2026 October E-News

Board Nomination

The Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce is seeking individuals to join our Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2027. As a member of our board, you'll play a vital role in shaping the future of our chamber.


Responsibilities:

  • Active Participation: Regular attendance at board meetings, retreats, and chamber events.
  • Strategic Thinking: Contribute to thoughtful decision-making that aligns with the chamber's goals.
  • Effective Communication: Clearly articulate ideas and collaborate with chamber members.
  • Fiscal Responsibility: Assist in the chamber's financial health and ensure sustainability.
  • Community Leadership: Represent the chamber with integrity and promote its mission.

Qualifications:

  • Membership: Business or Organization is an active member of the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber for at least one year.
  • Commitment: Dedication to serving a three-year term and actively participating in board activities.
  • Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
  • Attitude: A positive and collaborative approach to teamwork.

Application:


To apply, please submit the following by October 15, 2026

  • A completed application form
  • A brief 100-word biography highlighting your qualifications and interest in serving on the board

Please use this form: Board Nomination Form


Submit Nominations:

Mailing Address: One Court Square, Bardstown, KY 40004 

Drop off Physical Location: Kentucky Career Center (back office in the back of the building)

E-Mail: chamber@bardstownchamber.com

Community Forum

That’s a wrap on our Community Forum Luncheon! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for an afternoon filled with conversation, connection, and community updates. It was wonderful to see so many of our Chamber members and community leaders gathered together and engaged in the conversations that matter to Bardstown and Nelson County.


A very special THANK YOU to all of our speakers who took the time to share updates, insight, and important information with our community. From local government and education to industrial development, tourism, Main Street, and hospitality, each update gave us a closer look at the incredible work happening throughout our community and what we can look forward to in the months ahead.

We are grateful for the leaders and organizations who continue to keep our community informed, connected, and moving forward. Your time, knowledge, and commitment make events like this so valuable to our members. 


A heartfelt thank you to Bardstown City Schools, our Presenting Sponsor, for helping make this luncheon possible, and to their talented Culinary Program for preparing and serving such a delicious meal for our guests!


Finally, thank you to everyone who attended. Your involvement is what makes our Chamber and our community so special. 


When we come together, we stay connected. When we stay connected, we move our community forward. 

Young Professional Network

Coffee, Connections & Conversation!


Thank you to Dave Collie, owner of Garage Coffee Roastery & Cafe, for hosting our Young Professionals Network this afternoon and leading a great conversation on creating a culture of welcome in your workplace.


We appreciate everyone who joined us, made connections, and took part in the conversation!

CHEERS to Bardstown

WOW — WHAT A NIGHT!


The 6th Cheers to Bardstown was a great evening filled with live music, food, drinks, local vendors, and plenty of memories.


A HUGE thank you to everyone who showed up and supported this event. Your support truly means so much to us and to everyone who helped bring Cheers to Bardstown together.


We also want to give a special thank you to our musicians, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, board members, staff, and event partners who helped make the evening possible.


Thank you to our incredible lineup:

Trey & Sam Washburn

V-Groove

Fly 2K


And a BIG thank you to all of our sponsors! Your support helped make this event happen, and we are incredibly grateful for your investment in Bardstown.


Thank you again to everyone who came out, supported the event, danced, listened to some great music, grabbed a bite, shopped local, and helped make the evening what it was.

From all of us at the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce and Bardstown Main Street — thank you!


CHEERS, BARDSTOWN!


Here are the Sponsors who made this event possible:


Visit Bardstown

Barton 1792

Four Roses

Heaven Hill

James B. Beam

Log Still Distillery

Lux Row

Smith Brothers

CommonSpirit St. Joseph Health- Bardstown

Town & Country Bank and Trust Co.

Distill Inn

Cintas

Boones Butcher Shop

Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Co.

Talbott Tavern

Brian Tooley Racing

Swope Family of Dealerships

Calhoun Construction

Grizzly Media

Royal Wealth & Retirement

Houchens Insurance Group

Kasey Willett VanVactor State Farm

Diamond Detail

Milt Spalding

Baptist Health Community Health Fair

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Community Health Fair!


The Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce and Baptist Health Hardin were proud to partner together to provide our community with access to health screenings, vaccinations, helpful resources, and more.


We appreciate everyone who came out and helped make this event a success, and a special thank you to our partners and vendors who helped make the day possible!

August Connect Hosted By: Abound Credit Union

We had such a great time at our September 5:00 PM Connect hosted by Abound Credit Union!


Members enjoyed a fun evening of networking bingo, great prizes, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of opportunities to make new connections with local professionals.


Thank you to Abound Credit Union for sponsoring and hosting us, and thank you to everyone who joined us! We love seeing our Chamber community come together, build relationships, and have a little fun along the way.

Young Leaders

Our First Young Leaders Day is in the Books! 


We had an incredible first day with our Young Leaders, focused on team building, leadership, collaboration, and thinking outside the box!


A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make the day such a success!

Danielle Hagler with Nelson County Extension— thank you for leading our students through an engaging and inspiring day of team building and leadership!


On the Rocks Bartending & Catering— thank you for fueling our future leaders with an awesome Nacho Bar!


The Polytechnic Center — thank you for hosting us and providing the perfect space for our Young Leaders to learn and grow!


And a special thank you to our Shark Tank Challenge judges:

Coach Roe

TaNia Calbert

David Bizianes with BIDC

Kim Rogers with BIDC


And, of course, thank you to all of our Young Leaders sponsors for investing in the next generation of leaders in our community! Your support makes this program possible. 

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

Barrel Pick Confections, LLC

October 5, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM

Location: 108 West Flaget Ave., Bardstown, KY 40004

REGISTER HERE


Justin Braun- Real Estate Agent

October 8, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM

Location: 1 Court Square, Bardstown, KY 40004

REGISTER HERE


Tay Treats

October 19, 2026

Time: 3:30 PM

Location: 1 Court Square, Bardstown, KY 40004

REGISTER HERE


Liam Ash

October 22, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM

Location: 131 N. 3rd Street, Bardstown, KY 40004

REGISTER HERE


Boundary Oak Distillery, LLC

October 23, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM

Location: 229 N. Third St., Bardstown, KY 40004

REGISTER HERE

Previous Ribbon Cuttings:

Congratulations to Mayapple Marketing on their ribbon cutting that was held on Friday, September 4th.

Congratulations to SALT N SKIN on their ribbon cutting that was held on Thursday, September 17tt.

Congratulations to Kentucky Asset Protection - Thomas Hamilton PSC on their ribbon cutting that was held on Thursday, September 24th.

Upcoming Events

October Connect

October 21, 2026

REGISTER HERE

BREAKING THE CHAMBER CODE


Join us for an interactive Chamber Conference designed to help you learn, connect, and grow! This professional development opportunity will feature:


  • Continental breakfast to start the morning
  • An amazing soup bar for lunch
  • Three breakout sessions taught by Chamber members and local professionals
  • Topics will include Investing, E-Commerce, HR, Event Planning, Marketing, and more!


  • October 29, 2026
  • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • The Up Center | 1060 Bloomfield Road, Bardstown, KY
  • Tickets are just $25!


Come ready to think, connect, and collaborate while gaining practical insights you can take back to your business.


Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your professional development and crack the code! We look forward to seeing you there!


Register Here

Bourbon Capital Diplomat Certification


Chamber members are invited to experience the brand-new Bourbon Capital Diplomat certification on Monday, November 9 at 9:45 AM. Enjoy bourbon education, tastings, a welcome cocktail, and lunch for the special Chamber member price of $37.50.


Limited to 24 participants.

Register Here: https://buy.stripe.com/4gM14nfSy1GP7Rv1UYeAg0j

Membership Directory

Need a Chamber Membership Directory? Stop by the Chamber office to grab a copy, or visit our website for the PDF version!

Insurance options for Chamber Members

Spotlight of the Month

Humane Society of Nelson County


The Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize Humane Society of Nelson County as the Spotlight of the Month.


The Humane Society of Nelson County has been serving pets and families in our community since 1994. Its mission is to reduce pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs, community education, and support for animals and their owners.


The Humane Society partners with the local food pantry to provide pet food to families in need, helping ensure pets can remain with the people who love them. The organization also works with Pallet Cat Foundation to assist with trapping feral and free-roaming cats and getting them to the Humane Society’s clinic for spay and neuter services.


Today, the Humane Society serves as a “Friend of the Shelter” to the Nelson County Animal Shelter, providing resources beyond the scope of a rural county shelter. Support includes veterinary care for sick, injured, and young shelter animals; transportation assistance to rescue organizations; and low-cost spay/neuter and veterinary services for adopted shelter pets.


The organization also provides humane education and pet therapy visits to schools, community organizations, and assisted living facilities. Financial assistance is available to qualifying pet owners facing urgent or emergency veterinary needs.


The Humane Society will hold its semi-annual fundraiser yard sale November 6–7 at First Christian Church.


To learn more or support pets in need, visit www.HumaneSocietyOfNelsonCountyKY.com or call 502-349-2082.


Ambassador of the Month


Misty Roller

Green Dot

misty.roller@commonspirit.org


Misty Roller continues to show her support for the Chamber. She is a faithful Ambassador and continues to help promote the Chamber. Thank you Misty for all the support you have provided for our community.

Welcome New Chamber Members


Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana

Non-Profit.

Rep- Leah Wade

Contact- (502) 587-0494 or bbbsky@bbbsky.org

Location- 1519 Gardiner Lane Suite B, Louisville, KY 40218


Besser Bilt Backyard Solutions

Storage.

Rep- Lee Brasher

Contact- (502) 999-3633 or lee@besserbiltsheds.com

Location- 5000 Old Preston Hwy N, Shepherdsville, KY 40165

2026 Investors

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