Sazerac Expansion Underway

Plans are proceeding with the recently announced acquisition and expansion of one of Daviess County’s long time employers. Sazerac North America, which purchased Constellation Spirits in Owensboro and Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, is rapidly progressing with a project that will create 50 new jobs and invest millions of dollars in the local community. Additional opportunities are seen for the Frankfort facilities as well.

An aerial photo submitted by the company illustrates the 300,000 sq. ft. expansion that will allow for additional business and new technology on the current property in Owensboro. According to Plant Manager Donald Kelley, “An automated 12,000 pallet storage system is a key part of the $13mm expansion that is geared to more fully utilize current facilities and equipment with additional shifts of operation.”

Sazerac Company, Inc., founded in 1850 and headquartered in New Orleans, is one of the top 10 producers and marketers of spirits and wines in the United States. The Kentucky projects were approved for tax benefits under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act for up to $3.28 million by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA).

New Leadership Program Announced with EDC and Chamber Partnership

Developing leaders and utilizing their talents for the betterment of the community and their employers is the goal of the Emerge Owensboro, which was announced today as a joint program of the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation.

Emerge Owensboro is a nine-month curriculum that will expose participants to community issues as well as teach leadership skills. The class is open to any resident of the community and Chamber members are encouraged to apply.

"Owensboro and Daviess County are on the edge of many positive developments," says Chamber President Jody Wassmer, "and it's important for people to learn and grow with the community."

"Local business and industry tell us they need employees who have workplace leadership skills and that will be a big focus for Emerge Owensboro," explains Economic Development Corporation President Nick Brake.

A full-day program titled "Looking Out, Looking In, Looking Ahead" will start the program on September 10th. Most classes will consist of half-day sessions on the second Thursday of each month through May 2010. Participants are also expected to attend the monthly Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster Breakfast. Class members will have a number of required activities, including a group project.

The tuition cost for Emerge Owensboro is $395. Class applications can be downloaded from the Chamber of Commerce website here and returned by July 17th. Class notification will be made by August 14th.

EDC Launches GO-iNtern Program to Attract and Retain Young Talent

In response to local industry concerns regarding the recruitment and retention of top, young talent; the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. spent a considerable amount of time in 2008 exploring methods to combat the loss of this hot commodity. Regardless of the size or amenities of a city, the issue of ‘brain drain’ is a popular one. “What we consistently hear from local industries is that bringing a young, educated professional to Owensboro isn’t a problem. Getting them to stay sometimes is,” said Nick Brake, President/CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. While the public investment in downtown, development of the Centre for Business and Research, and more high-tech job opportunities are steps in the right direction, cities such as Tulsa, OK; Dubuque, IA; and Duluth, MN have chosen to be proactive through unique internship programs as well.

The Owensboro edition of this idea, GO-iNTERN, launches tomorrow June 5, 2009 at the Commerce Center. GO-iNTERN combines a website, community involvement and learning experience in a unique format designed not only to find local opportunities for students to work, but to connect to the community through monthly networking events as well. “Our hope is that students will come to the website, apply for an internship, and participate in the monthly events. In the end, not only will they have had a great experience with a local company, but also in the city itself, and Owensboro ranks a little higher on their list of places to live upon graduation,” said Brake.

Upcoming events will include a luncheon with Mayor Ron Payne and Judge Reid Haire, a tour of downtown, and a networking event with the Chamber Young Professionals. A finale is currently being planned for the summer cohort, but GO-iNTERN will be an ongoing program with new opportunities each semester. Businesses looking to hire interns for the fall or spring semesters are encouraged to contact GO-EDC now in order to ensure their opportunity is listed on the website. GOEDC will market the internships to local and regional universities at career fairs this fall.

To view internships, post an opportunity or find more information, visit http://intern.owensboro.com.