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
- Mission
- History
- Economic development efforts
- Partnership, including our President's Club
- Committees and Programs
Questions regarding information found here should be directed to Communications Director Jessica Thompson 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, located at 710 College Street, which staff and partners are confident will make a lasting impression on industries that are considering a move to the region. The Chamber dedicated this new 17,460-square-foot, state-of-the-art headquarters on June 6, 2007. Nearly 200 Chamber partners committed to contributing more than $3 million to our Capital Campaign, allowing us to remain on schedule to pay off the building in less than five years.
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.
"It was surreal to hear the words Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced during the awards ceremony in Raleigh," said Chamber President and CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD. "This is a tremendous accolade from our chamber peers across North America. To be named Chamber of the Year is not just a reward for the dedication of our Board, Ambassadors, volunteers and staff; it also brings our chamber, and our community, recognition on a national scale."
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.
The Chamber 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.
Since January 1, 2007, the Chamber has participated in 18 new and expanded industry announcements, creating more than $97 million in economic investment and 2,367 new jobs. In March 2008, Site Selection magazine honored our economic development achievements, ranking the Bowling Green metropolitan area sixth in the nation for its number of industry location and expansion projects in 2007.
Our Partnership
"The word 'partner' encompasses the relationship of our lifelong Chamber supporters," says Vice President of Operations Tonya Matthews, IOM, ACE. "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 Chamber experienced its largest net gain in history in 2007—9.9%, nearly 10 times as high as the national average of 0%. With 320 new partners recruited during the year, the Chamber doubled the annual recruitment rate it traditionally sees. As of July 18, 2008, 1,388 businesses and individuals were partners with the Chamber.
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.
Many of the President's Club partners were already paying at President's Club levels before the program was established, and many express that their sole reason for supporting the President's Club is their desire to encourage economic growth in South Central Kentucky.
Our Committees and Programs
We at the Chamber recognize the importance of strong connections in the community. Not only do we want to help our partners become involved, but we also want to give back to the Bowling Green area.
Chamber committees help to further efforts in our four strategic areas: regional economic development, existing business development, serving partnership needs and organizational development. While the Legislative Action and Infrastructure Committees are board-appointed committees, all Chamber partners are invited to join the following committees:
- Industry Appreciation Committee
- Responsible for Industry Appreciation Month and the Industry Appreciation Golf Classic, as well as naming the Industry of the Year
- Partnership Development Recruitment Committee
- Responsible for a partnership drive, Chamber Open House for prospects and a New Partner Celebration
- Partnership Development Retention Committee
- Responsible for quarterly Chamber Orientations, a partnership survey, a Partnership Blitz and Partnership Appreciation Day
- Small Business Appreciation Committee
- Responsible for the Chamber Golf Challenge and Small Business Appreciation Week events, as well as naming the Small Business Person of the Year
- Workforce Development Committee
- Responsible for workplace initiatives, the Work Ethic Seal program, and business education partnerships. The Strategic Business Alliance was formed through an initiative of this committee.
Our committees, volunteers, and staff play an integral role in the success of our programs and special events. Aside from those listed above, our programs and special events include
