BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — In an impressive streak of national acknowledgments, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has again been heralded for its outstanding achievements in attracting corporate facility investments. This year, Bowling Green is celebrated for securing the top position among high-performing metros in the U.S. for communities with populations under 200,000.
Remarkably, this marks the 11th consecutive year Bowling Green has been recognized as top 6th or higher tier-2 metropolitan area nationwide.
This ranking by Site Selection magazine evaluates communities on their capacity to draw significant investments using a 10-factor index that taps into Conway Data Inc.’s database of project announcements. Bowling Green’s success story arises from the cooperation, dedication and innovative spirit of local businesses to not only propelled economic growth but weave a fabric of community resilience and mutual support.
The annual ranking, conducted by Site Selection magazine, assesses communities based on their prowess in drawing investments, utilizing a comprehensive 10-factor index of new and expanded project announcements. Among Kentucky locales, Lexington also earned a spot in the Top Ten for the population bracket of 200,000 to one million people.
“2023 has been a year where South Central Kentucky not only kept pace with economic trends but actively set them. Our region has emerged as a beacon of innovation and a hub for cutting-edge technology and advanced manufacturing on a global scale,” said Ron Bunch, president/CEO of the chamber. ” The distinction we’ve earned today is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we unite as a community. Our local businesses, from small startups to large corporations, have shown exceptional resilience and a healthy attitude towards growth, setting the stage for South Central Kentucky to lead with innovation. This accolade is a tribute to their hard work and the robust ecosystem we’ve built together.”
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott expressed pride in the city’s economic development achievements, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that have placed the region in the national spotlight. “Thanks to the synergy among the chamber, the fiscal court, and the City of Bowling Green, we’ve secured our position as a center for innovation and economic growth. My deepest gratitude goes out to all stakeholders in our success,” Alcott noted.
Echoing this sentiment, Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman highlighted the importance of community and governmental collaboration in achieving national recognition. Being named the #1 Economic Development Organization in the nation is not just our achievement but a celebration of the entire Bowling Green community’s spirit. This recognition belongs to every member of our community who contributes daily to our vibrant economic landscape. Together, we are setting a benchmark for what it means to build a thriving, resilient economy,” Gorman remarked.
As Bowling Green continues to draw national attention for its economic development success, it sets a benchmark for regional growth, innovation, and attracting investment. The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to maintaining this momentum, ensuring the region’s position as a top choice for business investment globally.
In 2023, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced 16 new projects, including 4 new business attractions and 12 expansions, representing $118 million in capital investments. These projects are expected to create 984 new jobs, contributing over $3.6 billion to the local economy over the next decade and supporting an additional 1,690 jobs in the community.
Site Selection magazine reports on the corporate real estate and economic development sectors and provides yearly analyses considered essential by industry professionals. For more details on Site Selection’s rankings, visit www.siteselection.com
South Central Kentucky Economic Development is an entity of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, a nationally ranked 5-Star Accredited Chamber. Located at the center of a 34-state distribution area in the eastern United States, South Central Kentucky is a prime location for manufacturing and distribution facilities. South Central Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 60% of the nation’s population, personal income, and manufacturing business establishments. Bowling Green ranks second in the United States for best manufacturing city. In the past decade, the region has captured over four billion in capital investment, creating thousands of jobs within the region. To learn more please visit https://www.southcentralky.com/
