Chamber Unveils New Marketing Campaign

BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce unveiled its newest marketing effort during a news conference today at the Chamber headquarters. The campaign, labeled "My Chamber," features Chamber partners promoting their businesses and the Chamber through multiple media outlets.

"This campaign stemmed from the Chamber's 2009 Chamber of the Year Award," explained James N. Hizer, CEcD, Chamber president and CEO. "The staff, Board members and volunteers all recognize that such an award doesn't happen very often, and we want to continue to spread the message that we are the number one chamber in the nation. We also want to emphasize that this honor comes from the support of our entire partnership, so we've designed this campaign to underscore the fact that every one of our 1,300+ partners owns a piece of this award-winning chamber."

"It really all started with an idea for a t-shirt with an interesting logo," said Tonya Matthews, IOM, ACE, Chamber vice president, operations. "But as staff started brainstorming other ways to celebrate the Chamber of the Year Award, we envisioned a massive campaign that not only gave us an opportunity to share our message with the community, but also for our partners to tell their stories too."

The campaign features a My Chamber logo which resembles the front of the Chamber building and was designed by the local firm Yellowberri. The logo will be used in television and radio commercials along with testimonials about Chamber partners' businesses. Partners can purchase advertising in the commercials, receiving maximum exposure at discounted rates.

"The My Chamber brand came from our goal of helping Chamber partners own the many successes that we've achieved this year," said Jessica M.L. Thompson, communications director. "They can share how their businesses are successful and how the Chamber has helped them reach their goals."

"We're very excited for the campaign," continued Matthews. "Especially to hear our partners explain why 'My business is better because of my chamber.'"

"I applaud our staff and volunteers, as well as Yellowberri, for developing this unique campaign, something that's never been done before in our chamber. I'm anxious to see the results," said Todd Davis, Chamber Board of Directors chairman.

Visit www.bgchamber.com/my_chamber for complete information about the campaign and its advertising packages. For additional information, contact Communications Director Jessica M.L. Thompson at 270-781-3200 or jessica@bgchamber.com.

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.