BOWLING GREEN, KY. – May 1, 2025 – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has been named one of the top 20 economic development organizations in the United States, earning the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development for the 4th time in 5 years. The prestigious recognition comes from Site Selection Magazine, highlighting the Chamber’s exceptional performance in 2024. This prestigious accolade places Bowling Green among the nation’s leading economic hubs, alongside major metropolitan areas, and underscores the community’s outstanding pro-business environment.
In 2024, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce worked with 24 economic development projects in South Central Kentucky, totaling more than $326M in capital investment which will create 610 new jobs bringing the total announcements since 2011 to 13,000 jobs new jobs and over $6.9B in capital investments in the region.
The Mac Conway Award, named after H. McKinley “Mac” Conway, a pioneer in economic development, honors organizations that have excelled in creating impactful projects and driving growth in their communities. This recognition is a testament to the strategic investments and tireless efforts that support the growth of businesses and jobs. These investments will also continue our momentum for years to come. The economic impact of the Chamber’s success in 2024 will exceed $2.3B dollars over the next decade, will spur over $50M in new annual spending in the economy, and will support an additional 1,100 jobs in our community.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Site Selection Magazine for the fourth time,” said Ron Bunch, President and CEO of the Chamber. “This recognition reflects the collective dedication of our team and the broader community partners who work tirelessly to foster a thriving, business-friendly environment. Our continued success is a direct result of the dynamic partnerships, the “oneness” that helps position Bowling Green and Warren County as leaders in economic development.”
The award is based on a new, robust index that balances three critical factors: Conway Data/Site Selection corporate facility project numbers, investment data, and job creation figures; the 2025 Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index; and the 2025 Most Dynamic Cities report from Heartland Forward. This index underscores the depth of economic prosperity and growth in Bowling Green, positioning the region for ongoing success and sustainability.
“The recognition of Bowling Green as a top performer in economic development highlights the success of our community in attracting major investments and generating job opportunities,” said Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman. “The Chamber’s strategic leadership and unwavering commitment continue to build trust and confidence among business leaders. We’re proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing to drive the region’s economic momentum.”
“The remarkable success of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce speaks to its ability to not only compete for projects but also consistently secure substantial investments and create new jobs,” said Mayor Todd Alcott. “The impact of these efforts is seen in the growth of our businesses and the prosperity of our community. We encourage site selectors, companies, and job seekers to visit Bowling Green and see firsthand why we’ve earned this prestigious recognition. Bowling Green is community led, service driven, and powered by growth.”
The Mac Conway Awards are presented to the top U.S. economic development organizations based on corporate job creation, facility-related capital investment, and project activity. Bowling Green is one of only twenty organizations across the nation to receive this highly coveted award.
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About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce:
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as the driving force for South Central Kentucky’s business community providing valuable services and resources to over 1,300 partners, cultivating a positive business environment, and stimulating economic development for the area. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives, and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community by enhancing the business climate and continuing to grow the region. To learn more about the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.bgchamber.com.
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 and multiple time Mac Conway Award Winner. The region has captured over six billion in capital investment in the past decade, creating thousands of jobs. To learn more, please visit https://www.southcentralky.com.