Contact:
Jessica M.L. Thompson, Communications Director
270-781-3200; jessica@bgchamber.com
BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has been selected as one of the top three chambers in the nation with dues income ranging from $500,000 to $1 million by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
"I'm thrilled to announce that the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is receiving national recognition for its work and strength in the community and region," said Doug Gorman, 2008 chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. "Outranking hundreds of chambers across the nation as a top Chamber-that's the way we like to do things!"
Gorman continued, "This is a well-deserved ranking because of the excellent board, Ambassadors, staff, volunteers and partners that we have here at the Chamber. The Chamber aims to be a positive influence in Bowling Green, Warren County and South Central Kentucky, and to have our efforts acknowledged by ACCE is a great honor."
Tony Witty, a Chamber partner since 1997, explains the strength of the Chamber and its impact on the community: "Most people know the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource and partner for anyone who wants to start, grow, and maintain a business of any kind in this area. There is a wealth of information they provide along with many networking opportunities. I personally think of my partnership with the Chamber a little differently than most. Rather than focus
only on what I can get from my partnership, I think more of how the whole community of South Central Kentucky benefits from the Chamber's efforts. Even if I felt there was no direct benefit to me-which I know there is-I would still support the Chamber because they have made this a better place to work, live, and raise my family."
The only national association serving the professional development needs of chamber executives in the United States and Canada, ACCE currently represents more than 7,800 professional members in 1,400 chambers of commerce. Each year, ACCE recognizes three to four chambers in each of four dues categories for their excellence in overall operations, programs, partnership numbers and other functions. The rankings are determined through a multi-stage process based on the following criteria:
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Organizational excellence
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Member services and connections
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Programs that demonstrate the core chamber strengths of economic opportunities, impact, focus and/or advocacy
The Chamber received this ranking in large part due to the outstanding results of 2007: the grand opening of its multi-million dollar new facility; 14 new and expanding industry announcements; and more than 300 new Chamber partners. Mary Cohron, immediate past chair of the board of directors, said, "2007 was an amazing year for us at the Chamber, and all that we accomplished would not have been possible without everyone's support. In this community, we often are told how strong our
Chamber is, and this ranking re-affirms what we already know!"
Chamber President and CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD is proud to know that the work of the Chamber staff, volunteers, board members and Ambassadors Club members is being acknowledged across the nation. "All parties involved in the Chamber directly impact the daily happenings in our office. These rankings wouldn't be possible without the efforts of everyone to make Bowling Green a great place to live, work and play.
"I'm delighted that our outstanding volunteers and staff are receiving the national recognition they so richly deserve," continued Hizer. "As our staff grows and we continue to focus on our partnership's needs, our strength is even more evident. The results that I've seen over my past four years at the Chamber solidify my opinion that ours is the best chamber and the best community in the nation!"
Gorman added, "With more than 1,300 partners, the Chamber staff is constantly busy behind the scenes working to ensure that our programs, events and initiatives are implemented and completed in the most effective manner possible. Their work makes our entire Chamber look good, and a special congratulations goes out to them all for this ranking."
About the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association serving the professional development needs of chamber professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Representing more than 7,000 individuals, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber executives and their staff through education, benefits programs, trend analysis, benchmarking, and network development. ACCE supports and develops chamber professionals to lead businesses
and their communities.
About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
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.