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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce 
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has experienced much success over the past 75 years. The Chamber is proud to be a part of Bowling Green/Warren County, supporting its 108,000+ residents. The Chamber boasts a strong partnership base with local industries, businesses and non-profits, with more than 1,300 Chamber partners representing 36,000 employees in the Bowling Green Metropolitan Statistical Area.
In July 2009, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce was named the Top Chamber in the Nation by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. 2009 Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Todd Davis said, "We are so proud to be named Chamber of the Year because this award is the highest compliment that ACCE can give. We were in competition with chambers from across the nation, but we stood out because of what our organization represents."
In 2009, the United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Chamber with a 5-Star accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members. Only 288 chambers of commerce are accredited in the United States and less than one percent of all U.S. chambers are designated with 5-Star accreditation.
The Chamber is proud to offer valuable programs and services to its more than 1,300 partners who represent more than 36,000 employees. Read on to learn more about the following:
Mission and Values
The mission of the Chamber is: We provide valuable services to our partners, advocate a positive business environment and stimulate economic development for South Central Kentucky.
In March 2009, the Chamber Board of Directors approved the following values statement, which summarizes the Chamber’s beliefs and values:
Values are the standards that influence every aspect of our lives. Values provide the direction to decisions that are made by our organization. In all that we do, let us demonstrate our core values:
- Inclusiveness – We embrace behavior and actions that respect and honor the background, diversity and contributions of all in our community.
- Integrity – We believe in demonstrating the strength, moral principles, honesty and ethics that warrant the trust of the community.
- Leadership – We believe that the community can only grow and prosper if we have the courage to be bold in our vision and stand by our convictions.
- Service – We value a commitment to service and believe responsibility and duty are imperative to enrich the community.
Partnership
"The word 'partner' encompasses the relationship of our lifelong Chamber supporters," says Vice President of Operations Tonya Matthews, ACE, IOM, CCE. "These individuals, businesses and organizations invest in their Chamber annually, contributing to the community's economic development efforts, business expansion opportunities and the citizens' overall quality of life. The supporters of the Chamber are more than registered members; they are active partners in the Chamber's accomplishments."
Economic Development
The Chamber is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky and is dedicated to promoting the entire region, utilizing a regional economic development marketing plan to aid in the attraction of business and industry. Learn more about our economic development efforts by visiting www.southcentralky.com.
The President's Club was formed in 1998 to recognize those partners who generously contribute to the economic development efforts of the Chamber. Many of the President's Club partners were already paying at President's Club levels before the program was established. Most of these partners express that their sole reason for supporting the President's Club is their desire to encourage economic growth in South Central Kentucky. Learn more about the President's Club.
