BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce held a special news conference today to announce the winners of its 2008 Year-End Awards. 2008 Chairman Doug Gorman announced the three award winners: Bruce Wilkerson, Ambassador of the Year; Mary Cohron, Board Volunteer of the Year; and Lisa Dunn, Volunteer of the Year.

"The Chamber could not achieve its goals and reach the level of success we experienced in 2008 without the help of our board, Ambassadors, and volunteers," said Gorman. "We're proud to recognize these special award winners today, and we'll continue to honor them at our Annual Dinner on January 29."

The Year-End Awards had been presented during Annual Dinners in the past, but this year the Chamber opted to hold a special news conference to announce the award winners, giving them more exposure.

Bruce Wilkerson, Bowling Green city commissioner, has been an Ambassador since January 2007. He was selected as Ambassador of the Year because of his continued dedication to the Chamber and to his responsibilities as an Ambassador.

"Bruce rarely misses a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking for the Chamber, showing his support of our partners and taking his role as an Ambassador to heart. He promotes the Chamber to all partners and is dedicated to helping us recruit and retain partners," said Tonya Matthews, IOM, ACE, Chamber vice president, operations.

President of Citizens First, Mary Cohron served as chairperson of the Chamber Board of Directors in 2007. She was selected as Board Volunteer of the Year because of her outstanding service to the Chamber and her commitment to furthering the Chamber's mission through partnership growth and economic development.

Lisa Dunn, Human Resources generalist for U.S. Bank, served as the chair of the 2008 Leadership Bowling Green program. During her term, Dunn worked closely with Chamber staff and the Leadership Bowling Green Advisory Board to ensure that the program was a success. Dunn was an enthusiastic leader who carried out her duties with innovation and creativity.

"Lisa made sure that the 2008 class experienced all that Leadership Bowling Green has to offer through the day programs and the two retreats," said Beth Oliphant, program director. "She really cared about making everyone's experience great, and she demonstrated quality leadership skills in all that she did. Her work in 2008, not to mention the time she put in to the program, made the year a success."

Wilkerson, Cohron and Dunn will be recognized at the Chamber's Annual Dinner on Thursday, January 29, at Sloan Convention Center. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $50 each. Tables (seating 10 individuals) may be purchased for $500. President's Club Partners (Gold, Platinum and Diamond Levels) may purchase tables at a discounted price of $450.

Tickets will be available until noon on Wednesday, January 14, and can be purchased at the Chamber headquarters located at 710 College Street or online at bgchamber.com. Registration forms were also printed in the November and December 2008 Chamber Connection newsletters.

For more information regarding Annual Dinner, please call 270-781-3200 or e-mail info@bgchamber.com.

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.