Businesses, workers celebrated at annual Chamber awards
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Local businesses and the people behind them were celebrated Thursday during the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Targeted Business Awards.
The event, held at the Knicely Conference Center, recognized 29 businesses across South Central Kentucky for their growth, innovation, investment and contributions to the community.
The Chamber said 24 economic development projects recognized during the event represent $178 million in capital investment and 740 new jobs.
But local leaders emphasized that the numbers only tell part of the story.
“The workers with these companies are the company. It’s that simple,” said Dan Harbison, regional president for Pinnacle Financial Partners, the event’s presenting sponsor. “That’s why it’s so important to recognize them without question.”
Harbison said strong local employers play an important role in the continued growth of Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky.
“The growth of this community is dependent on these companies, and their continued success means success for their families,” Harbison said.
The event also recognized General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant, which is celebrating 45 years in the community.
GM Plant Director Ray Theriault said the people building Corvettes are a major part of what makes the plant and the product special.
“The amount of skill that they demonstrate and put into every Corvette is what makes Corvette special, for sure,” Theriault said. “We couldn’t do it without the people in the factory.”
Mary Cole, a plant planner at GM, said the plant’s anniversary celebrations were designed to recognize employees and their families and give them an opportunity to take pride in the work they do.
“We brought things that would want them to bring their family to the plant, show off what they do every day, be proud of working in a plant and building this really awesome car that we built,” Cole said.
Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel said successful communities rely on strong employers and the people who make those businesses successful.
“The one common ingredient is the people and the folks that actually make the products, do the services,” Noel said. “I like today because for me, it’s a great way of saying thank you for making Bowling Green and Warren County great.”
Jim Page, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, said the workers themselves are at the heart of the celebration.
“It’s the workers that get up every single day, go to these jobs that really put their heart and soul into the product or the service they provide,” Page said. “That’s what makes this so special. And those are the people we’re really celebrating today.”
The Chamber presented awards in eight categories, including Business of the Year, Healthcare Enterprise, Newcomer, Innovation, Green to Gold, Emerging Technology Business, Expansion and Anniversary.
AKFA Aluminum Solutions received the John B. Holland Business of the Year Award.
Other businesses recognized included Med Center Health, TriStar Greenview Regional Health, Greenball Corporation, Lebanon Power & Apparatus, Crown Cork & Seal, Corvac Composites, Hitcents, UnDesked and numerous businesses recognized for expansions and milestone anniversaries.
The Chamber said the businesses recognized at Thursday’s event reflect the continued investment taking place throughout South Central Kentucky and the workers who help make that growth possible.
