Chamber After Hours returns Thursday night, celebrates community momentum

June 10, 2022 | 12:06 am

Updated June 9, 2022 | 10:17 pm

Photo by Josh Kelly

Chamber After Hours returned Thursday night for the first time since 2019, and Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Candance Brake is excited about the community’s momentum.

Brake said that having Visit Owensboro host the first After Hours back was most fitting, considering they continued to keep Owensboro booming during the pandemic.

“There are so many positive things happening in this community, and Visit Owensboro is an impetus of such a big part of it. So to be able to celebrate our first one with one of the teams that have really made things keep going, and really just get better and better, is really an honor for us,” Brake said.

Mark Calitri, President/CEO of Visit Owensboro, said that throughout the pandemic and now coming out of it, their organization has been trying to showcase the amount of work done — both in their newly renovated space and in the community.

The Visit Owensboro office is now dawned with wall art from Green River Distilling Co. and a few pieces from local artist Aaron Kizer. 

“Tonight is a really important opportunity to showcase all the momentum and great things that Owensboro has going on and we’re hoping the visitor center is starting to represent all those great things that we have,” Calitri said.

Along with the advancements they are doing, Brake said it’s important to continue to have social events like this because it strengthens the whole community.

“Strong communities have opportunities to build social capital. Events like this build social capital, and that’s what makes communities vibrant,” Brake said.

As Visit Owensboro heads into the summer, Calitri said they have a calendar packed with events focused on partnerships with area organizations.

Brake said the next Chamber After Hours will be held when an organization looks to host it. To learn more about how to host, contact the Chamber of Commerce.

June 10, 2022 | 12:06 am

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