Call to Order and Roll Call
The fourth meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government was held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at 10:00 AM, in Room 171 of the Capitol Annex. Senator Joe Bowen, Chair, called the meeting to order, and the secretary called the roll.
Present were:
Members: Senator Joe Bowen, Co-Chair; Representative Michael Meredith, Co-Chair; Senators Ralph Alvarado, Stan Humphries, Dorsey Ridley, Albert Robinson, Wil Schroder, Dan "Malano" Seum, and Damon Thayer; Representatives Danny Bentley, George Brown Jr, Ken Fleming, Kelly Flood, Toby Herald, DJ Johnson, Kim King, Adam Koenig, Jerry T. Miller, Robby Mills, Phil Moffett, Rob Rothenburger, Attica Scott, Arnold Simpson, and John Sims Jr.
Guests: Candance Brake and Jessica Kirk, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce; Joseph Berry, Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation; Andrew Howard, Erica Yartz, and Dave Kirk, Chamber Young Professionals; Jason Tanner, Tanner Publishing Company; Martha Maradiaga-Stone, Hollison; Barton Darrell, Kentucky Wesleyan College; Wade Jenkins, Old National Bank; Judy Piazza, Finance and Administration Cabinet; Sara Massey, Louisville Metro Government; and Gay Dwyer, Kentucky Retail Federation.
LRC Staff: Mark Mitchell, John Ryan, Joe Pinczewski-Lee, and Cheryl Walters.
Approval of Minutes
Upon the motion of Representative Simpson, seconded by Representative Miller, the minutes of the August 23, 2017 meeting were approved.
Impact of the “Under 40 Crowd” on Local Public Policy and their Influences on Local Communities
Senator Bowen said that an important piece of legislators’ duties is having a clear understanding of the entire constituency—young or old, male or female, Black, White, or Hispanic—whoever makes up the fabric of their districts. In his community, and the communities of all of the committee members, young people play a significant role in molding and shaping its towns, cities, and counties. It is appropriate and timely to hear the view of the world from the 40 under 40 arm of Owensboro’s Chamber of Commerce. They are the decision makers of the future.
Ms. Candance Brake, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, said that Chamber Board Members, and a core group of Owensboro’s young professionals will present how they are creating infrastructure and opportunities for the Under 40 demographic, and the shift over a decade ago, of its economic development strategy and a bold place-making initiative that is paying off tenfold.
Owensboro has young business leaders in professional services such as law and accounting, leaders in manufacturing with international reach, and leaders in agriculture who are innovating the way food is produced and the way food production is viewed in general. There are small business owners in their 20s and 30s that just a short time ago were rare in Owensboro. Many others work in non-profit fields, education and community leadership.
Ms. Brake showed a brief video relating to the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s promotion of Owensboro.
Mr. Joe Berry, Executive Vice-President of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, said that Owensboro realized that it must look in the mirror and decide how it could get better as a community in being attractive to people. This vision incorporated many elements—combining the discipline of town planning and urban design with new destinations that built upon the history of regional entertainment and the connection of neighborhoods. Streets became more walkable, residential opportunities were diversified, and local retail rediscovered Main Street.
These efforts have resulted in over $200 million in public and private investment in the Owensboro urban core since 2009. The infusion of private capital has far exceeded the initial public investment that seeded this initiative, and in 2016 Owensboro welcomed a significant jobs announcement: Alorica specifically cited downtown and workforce development efforts as the single largest factor in its decision to locate in Owensboro.
The Owensboro place-making initiative was the product of years of careful, deliberate planning, and involved countless hours of public forums, citizen input, and economic analysis. Owensboro recognized that it was not enough to simply adopt the effective policies of other communities. It was far more important to capitalize on the assets that make Owensboro unique, such as the familial atmosphere, the appreciation for arts and culture, diversity and the welcoming of individuals from all walks of life, and the physical beauty of the Ohio River.
Mr. Andrew Howard, Chair of the Chamber Young Professionals (CYP), said that in February 2016, it became evident that a rebirth of a young professional group was warranted, which is a vital asset for the sustainability and growth of Owensboro. CYP focuses on talent within the age range of 21-40 years old. This group is crucial for the local community and state, especially as it relates to attraction, recruitment and retention of talent.
In February 2016, CYP started with no members and, to date, has grown in excess of 150 members. It is extremely proud that its membership base consists of various and diverse industries. CYP has its own autonomy and carries its own finances and fiscal responsibility, offers its own social networking events while also providing professional development and philanthropic opportunities.
CYP has cultivated a program termed “CYP Talent.” This program allows local businesses and companies to promote their current job opportunities through the organization, reaching its members. CYP has also developed a program in which it promotes board opportunities within the community, as there is a tremendous need for continued generational involvement.
This has been done in a matter of 18 months. There is an extremely vibrant leadership team and membership base. The life blood of the group is, of course, its members. There is significant and strong support from the Chamber and the business community of Owensboro.
Ms. Erica Yartz, communications chair with CYP and an attorney with Thacker, Hodkins and Knight, said that in an effort to give back to the community, CYP has partnered with Independence Bank on an annual food backpack program—“Businesses 4 Backpacks,” which is CYP’s main program. There are children in Owensboro whose only meal all day is the free meal provided at school. Knowing this fact was the genesis of the program at the bank. When first partnering, the bank sent backpacks home with 78 children. Presently CYP and the bank are able to assist 291 children, with no children on the waiting list. CYP also volunteers on a regular basis for Habitat for Humanity, serving at homeless shelters, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and has led many community service projects themselves, including a lunchbox program which provides items for donation to various causes.
Mr. Dave Kirk, with CYP and Public Information Officer with Owensboro Public Schools, noted the CYP’s professional diversity. To welcome newcomers, CYP holds community social mixers and events such as the dog-friendly “Yappy Hour” as well as a barrel rolling event at a local distillery. There has also been a food and wine pairing at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, and an annual Christmas party at Kentucky Wesleyan. CYP welcomes everyone from 21 to 40 who works in the region.
Ms. Jessica Kirk, Talent Programs Manager/Executive Director of Leadership Owensboro, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, said that Leadership Owensboro is a program rich in history and tradition. Leadership programs exist in almost every major city across the country, but Owensboro is unique in that its program allows people to spend one day each month learning Owensboro from the “inside out.” It inspires and empowers people with extremely diverse talents to change the community. From a homeless shelter director to a national food supplies brand manager, common ground and passion for Owensboro and its neighbors are discovered through Leadership Owensboro.
The most memorable parts of the program include Human Needs and Services Day and Education Day. Both experiences give participants’ understanding for what some of Owensboro’s most vulnerable neighbors endure day to day. For several people, this is the first time they have truly identified ways to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community because they walked in someone else’s shoes for the day.
The challenges learned through the Leadership Owensboro program forces its developing leaders to think out of the box, to ask the questions that are not being asked, to stand up for our neighbors whose voices cannot be heard, and to advocate for the community in City Hall and sometimes in Frankfort.
The regional alliance intentionally makes connections between Owensboro’s educators and workforce. Everyone, including Owensboro, is struggling with finding a good workforce. The program works very hard to fill some of these gaps. The alliance provides educators, several of whom have never stepped outside of the classroom, with up close and personal tours with some of the region’s top industry leaders. This opportunity allows the educators to connect real life working experiences with what they are teaching in the classroom. In return, it inspires the teachers and reignites their passion to serve students in the community. Whether it is speaking to students in schools about employers’ needs to fill certain jobs, or working with colleges to help offer unique learning experiences to prepare their students for the workforce, the alliance helps to connect people to jobs through education.
One of the Chamber’s and Owensboro’s top goals is to keep, foster, and grow talent in Owensboro. The Chamber’s internship program is an example of how it is very deliberate when it comes to keeping talent. The Chamber is constantly working with local colleges and high schools to place interns at the Chamber or to find another place that will give them the experience that will benefit them best. Mentoring an intern is not easy, but can provide so many benefits for one.
The Chamber works closely with students involved in the Wendell Ford Statesmanship Academy. The Academy helps students understand issues facing the community, state, and nation. The Chamber provides these students hands-on experiences that align with the Academy’s mission. For example, it provides opportunities like getting involved in our Chamber’s “GO Vote” initiative.
Mr. Jason Tanner, Owner of Tanner-West Publications, discussed CYP’s program to encourage young business owners. He noted the Chamber’s influences on his own businesses. Chamber awards can give businesses credibility that leads to success. Chamber and city efforts at making Owensboro a viable place to live and work reduce “brain drain.”
Dr. Martha Maradiaga-Stone, Food Safety Manager at Hollison, discussed the innovation sector as a talent recruiter. Hollison developed a food quality sampling device that collects food samples that are ready for laboratory examination. It has also developed probiotics for adding into certain foods. Food safety is important as it affects people on a daily basis. Recruiting talent with a science and laboratory background in Owensboro, the company has built a solid team that will have a major impact in the food safety system.
President Bart Darrell, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Chamber Board Chair-Elect, discussed four-year colleges and their role in talent recruitment. The facilities attract faculty and students. Kentucky Wesleyan has partnered with the University of Louisville’s Law School for students’ senior year in college in such a way that will also satisfy requirements for the first year in law school. Kentucky Wesleyan has partnered with the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine where it has located a satellite site and guarantees Wesleyan students a seat. Western Kentucky University and Kentucky Wesleyan are partnering so that Kentucky Wesleyan Students can enter more easily into a master’s degree program in business studies. People must believe in their communities and know who they are and what they want.
Mr. Wade Jenkins, Chamber Board Chair and President of Old National Bank, discussed Chamber Board Leadership fostering talent. A five-year resident of Owensboro, when first considering moving to Owensboro, he was told of the great educational opportunities for his children, which was a deciding factor for his move. He acknowledged several members of the board and reiterated Senator Bowen’s comment that they are already influencing local decisions in the community and will continue to do so.
Senator Bowen commented that it is important that legislators engage and embrace the under 40 group.
Representative Johnson commended the young professionals for the good work they are doing and told them to continue that work.
Representative Mills commented that he wanted to re-emphasize the CYP’s efforts. Good things are going on in Owensboro and he thanked the group for appearing before the committee.
Representative Brown commented that he was very impressed with CYP and that other cities should emulate the efforts.
Representative Meredith commented that CYP is a role model for other communities.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.