BOWLING GREEN, KY. – June 30, 2025 – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of “Pathway to Progress: Local Leadership. Driving Regional Growth”. This bold campaign aims to raise $3.9 million to implement a five year strategy that includes enhancements to infrastructure, workforce development, and innovation across South Central Kentucky.
More than a fundraising initiative, Pathway to Progress is a blueprint for continued economic transformation. It is built to generate high-wage, high-value employment, broaden our economic foundation, and amplify the region’s competitive edge—nationally and globally. Rather than redistributing existing economic activity, this campaign is focused on unlocking new market value and growing total opportunity across the region.
South Central Kentucky stands at the threshold of a defining decade. This campaign accelerates a trajectory already marked by record-breaking capital investment, workforce momentum, and national recognition. The future is not just promising—it’s actionable. As our population grows, our focus is on building smarter infrastructure, deploying innovation, expanding housing, and preparing the next generation for a future that is not just competitive, but world-class.
“Pathway to Progress” ensures we don’t just keep up—we lead. We have to do this—it’s critical to our future,” said Ron Bunch, President & CEO of the Chamber. “Our community’s momentum is real, and this investment ensures we’re equipped to support our partners and keep driving regional economic growth at a world-class level. Thank you to all our investors for stepping up and supporting this bold vision.”
The campaign has already received commitments totaling $2.28 million from key investors, including regional employers, philanthropic leaders, and government partners.
This public-private partnership ensures that both community leadership and the business sector are invested in driving lasting regional prosperity. Private sector support is essential—not only to close the funding gap, but to ensure Chamber-led initiatives can deliver measurable impact in workforce development, business expansion, innovation, and long-term economic competitiveness.
To learn more or get involved, please contact Ron Bunch at ron@bgchamber.com.
Year to date, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has won five economic development projects in South Central Kentucky, totaling $40 million in capital investment and creating 167 new jobs across the region. In addition, Bowling Green continues to achieve national recognition, with a back-to back ranking as the #1 Tier 2 Metro in the United States and has been among the Top 6 Tier 2 Metros for 13 consecutive years by Site Selection Magazine. The Chamber has also been honored with the prestigious Mac Conway Award, recognizing it as one of the Top 20 Economic Development Organizations in the country for the 4th time in 5 years.
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.