Vol 23/Issue 5
greater owensboro chamber of commerce
MAY
CHAMBER MATTERS 2025
Rooster Booster, Sponsored by New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services The Chamber will host its Rooster Booster breakfast this Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center (501 West Second Street). The program is sponsored by New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services. The program will also highlight the graduates of this year’s Chamber Young Professionals’ Guys & Ties program. Additionally, the 2024-25 Educators in the Workplace cohort will be recognized. The Inaugural Small Business Resource Fair will be held in the Convention Center lobby
immediately following the Rooster Booster program. Reserve your spot now at www.chamber.owensboro.com or by calling the Chamber office at (270) 926-1860 by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. COST IN ADVANCE: $15.50 for Chamber Members and $25.50 for non-members. COST AT THE DOOR: $20.50 for Chamber Members and $25.50 for non-members.
Mayor Finley
New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services, based in Owensboro, KY, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and educating the community to prevent future incidents. They offer free, confidential services including 24/7 crisis counseling, long-term therapy, and medical and legal advocacy for survivors and their families across seven counties in western Kentucky. Their community education initiatives include the Green Dot program, which trains individuals in bystander intervention to prevent power-based personal violence, and age-appropriate programs like “Play It Safe” and “It’s My Space” that teach children and teens about personal safety and healthy relationships. New Beginnings also provides “Survivor Kits” through their Laundry of Love program, offering clothing and hygiene items to survivors undergoing forensic medical exams. They rely on community support, volunteers, and donations to sustain their services. In a landscape where the effects of sexual assault can be pervasive and enduring, New Beginnings shines as a beacon of hope and healing. Their dedication to survivors’ well-being not only restores dignity but also serves as a testament to the power of compassion and solidarity in overcoming adversity. For more information or to get involved, visit their website at nbowensboro.org.
Paul Finley graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky with a degree in Marketing. A resident of Madison since 1995, Paul is the proud Dad of three successful grown men: Tyler, Tanner, and Kyle. In November 2008, Paul took over as the Mayor of Madison and focused on quality of life improvements for every Madison resident. Multiple projects including the Madison Hospital, Hogan YMCA, James Clemens High School, Indian Creek Park Expansion, Target, and the Shoppes of Madison were all started and completed during his tenure. Also during his initial term, Paul teamed with Huntsville, the Madison County Commission, and Redstone Arsenal officials on securing over $100 million of funding for major road projects including the County Line/565 interchange, Old Madison Pike connection to Research Park, and Zierdt Road that had a tremendously positive impact on Madison residents as well as the Tennessee Valley. After making a decision to not seek re-election in 2012 to focus on family, Mayor Finley was once again elected for his second term as Madison Mayor in 2016 and third term in 2020 running on a platform of teamwork, communication, & engaged leadership. During these terms Paul has worked with the City Council to continue to focus on quality of life improvements, including the multi-use venue and AA Baseball Trash Pandas, Palmer and Dublin Park expansions, and the 5-laning of Sullivan Street and Hughes Road. Working with the Madison City Schools Paul helped secure the 2019 Property Tax vote securing the revenue for building the additional schools to manage Madison’s growth. Paul has also led efforts to turn the old Three Springs juvenile facility into a thriving Community Center. Paul also serves on the boards for the Madison Hospital, United Way, and Redstone Federal Credit Union. He has over 25 years of professional sales and consulting experience focused on communication and strategic planning of which most recently was utilized with Paul Finley Consulting. Paul is people focused and results driven and looks forward to leading the City of Madison into an even brighter future through 2025.