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OCTC, Riverport Authority Launching CDL Academy

In October 2021, the Owensboro Community and Technical College will launch a Commercial Driver’s License Academy to help address the driver shortage in the region.

Offered through OCTC’s Workforce Solutions division, this regional CDL driving academy is possible through a public partnership with the Owensboro Riverport Authority (ORA) and will offer both CDL Class A and Class B certification training. 

OCTC’s multi-truck and trailer program received funding support from KCTCS-TRAINS and a no-cost lease agreement for the program’s required driving range through the Riverport Authority.

The CDL Driving Academy will place a heavy emphasis on work-and-earn sponsorships, apprenticeships, and post-training employer placement along with a full range of free career navigator services. 

In late September, there will be an employer awareness event hosted by OCTC and ORA, along with the Green River Business Service Team and related workforce development partners. The event is designed to highlight the CDL Driving Academy, funding opportunities, and the training and placement options available. 

Companies interested in CDL certification for new hires or incumbent workers may be eligible for state training funds, which would significantly offset training costs.

For more information, visit owensborotimes.com/cdl-academy. 

Governor Announces Skills Training for Over 18,000 Kentuckians

Progress is being made in the commonwealth’s mission of maintaining, developing and retaining its world-class workforce.

Last Thursday, Aug. 19th, the Governor announced that nearly 18,300 Kentuckians are expected to receive skills training thanks to support provided through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. (BSSC), a group connected to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development that helps private-sector businesses establish industry-specific training programs. 

In the fiscal year 2021, which ended June 30th, the BSSC board of directors approved roughly 6.1 million in funds and credits for 111 Kentucky facilities to train the 18,000-plus workers. Building on that momentum, the BSSC board approved more than 1.8 million in training funds and credits for nearly 4,200 trainees across 19 facilities on Aug. 4 during the first of four fiscal year 2022 meetings.

Employers across the state benefit from programs such as BSSC’s Grant-in-Aid (GIA), which provides cash reimbursements for occupational and skills upgrade training at Kentucky businesses, and Skills Training Investment Credit (STIC), which offers state income tax credits for companies to offset the costs for approved training programs. Applications for both programs are accepted and considered for approval by the BSSC Board of Directors. 

The types of operations that could qualify for BSSC incentives include manufacturing, agribusiness, non-retail service or technology, headquarters operations, state-licensed hospital operations, coal severing and processing, alternative fuel, gasification, renewable energy production, or carbon dioxide transmission pipelines. 

For more information or to apply for workforce training assistance, visit ced.ky.gov/BSSC.

Owensboro, Daviess County Continues to Grow

The continuous growth of Owensboro and Daviess County, Kentucky is what we continue to strive for as a region. We were excited to see the recent results of the United States Census 2020. Owensboro reported 60,183 residents and Daviess County reported 103,312 residents. Over the last 10 years, Owensboro and Daviess County have experienced a population growth of 4.8% and 6.4% respectively. Owensboro is the 4th largest city in the state of Kentucky (behind Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green) and the 629th largest city in the United States. 

Spanning over 22 miles, Owensboro has a population density of about 2,971 people per square mile. When comparing Owensboro’s population density to the other large cities in Kentucky, Owensboro has a smaller land mass. Example – Bowling Green, Kentucky (Kentucky’s 3rd largest city) – Bowling Green has almost twice the land while Owensboro reports having nearly twice the population density. 

For more in-depth information, visit census.gov/…sscountykentucky. 

 

Innovators Invited to Pitch Uses for Kentucky Bourbon Industry’s Surplus Stillage

With the number of Kentucky distillers increasing 250% the past decade, the need to address the industry’s spent-grain byproduct known as stillage has grown as well.

Now, innovators and entrepreneurs can submit creative ideas, technologies and solutions for expanded uses of distilling byproduct. Proposals are due by Aug. 30, when five winners will be selected to present their ideas at the reverse pitch competition Oct. 25 during the 25th Distillers Grains Symposium in Louisville to an audience of distillers and industry stakeholders. Among other prizes, the pitch competition winner will get the opportunity to work alongside distilleries and stakeholders across the state to implement their ideas for surplus stillage usage.

“Our state’s bourbon industry continues to grow at an incredible rate. That means more revenue coming into the state, more quality job opportunities for Kentucky residents and more global recognition for our outstanding brands,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “However, it also means a rise in byproduct within the industry, so we are asking people for their best ideas to use this stillage in ways that create jobs and moves Kentucky’s agritech industry forward. We’re building a sustainable economy that works for all Kentuckians, and that includes ensuring our industries operate as efficiently as possible.”

Ideally, pitches should meet the following criteria:

  • Prioritize sustainability and environmental impact;
  • Demonstrate an economic value to the distillery and the end-user of the stillage;
  • Identify the size of the distillery the solution is targeting;
  • Address the location and space requirements of the solution, if any equipment or process footprint is required;
  • Estimate product development costs, if applicable;
  • Estimate the initial investment, ongoing costs and profits, if applicable, of the solution to the parties involved;
  • Highlight the financial, sustainable and environmental benefits of the solution;
  • Explain if/what testing or pilot demonstration has taken place and whether it was successful;
  • Highlight the scalability of the solution; and
  • Project the solution’s implementation/start-up time.

The reverse pitch competition will be hosted through a partnership between the Distillers Grains Technology Council, the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, Incubation Innovated, the EEC and the KY Innovation, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, with support and guidance from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

To learn more about stillage, or to submit a proposal for the reverse pitch competition, visit BourbonReversePitch.com.

OCTC Partners With High Schools to Offer Fast Path Nursing Program

Owensboro Community & Technical College and regional high schools have partnered to allow students wanting a career in nursing the option to utilize a “fast path” so they can enter OCTC’s nursing program directly after graduation.

OCTC Fast Path Nursing is a set of classes that can be taken while still in high school to accelerate the path towards an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree. Taken as prescribed, a student can graduate high school and complete their nursing degree within two years.

In order to qualify for Fast Path Nursing, students must be approved by their high school and have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. Interested students should contact their guidance counselor and apply to OCTC as a dual credit student. For more information, contact nancy.wilson@kctcs.edu. 

Fast Path Nurse is only one way in which students can be accepted into the OCTC nursing program. Those who do not meet the OCTC Fast Path requirements can still apply for admission to the OCTC nursing program after graduation. 

Just as in the traditional nursing program, graduates are prepared to apply and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). OCTC’s associate degree nursing program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. 

There are currently 133 open nursing positions in Owensboro and Daviess County. For more information on these positions, visit edc.owensboro.com/job-search.

 

GOEDC Hires VP of Business Development and Executive Assistant

Brad Davis has been hired as the Vice President of Business Development for the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. Davis began his role with the organization on April 5th, 2021. Madison Krampe has been hired to take on the role as Executive Assistant for the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. Krampe began her role with the organization on February 22nd, 2021. 

Brad Davis, a native of Daviess County, recently served as the Vice President of Operations of the Murray Calloway Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). He has been involved in all aspects of the economic development process, including working with prospects, developing product, and managing projects. Prior to working in Murray, he spent 28 years at the Purchase Area Development District, as the Director of Community and Economic Development. At the ADD, he worked with local economic development groups, elected officials, chambers of commerce, and state and federal funding agencies.  

Madison Krampe, a native of Henderson County, just recently started her position as Executive Assistant of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. Madison graduated from Murray State University in 2020, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Communication and Mass Communications. 

“We are very excited to have Brad and Madison join the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation team. They will bring a skillset that compliments and enhances an already very good team. As GOEDC moves forward, the future is bright as we continue to emphasize the strategic plan initiatives,” said Mark Martin, Chairman of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. 

“As Vice President of Business Development, Brad will be primarily responsible for building and launching our entrepreneurship efforts and reactivating the Emerging Ventures Seed Fund. Brad is going to be a fantastic addition to the GOEDC team, his knowledge, experience and relationships throughout the state of Kentucky are going to be a tremendous asset to the GOEDC organization. Madison is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization as Executive Assistant. She has hit the ground running, brings enthusiasm and a great work ethic. We are thrilled to have her as part of the team as we continue to move the community and organization forward,” said Brittaney Johnson, President/CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation.  

 “I am very excited about returning to Owensboro and working with Brittaney and the great team she’s assembled at GOEDC. I am confident we can strengthen the entrepreneurial program and improve business development in the community. I look forward to this position and am honored to be a small part of the continued growth in Owensboro and Daviess County,” said Brad Davis, Vice President of Business Development of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. 

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to start my career with an organization such as the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. I am learning a great amount about economic development from some of the best, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the future growth and success of the Greater Owensboro region,” said Madison Krampe, Executive Assistant of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation.

Broadband Bill Passes Kentucky State Senate

Good things are coming for the rural areas of Daviess County!

The Broadband Funding Bill, otherwise known as ‘House Bill 320’, unanimously passed the Kentucky State House and Senate late Tuesday afternoon. 

HB320 will clear the way for rural electric cooperatives to feasibly provide broadband service to areas of the commonwealth that are currently unserved or underserved. The bill defines “unserved” and “underserved” areas as places where download and upload speeds are below minimums. The bill allocated $250 million into rural broadband internet expansion across the state.

The bill also gives the Public Service Commission (PSC) authority to hear complaints about outages in broadband service and requires broadband providers to have a system strong enough to prevent seasonal outages. 

For more information about HB320, visit https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21RS/hb320.html.

OBKY Local Look – Sun Windows

Sun Window’s heritage extends back to 1930, when Victor E. Anderson, Sr. developed a self-storing, wood storm window and began selling it door-to-door. Over the years, the company has evolved through changes in locations, name and product offerings to become a leading regional window and door manufacturer with a focus on innovation and quality.

We are proud to have Sun Windows as one of our existing business and are glad they call Owensboro home. Check out their story below to learn more about their history and what they have planned for the future.

 

 

2021 Summer Internship Opportunities

Commonwealth Rolled Products 

Summer Intern – Process Technology and Research & Development.

Students pursuing metallurgical engineering, materials science & engineering, chemical engineering should send their resume’s to dama.smith@aleris.com.

 

Green River Area Development District 

Summer Intern – Community and Economic Development Department

Responsibilities: Will assist the CED department with grant application preparation, grant research, project administration assistance and other local government needs.

For more information or to apply, please send resumes to Blake Edge at blakeedge@gradd.com. 

 

Owensboro Specialty Polymers

Summer Intern – Manufacturing

Company: Headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Milliken & Company is a global, innovative, industrial diversified manufacturing company that has been exploring, discovering, and creating ways to enhance people’s lives since 1865. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines including specialty chemical, floor covering, and performance materials, the company works around the world every day to add true value to people’s lives, improve health and safety, and help make our world more sustainable. Milliken has long led the way for “knowledge-based” investment, employing over 100 PhDs, and has accumulated over 2,200 U.S. patents – and more than 5,000 patents worldwide. Milliken is widely acknowledged as an international leader in research technology, innovation, and customer service. With over 35 manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., U.K., Belgium, France, China, India, Mexico, and Australia, and other sales and service operations throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, Milliken’s more than 7,000 associates work to deliver innovations that do good for the world, create new experiences, and build for the future.

Job Summary: The Milliken Summer Intern position gives rising college/university juniors or seniors an opportunity to work on a significant process improvement project in a manufacturing environment. This position is located at the Owensboro Specialty Polymer Plant in Owensboro, KY. The OSP site Produces Specialty Latex products utilizing a Semi batch process involving fixed and rotating equipment utilizing chemicals covered under OSHA’s Process Safety Management regulations and EPA’s Risk Management Plan Rule. You will report directly to a manager – either a Senior Process Engineer or Engineering Services Department Manager. The position is hourly paid. The work schedule is Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm and anticipated to begin in mid-May ending the first of August.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage a manufacturing related project for results
  • Determine solutions using continuous improvement techniques
  • Demonstrate creative thinking by identifying unique approaches to problem solving
  • Communicate effectively one-to-one and one-to-a-group
  • Work effectively with a diverse group of people to implement project improvements

Qualifications – Required:

  • Rising junior or senior at a college or university
  • Working towards a BS degree

Qualifications- Preferred:

  • Chemical or Mechanical engineering major
  • Efficient in PowerPoint and excel spreadsheets
  • GPA – 3.0 minimum
  • Able to start work on or before May 25th

Milliken & Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

 

Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline

Summer Intern – Accounting 

For more information and to apply, click here. 

Summer Intern – Electrical Engineer

For more information and to apply, click here. 

 

Specialty Foods Group 

Summer Intern – Operations 

For more information and to apply, click here.

 

Swedish Match

Summer Intern – Research and Development

Company: Swedish Match North America is accepting resumes for a SUMMER INTERN position in the Research & Development department.

Responsibilities: General Lab Technician responsibilities include: Weighing samples for analysis, glassware cleaning, and grinding tobacco samples.

Requirements & Skills: Must be at least 21 years of age and willing to work in tobacco production environment. Work area is climate controlled. Prefer degree with background in Chemistry or Biology. Experience in general laboratory procedures, safety, and hazardous chemical handling required.

Employment Schedule: Monday – Friday, 1st shift, 40 hours per week, starting in late April and will last for approximately 3 months.

Hourly Rate: $14.00

If interested, please send resume to andrea.white@swedishmatch.com. Deadline for accepting resumes is March 31, 2021.

Deadline to complete Kentucky Wi-Fi speed test is Today

Today is the deadline to complete the Kentucky Broadband Speed Test, a project that will gather data needed to expand internet home access for distance learning, telework and telehealth. 

The free, anonymous speed test can be accessed by clicking here, and it takes about 30 seconds complete.

To participate, the device must be connected to a person’s home Wi-Fi service and disconnected from a virtual private network (VPN) that may be connected to a workplace or school. For the most accurate results, ensure that no one else connected to the home internet is using a substantial portion of the internet bandwidth for activities such as streaming video or gaming during the test.

Individuals without Wi-Fi access in their home can visit their local library or other locations such as stores or restaurants that offer free internet access to submit the address of a home with no available service.

“We need as many Kentuckians as possible to take this internet speed test, to get an accurate picture of who has adequate internet access across the state,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The more speed tests taken, the better understanding we will have of our state’s internet capabilities, and the better prepared we will be to repair and expand it.”

This initiative comes after the Beshear-Coleman Administration first dedicated $8 million in CARES Act funding to broadband expansion in August 2020. Since then, Kentucky has reduced the number of students without internet access from 35,000 to 13,000. The speed test marks the second step in the state’s initiative to build a better Kentucky for everyone through expanded broadband access.