Chamber Receives International Award for Menu of Services Program

	Chamber President & CEO James N. Hizer, Logan Economic Alliance for Development Executive Director Tom Harned, Chamber Chairman Todd Davis, Morgantown Mayor Eva Hawes, Chamber Vice President of Economic Development Dan Preston and Chamber Director of Regional Development Miller Slaughter

BOWLING GREEN, KY-The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has recognized the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce for its innovative collaboration initiative while at the IEDC Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada, October 4-7.

"Furthering economic development is rarely a simple task in the best of times, and advancing the cause in the midst of a global financial crisis is nothing less than arduous," said Ian Bromley, IEDC chair. "As the consequences of the widespread economic turmoil have taken hold, we have seen our members become even more ardent proponents of economic development, flying in the face of one of the most challenging economic environments we have experienced in our careers. We proudly present this award to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce for its superior work during these difficult times."

Competing in the category of Regionalism and Cross-border Collaboration by organizations serving areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, the Chamber was a clear standout with the Menu of Services Program for South Central Kentucky. Announced in July 2008, the program is designed to ensure that every county in the region is served by either their own economic development professional or by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber had recognized that those counties that did not have economic development professionals were behind the rest in terms of representation and readiness for industry projects, and economic and job growth.

"The Chamber's menu of services program is like no other in the entire nation," said James N. Hizer, CEcD, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. "By providing unique services tailored to meet our regional partners' needs, this program is a model by which all economic development programs can apply to their regionalism efforts. It is exemplary of the positive impact that regional cooperation can have in a community."

"Our Chamber staff works diligently with our regional partners to provide a top quality menu of services program because the Chamber understands the value of the regional approach to economic development," said Todd Davis, Chamber Board of Directors chairman. "We're proud of this award and thank our regional partners for their participation in this program."

About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners. IEDC's professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.

About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to be the 2009 Chamber of the Year, as named by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. 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 and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. 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.