Chamber Reports Record-Breaking Year for Economic Development Announcements in 2010

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

BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce participated in 21 economic development projects in 2010, announcing 1,653 new and retained jobs, and a capital investment of more than $241 million for the South Central Kentucky region. Additionally, these industry projects will generate another $140 million in annual economic impact for the region.

The Chamber is proud to note the achievement of these numbers, which are the highest annual numbers to date for South Central Kentucky. The Chamber's second highest numbers were seen in 2007 with more than $85.8 million in capital investment and 1,168 new and retained jobs. By comparison, the numbers for 2010 are 142% higher than those in 2007 in terms of announced project job growth. The 2010 announced project capital investment growth was 216% higher than that in 2004, the previous highest year.

"With more than $241 million in capital investment and the creation and retention of 1,653 jobs, 2010 will be remembered as the best year on record thus far," said Rodney Rogers, 2011 chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.

Overall, the Chamber has reports that since 2004, there has been a growth of more than $604.1 million in announced project capital investment, and 5,804 announced jobs.

"Numbers such as these demonstrate that the Chamber's economic development efforts remain strong as we are committed to bringing new jobs and investment to the entire region," Rogers continued. "We're thankful for the announcements made in the past year and look forward to what our efforts will bring in 2011."

To foster economic development growth, the Chamber's Economic Development staff regularly meets with attraction and existing industry clients. In 2010, the staff was involved in 30 attraction visits and 350 existing industry visits across the region. These visits not only contributed to the 21 projects announced in 2010, but also continue to enhance relationships between the Chamber, sites and buildings consultants from across the nation, and new and existing industries.

"Last year was a great year for the South Central Kentucky economic development efforts, which enhance top-of-mind awareness as an important tool for future projects," said Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch, CEcD. "By hosting regular meetings, the Chamber continually promotes South Central Kentucky's many assets to attraction clients and existing industries."

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. The Chamber was honored with 5-Star Accreditation in 2009, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As 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.