Bowling Green is one of the 20 finalists for the All-America City Award
Posted by Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - 4/30/2010 04:13:00 PM
Labels: All-America City, Bowling Green
Welcome to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Blog
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Blog will discuss the news and issues impacting South Central Kentucky's business community. To join the conversation, click the comment link under any post. Please note that the Chamber may reject comments for any reason we deem appropriate. This is a moderated site and comments will appear if and when they are approved. We will review the queue several times daily, so please don't resubmit if your comment doesn't appear immediately.
A Recap of Economic Development Company Expansions and Announcements
Posted by Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - 4/15/2010 02:23:00 PM
In case you missed our events or announcements over the past few months, here's a look back at some of South Central Kentucky's achievements...
Governor Beshear Commemorates Grand Opening on Feb. 1 of Blackhawk Composites Manufacturing Facility in Morgantown
"The Start-up of Blackhawk composites in Butler County will provide dozens of high-quality, well paying jobs - the kind of jobs Kentucky seeks to create,” said Gov. Beshear.
Blackhawk Composites is bringing 20 new jobs initially, growing to 30 within the first year. Blackhawk Composites is leasing a 40,000 square-foot facility to manufacture advanced aerospace composite parts for Cessna Caravan aircraft cowls, the part of the aircraft that covers the engine.
For more information on Blackhawk Composites, click here.
Location Announcement of MetalWorks Recycle-Reload and Expansion of Owl's Head Alloys, Inc. in Bowling Green
On March 2, Govenor Beshear joined community and business leaders in Bowling Green to announce the location of Metalworks Recycle -Reload and expansion of Owl's Head Alloys Inc. New and expanding manufacturing projects will potentially create 50 new jobs.
"These environmentally friendly projects will create dozens of new jobs opportunities in South Central Kentucky and provide a significant boost to the local economy," said Gov. Beshear.
For more information, click here.
Hart County Joins Chamber's Menu of Services
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Hart County has joined the Chamber's Menu of Services Program, thereby heightening its level of involvement in the South Central Kentucky Regional Economic Development Partnership. The Chamber's Menus of Services Program was created to deepen the marketing of South Central Kentucky to site selection professionals and industries and to inform their decisions to locate business here in the region.
"We happily welcome Hart County into our Menu of Services Program, which named the top regionalism program in the world in 2009 by the International Economic Development Council," Said Chamber President and CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD.
For more information on this new partnership, click here.
Expansion of the Kentucky Micro Enterprise Loan Program
Kentucky Micro Enterprise Loan Program ensures entrepreneurs that all Kentucky counties will have access to a microloan program. Funded by a one-time state allocation of $125,000 from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA), the expanded loan program will be administered by Community Venture Corporation (CVC), a private, nonprofit community and business development organization, from their regional office in Bowling Green. CVC provides small loans to small businesses to help them grow.
"My administration is committed to growing small businesses across the state, and it's vital that small businesses and entrepreneurs in every Kentucky county have access to funding to start or expand their business," said Gov. Beshear. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and this program will have a positive impact on the communities that previously had no access to a local microloan program."
For more information on this program, click here.
Grand Opening of Educational Driving Simulator Theater
Governor Beshear visited the National Corvette Museum on April 6 as community officials announced the opening of a educational driving simulator theater--a learning tool designed to instruct visitors on realistic driving situations.
"We cannot stress the importance of responsible driving enough, "Gov. Beshear said. The one-of-a-kind theater features numerous widescreen televisions and two driving simulators within stationary automobiles, to give the driver lifelike effects of the road. The Simulators also feature the highest quality graphics and surround sound.
For more information, click here.
Governor Beshear Announces Kentucky Chrome Works to Start Up Manufacturing Operations in Hart County
The Start-up project will create 80 new full-time jobs and result in a more than $2.6 million investment in the Commonwealth. Kentucky Chrome works will manufacture decorative chrome plating and metal finishing services for the automotive and appliance industries.The company will lease a 50,000 square-foot facility, located on five acres at 1145 South Dixie Street, in Horse Cave.
"Kentucky Chrome Works will be an excellent addition to the Hart County Community, as well as the state's overall corporate landscape," said Gov. Beshear.
For more information on Kentucky Chrome Works, click here.
Expansion of Country Oven Bakery in Bowling Green
Country Oven Bakery, owned by The Kroger Co., will add 33 new jobs and invest more than $10.6 million at the current Bowling Green facility. The Bowling Green bakery makes frozen dough products, breads and iced cakes for Kroger. The expansion will add 50,000 square-feet to the company's existing 177,000 square-foot facility to accommodate a second cake line. Country Oven Bakery currently employs 450 people with a total annual payroll of $22.3 million. The new jobs will have an average annual wage of nearly $50,000 including benefits.
"The Bowling Green, South Central Kentucky community is experiencing a bevy of new and expanding industry growth and the expansion of Country Oven Bakery is yet another prime example of this activity," said Gov. Beshear.
For more information on the expansion of Country Oven Bakery, click here.
Governor Beshear Commemorates Grand Opening on Feb. 1 of Blackhawk Composites Manufacturing Facility in Morgantown
"The Start-up of Blackhawk composites in Butler County will provide dozens of high-quality, well paying jobs - the kind of jobs Kentucky seeks to create,” said Gov. Beshear.
Blackhawk Composites is bringing 20 new jobs initially, growing to 30 within the first year. Blackhawk Composites is leasing a 40,000 square-foot facility to manufacture advanced aerospace composite parts for Cessna Caravan aircraft cowls, the part of the aircraft that covers the engine.
For more information on Blackhawk Composites, click here.
Location Announcement of MetalWorks Recycle-Reload and Expansion of Owl's Head Alloys, Inc. in Bowling Green
On March 2, Govenor Beshear joined community and business leaders in Bowling Green to announce the location of Metalworks Recycle -Reload and expansion of Owl's Head Alloys Inc. New and expanding manufacturing projects will potentially create 50 new jobs.
"These environmentally friendly projects will create dozens of new jobs opportunities in South Central Kentucky and provide a significant boost to the local economy," said Gov. Beshear.
For more information, click here.
Hart County Joins Chamber's Menu of Services
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Hart County has joined the Chamber's Menu of Services Program, thereby heightening its level of involvement in the South Central Kentucky Regional Economic Development Partnership. The Chamber's Menus of Services Program was created to deepen the marketing of South Central Kentucky to site selection professionals and industries and to inform their decisions to locate business here in the region.
"We happily welcome Hart County into our Menu of Services Program, which named the top regionalism program in the world in 2009 by the International Economic Development Council," Said Chamber President and CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD.
For more information on this new partnership, click here.
Expansion of the Kentucky Micro Enterprise Loan Program
Kentucky Micro Enterprise Loan Program ensures entrepreneurs that all Kentucky counties will have access to a microloan program. Funded by a one-time state allocation of $125,000 from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA), the expanded loan program will be administered by Community Venture Corporation (CVC), a private, nonprofit community and business development organization, from their regional office in Bowling Green. CVC provides small loans to small businesses to help them grow.
"My administration is committed to growing small businesses across the state, and it's vital that small businesses and entrepreneurs in every Kentucky county have access to funding to start or expand their business," said Gov. Beshear. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and this program will have a positive impact on the communities that previously had no access to a local microloan program."
For more information on this program, click here.
Grand Opening of Educational Driving Simulator Theater
Governor Beshear visited the National Corvette Museum on April 6 as community officials announced the opening of a educational driving simulator theater--a learning tool designed to instruct visitors on realistic driving situations.
"We cannot stress the importance of responsible driving enough, "Gov. Beshear said. The one-of-a-kind theater features numerous widescreen televisions and two driving simulators within stationary automobiles, to give the driver lifelike effects of the road. The Simulators also feature the highest quality graphics and surround sound.
For more information, click here.
Governor Beshear Announces Kentucky Chrome Works to Start Up Manufacturing Operations in Hart County
The Start-up project will create 80 new full-time jobs and result in a more than $2.6 million investment in the Commonwealth. Kentucky Chrome works will manufacture decorative chrome plating and metal finishing services for the automotive and appliance industries.The company will lease a 50,000 square-foot facility, located on five acres at 1145 South Dixie Street, in Horse Cave.
"Kentucky Chrome Works will be an excellent addition to the Hart County Community, as well as the state's overall corporate landscape," said Gov. Beshear.
For more information on Kentucky Chrome Works, click here.
Expansion of Country Oven Bakery in Bowling Green
Country Oven Bakery, owned by The Kroger Co., will add 33 new jobs and invest more than $10.6 million at the current Bowling Green facility. The Bowling Green bakery makes frozen dough products, breads and iced cakes for Kroger. The expansion will add 50,000 square-feet to the company's existing 177,000 square-foot facility to accommodate a second cake line. Country Oven Bakery currently employs 450 people with a total annual payroll of $22.3 million. The new jobs will have an average annual wage of nearly $50,000 including benefits.
"The Bowling Green, South Central Kentucky community is experiencing a bevy of new and expanding industry growth and the expansion of Country Oven Bakery is yet another prime example of this activity," said Gov. Beshear.
For more information on the expansion of Country Oven Bakery, click here.
Labels: Bowling Green, Economic Development, Manufacturing Plant, Morgantown/Butler County, South Central Kentucky, Warren County
Did You Know?
Posted by Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - 7/22/2009 10:53:00 AM
Here are a handful of quick facts from 2008 and 2009:
-Forbes ranked Bowling Green as No. 12 among the best small places for business and careers in the country for 2008.
-US News and World Report ranked Bowling Green High School in top 505 high schools nationwide – Bowling Green Daily News
-The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University has been named to Newsweek’s 2009 list of “The Public Elites.”
-In the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings in “America’s Best Colleges 2009,”WKU is No. 10 among public master’s universities in the South.
-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce was among 2008's Top 3 Chambers in the Nation (of its size) by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
-The Excellence Award for Best Website and the Excellence Award for Outstanding Membership Retention from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives. Check it out at www.bgchamber.com!
Labels: Bowling Green, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, quick facts, WKU
Bowling Green's Population is Increasing
Posted by Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - 7/02/2009 11:11:00 AM
According to U.S. Census Bureau information released yesterday, Bowling Green grew 1.8 percent from 54,107 to 55,097 and Owensboro grew .28 percent from 55,360 to 55,516 this year. For Bowling Green and Owensboro, the difference in growth since the 2000 Census is even wider. Bowling Green grew nearly 12 percent, while Owensboro grew just 2.6 percent, only adding 1,449 people to its population since 2000.The lack of a major interstate highway near Owensboro and the presence of one adjacent to Bowling Green have continually been cited as the reasons for the difference.While concentrated mainly in central Kentucky, the anticipated growth for the Elizabethtown and Hardin County area could spill southward along Interstate 65. The region will see a surge in population because of relocations for base realignment to Fort Knox, and if a battery manufacturing facility is located in Hardin County that will mean thousands of jobs and likely population growth.
For more information: http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2009/07/01/news/news4.txt
Labels: Bowling Green, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Census, I-65, population
Congratulations Chevrolet Corvette & Bowling Green Team
Posted by Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - 6/23/2009 09:20:00 AM
JD Power Results – Something to Smile About
The Chevrolet Corvette was ranked the Best GM Model by JD Power in its latest study. The Chevy Corvette score came in at 71 PPH, placing in the top of the pack for all GM models. In addition, the Corvette came in at the top of its segment – beating a top competitor, Porsche, by 1 PPH.The Bowling Green Assembly Plant team also secured the Bronze Plant Award, tying with the Toyota Georgetown Plant and the Ford Truck Plant. The plant score indicates the number of quality issues that were plant controllable.
Congratulations Bowling Green Team!
Want to know more? Visit or click http://www.bowlinggreenassemblyplant.com/
Labels: Bowling Green, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Chevrolet, Corvette, GM, JD Power Survey, National Corvette Museum
Bowling Green Resident Recieves National Recognition
Posted by Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - 6/18/2009 10:35:00 AM
A local resident was honored Tuesday with The Jefferson Award in Washington, D.C., for her exceptional contributions to the Bowling Green community. Martha Haynes received the award primarily for her significant philanthropy to Bellewood Presbyterian Homes for Children, a local, nonprofit agency that serves abused, at-risk and homeless youth throughout Kentucky.The Jefferson Awards, which began in 1972, are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America. The awards are presented on two levels: national and local. Bowling Green is one of approximately 90 communities in the U.S. that participate in the awards on a local level.
Haynes won the local Jefferson Award in April along with three other Warren County natives: Ret. Col. Robert Spiller, his wife, Cora Jane Spiller, and Hilda Sarver. Afterward, Haynes was nominated by the local board to be honored in the National Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
As part of the three-day ceremony held this week, Haynes received her award and spoke before all the recipients and their guests about the services she performed that resulted in national recognition.
“My father always told me that wherever I went I should make sure it was a better place when I left, in part, because of what I’ve done,” Haynes said.
Labels: Bowling Green, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson Award, Marth Hayes, national recognition, public services, South Central Kentucky
Auto Parts Company Bringing 35 Jobs
Posted by Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - 6/11/2009 04:22:00 PM
TMS Automotive, a startup company based in Elizabethtown plans to open in Bowling Green by July, bringing in 35 jobs to the area.The $2.17 million plant will locate in the old Nyloncraft building on Graham Avenue before eventually building its own facility. The company services Bowling Green Metalforming,Cannon Automotive Solutions, & Dana Corporation.
TMS Automotive president Michael Hall decided to locate the automotive company in Bowling Green because of its close proximity to those customers.
For more information on TMS Automotive: read the Chamber's press release.
Labels: Bowling Green, Economic Development, new company, South Central Kentucky
South Central Kentucky Familiarization Tour
Posted by Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - 6/09/2009 11:23:00 AM
For three days last week, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce economic development staff and South Central Kentucky partners hosted site selectors from across North America, showcasing the region’s assets to these professionals. Leaders from throughout the region, along with representatives from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tennessee Valley Authority, also participated in the three-day event.
Upon arrival on Tuesday, June 2, the six consultants were escorted to a Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball game against the Lexington Legends. After visiting the Kentucky Transpark on Wednesday morning, they boarded helicopters for an extensive aerial tour of the South Central Kentucky region. The group spent Wednesday evening at a networking reception at the National Corvette Museum. After a 5-minute networking session and panel discussion on Thursday morning, the tour ended with a round of golf at Olde Stone and other recreational activities.
The tour was designed to give insight on the South Central Kentucky region and to showcase why we are renowned for being, "Central for Business and Southern for Living".
Labels: Bowling Green, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Fam Tour, South Central Kentucky
