Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Julie Milam as executive vice president partnership services
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that Julie Milam has joined the chamber team as executive vice president partnership services, bringing with her more than two decades of deep-rooted community involvement, small business advocacy and visionary leadership.
Milam is widely known across south-central Kentucky for her long-standing commitment to community development and economic growth. For more than 17 years, she served as general manager of WNKY-TV, using the station’s platform to elevate local stories, celebrate business success, and champion initiatives that strengthen the region’s workforce and overall quality of life. That commitment is captured in the three-word motto she created for WNKY: “Because Local Matters.”™
Milam’s connection to Bowling Green began more than 22 years ago, when she relocated from Nashville and opened Pool & Spa Depot as a small business owner. Shortly thereafter, she joined the chamber, beginning a partnership that spanned over two decades. Her journey — from entrepreneur to chamber board chair to now a member of the chamber leadership team — reflects her belief in the power of local business and community collaboration, the chamber says.
The chamber calls Milam a true ambassador for small businesses, who has consistently advocated for entrepreneurs and community partners, embodying the philosophy behind the WNKY slogan she helped champion: “Because Local Matters.”™ The chamber says that belief has guided her work across media, business and civic leadership.
In 2021, Milam was honored by the chamber as the recipient of the prestigious ATHENA Award, recognizing her selfless service, sustained leadership and dedication to advancing women in the business community. The ATHENA Award celebrates individuals who open doors of opportunity for women and serve as positive role models locally and beyond.
“Julie Milam embodies the kind of leadership that moves a community forward,” said Meredith Wilson, interim president and CEO of the chamber. “We are excited to welcome her as Executive Vice President Partnership Services. Julie understands the business community at every level and has been a consistent, trusted voice for small businesses in Bowling Green. Her passion for local impact and long-standing commitment to the Chamber will be a tremendous asset to our partners.”
Milam’s leadership with the chamber includes serving on the board of directors, where she championed economic vitality, welcomed new businesses, and helped guide strategic initiatives that support long-term regional growth. She has remained actively involved in key chamber programs, including Leadership Bowling Green, where she regularly shares her experiences to help mentor emerging leaders.
Through her role at WNKY, Milam also played a critical role in amplifying community-focused initiatives such as SCK LAUNCH, highlighting the importance of connecting education, industry and workforce development to secure the future of south-central Kentucky.
As executive vice president partnership services, Milam will focus on strengthening relationships with chamber investors and partners, supporting business growth at every level, and advancing programs that create meaningful impact across the region.
“I’ve believed in this Chamber since the day I joined as a small business owner,” Milam said. “Bowling Green invested in me, my business, and my family—and I’m honored to continue serving this community in a new way, helping our partners succeed and ensuring that local truly continues to matter.”
