Targeted Business Awards celebrates businesses, growth in south-central Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 29 outstanding businesses on Thursday during its annual Targeted Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, at the Knicely Conference Center.

According to a release by the chamber, the luncheon’s top honor, the John B. Holland Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Murphy Construction Group, was awarded to AKFA Aluminum Solutions.

Every October, the chamber says it hosts the event during Targeted Business and Industry Appreciation Month to honor businesses that “drive innovation, job creation and community impact across the region.”

On Thursday, the Bowling Green Area Chamber says it recognized 24 economic development projects that culminate in $178 million in capital investment and 740 new jobs. These 24 projects represent the largest collection of businesses ever recognized at the Targeted Business Awards, the release says.

Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel was on site for the celebration, commenting: “South-central Kentucky’s momentum is a direct result of true regional partnership and hard work. The dedicated efforts of the local team to strengthen foundational relationships have successfully rebuilt and accelerated a robust project pipeline. When communities collaborate across county lines to elevate their collective workforce and infrastructure, it not only drives local prosperity but creates a powerhouse economic engine for the entire state.”

“Businesses in south-central Kentucky are more than employers. They are an important part of the fabric of our communities,” said Roddy Grimes, chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The jobs they create provide opportunities for individuals and stability for families, while their investment, leadership, and commitment help strengthen the communities we all call home.”

Jim Page, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, added: “These awards give us an opportunity to recognize businesses that are making a meaningful difference in South Central Kentucky. Their success reflects the jobs they create, the people they invest in, and the communities they help strengthen. We’re proud to celebrate these businesses and the lasting impact they are making across our region.”

“We’re proud to receive the John B. Holland Business of the Year Award,” said Alisher Srajidinov, management board member and chief operating officer of AKFA Aluminum Group. “From day one, Bowling Green welcomed us and supported our vision for a new aluminum extrusion facility. We’re here to create good jobs, build lasting partnerships, and be part of this community for the long run. We’re grateful to everyone helping us make that vision a reality, and we’re excited about what we can build together.”

The chamber says it presented awards in eight categories, including the following:

• The John B. Holland Business of the Year
• Healthcare Enterprise
• Newcomer
• Innovation
• Green to Gold
• Emerging Technology Business
• Expansion
• Anniversary

The John B. Holland Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Murphy Construction Group, 2026 recipient is AKFA Aluminum Solutions.

The Healthcare Enterprise Award, sponsored by Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, was awarded to Med Center Health and TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital.

The Newcomer Award, sponsored by German American Bank, was awarded to Greenball Corporation and Lebanon Power & Apparatus, a Division of Air Hydro Power.

The Innovation Award, sponsored by Stewart Richey Service Group, was awarded to Crown Cork & Seal.

The Green to Gold Award, sponsored by BGMU Fiber, was awarded to Corvac Composites, LLC.

The Emerging Technology Business Award, sponsored by Independence Bank, was awarded to Hitcents and UnDesked.

The Expansion Award, sponsored by Tennessee Valley Authority, was awarded to Amcor, Carter Lumber, Delta Faucet Company, Dollar General Supply Chain – Bowling Green, Equity Medical Excellence in Clinical Research, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inked Brands, International Paper, Kentucky Cold Storage, Nova Steel, Page Trucking, Pan-Oston, The Sherwin-Williams Company, Southern Coil Solutions, LLC, Stupp Bridge Company, Trace Die Cast, Inc., Tyson Foods and Worthington Steel.

The Anniversary Award was presented to the following:

• Celebrating 100 years, Med Center Health
• Celebrating 45 years, General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant
• Celebrating 40 years, Delta Faucet Company
• Celebrating 10 years, Constellium

Finally, the chamber thanked its title sponsor, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and additional sponsors for making the 2026 Targeted Business Awards a success.

In addition to the award sponsors listed above, the following Chamber partners sponsored a portion of the event:

• Atmos Energy
• Gerald Printing
• Houchens Insurance Group
• Kiriu USA LLC
• TAZ Logistics
• Warren County Water District