and is now one of the city’s largest annual events, drawing over 10,000 attendees. Meanwhile, Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville has become a downtown hotspot, bringing world-class live music to the heart of Owensboro. Her passion for music and community has elevated our local music scene, strengthened downtown’s economy, and helps make Owensboro a must-visit for music lovers. Whether you’ve been to PorchFest or a show at BLN, you’ve experienced the energy she brings to our city! ?? Ready for more? Catch a live show at Brasher’s or mark your calendar for PorchFest OBKY on June 14! #HerOBKY #MakingOwensboroGreater #WomensHistoryMonth

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Cheryl Burks-McCarthy, a dedicated leader in agriculture, families, and community engagement—and one of the warmest people you’ll ever meet! ???? As an Extension Assistant for All Programs at the UK College of Agriculture, Food & Environment (Daviess County Extension Service), Cheryl is passionate about connecting people with resources, building relationships, and strengthening communities across Kentucky. Whether she’s working with families, supporting local agriculture, or fostering collaboration, she does it all with kindness, energy, and a true love for people. Her leadership has been recognized statewide—she was named 2024 Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year and is one of only three selected from Daviess County for the 2024 Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX) cohort, a program bridging communities through collaboration and innovation. Thanks, Cheryl, for #MakingOwensboroGreater! ?? #HerOBKY #WomensHistoryMonth