Chamber Announces Staff Changes

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

"2009 marks the start of some exciting changes for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce," said Todd Davis, chairman of the 2009 Chamber Board of Directors. "We are increasing our legislative action efforts, and Marc will play a large part in these efforts through his new role."

Elliott joined the Chamber in May 2008 as manager of the business operations of the Inter-Modal Transportation Authority, Inc. and the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority, Inc. He came to the Chamber with more than 36 years of economic development experience, having been the director of the Terre Haute Department of Redevelopment in Terre Haute, Ind.; a community development project manager for GRW Engineers in Lexington, Ky.; the executive director of the River Ridge Development Authority in Clark County, Ind., and a consultant for the River Ridge Development Authority.

Aside from his CEcD designation from the International Economic Development Council, Elliott became a Certified Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners in 1978, and he was named a Certified Community Development Grant Manager by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in urban planning and a Master of Public Administration degree, both from Ball State University. He has also completed 17 hours of real estate studies at Eastern Kentucky University.

"Not only does Marc have outstanding economic development experience, he has also been a part of significant legislative efforts within his former positions," explained James N. Hizer, CEcD, Chamber president and CEO. "Because of his experience, we feel that he's the best person to work with our Legislative Action Committee to strengthen our legislative efforts. We're confident that Marc, in his new role, will be a great factor in allowing us to reach our goals."

Beth Oliphant began working as the Chamber's partnership sales representative in June 2007. As a Western Kentucky University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing, Oliphant demonstrated initiative and skill from the start. While recruiting new Chamber partners and overseeing the Partnership Development Recruitment Committee, Oliphant worked closely with the partnership, which gives her a strong background for her new position as program director.

In her new position, Oliphant will be responsible for Chamber programs and special events, including Leadership Bowling Green, Small Business Appreciation Week, and Industry Appreciation Month. She will oversee the following Chamber committees: Small Business Appreciation, Industry Appreciation and Workforce Development. She will also assist Elliott in overseeing the Legislative Action Committee.

"Beth has shown her commitment to the Chamber and her drive to succeed ever since she began working here," said Tonya Matthews, IOM, ACE, vice president of Chamber operations. "She is energetic and well-qualified to take on the role of program director. We look forward to watching her grow in this new position, and we're confident that she'll do an outstanding job."

To contact Elliott or Oliphant, or to learn more about any of the programs and committees mentioned above, please call 270-781-3200.

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.