Chamber Receives Two 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 added two more awards to its list of accomplishments for 2008. After recently being named one of the Top 3 Chambers in the nation within its size category by the American Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber was recognized by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) last week for its website and its partnership retention rate.

During KCCE's annual conference held in Louisville, Ky., the Chamber was presented with the KCCE Excellence Award for Best Website and the KCCE Excellence Award for Outstanding Membership Retention.

"2008 has been an amazing year for our Chamber!" said Tonya Matthews, IOM, Chamber vice president operations. "Aside from the national recognition we've received, it's a great compliment to be presented with awards on a state level by our peers within the Commonwealth."

The Chamber underwent a complete redesign of www.bgchamber.com this spring in an effort to revitalize the site and provide more information to partners and visitors. Jessica M.L. Thompson, communications director, said, "This website redesign was an undertaking for our entire staff, but the results are clearly a success. We're thrilled that our hard work has been recognized by KCCE!"

Chamber President and CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD agreed. "Receiving recognition by the KCCE, and the Southern Economic Development Council for our economic development marketing materials, is just another affirmation that what we do at the Chamber works. I am proud to know that our Chamber is recognizable throughout the region and the nation because of the quality of work that we produce."

With partnership retention always at the forefront of the Chamber's efforts, Partnership Development Director Dana Matukas, IOM, was especially excited to know that these efforts were deemed outstanding by the KCCE. "We are so excited to have been honored for our retention efforts. With more than 300 new partners in 2007, retention has been a major focus for this year, and we're thrilled to know that our efforts are paying off not just in how many partners are retained, but also in the recognition that we are receiving for our team efforts toward increasing our partnership."

"The biggest compliment our Chamber receives is when a partner renews their support of our organization each year," said Hizer. "Every renewal demonstrates that they understand that belonging to the Chamber pays huge dividends. Dana and her team work diligently to promote those dividends to our partners and prospects, and that hard work is clearly paying off!"

Chamber Board Chairman Doug Gorman explained that this is the Chamber's second announcement of awards won this week, indicating that the Chamber is producing top-quality work. "Our Chamber staff works incredibly hard to provide excellent programs and materials for our 1,300+ partners. Without their expertise, and the support of our board, Ambassadors and volunteers, such recognition would not be possible."

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.