Chamber Member of the Week: Party Paper Place

December 27, 2021 | 12:08 am

Updated December 26, 2021 | 5:26 pm

Party Paper Place | Photo by Ryan Richardson

Party Paper Place has been an integral part of the Owensboro community for nearly four decades. Best known for their balloons and balloon decor, the business will celebrate its 40th anniversary this August. 

Current owner Jeanette Woodward said the business traces its inception back to 1982 when her mother-in-law created it out of her love for Christmas and entertaining. The original location was downtown next to Wax Works, with the current location ironically occupying the old Wax Works building.  

“Party Paper Place is different from most retailers in that our customers are thoughtful, kind people,” Woodward said. “They come to us because they are planning something special for someone else or because they want to brighten someone’s day. I always enjoy hearing the thoughts behind the gift.”

Woodward and her husband Schley are both Owensboro natives, both boasting multiple generations of local business owners. Both relatively new to the industry, she said they are forever grateful for the kindness that patrons have extended to them in recent years. 

“Schley and I grew up in Owensboro and lived here all of our lives; this is our home, and we love the people here,” Woodward said. “I think the best part of our business is all the stories. We love celebrating with you and hearing about your parties and the people you are honoring.”

While balloons are their specialty — with options ranging from garlands, arches, bouquets, characters, and gift boxes — they also offer a wide array of custom products. Those products include invitations, hot-stamp napkins, paper guest towels, paper tableware, and decorations for any celebration. 

A long-standing staple of theirs has always been the big selection of gift wrap, bows, boxes, tissue paper, and ribbons. They also offer customized gift-wrapping services year-round. 

The Woodwards have owned the building since 1999 and the business since 2014 and consider their location one of their greatest assets. Nestled between Gordon’s True Value and Old Hickory Bar-B-Que on Washington Avenue just off of Frederica Street, Woodward said she frequently leans on her neighbors for help.

“We have amazing neighbors; it is so wonderful to be a part of the small business community in Owensboro,” she said. “Gordon’s True Value keeps our business going with a lot of great supplies, and the smell of barbecue entices us to eat Old Hickory quite often.”

Party Paper Place will also deliver balloons locally to funeral homes and the hospital, in addition to offering curbside service. Having attended Balloon University and many other classes to learn structure, techniques, and designs, they take great pride in their balloon decor. 

They often travel to various cities in the tristate, offering their balloon designs for grand openings and other celebrations. The store also features small gift items and the latest in University of Kentucky and Louisville tableware and other items for the “big game.” 

“We have a number of small business customers who buy their supplies from us,” Woodward said. “ We can get all kinds of boxes for cakes, cupcakes, candy or apparel, and gift wrap.  We buy from multiple vendors, and that makes our selection unique. We also offer a fast invitation service and can get your invites designed and printed within a couple of days.”

The store recently expanded to include greeting cards, boxed cards, and note cards from various suppliers. They can also inflate balloons purchased from other stores and order specialized balloons when given a week’s notice. 

Woodward added that they are “small but mighty” and blessed with some incredible employees. 

“Our employees are rock stars,” she said. “They are so creative and put some much effort into everything they do. We are blessed to have employees who have been with us for several years.”

Party Paper Place is active on Instagram and Facebook, posting many of their products and creations daily. They are in the process of updating their website here, and encourage people to reach out to them via social media or by phone at 270-684-5189. 


The Chamber Member of the Week program is a membership benefit of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for over a century to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals.

Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].

December 27, 2021 | 12:08 am

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