In case you missed our events or announcements over the past few months, here's a look back at some of South Central Kentucky's achievements...

Governor Beshear Commemorates Grand Opening on Feb. 1 of Blackhawk Composites Manufacturing Facility in Morgantown

"The Start-up of Blackhawk composites in Butler County will provide dozens of high-quality, well paying jobs - the kind of jobs Kentucky seeks to create,” said Gov. Beshear.

Blackhawk Composites is bringing 20 new jobs initially, growing to 30 within the first year. Blackhawk Composites is leasing a 40,000 square-foot facility to manufacture advanced aerospace composite parts for Cessna Caravan aircraft cowls, the part of the aircraft that covers the engine.

For more information on Blackhawk Composites, click here.

Location Announcement of MetalWorks Recycle-Reload and Expansion of Owl's Head Alloys, Inc. in Bowling Green

On March 2, Govenor Beshear joined community and business leaders in Bowling Green to announce the location of Metalworks Recycle -Reload and expansion of Owl's Head Alloys Inc. New and expanding manufacturing projects will potentially create 50 new jobs.

"These environmentally friendly projects will create dozens of new jobs opportunities in South Central Kentucky and provide a significant boost to the local economy," said Gov. Beshear.

For more information, click here.

Hart County Joins Chamber's Menu of Services

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Hart County has joined the Chamber's Menu of Services Program, thereby heightening its level of involvement in the South Central Kentucky Regional Economic Development Partnership. The Chamber's Menus of Services Program was created to deepen the marketing of South Central Kentucky to site selection professionals and industries and to inform their decisions to locate business here in the region.

"We happily welcome Hart County into our Menu of Services Program, which named the top regionalism program in the world in 2009 by the International Economic Development Council," Said Chamber President and CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD.

For more information on this new partnership, click here.

Expansion of the Kentucky Micro Enterprise Loan Program

Kentucky Micro Enterprise Loan Program ensures entrepreneurs that all Kentucky counties will have access to a microloan program. Funded by a one-time state allocation of $125,000 from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA), the expanded loan program will be administered by Community Venture Corporation (CVC), a private, nonprofit community and business development organization, from their regional office in Bowling Green. CVC provides small loans to small businesses to help them grow.

"My administration is committed to growing small businesses across the state, and it's vital that small businesses and entrepreneurs in every Kentucky county have access to funding to start or expand their business," said Gov. Beshear. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and this program will have a positive impact on the communities that previously had no access to a local microloan program."

For more information on this program, click here.

Grand Opening of Educational Driving Simulator Theater

Governor Beshear visited the National Corvette Museum on April 6 as community officials announced the opening of a educational driving simulator theater--a learning tool designed to instruct visitors on realistic driving situations.

"We cannot stress the importance of responsible driving enough, "Gov. Beshear said. The one-of-a-kind theater features numerous widescreen televisions and two driving simulators within stationary automobiles, to give the driver lifelike effects of the road. The Simulators also feature the highest quality graphics and surround sound.

For more information, click here.

Governor Beshear Announces Kentucky Chrome Works to Start Up Manufacturing Operations in Hart County

The Start-up project will create 80 new full-time jobs and result in a more than $2.6 million investment in the Commonwealth. Kentucky Chrome works will manufacture decorative chrome plating and metal finishing services for the automotive and appliance industries.The company will lease a 50,000 square-foot facility, located on five acres at 1145 South Dixie Street, in Horse Cave.

"Kentucky Chrome Works will be an excellent addition to the Hart County Community, as well as the state's overall corporate landscape," said Gov. Beshear. 

For more information on Kentucky Chrome Works, click here.

Expansion of Country Oven Bakery in Bowling Green

Country Oven Bakery, owned by The Kroger Co., will add 33 new jobs and invest more than $10.6 million  at the current Bowling Green facility. The Bowling Green bakery makes frozen dough products, breads and iced cakes for Kroger. The expansion will add 50,000 square-feet to the company's existing 177,000 square-foot facility to accommodate a second cake line. Country Oven Bakery currently employs 450 people with a total annual payroll of $22.3 million. The new jobs will have an average annual wage of nearly $50,000 including benefits.

"The Bowling Green, South Central Kentucky community is experiencing a bevy of new and expanding industry growth and the expansion of Country Oven Bakery is yet another prime example of this activity," said Gov. Beshear.

For more information on the expansion of Country Oven Bakery, click here.

Labels: Bowling Green, Economic Development, Manufacturing Plant, Morgantown/Butler County, South Central Kentucky, Warren County

A Message from Chamber President & CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD:

In the State of Kentucky, there have only been 3 new industry announcements of 100+ jobs this year and the Kentucky Copper announcement that we made last Thursday in Morgantown is one of those projects. We are so pleased to have recently finalized all details with India-based Chandra Proteco, Kentucky Copper’s parent company, in recent weeks. It was February 2008 when we first had contact with Chandra. As is the case with most major projects, there was nothing easy about the Kentucky Copper project. For example, the global financial situation made it even more challenging to get this investment financed but, we found a way.

Watch WBKO's coverage of the December 10th announcement in Morgantown.

This project serves as a great example of why travel is such an important part of our economic development marketing strategy. We visited Chandra Proteco on 2 occasions. In Asia, the most important consideration in making business decisions is the long-term relationship. The more time we spent with the Chandra leadership team, the greater our chances of finalizing the deal. Also, in addition to relationship-building, our most recent trip to India, in September, allowed us to finalize the financing details. Chandra’s Indian bank wanted to meet with a representative of the local community and we obliged.

We celebrate any new investment project, but the Kentucky Copper announcement is even more special because it serves as another example of how our regional partnership works. The Bowling Green Area Chamber markets the entire region for investment attraction as a result of marketing agreements we have in place with 9 of our neighboring counties. When a project comes to our attention, we show them every site and/or building in the region that meets their criteria. In the case of Kentucky Copper, the former Kellwood manufacturing facility, in Butler County, came as close as any building to meeting their minimum requirements. Of course, the Bowling Green Area Chamber and Butler County/Morgantown have also entered into one of our standard “Menu of Services” agreements in which we serve as the primary economic development agency for that community. For a community such as Morgantown/Butler County, it is not nearly enough for us to simply “sell” a prospective industry on investing there. They really need the help of an experienced economic developer in finalizing details. The Menu of Services Agreement provides that support.

Speaking from a personal standpoint, as I looked out at the 100+ community members at the announcement in Morgantown, I was struck by all the smiling faces. I was instantly reminded of one of the many reasons why I love what I do. It was 22 months of hard work, and we have now brought joy to so many people.

Labels: Economic Development, Kentucky Copper, Morgantown/Butler County

Officials from Warren County and the City of Bowling Green, along with members of the board of directors for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority (BGAEDA) and the Intermodal Transportation Authority (ITA), celebrated the groundbreaking of the Kentucky Transpark speculative building today during a ceremony attended by more than 50 people.

"The spec building is a tremendous asset for the Kentucky Transpark. As an example of what can be built at the Transpark, this building will become the highlight of prospective client tours and for our marketing efforts," said Rick Wilson, chairman of the ITA Board of Directors.

"Not only are we proud that this building will help attract new clients, but also we're happy to announce that its construction is a partnership with the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority," he added.

A state-of-the-art addition to the Transpark, the speculative building-a pre-engineered steel structure with steel-insulated panels-will be located on 10 acres of land next to Cannon Automotive Solutions, Inc., at the corner of Jody Richards Drive and Commonwealth Boulevard. The building is meant to provide an example of what can be built at the Transpark, and it can be leased or sold to prospective Transpark tenants for their own purposes.

"Over half of the attraction clients with whom we come into contact are seeking existing buildings," explained James N. Hizer, CEcD, president of the ITA and BGAEDA, as well as president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. "The spec building can be easily customized to meet a tenant's specific needs."

Hizer continued, "A building such as this will elevate our competitiveness in bringing more high-paying jobs to the Transpark. The communities that we compete with for projects on a regular basis have spec buildings like the one we are constructing. By having such a building at the Transpark, we're leveling the playing field and giving companies one more reason to locate at this impressive business park."

The heavy-industrial-zoned building will meet all standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction. The building's floor area is 72,000 square feet, with an expandable area of an additional 45,000 square feet. Its dimensions are 300 feet by 240 feet. Additional specifications of the building include:

• Building eaves: 38 feet high
• Roof: steel-standing, seam-insulated panels
• Concrete foundation
• Floor: concrete slab over 4" dense grade aggregate
• Two rows of columns; columns spaced at 40 feet by 100 feet
• Cross dock capable; 12 docks planned for east & west elevations
• Basic water, sewer and electrical installed for completion to tenant specifications
• Gas available on site
• Fiber optic communications available on site

The building architect is Ken Lasley, AIA; the building contractor for the project is Scott, Murphy and Daniel, LLC; the site contractor is Stewart-Richey Construction, Inc.; and the site engineer is DDS Engineers. The City-County Planning Commission of Warren County approved the detailed development plan for the project.

"The BGAEDA is pleased to be a part of today's groundbreaking for the Transpark spec building. The Transpark is already a very attractive business park for prospective tenants, and the spec building only enhances its appeal," said BGAEDA Board of Directors Chairman Doug Gorman. "This will be yet another reason for us to promote the Transpark as it contributes an enormous value to our first-class business park."

For more information about the speculative building and the Transpark, contact Vice President of Property Development and Public Policy R. Marc Elliott, CEcD, AICP at 270-781-2016 or marc@bgchamber.com.

Labels: Economic Development, Groundbreaking, Kentucky Transpark, Speculative Building

On August 19th, The Scottsville-Allen County officials announced their participation in an economic development program to help communities be better prepared for economic growth. TVA Economic Development in cooperation with local power company, Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation, is offering the pilot community preparedness program.

"We are pleased to work with Scottsville-Allen County's community leaders to offer this pilot economic development program,” said John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development. "This will help the community be better prepared for growth and potential job opportunities." Its objectives include work to move forward with Allen County's strategic plan, identify available land and buildings, foster the community's charitable and entrepreneurial spirit, and continue to improve educational opportunities for career and industry trades.

Tri-County Electric, TVA, state and local entities will assist the Scottsville-Allen County Industrial Authority with a variety of resources to accomplish these objectives.

For more information visit http://www.scottsvillegrowth.com.

Labels: Allen County, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, Scottsville

In an effort to interact and connect better with our partners and the community, The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and South Central Kentucky regional economic development partners have joined several social media sites. And, we want you to join us!

Tweet with us on Twitter: twitter.com/BGChamber.

Become a fan of the Chamber and South Central Kentucky on Facebook!

Are you LinkedIn? Connect with the Chamber!

Labels: Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, social media

TMS Automotive, a startup company based in Elizabethtown plans to open in Bowling Green by July, bringing in 35 jobs to the area.

The $2.17 million plant will locate in the old Nyloncraft building on Graham Avenue before eventually building its own facility. The company services Bowling Green Metalforming,Cannon Automotive Solutions, & Dana Corporation.

TMS Automotive president Michael Hall decided to locate the automotive company in Bowling Green because of its close proximity to those customers.

For more information on TMS Automotive: read the Chamber's press release.

Labels: Bowling Green, Economic Development, new company, South Central Kentucky

Labels: Economic Development

The wait is over! While much speculation has been rumbling in the community about the new company locating in our region, the announcement was finally made today. N.E.W. Customer Services Companies, Inc. (NEW) will provide up to 350 work-at-home customer care representative jobs over a three-year time frame in South Central Kentucky.

Nearly 80 community members attended the news conference at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center this morning. At the event, Board Chairman Doug Gorman welcomed NEW representatives Vice President, Contact Center Resource Planning Mitch Carroll, Work-at-Home Director Karen Rish, and Manager, Operations Planning Rebecca Alston, who all commented on the impressive community we have here in Bowling Green.

NEW will initially begin their work in South Central Kentucky with 120 work-at-home jobs. Information sessions about these positions will be held at the Chamber on Tuesday, June 3, at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m., and on Wednesday, June 4, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Online applications are available at www.newhomebasedccr.com/.

To learn more about NEW, read the news release or visit their website: http://www.newcorp.com/.

Labels: Economic Development