BOWLING GREEN, KY., March 7, 2025 – In an impressive streak of national acknowledgments, Bowling Green and Warren County have, for the second consecutive year, been recognized for their outstanding achievements in expanding and attracting corporate facility investments that create high-quality jobs. The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to be the economic development group for Bowling Green and Warren County. This achievement showcases the unwavering spirit, resilience, and forward-thinking approach of local businesses and the broader community. This year, Bowling Green is celebrated for securing the top position among high-performing metros in the U.S. for communities with populations under 200,000. Remarkably, this marks the 13th consecutive year Bowling Green has been recognized as a top 6th or higher tier-3 metropolitan area nationwide.
This prestigious ranking, spearheaded by Site Selection magazine, evaluates communities on their capacity to draw significant investments. Utilizing a sophisticated 10-factor index that taps into Conway Data, Inc.'s rich database of project announcements, Bowling Green shines brightly as a leader in Kentucky and a national example of economic ingenuity. Bowling Green's success story is one written together with the teams of our local businesses, whose dedication and innovative spirit have not only propelled economic growth but have also woven a fabric of community resilience and mutual support.
Governor Andy Beshear: “Once again Kentucky is being recognized nationally for our continued economic success and job creation for our residents. I am proud to see so many of our thriving communities recognized in this year’s Top Metropolitan and Micropolitan rankings. It reflects the incredible work being done at the local and state levels to build an even better future in our New Kentucky Home. Congratulations to Bowling Green and Warren County on this year’s strong placement.”
The annual ranking, conducted by Site Selection magazine, assesses communities based on their prowess in both expanding and drawing investments, utilizing a comprehensive 10-factor index. This index leverages data from Conway Data, Inc.'s extensive database of new and expanded project announcements.
"Warren County’s recognition with Bowling Green as the #1 community for economic development results in the nation is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in fostering a thriving business climate," said Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman. "Our success is built on the collaboration between local government, businesses, and community partners—all working together to create a vibrant, pro-business environment. This achievement belongs to every company that has invested in our shared vision for economic success, reinforcing Bowling Green and Warren County as a model for sustainable growth and innovation."
As Bowling Green continues to draw national attention to its economic development success, it sets a benchmark for regional growth, innovation, and attracting investment. The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to ensuring the region's position as a top choice for business investment globally.
“Bowling Green’s economic growth is fueled by strong community partnerships and the hard work of team Bowling Green.", said Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott. “With the collaboration of the Chamber, Warren County Fiscal Court, City of Bowling Green, and invested local business leaders, we’ve created a thriving environment for businesses to grow. Our workforce is the foundation of this success, driving innovation and progress. This recognition reflects the collective effort of all who contribute to making Bowling Green a national leader in economic development. I’m proud to be part of a community that truly embodies our mission: community-led, service-driven, and powered by growth.”
"2024 has been a remarkable year for our area, marked by the continued success and expansion of our existing businesses," stated Ron Bunch, President and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber. "This achievement is the result of strategic partnerships between businesses, government, utilities, education, and workforce leaders—all working together to create an environment where companies can grow and succeed. Our region’s businesses, from advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge technology, have set new benchmarks for innovation and resilience, reinforcing our area as a premier destination for business prosperity. This recognition reflects the strength of our business community, the investments they’ve made, and the collaborative ecosystem that continues to drive our economic success."
In 2024, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced 24 new projects, including 21 expansions and 3 new business attraction projects, representing $326.3 million in capital investments. These projects are expected to create 610 new jobs, contributing over $2.24 billion to the local economy over the next decade and supporting an additional 1,201 jobs in the community.
Site Selection magazine, a leading publication in the corporate real estate and economic development sectors, provides yearly analyses considered essential by industry professionals. For more details on Site Selection's rankings, visit www.siteselection.com
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About South Central Kentucky Economic Development:
South Central Kentucky Economic Development is an entity of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, a nationally ranked 5-Star Accredited Chamber. Located at the center of a 34-state distribution area in the eastern United States, South Central Kentucky is a prime location for manufacturing and distribution facilities. South Central Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 60% of the nation's population, personal income, and manufacturing business establishments. Bowling Green ranks second in the United States for best manufacturing city. In the past decade, the region has captured over four billion in capital investment, creating thousands of jobs within the region. To learn more please visit https://www.southcentralky.com/