BOWLING GREEN, KY. – October 2, 2025 – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 13 outstanding businesses Thursday evening during its annual Targeted Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners. The night’s top honor—the John B. Holland Business of the Year Award, sponsored by The Murphy Construction Group—was awarded to Country Oven Bakery. The event was held at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKYPAC).
Each October, the Chamber hosts this signature event in conjunction with Targeted Business and Industry Appreciation Month to recognize businesses that drive innovation, job creation, and community impact across South Central Kentucky. South Central Kentucky has experienced great success so far in 2025, announcing 9 projects that bring $238.5 million in capital investment and 60 new jobs year-to-date. The Chamber has also been awarded the Mac Conway Award by Site Selection Magazine which recognized the Chamber of Commerce as a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the Country for the fourth time in five years.
“Our targeted businesses are the backbone of South Central Kentucky’s economy,” said Andy Barker, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “They represent the vision, hard work, and community-minded spirit that make this region a place where businesses can thrive. The Targeted Business Awards allow us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the remarkable strides these companies are making—not just in numbers, but in the lives they touch and the opportunities they create.”
“The companies we honor tonight are shaping more than our economy—they’re building the future,” said Ron Bunch, President & CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. “Through innovation, advanced technologies, and new ways of doing business, they’re diversifying our economic base and creating high-value opportunities for the next generation. Their investments fuel talent development, strengthen resilience, and position South Central Kentucky at the forefront of a dynamic, modern economy. It’s an honor to celebrate their vision and impact as we continue building a stronger, more innovative region together.”
“We are honored to be named Business of the Year by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Delbert Offutt, site leader at the Country Oven Bakery. “For more than four decades, Country Oven has proudly called Bowling Green home. This recognition celebrates our commitment to innovation, operational excellence and the community. Our recent investment is not just about strengthening our own future; it is about contributing to the region’s evolving economy and supporting workforce development. We’re excited to continue building on our legacy here in South Central Kentucky.”
The Chamber presented awards in seven categories: the John B. Holland Business of the Year, Healthcare Enterprise, Newcomer, Business Expansion, Business Innovation, Green to Gold, and Emerging Technology Business.
Newcomer Award – Sponsored by German American Bank:
For companies that are new to South Central Kentucky and have announced a location here within the past 12 months.
2025 Recipients:
• Caza Innovations – Kent Murphy
• OgMentum ARK – Jake Weise
• AAA Cooper – Nick Lemm
Healthcare Enterprise Award – Sponsored by Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College:
For South Central Kentucky healthcare organizations that expanded operations in 2024, investing capital and creating new jobs for local residents.
2025 Recipients:
• Graves Gilbert Clinic – Mike D’Eramo
• Med Center Health – Connie Smith
• Greenview Regional Hospital – Mike Sherrod
Business Expansion Award – Sponsored by Tennessee Valley Authority:
For South Central Kentucky businesses that expanded operations in 2024, investing capital and creating jobs for local residents.
2025 Recipients:
• MetalWorks Recycle Reload
John B. Holland Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Murphy Construction Group:
The evening served as a testament to the strength and resilience of South Central Kentucky’s business community, highlighting the strategic investments and forward thinking approaches that will continue to shape the region’s economic future.
2025 Recipient:
• Country Oven Bakery
Green to Gold Award – Sponsored by Bowling Green Municipal Utilities:
For companies that best exemplify “green” leadership as it pertains to the region’s goals to become a leader in this emerging field.
2025 Recipient:
• Gracious Living
Business Innovation Award – Sponsored by Stewart-Richey Construction, Inc.:
For businesses in South Central Kentucky that stand out as leaders in innovation, whether through their products or processes.
2025 Recipients:
• BlueCotton
• General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant
• CROWN Cork & Seal
Emerging Technology Business Award – Sponsored by Keller Schroeder:
2025 Recipients:
• Caza Innovations
Finally, the Chamber would like to extend a special thank you to our title sponsor, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and additional sponsors for making the 2025 Targeted Business Awards a success.
In addition to the award sponsors listed above, the following Chamber partners sponsored a portion of the event:
• Graves Gilbert Clinic
• Warren County Water District
• Atmos Energy
• Arnold Consulting Engineering Services, Inc.
• Kelley Construction
• Service One Credit Union
• TVA
• WKU
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, distribution, and emerging technology businesses. South Central Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 60% of the nation's population, personal income, and manufacturing businesses. Bowling Green ranks second in the United States for best manufacturing city. The Bowling Green/Warren County region has captured over six billion in capital investment in the past decade, with those companies creating more than twelve thousand new jobs. To learn more, please visit https://www.southcentralky.com/