Chamber Receives Awards from Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives

Contact:
Jessica M.L. Thompson, Communications Director
270-781-3200; jessica@bgchamber.com

BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has two more awards to add to its list of accomplishments. At its recent spring conference, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) recognized the Chamber for its partner retention and electronic newsletter amongst Kentucky chambers of similar size.

"The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is well-deserving of this recognition," said Ali Crain, ACE, IOM, executive director of KCCE. "We're proud to present the Chamber with awards that represent top retention rates and high quality communication."

KCCE is a statewide network of professionals dedicated to promoting professional education, ethical standards and efficiency in chamber of commerce management. The board of directors guides the professional development of chamber executives, employees and volunteers across the state.

The Chamber received the Outstanding Partner Retention Award. According to the Chamber Operations Survey Report 2010-2011 by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the average partner retention rate was 82.7% in 2009-2010 (most recent data available). The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce reported a retention rate of 86.6% in its KCCE award application.

Vice President, Chamber Operations Tonya Matthews, IOM, ACE said, "Our retention plan is key to the success of this Chamber. We're continually connecting with our Chamber partners and demonstrating value to help them understand why the Chamber is important for their businesses."

Receiving the Outstanding E-Newsletter Award, the Chamber's Weekly E-News has evolved from a brief overview to a comprehensive newsletter promoting Chamber activities and programs. Communications Director Jessica M.L. Thompson said, "The E-News is one of the most popular communications distributed by the Chamber. It gives us a chance to notify our partners of ribbon cuttings, news conferences and special events, as well as new and existing Chamber programs."

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Chamber has received awards from KCCE, adding to the Chamber's growing list of recent accolades. ACCE, the American Advertising Federation, the International Economic Development Council, and the Southern Economic Development Council have also recently presented the Chamber with awards for its communications and programs. Most notably, the Chamber was named ACCE's Chamber of the Year in 2009.

"The Chamber staff, Board members, Ambassadors and volunteers are dedicated to this organization, and it's a proud day when they are recognized for their work. These awards repeatedly give the Chamber national recognition, and I congratulate all involved in these most recent wins," said Rodney Rogers, 2011 Chamber Board of Directors chairman.

About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce:
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was named the 2009 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.