Our Chamber Background
Media Room
Learn more about the Chamber's impressive efforts in South Central Kentucky. Here you'll find information about the Chamber's
Questions regarding information found here should be directed to Economic Development Research and Marketing Coordinator Melissa Albert at 270-781-3200.
Our Mission
In December 2007, the Chamber Board of Directors formally approved the newly revised mission statement, further defining the Chamber's role in South Central Kentucky. The new 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.
Our Distinctive History
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has been recruiting businesses to the area since 1935 and will continue to make Bowling Green a hub of business in the global market. Strong evidence of this comes from the new multi-million dollar Chamber building, a 17,460-square-foot, state-of-the-art headquarters that was dedicated on June 6, 2007. Nearly 200 Chamber partners committed to contributing more than $3 million to the building's Capital Campaign.
More evidence of the Chamber's strength comes from the 2009 Chamber of the Year Award, which was presented to the Chamber by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives on July 31, 2009. Each year, ACCE recognizes three to four chambers in each of four dues categories for their excellence in overall operations, programs, partnership numbers and other functions. The rankings are determined through a multi-stage process based on the following criteria:
- Organizational excellence
- Member services and connections
- Programs that demonstrate the core chamber strengths of economic opportunities, impact, focus and/or advocacy
Chambers must first qualify to compete by completing ACCE's annual Chamber Operations Survey, which is judged by ACCE based on seven criteria regarding net income, assets, and partner retention dollars and accounts. Only the top ranked chambers are then invited to complete an application that provides a comprehensive view of the chamber's success based on financial and partnership performance, as well as their communication and community programs.
The Chamber is the fourth largest chamber in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with more than 1,300 partners who represent more than 36,000 employees.
As a Five-Star Chamber, the organization has the proud honor to be one of only five chambers in the Commonwealth to be accredited by the United States Chamber of Commerce—a designation that only 301 other chambers in the nation can claim.
Our Economic Development Efforts
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.
Our Partnership
"The word 'partner' encompasses the relationship of our lifelong Chamber supporters," says Vice President of Operations Tonya Matthews, IOM, ACE, 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."
The President's Club was formed in 1998 to recognize those partners who generously contribute to the economic development efforts of the Chamber. To date, more than 60 local businesses and industries participate in the President’s Club at one of our five levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
