OWENSBORO, KY: The Owensboro MSA has received the Great River Cup from Site Selection for the most per-capita projects along the Ohio River corridor in an 18-month period. Corporate facility investments on a per-capita basis are examined by Site Selection as a way to highlight and bring attention to the growing economy that takes place along the Ohio River waterway. Owensboro’s MSA had 14 projects leading all metro areas.
Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation cites Owensboro’s location along the Ohio River as a benefit to those companies who use water for their manufacturing processes. When Ragu, now Mizkan, landed in Owensboro, the water was touted as the best for their food processing activities.
Jacob Call, Master Distiller, says of Terressentia Corporation’s decision to locate in Owensboro, KY, “the close proximity to high quality Kentucky corn, excellent water, and great climate makes Owensboro the perfect location to make Kentucky bourbon. We have had a great relationship with the City of Owensboro and Daviess County and it’s been wonderful to bring bourbon back to Owensboro. O.Z. Tyler Distillery is proud to call Owensboro home.”
Owensboro’s MSA contains a diverse listing of industry sectors including metals, food, and distribution. This diversity has often times limited the effects of recession on the area. The proximity of these sectors to the rest of the country, makes it ideal for these companies to serve their customers more efficiently and effectively.
Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Board Chair-Elect, Dave Roberts of UniFirst Corporation said of the operation’s location to Owensboro, “We considered a number of options when deciding how to expand in order to meet the needs of our customers. However, Owensboro possesses superior geographic proximity to our current and prospective North American customer base along with the infrastructure, cost of living and quality of life necessary to support our growing business.
When we embarked on our expansion project the support from local officials was very strong. From permitting to incentives to workforce training, we were able to receive expedited positive responses every step of the way. In fact, our project in Owensboro is regarded as the smoothest project we have undertaken to date.”
The Great River cup is given by meeting at least one of three criteria which includes: at least $1M investment, at least 20 new jobs, or at least 20,000 new square feet.
Owensboro’s MSA includes investments from these qualifying projects:
Century Aluminum Company
Dahl& Groezinger, Inc.
Domtar Paper Company, LLC
Gryphon Environmental, LLC
Kinder Morgan, Inc.
Metalsa Structural Products, Inc.
OG&A BioSpecialties
Owensboro Grain Edible Oils LLC
Phill’s Custom Cabinets, Inc.
Southwire Company, LLC
Specialty Foods Group, LLC
Terressentia Corporation
The Pinkerton Tobacco Company
White Rock Pigments, Inc.
Greater Owensboro Economic Development: The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GO-EDC) is the economic development agency for Owensboro and Daviess County. GO-EDC is a public/private partnership formed to attract and to grow primary employers. GO-EDC’s mission is to support, promote and attract a diversified, innovative and sustainable, world-class economy.
Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce: Provides leadership, advocacy and member services that foster growth and economic prosperity for the Owensboro region.