World Health Day is celebrated each year on April 7th to spread awareness regarding health all over the world. This year, the day holds additional significance as it has fallen between the global health emergency caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Healthcare essentials have played such an important role in providing quality care and treatment, addressing fears of patients and even collecting data for clinical studies. Without these compassionate individuals, the response to the pandemic would not have been possible.

Recently in Owensboro, hundreds of people showed up in a massive line around the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital parking lot honking and cheering from their parked cars to show support and encouragement for our local healthcare workers battling COVID-19 on the front lines. Doctors and nurses responded by waving back from behind hospital windows, showing their appreciation. These acts of kindness make our community stronger.

Agriculture Appreciation Month, celebrated each March, recognizes the vital role agriculture plays across the country and in our local communities.

Agricultural production, one of the many facets of our rich history, includes corn, soybeans, and tobacco. Along with the corn production came the distilling of spirits, chiefly Kentucky bourbon. During the 19th century there were 18 distilleries in Daviess County. The community’s rich history has led us to a diverse existence with food, metal and biotechnology manufacturing, and distribution.

Along with our existing agriculture industries, The Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market proudly serves the greater Owensboro area and all surrounding counties. The market is the community’s local nonprofit food source, dedicated to strengthening the local food system by supporting local agriculture producers and cultivating strong partnerships and networks for a healthier community.

Over 30 vendors work hard each year on their family farms to provide local products. At the market you can find fresh produce, fresh baked goods, fresh flowers, meats, fish, dairy products, homemade soaps and lotions, jams and jellies, crocheted towels and potholders, gourds, and so much more. 

We would like to say a big “thank you” to all of those in our agriculture community!

Advantage Kentucky Alliance (AKA) is a statewide, not-for-profit partnership who provides assistance and training to help manufacturers of all sizes grow and improve. AKA is the affiliate of the U.S. Department of Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program for the State of Kentucky.

The AKA team is Kentucky’s trusted adviser and go-to resource for expertise in manufacturing consulting, training, coaching, hands-on implementation and continuing support.

In the past year AKA has increased and retained sales at Kentucky Manufacturers by $52.3 million, created over 1,687 jobs in the state of Kentucky, and has helped Kentucky Manufacturers cut costs to the tune of $10.7 million. For every $1 spent by Kentucky companies on AKA services, $148.00 was obtained in benefits! The total dollar impact on Kentucky Manufacturers for the past year is $76.5 million.

Click here to learn more about Advantage Kentucky Alliance.

 

AKA Programs & Services

Leadership Development

AKA trains and develops leaders in your company to increase productivity, retain employees, implement effective team communication and make informed business decisions.

Continuous Improvement

AKA helps identify and eliminate wasteful processes in your company. Teaching “learning by doing” techniques will cut costs and increase efficiency.

ISO/Quality

AKA ensures your company products are consistent. AKA provides the tools your business needs to understand quality for and obtain accreditation of ISO certification for your specific industry.

Safety

AKA facilitates workplace safety training to keep your company compliant with varied safety regulations.

Business Development

AKA creates growth and greater profitability for your company by assisting in the discovery of new customers, developing new products, entering new markets and applying new internal procedures.

 

According to an economic impact analysis during a city commission meeting, Owensboro Community and Technical College is responsible for adding millions of dollars into the regional economy. 

According to a fact sheet provided by OCTC, during the 2018-19 fiscal year, the college added $203 million in income to the regional economy that OCTC serves, which includes Daviess, Hancock, Ohio and McLean counties. That translates to about 2,719 jobs supported in the region. 

Scott Williams, OCTC president, told the commission that when a similar analysis was done about three years ago, the college added about $176 million to the regional economy. “So, you can see that evidently we’re hopeful that we are meeting our mission in this community,” he said. 

Major industries supported by OCTC included construction, health care, manufacturing and retail. According to Williams, about 21% of OCTC’s students come from outside its region and just three years ago, it was about 11%. 

“We’re actually importing people into our region which helps us grow,” Williams said. 

According to the fact sheet, the average associate degree graduate from OCTC will see an increase in earnings of $9,500 each year when compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Kentucky.  

Students who spent money at OCTC were expected to get a significant return, Williams added. “For every dollar they spent on their education, they were going to get a return of $8.3 dollars.” 

Williams said that “higher education is contributing not only to the well-being of our citizens, but it is actually an economic engine helping to propel this community.” Williams said the analysis shows that OCTC is more than just a college. The analysis uses numerous sources including OCTC’s FY 2018-19 academic and financial reports, provided by Kentucky Community and Technical College System, and industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau. The study was conducted by Emsi, a labor market analytics firm. 

The Greater Owensboro Economic Development team and a few Owensboro Community Leaders were graciously guided Friday through an industrial tour at Owensboro’s Domtar by Plant Manager, Chris Buskill, along with a friendly and welcoming staff. Domtar is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated free-sheet paper in North America.

Their vision, “to be the leader in innovating fiber-based products, technologies, and services, committed to a sustainable and better future,” was understood by all in attendance throughout the tour. Domtar produces 34 different types of paper. They have up to 200 reams of paper produced per minute and can supply their product in unique packaging to ensure customer satisfaction and value. 

Over the years, Domtar has been recognized on numerous occasions for its leadership, constant efforts in sustainability and occupational health and safety, as well as best employer. This was no surprise after our tour of the well-kept, clean and safe environment. Beyond that, it was a treat to see how involved and excited the employees were about their role in the company and to see how Domtar functioned as a whole.