Southern Economic Development Council Presents Chamber with Awards

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

BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has been honored with three Literature and Promotion Awards from the Southern Economic Development Council, Inc. (SEDC) for their economic development marketing materials.

The Chamber's South Central Kentucky Brochure and Kentucky Transpark Brochure received Excellent Awards, and the South Central Kentucky Marketing Portfolio received a Merit Award from the SEDC, which is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America with members in 17 states across the American South.

"It is a great honor to receive three awards from the SEDC," said Chamber President & CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD. "The competition for these awards is stiff, with economic development professionals from Texas all the way to the District of Columbia competing for recognition, and I'm pleased to know that our marketing materials have garnered the SEDC's attention."

The brochures and portfolio will be displayed at the SEDC's 2008 Annual Conference on October 4-7 in Hot Springs, Va.

Dan Preston, Chamber vice president, economic development, said, "These marketing materials are integral to our attraction projects for site selectors and potential investors. Not only do the brochures and portfolio give an informative overview of what we have to offer in South Central Kentucky, but also they are used by our regional partners to strengthen our brand and expand our reach to more clients across the world."

"Getting noticed by site selectors and companies looking for facility locations is an important part of bringing in new economic development prospects," said Chamber Board Chairman Doug Gorman. "I'm happy to know that our marketing materials stand out from the crowd."

"The professional appearance and the number of opportunities within our region are key to getting the initial contact with prospects, which is why so much of our marketing focuses on high quality pieces like the materials honored by the SEDC, as well as prospect visits and marketing missions," explained Hizer.

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.