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BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) broke ground today on their new Kentucky Transpark site. During a special ceremony hosted by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, community leaders celebrated the occasion with GRREC staff and supporters.

Since 1968, GRREC and its predecessor, the Professional Development Network, have provided quality services to members, particularly in the area of professional development for school staffs at all levels.

The new facility will consist of a 14,000-square-feet office building on 6.1 acres of the Transpark for GRREC's administrative and training services. This is the third training facility to be located at the Transpark.

"This is a great day for GRREC!" said Liz Storey, GRREC executive director. "When we announced we would locate a facility at the Transpark, we knew that this location would create a wonderful opportunity for our organization to better serve our region. It's very exciting to know that we are one step closer to watching this opportunity come to life."

GRREC is one of eight educational cooperatives in Kentucky. It serves 32 school districts, 227 schools and more than 110,000 students, teachers and administrators in South Central Kentucky. Representing a powerful consortium of expertise, ideas and support, GRREC is recognized statewide as a committed partner to its school districts and to Western Kentucky University.

"When GRREC decided to locate their newest facility at the Kentucky Transpark, they deepened their commitment to education and training in South Central Kentucky. This is an excellent location for GRREC because of the strong regional partnership represented by the Transpark. I congratulate GRREC and look forward to a long relationship between their organization and our Transpark partners," said Warren County Judge Executive Michael Buchanon.

In recent months, GRREC implemented several new programs which will better serve the education and training needs of the region. The programs include a comprehensive initiative providing teachers with best practices in instructional strategies, math and science alliances for the region, and an action plan for addressing the challenges of 21st century teaching and learning, in addition to assisting schools in maximizing technology for today's students.

"The educational opportunities offered at the Kentucky Transpark set it apart from other industrial parks," said Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker. "Because of this organization's decision to locate here, GRREC will heighten our ability to serve new industries locating at the Transpark. On behalf of Bowling Green, I congratulate GRREC's board and staff on breaking ground for this location, and we all look forward to watching this new building take shape."

2008 Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors Doug Gorman also congratulated GRREC during the celebration. "The Kentucky Transpark has seen impressive growth in the last few years, and we at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce are proud to welcome GRREC as part of this growth. With their support of education in our region, we'll continue to strengthen our economic development efforts and enhance the quality of life we all enjoy in South Central Kentucky."

For more information about GRREC, visit www.grrec.ky.gov.

Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. As one of only 336 chambers nationwide to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. 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.