Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce receives TVA Workforce Invest Grant

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is receiving a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority to support collaborative efforts in manufacturing and education.

“The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to receive the TVA Workforce Invest Grant, to equip our students with industry-recognized certifications and hands-on experience in automation, robotics and smart manufacturing. By fostering a skilled workforce, we are strengthening Bowling Green’s economic future and further positioning our community as a leader in innovation and opportunity,” said Ron Bunch, president and CEO for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

“This grant enhances the powerful partnership between our chamber, our school districts, and our business community to provide meaningful connections to the world of work for our children. We are grateful to TVA for the investment and look forward to the amazing opportunities the students will be able to harness upon graduation, said Meredith Rozanski, executive VP, leadership and education for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the TVA, along with third-party consultant VisionFirst advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal program’s goal is to address critical workforce development needs.

Warren County Public School’s Impact Center for Leadership and Innovation is launching a world-class Robotics Engineering and Smart Manufacturing program designed to spark innovation, deepen technical mastery, and produce credentialed graduates who are ready to lead in an Industry 4.0 world. The TVA funding will support the purchase of an APT Manufacturing Connected Smart Manufacturing System. This hands-on, industry- grade training platform is supported by:

· FANUC Robot Operator Certifications (FCR-01, FCR-02, FCR-T1)

· NIMS Certifications (CNC Mill Programming Setup and Operation & CNC Mill Operations)

· Rockwell PLC Training

· Real-world applications in automation, data systems, and industrial robotics

“Our district is honored to partner with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Workforce Invest Grant as we work together to expand opportunities for student success beyond high school. Our Chamber’s strong connections with hundreds of local employers, combined with TVA’s commitment to workforce development and regional economic growth, enable us to provide students with meaningful, career-focused learning experiences. Together, these partnerships are building a strong pipeline for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation,” said Rob Clayton, superintendent of Warren County Public Schools.

The project is a partnership between the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Warren County Public Schools, local businesses, SKYCTC, WKU and APT Manufacturing.

The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands.

“TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest enables us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and educational needs at the local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also fulfilling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA.

“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors.

Over the last four years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 40 communities with a combined investment of $6 million.