Owensboro has a lot to be proud of right now.

Owensboro has a lot to be proud of right now.

Over the next two weeks, thousands of people will come through our community for the Kentucky 2A State Basketball Championships, the Kentucky All-A Classic, and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, including key leaders from across the state. You’ll see buses lining up, teams walking around town, families filling restaurants, and visitors seeing Owensboro for the first time.

And it all starts with one visit.

Tourism is the front door to economic development. It gives us the chance to introduce people to Owensboro. When visitors come here, they stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop local, and explore our city. That first visit opens the door and can lead to return trips, new residents, new businesses, and new investment in our community.

So over the next two weeks, when you see the jerseys, the buses, and the crowds, welcome them. Show them what Owensboro is all about. They might just be your next neighbor one day.