IEDC Award Winner
Media Room
Chamber Receives International Award for Menu of Services Program
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Chamber President & CEO James N. Hizer, Logan Economic Alliance for Development Executive Director Tom Harned, Chamber Chairman Todd Davis, Morgantown Mayor Eva Hawes, Chamber Vice President of Economic Development Dan Preston and Chamber Director of Regional Development Miller Slaughter |
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has recognized the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce for its innovative collaboration initiative while at the IEDC Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada, October 4-7, 2009.
"Furthering economic development is rarely a simple task in the best of times, and advancing the cause in the midst of a global financial crisis is nothing less than arduous," said Ian Bromley, IEDC chair. "As the consequences of the widespread economic turmoil have taken hold, we have seen our members become even more ardent proponents of economic development, flying in the face of one of the most challenging economic environments we have experienced in our careers. We proudly present this award to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce for its superior work during these difficult times."
Competing in the category of Regionalism and Cross-border Collaboration by organizations serving areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, the Chamber was a clear standout with the Menu of Services Program for South Central Kentucky. Announced in July 2008, the program is designed to ensure that every county in the region is served by either their own economic development professional or by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber had recognized that those counties that did not have economic development professionals were behind the rest in terms of representation and readiness for industry projects, and economic and job growth.
"The Chamber's menu of services program is like no other in the entire nation," said James N. Hizer, CEcD, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. "By providing unique services tailored to meet our regional partners' needs, this program is a model by which all economic development programs can apply to their regionalism efforts. It is exemplary of the positive impact that regional cooperation can have in a community."
"Our Chamber staff works diligently with our regional partners to provide a top quality menu of services program because the Chamber understands the value of the regional approach to economic development," said Todd Davis, Chamber Board of Directors chairman. "We're proud of this award and thank our regional partners for their participation in this program."
