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More than 100 young professionals and 20 community guests gathered for BGYP’s Lunch & Learn, FOMO: Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse, an event designed to provide insider insight into the projects and ideas shaping Bowling Green’s future. The session reinforced BGYP’s mission to help professionals under 40 stay informed, connected, and engaged in the growth of their community.
BGYP Chair Heath Holloman, The Murphy Construction Group, opened the event by emphasizing the value of connection, career growth, and awareness of community momentum — reminding attendees that “FOMO is real” when it comes to understanding what’s happening now and what’s next across Bowling Green and Warren County.
The program began with Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman, who shared updates on Project 2050, a community-driven initiative informed by nearly 8,000 voices and designed to guide the region’s growth toward a projected population of 233,000 by mid-century. Gorman highlighted the importance of planning today for infrastructure, housing, workforce, and quality of life — while encouraging young professionals to play an active role in shaping implementation.
Building on that future-focused conversation, Sandra Baker, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce & Kentucky Science Center Board of Directors, introduced the concept of a Science & Library Center, a unique idea blending innovation, workforce development, and lifelong learning to enhance Bowling Green’s quality-of-life ecosystem. The initiative, still in early discussion, reflects broader efforts to create spaces that inspire curiosity, career exploration, and community engagement.
Momentum continued with Brent Childers, City of Bowling Green Director of Neighborhood & Community Services, who provided updates on the transformative Riverfront Project. The four-phase initiative — with phase one nearing completion this summer — includes plans for a whitewater park, expanded public spaces, and long-term redevelopment that will position the river corridor as a regional destination while supporting tourism, economic development, and downtown vibrancy.
A featured Q&A session led by Telia Butler, Downtown Development Coordinator, gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with speakers, ask questions, and gain clarity on timelines, priorities, and future opportunities. Butler concluded the program with updates on downtown development and upcoming events, reinforcing the city center’s growing energy and role as a hub for experiences, connection, and quality of life.
Organizers emphasized that BGYP’s Lunch & Learn series is more than informational — it is a strategic platform connecting emerging leaders to the ideas, projects, and decision-makers shaping the region.
For employers and business leaders, the event highlighted the value of investing in young professional engagement. Providing opportunities for employees to participate in BGYP programming strengthens retention, builds civic awareness, and cultivates future community leaders prepared to contribute to Bowling Green’s continued growth.
The next opportunity to connect is BGYP Coffee & Convos on April 14 at Lifeskills, themed Nourishing a Community of Care & Growth.
As Bowling Green continues its trajectory of intentional growth, BGYP remains a vital resource ensuring young professionals stay informed, involved, and ready to lead — keeping their finger on the pulse of a community building its future together.