Bowling Green & South Central Kentucky Magazine

bowling

green

& SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY MAGAZINE | 2016 EDITION

star partners

star partners

bowling

green

& SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY MAGAZINE | 2016 EDITION

Story Board Meredith Robinson, Tonya Matthews, Maureen Carpenter, Kim Phelps

star partners

Lead Design Sarah McCullum Lead Writer Sarah McCullum Contributing Writers Telia Butler, Sandi Feria, Alan Palmer, Debbie Diamond, Leslie McCoy, Don Sergent, Lynette Breedlove, Derick Strode, Mark Brooks, Jennifer Breiwa Smith

star partners

Copy Editors Crystal Cummings, Melinda Rector, Sarah McCullum Ad Sales Steve Graff, Sarah McCullum Finance Coordinator Yvonne Franks

star partners

Cover Photo Nathan Pedigo Interior Photography Bare Creek Farm, BG OnStage, Beet Box Produce, Bowling Green City Schools, Candle Makers on the Square, Cason’s Cove, CommunityLink, Community Farmers Market, Elite Travel Designs, GC Cuts, General Motors, Jackson’s Orchard, John Norman McDonald Photography, Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products, Lost River Cave, LuLu’s Fine Home Furnishings, Nathan Pedigo, National Corvette Museum, Novo Dolce, Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, The Corner Bakery, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, The Pawn Company, The PopWorks, Warren County Public Schools, Western Kentucky University, Yellowberri, Zest! Juice for Life This book is published by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

The President’s Club was formed in 1998 in an effort to recognize Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce partners who generously contribute to the economic development efforts of the Chamber.

The Chamber has taken advantage of its resources to provide President’s Club partners with notable recognition and honor for their support, along with benefits that gain high exposure and are low in cost to the Chamber, making sure their investments are going toward economic development.

If you are interested in learning more about this investment opportunity, contact the Chamber at 270-781-3200 or info@bgchamber.com.

AS OF NOVEMBER 2015

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Tonya Matthews — Vice President, Partnership Services Kim Phelps — Director of Communications and Public Policy Sarah McCullum — Marketing and Communcations Coordinator 710 College St., Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 270-781-3200, Fax: 270-843-0458 U.S. Toll Free: 866-330-2422 www.bgchamber.com

WHAT’S INSIDE Central for Business Overview South Central Kentucky: An Easy Sell Among the Companies We Keep Up and Coming High-Speed Growth Forging Ahead Utilities Strong Incentives Kentucky Transpark

8 10 12 14 16 18 22 23

Motorsports Need for Speed

24

Excellence in Innovation On the Fast Track Developing Downtown The Cutting Edge Kentucky Grown Value Proposition

27 28 30 32 34

Definitive Data A Closer Look

36

Commercial Real Estate From the Ground Up

40

Excellence in Talent Raising the Bar

42

Excellence in Entrepreneurship A Digital Necessity

44

Southern for Living Residential Real Estate Right at Home Chamber Partner Apartments Prime Real Estate Ideal for Retirement Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, In-Home Care Services

48 50 51 52 52

Community Service & Faith A Caring Community Chamber Partner Congregations

54 55 www.bgchamber.com

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Entertainment, Arts & Recreation Regional Festivals and Events The Sound of Newgrass Arts on the Move The Great Outdoors Chamber Partner Hotels More South Central Kentucky Attractions

56 58 59 60 60 61

Health & Wellness The Pursuit of Healthiness Focused on Fitness

62 62

Community Spirit About the Chamber Messages from the Chamber Excellence in Partnership

65 66

Leadership A Word from the Mayor and Judge-Executive

65

Excellence in Tourism Racing to the Top

67

Socializing Outside the Boardroom Join the Club

68 69

Excellence in Health Care The Medical Center TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital Graves-Gilbert Clinic Comprehensive Care

70 72 74 76

Excellence in Education Bowling Green City Schools Warren County Public Schools The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College Western Kentucky University

80 81 83 84 86

Get Connected Phone Numbers for Newcomers

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Sponsors Directory Index of Advertisers and Preferred Businesses

4

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

90

CENTRAL FOR BUSINESS SEATTLE

PORTLAND MINNEAPOLIS BOISE

MILWAUKEE DETROIT

CHEYENNE

NEW YORK

OMAHA

DENVER

SALT LAKE CITY

PHILADELPHIA

INDIANAPOLIS

SAN FRANCISCO

KANSAS CITY

CINCINNATI

LOUISVILLE

ST. LOUIS

BOWLING GREEN

LAS VEGAS LOS ANGELES

BOSTON

CHICAGO

NASHVILLE ALBUQUERQUE

RALEIGH

MEMPHIS

CHATTANOOGA

PHEONIX

ATLANTA

SAN DIEGO TUCSON

DALLAS

Source: Rand McNally

MONTGOMERY

JACKSONVILLE NEW ORLEANS

Drive time to major cities Nashville, TN 1 hour, 11 minutes Louisville, KY 1 hour, 51 minutes

Distance to major cities

Lexington, KY 2 hours, 33 minutes

500

Cincinnati, OH 3 hours, 23 minutes

450

Indianapolis, IN 3 hours, 31 minutes Memphis, TN 4 hours, 16 minutes

400

St. Louis, MO 4 hours, 45 minutes Columbus, OH 5 hours Atlanta, GA 5 hours, 2 minutes

300

Montgomery, AL 5 hours, 22 minutes

250

CITIES

PITTSBURGH, PA

JACKSON, MS

LITTLE ROCK, AR

CHICAGO, IL

MONTGOMERY, AL

ATLANTA, GA

COLUMBUS, OH

ST. LOUIS, MO

MEMPHIS, TN

CHARLESTON, WV

CINCINNATI, OH

100

LEXINGTON, KY

150

LOUISVILLE, KY

200

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Charleston, WV 5 hours, 25 minutes

NASHVILLE, TN

MILES

350

Chicago, IL 6 hours, 31 minutes Little Rock, AR 6 hours, 17 minutes Jackson, MS 7 hours, 19 minutes Pittsburgh, PA 7 hours, 58 minutes

www.bgchamber.com

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SHOPPING

Bowling Green: Bowling Green Pipe & Cigar Kick your feet up in this smoking lounge over premium pipe tobacco, accessories, craft and import beers and a variety of spirits.

The Pawn ▶ Company Perfect combination of high-end retail and pawn/ loan establishment.

SALONS

GCcuts ▶ Bowling Green’s first premier men’s grooming salon, providing high-class service in a sleek, casual environment.

Solar Connection Home of the just-off-the-beach sunless tanning color, promoting safe indoor tanning and sunburn prevention.

digs on the river Your go-to for funky, one-of-a-kind furniture, accessories and home goods.

Mellow Matt’s Music & More Sift through new and used vinyl and CDs, vintage equipment, incense, memorabilia, posters, DVDs, comics and more.

Studio 1 Salon & The Green Room Relaxing salons specializing in cuts, color, full-body waxing, manicures, pedicures, massage, microcurrent, facials, spray tanning and teeth whitening.

Suite Zen Therapeutic Spa Holistic health center and spa offering massages, acupuncture, organic skin care, far infrared sauna and detox.

For a complete list of Chamber partner

The Spot for ...

Smart Start Child Care

Party 1 Limousine Boasts a modern fleet of sedans, SUVs and limousines guaranteeing reliable, luxurious transportation in the Bowling Green area.

Riley’s Bakery

Rich Pond Market & Deli Known for homemade pie by the slice and fresh baked cookies.

Also home of the world-famous tenderloin biscuit.

businesses, visit www.bgchamber.com.

Provides meticulously planned, custom itineraries for individuals, families and groups, allowing for a seamless, tailored vacation.

All Cats & Dogs Veterinary Hospital A dedicated staff gives your pets the comfort and quality service they deserve.

Mary Jane’s Chocolates Features chocolates made from 100 percent sustainably grown cocoa beans in a vintage-style candy shop. ◀ The PopWorks

Serves gourmet frozen popsicles from an old-fashioned Airstream, including flavors like rasberry basil, key lime pie, avocado and more.

SWEETS

Serving Bowling Green for more than 60 years with homemade sweet treats.

Designs

SERVICES

Provides community with creative learning center in a Christian environment.

◀ Elite Travel

South Central Kentucky:

AN EASY SELL

T

he list of assets South Central Kentucky offers businesses is unmatched.

Featuring a prime location, outstanding quality of life, low cost of living, affordable housing and attractive recreation options, the region is – in every sense – central for business, southern for living.

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce works with the City of Bowling Green, Warren County and other economic development agencies in our surrounding area to promote the region to new and expanding businesses and industries. In March 2015, Gov. Steve Beshear announced that Kentucky placed first in Site Selection magazine's annual Governor's Cup national rankings for new and expanded industry activity per capita for the year.

In 2015, General Motors announced a $439 million expansion in Bowling Green.

The total investment of the expansion is larger than the total investment by all companies for expansion projects in South Central Kentucky in each individual year from 2004-14.

While the region’s opportunities are boundless, we’ve pinpointed the top 10 reasons to choose South Central Kentucky as a place to live and work.

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS Bowling Green’s proximity to major highways and four-lane state parkways makes it possible to reach 60 percent of the U.S. market in a day. By air, Kentucky puts products, paper and packages into the global commerce stream through its two major shipping hubs: UPS and DHL Express. It ranks third in the nation in total air cargo shipments. The region provides rail service through the CSX mainline and the R.J. Corman Railroad Group.

Positioned advantageously on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, Kentucky provides year-round freight transport.

QUALIFIED WORKFORCE The region’s No. 1 priority is talent development, and we facilitate a world-class workforce. This region implements pro-

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Fountain Square Park

grams – from elementary school to adulthood – to support employers’ quest to find the right talent. Warren County was one of the first Kentucky communities to be certified as Work Ready, meaning it has the workforce capacity to staff existing jobs and to master innovative technologies future jobs require. Kentucky is one of four states in the nation participating in the program.

the gross domestic product – $28 billion annually. The region encompasses a range of industries from high-tech and research development facilities to distribution, finance, health care and agriculture. South Central Kentucky’s driving industrial sectors are advanced manufacturing, automotive, distribution and logistics, food processing, metal fabrication, motorsports and plastics.

ENVIABLE BUSINESS CLIMATE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Many flock to the area because of the mild tax structure and low utility costs. The state’s individual tax climate has a cap rate of only 6 percent on all income over $75,000. Companies here pay one of the lowest unemployment tax rates in the U.S., with new companies paying 2.7 percent on the first $9,300 in wages per employee its first two years.

The annual capital committed to utility consumption directly influences businesses’ bottom line. Kentucky has the lowest electricity cost in the industrial sector among states east of the Mississippi River – 20 percent lower than the national average.

Bowling Green is home to Western Kentucky University and Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College.

Both institutions fulfill regional employers’ needs with high-tech training, state-of-theart facilities and research that drives growth.

Our schools are implementing the nationally-recognized The Leader in Me program, a leadership model that teaches students the soft skills to succeed beyond the classroom.

This community is on track to be the first in the nation to implement the program in all grade levels.

ACCESS TO MARKETS

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

Manufacturing makes up 17 percent of

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Many businesses locate to the region be-

cause of the Kentucky Transpark, which offers an excellent location and customizable facilities to fit any company’s needs.

The Transpark provides Build-Ready sites, meaning much of the background work is completed, and companies have the freedom to begin construction in a short time frame. Electric, water, sewer and gas are already routed to the property lines, with fiber available as well. The Transpark is expected to have a total economic impact of $3.5 billion over the next 10 years.

JOIN THE REVOLUTION.

QUALITY OF LIFE Offering excellence in recreation, housing, shopping and health care, South Central Kentucky has advantages outside the business realm. According to National Geographic Adventure, Bowling Green is one of the 50 “Best Adventure Towns in the Country,” home to the world’s largest cave system and the Corvette.

The average sale price for homes in the area is between $100,000 and $250,000.

1950 Scottsville Rd. 270-781-1776

877 Fairview Ave. 270-843-9600

2415 Nashville Rd. 270-846-1776

Member FDIC

EXPANDING COMMUNITY South Central Kentucky is the fastest growing region in the state, with a growth rate consistently higher than state and national rates – 24 percent from 2003 to 2014. Bowling Green is the third-largest city in the state with 61,488 residents. The 10-county region – encompassing Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren counties – has a population of more than 289,000, with an average age of 37 years old.

LOW CRIME Safety is an important factor when choosing where to locate your business or family, and South Central Kentucky boasts crime rates consistently below the national average.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND INCENTIVES Kentucky’s positive business climate provides many incentives for business and industry. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority offers financial support through assistance and tax credit programs to new and existing agribusinesses, regional and national headquarters, manufacturers and non-retail service or technology-related companies that locate to or expand in Kentucky.

••• These reasons and more give the region a competitive edge, positioning it as a profitable place to do business and an idyllic place to raise a family. We invite you to see for yourself all the advantages the region has to offer.

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The opportunities and outcomes are much different than they were 160 years ago, but the promise is not. With two branches and more than 250 years combined experience, Hilliard Lyons is here for you.

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Securities offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC. Member NYSE, FINRA & SIPC

www.bgchamber.com

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Among the companies we keep

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World-class brands headquartered in South Central Kentucky

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems In a quiet business park on Ashley Street, a 400-year-old brand is pioneering the next generation of high-performance automobile systems.

SEWS, a joint venture of Japan-based Sumitomo Electric Industries and Sumitomo Wiring Systems, produces wiring harnesses, hybrid vehicle technology, electric wires,

10

connectors, terminals, center panels, junction blocks and electronic control units for leading automotive companies – Honda, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Chrysler, General Motors, Mitsubishi and Mazda.

A century ago, the first automobiles needed minimal wiring, connections and components. Today, automobiles are a technical, intricate system designed to be safe, economical, comfortable, luxurious and

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

convenient. It is there that SEWS shines, delivering intelligent products for intelligent automobiles. SEWS started production in Morgantown in 1987 in an effort to tap into the American automotive market. The company is now headquartered in Bowling Green because of the region’s many assets, including proximity to the interstate. “I-65, one of the most heavily traveled north to south interstates in the U.S., pro-

vides a lot of capabilities,” said Andrea Sherrill, who works in SEWS’s Corporate Human Resources Department.

The company also credits the region’s workforce, low cost of living, high quality of life and central location to its success.

SEWS has locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and employs more than 20,000 people. Automobiles today have more than a thousand connection points for circuits and wires, making the industry’s primary challenge designing cost-effective techniques for assembling these connections.

SEWS has perfected this art and continues to design, develop and manufacture new technologies. In fact, it serves as a onestop-shop for the system as a whole – not just parts and components.

Consumers might wonder where SEWS fits into the bigger picture. Its systems are found in the cockpit, engine, interior, doors and cabins of leading automobiles by top manufacturers in the world. The company prides itself on listening to its customers and understanding their visions in order to streamline the production process.

SEWS’s commitment to its customers sets it apart from competitors.

“We are extremely quality- and customer- focused,” Sherrill said. “This is definitely a company that puts both its employees and customers first.”

The company is approaching 30 years of being in Kentucky, and several of the first hires are still employed by SEWS. “As an employer, I think that speaks volumes about our desirability as a workplace.”

Sherrill said. “Our people set us apart from the others.”

SEWS constructed a 440,000-square-foot facility in Lexington set to open early 2016.

— For more information, visit www.sewsus.com.

Houchens Industries In 1917, Ervin G. Houchens started a small grocery store in rural Barren County.

The 12-foot by 20-foot store gained recognition because of Houchens’ innovative ideas and theories in grocery management and because he chose to purchase businesses associated with the grocery industry. In 1988, the company had expanded to 53 stores before becoming an ESOP, or employee stock ownership plan, company.

Almost a century after its inception, Houchens Industries, has more than 18,000 employee participants and is one of the largest 100 percent employee-owned ESOPs in the nation.

Houchens has holdings in 17 different industries in more than 30 states and foreign countries.

“It is this diversity that contributes great-

ly to the continued overall health of the company and helps to set it apart from other companies that may have a singular focus,” said Dion Houchins, executive vice president and director of Houchens.

When looking to expand its holdings portfolio, Houchins said the company looks for companies with stable and competent management teams and similar values.

“Plus the desire to continue to run the companies as before,” Houchins said. “We feel the freedom we afford management to run the company pays dividends because of the continuity in management and the decisional ownership that comes with keeping things as they were.”

Houchins believes employee commitment gives the company a competitive edge.

“Being a participant in a 100 percent employee-owned ESOP company tends to create more employee loyalty to the company,” Houchins said. “As well as more pride with regards to being a participant in such a plan.”

Apart from employee loyalty, Houchens Industries is fiercely loyal to this region.

“Our roots are firmly planted in South Central Kentucky and have been from day one,” Houchins said. “We have found this area to not only be a great place to do business but a wonderful place for many of our employees to live and raise their families. As a regional hub for retail, professional, higher education and health care, Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky provide the perfect environment for many of our companies to prosper. We are extremely proud to be a part of this thriving community.”

— For more information, visit www. houchensindustries.com.

Logan County Kentucky Adairville • Auburn • Lewisburg • Russellville

Centrally located in the eastern United States within a day’s drive of half the nation’s population and manufacturing employment.

Positioned strategically amid the growing metro areas of Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee, and Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Connected logistically with four-lane highway access to Interstates 65, 24, 40,

and the Nashville International Airport, plus two short line junctions with Class I railways.

LEAD

LOGAN ECONOMIC ALLIANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT www.loganLEADs.com 116 South Main Street • Russellville, KY 42276 Phone: 270.726.9575 • Fax: 270.726.2237 E-mail: LEADinfo@loganLEADs.com

SUMITOMO ELECTRIC WIRING SYSTEMS Bowling Green | Edmonton | Scottsville

A Global Leader Delivering Innovative Electrical Distribution Systems to the Auto Industry

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc. Corporate Office 1018 Ashley Street, Bowling Green, KY 42103 Tel: 270.782.7397 http://www.sewsus.com

www.bgchamber.com

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CONFLICT RESOLUTION Bowling Green headquarters trailblazing the worlds of design, automation

Control Systems Design and Automation

C

ontrol Systems Design and Automation is in the business of pain management.

The leading innovator in industrial automation, process integration, machine design and build, and controls and technology consistently looks for ways to improve a manufacturer’s system – manage its pain – by efficient and cost-effective means.

“Essentially, the long and short of what we do is we work with manufacturing facilities on what is painful in their system,” CSD President Bob Scheidegger said.

That management often arrives in the form of fixing a machine, generating data and reports or streamlining an entire process.

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

“We try to help all the manufacturing facilities that we work with find the most cost-effective way to manufacture their products,” said Scheidegger, who bought CSD in 2009.

At that point, the company had been around for seven years and employed roughly five people. CSD has since climbed to about 30 employees and has projects in Indiana, Kansas and even China.

The automotive and consumer goods industries are CSD’s primary customers, but its engineers have the experience and expertise to work with other industries, including defense, aerospace, electronics, medical, circuit boards and devices, pharmaceutical, biomedical, home appliance and vapor deposition cleaning.

Scheidegger and Operations Manager Camron Franklin believe in the importance of not focusing entirely on one industry, but working with multiple markets.

“We want to diversify in multiple different baskets so we can stay healthy,” Scheidegger said. “So if one’s down, hopefully the other is up and strong.”

Franklin said the design and automation industry often sees an ebb and flow with the markets they serve.

“You’ll see automotive markets dip and you’ll see consumer goods (markets) up,” he said.

CSD diversifies its customer base so all its eggs aren’t in one basket.

“We sleep better when we do that,” Scheidegger said.

South Central Kentucky’s economic landscape has been crucial in helping CSD grow to what it is today.

“With WKU and KCTCS, there’s a lot of good job training around here, so you have a good pool of people to recruit,” Franklin said. “The Bowling Green market has been very effective. It’s given us the opportunity to grow, to move into different market segments because the area is so diverse.”

Franklin also credits Bowling Green’s proximity to larger markets such as Nashville, Louisville and St. Louis to CSD’s growth, which doesn’t look like it will slow anytime soon.

For three years, CSD has been working with Nashville-based Kyzen Corporation to implement a revolutionary eco-friendly cleaning system. Because the Environmental Protection Agency is outlawing many chemicals, CSD and Kyzen are developing a much greener machine and process.

CSD also is moving into a project and construction management role.

“What we do kind of lends itself to that,” Scheidegger said.

Rather than CSD focusing on one particular part of the manufacturing process, many manufacturers want CSD to use its team of engineers and programmers to manage subcontractors and direct largescale projects.

“We have the technical experience to manage projects at that scale – we’ve just never really aggressively pursued those projects,” Franklin said.

Regardless of the scale and scope of a project, CSD is determined to do high-quality, valuable work.

“We have kind of hung our hat on being easy to work with,” Scheidegger said.

“We’re constantly trying to help people make things as cost-effectively as possible.”

“The Bowling Green market has been very effective. It’s given us the opportunity to grow, to move into different market segments because the area is so diverse.”

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HIGH-SPEED

GROWTH

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES $14.3 BILLION TO KENTUCKY’S GROSS STATE PRODUCT Bowling Green is home to one of four auto manufacturing assembly plants in the state, the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant, along with Bowling Green Metalforming, a leader in commercial vehicle frame and body assemblies.

According to a June 2015 study by the University of Louisville’s Urban Studies Institute, roughly $1 out of every $13 in the state’s economy is tied to the automotive industry. The study was commissioned by the Kentucky Automotive Industry Association, formed in 2014 with the state’s Original Equipment Manufacturers and suppliers. The KAIA exists to address the

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industry’s challenges and opportunities.

“We are pleased to provide the first clear picture of Kentucky’s auto industry to show citizens and leaders across the state who we are, where we are and how we are making Kentucky a national leader in automotive-related manufacturing and production,” said Dave Tatman, executive director of the KAIA. About 85,500 Kentuckians work in auto-related manufacturing. From 1990 to 2013, Kentucky had the third highest growth rate in the nation for auto manufacturing employment, with $58,280 as the average annual wage of a manufacturing employee in the automotive

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

sector. The companies below contribute exponentially to the industry’s growth.

Bowling Green Metalforming Bowling Green Metalforming, a division of Magna International Inc., supports companies such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, BMW and Mercedes, and is one of the largest employers and automotive suppliers in the region. The original anchor tenant of the Kentucky Transpark, the company has been the source of outstanding growth and success for a decade. Since 2005, the company has seen several expansions, with another underway, making the facility 1.2 million square feet with more than 1,400 employees.

The expansion project includes a 260,000 square foot expansion and the purchase of equipment to support multiple recently-awarded contracts for heavy stamping, robotic assembly and the coating of frames and other parts delivered to major original equipment manufacturers. Over the next 10 years, the project’s economic impact is expected to reach more than $800 million with the creation of 450 new jobs.

“This expansion brings with it the opportunity to diversify our product base into complex body assemblies,” said Matt Pollick, BGM general manager. “It also expands our customer base.”

The company prides itself on furthering economic development in South Central Kentucky.

“Creating jobs in the community is important to BGM and with the significant recruitment need we are experiencing, I am very pleased with the number of people from the community and surrounding area we are able to hire,” said Human Resources Department Leader Bob Clemens.

BGM supports local schools, athletic teams and United Way of Southern Kentucky. The company established a partnership with Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College in which an apprenticeship program facilitates the pipeline of skilled trade workers for the future of BGM. The company’s work with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and manufacturers in the area contributes to the development of future manufacturing needs in the region.

Magna has 319 manufacturing operations and 85 product development, engineering and sales centers in 29 countries. Its more than 136,000 employees deliver superior value through innovative products, processes and world-class manufacturing.

General Motors Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant General Motors Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant is gearing up for a major expansion. In May 2015, Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen

joined GM’s leaders to announce GM’s $439 million investment for facility upgrades, including a new state-of-the-art paint shop.

The 450,000-square-foot facility will add 50 percent more space to the company’s entire operation in Warren County. The paint shop will receive upgrades in technology, including new tooling, robots and stateof-the-art environmental and efficiency enhancements. Construction should take about two years to complete. Vehicle production schedules will be unaffected by the construction.

“With this major technology investment, we can continue to exceed the expectations

of sports car buyers for years to come,” said North American Manufacturing Manager Arvin Jones. “These types of investments are evidence that the customer is at the center of every decision we make.”

This latest investment builds on approximately $135 million invested in the plant the last four years for the new seventh-generation Corvette and Performance Build Center. In April 2015, GM announced it would invest $5.4 billion in its U.S. facilities the next three years.

••• GM began producing the Corvette in 1981 at its Bowling Green plant, and the

facility has remained the Corvette’s exclusive home since. An American icon, the Corvette is the world’s longest-running, continuously produced passenger car with more than 1.6 million cars assembled. Since the launch of the 2014 Stingray, the car has experienced much success.

According to the KAIA, Corvette sales reached 38,000 last year, and the plant hit a record year for public tours in 2014, welcoming almost 56,000 visitors from around the world. This industry is far from being on cruise control, as it moves toward a future of high-paying jobs and steady economic development opportunities.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

www.bgchamber.com

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FORGING AHEAD Global brands fueling automotive industry in South Central Kentucky Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products Kobe Steel Group is founded on the art of moving forward. In 1995, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake shook western Japan to its core, destroying Kobe’s home office and causing significant damage to one of its blast furnaces, the heart of the steelworks process.

But as one of Japan’s leading steelmakers, and a major supplier of aluminum and copper products, the company wouldn’t accept defeat.

Instead, two months later, the furnace was restored, production returned to normal and – 10 years later – the company was ready to begin a new project in Bowling Green, as Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2015.

Based in Bowling Green, KAAP is an award-winning manufacturer of forged aluminum suspension products, manufacturing and selling aluminum forgings for automotive suspension systems in North America.

“Bowling Green is an excellent choice for an automotive manufacturing facility,” said Human Resources and General Affairs Manager Chris Boggs.

He credits the city’s quick access to interstates 65 and 75 to KAAP’s success.

“This is an ideal location that allows KAAP to serve customers across the U.S. and overseas,” Boggs said. “South Central Kentucky has a long-standing record of providing excellent employees to work in manufacturing.”

Established in 2003, KAAP began production in 2005 and employs about 400 people.

The company has undergone five expansions and fully expects the same growth over the next five to 10 years. In December 2015, KAAP was set to begin its sixth expansion, bringing an additional 112 new jobs to Bowling Green. Since KAAP was established in Bowling Green, KOBELCO, which encompasses Kobe Steel, has invested about $180 million, increasing to $236 million when the sixth phase investment is complete.

As part of the global drive to conserve fuel, reducing the weight of automobiles has become a vital concern of automobile makers worldwide. To that end, aluminum parts forged by KAAP are lightweight and durable.

KAAP prides itself on four founding principles: weight reduction, achieved through

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use of an elevated strength aluminum alloy and refined product design analysis; reliability, achieved through a certified focus on unwavering quality; cost reduction, achieved through enhanced material yield ratio, reduced forging cycle time and total in-house recycling of scrap; and globalization, achieved through international production, which leads to serving international automotive markets.

With a laser focus on the future, KAAP is forging a new era in manufacturing products, ready as ever to celebrate the next 10 years.

Davert USA In 2012, Davert USA made its South Central Kentucky launch because consumers demanded it. Bob Collier started Davert Tools in 1996 in Niagara Falls, Canada.

“The launch of Davert Tools came after a strong demand by an automobile manufacturer in need of production aide tooling that would accompany the vehicle during its production,” said Gregory Head, vice president of Davert North America, which makes up Davert USA and Davert Tools.

The engineering design and metal fabrication company also operates a research and development company, Collier Technologies, that provides industry leadership in durability tested and dimensionally superior replacement frames for Corvettes in powder-coated mild and stainless steel options.

Davert USA, headquartered in Bowling Green, did not locate here by accident.

“South Central Kentucky is the epicenter

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

of (original equipment manufacturer) commerce geographically,” Head said. “The GM Corvette plant proximity in Bowling Green provides the most economically feasible startup location for Davert USA to support production. The economic feasibility of Davert in this region requires a strong mix of non-OEM customer base to provide a consistent and growing workforce whose technical skills are ever-increasing within OEM product tolerances.”

In 2015, Davert employed about 50 people and plans to double that number. Head said the company recently embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign allowing Davert to expand its skills and employee base. Davert North America is different from others in its field because of the technical specificity it provides to products and services.

“Our engineers pride themselves in their proven ability to find more efficient and productive solutions for our customers via our digitally controlled metal laser cutting and precision automatic saw cutting services, CNC machining and CNC press brake, allowing for precision bending of metals,” he said.

Metal fabrication at Davert is supported by 10 bays of tungsten inert gas, metal inert gas and aluminum welding, which work together to produce detailed machined and manufactured products.

“If it’s made of metal, we can create, often improve and produce it,” he said. “We can produce anywhere from one part to thousands of high quality, highly accurate parts.”

540 Wall Street Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-843-5505 270-843-5506 fax info@candlewoodsuitesbg.com www.candlewoodsuitesbg.com follow us @candlewoodbg

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UTILITIES South Central Kentucky boasts utilities that invest in improved technology, energy conservation and community outreach. Read on to learn about companies consistently recognized as leaders in their field.

ATMOS ENERGY

www.atmosenergy.com Recognized as one of the best places to work in Kentucky, Atmos Energy has served the Bowling Green area for more than 70 years. With over 32,000 customers in the surrounding counties and over 175,000 in Kentucky, the natural gas distributor is proud to be one of the lowest-cost providers of natural gas in the state and strives to keep low costs for its customers.

Safety and reliability are paramount to Atmos Energy. It strives for the highest operational standards by providing a state-of the-art training facility in Dallas for field personnel to gain valuable training to provide quality service for their customers and communities.

Sensitivity to community needs is a big part of the company’s corporate culture. Atmos Energy’s employees support their communities by providing food and resources to those in need and supporting education and nonprofit charities.

In conjunction with the Kentucky Public Service Commission, Atmos Energy offers

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new programs to promote energy efficiency and conservation.

High-efficiency equipment rebates available to customers range from $25 to $500 on qualified equipment, including natural gas furnaces, water heaters and commercial cooking equipment. Through its website – www.atmosenergy.com/home/efficiency/ index.html – and informational newsletters, Atmos Energy provides customers with tools and information to save up to 30 percent on home heating costs. The company offers up to $3,000 in home weatherization to qualified customers in a partnership with Community Action of Southern Kentucky and the Kentucky Housing Corporation.

As part of its ongoing community outreach efforts, Atmos underwrites educational materials and programs for elementary students in the Kentucky service area. The Energy Conservation and You curriculum, developed for fourth-graders, teaches the importance of conserving energy and motivates students to become energy conservation advocates.

Online educational tutorials designed for el-

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

ementary and middle school levels combine programs about natural gas safety and conservation with fun activities to share with teachers and parents.

BOWLING GREEN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES

www.bgmu.com Bowling Green Municipal Utilities provides consumers with high-speed data services, safe and reliable electric service and award-winning water and wastewater treatment services. BGMU’s Electric Division serves a population of about 50,000 within the city limits of Bowling Green, including nearly 4,100 commercial facilities.

BGMU is one of 184 of the nation’s more than 2,200 public power utilities to earn Reliable Power Provider (RP3®) recognition from the American Public Power Association for providing consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service. The honor recognizes public power utilities that excel at four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. In 2015, for the eighth consecutive year, BGMU was named a Tree Line USA Utility.

The national Tree Line USA program is a partnership of the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. The program recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing practices that protect and enhance America’s urban trees.

BGMU treats water from Barren River and pumps it to five elevated water storage tanks.

The Water Treatment Plant has the capacity to treat 30 million gallons of water per day, and the system includes over 320 miles of water mains. BGMU maintains over 260 miles of sewer mains and can treat 12 million gallons of wastewater per day.

Bowing Green is fortunate to have safe, high-quality water that exceeds government-issued regulations. BGMU’s Fiber Optic Division provides telephone, Internet and point-to-point services for area businesses.

Services are provided over the only all-fiber network in Bowling Green with 24/7 support and an uptime rating greater than 99.99 percent. All divisions of BGMU are easily accessible online, where customers can pay bills, view water quality reports, request services and more.

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

www.TVA.com TVA is a U.S. corporate agency that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies serving 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states.

TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriv-

ing virtually all its revenues from electricity sales. TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development.

Economic development is a core component of TVA’s mission. Named one of the top 10 utilities for economic development for nine straight years by Site Selection magazine, TVA works with local power companies and regional, state and community partners to retain and attract jobs and capital investment for the seven-state territory. In 2014, 4,600 jobs were created and retained in Kentucky, and $909 million was invested. For more information about economic development programs, visit www.

TVAed.com. In fiscal year 2014, TVA sold almost 7.3 billion kilowatt hours of electric-

Providing Reliable Service to Bowling Green for over 70 years Electric Our easy to install exterior lighting and door bells add instant safety, security and convenience to your home.

2445 Nashville Road • P.O. Box 90045 Bowling Green, KY 42102

Water/Wastewater Services

Commercial Fiber Services 270-782-1200 bgmu.com bgmufiber.com

www.heath-zenith.com www.bgchamber.com

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ity to 10 municipal and five cooperatively owned utilities that distribute TVA power in Kentucky. Kentucky is home to 17 directly-served customers of TVA that purchased over 3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.

TVA is developing a new Integrated Resource Plan to meet future power demand by identifying the need for generated capacity and determining the best mix of resources to meet the need on a least-cost, system wide balance. It is moving toward a more balanced portfolio so it is not overly dependent on any one energy source and can keep rates low and reliability high.

TVA manages recreational, natural and cultural resources on more than 60,000 acres of public land around Kentucky Reservoir and partners with state, local and regional stakeholders to improve water quality, shoreline conditions, recreation and biodiversity. Kentucky residents enjoy camping, fishing, boating, swimming and other recreational opportunities provided

by Kentucky Reservoir, as well as economic benefits from recreation and tourism.

WARREN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT

www.warrenwater.com As one of the largest water and wastewater utility districts in the Commonwealth,

Warren County Water District is recognized across the state and nationally for its professional and progressive approach in providing clean drinking water and reliable sewer services. More than 74,000 residents rely on Warren Water for safe, high quality drinking water.

In 2015, Warren Water provided water and wastewater service to new industries investing over $300 million within the community.

With the support of Warren Fiscal Court and Warren County Board of Education, Warren Water began to construct a new sewer system to serve Alvaton Elementary School, Phil Moore Park and the Alvaton area.

Several highway improvement projects were undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Transportation including I-65 Transpark connector, Three Springs Road widening, along with Bristow Road and Moorman Lane realignment.

Warren Water serves residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial customers providing high quality water service and reliable wastewater services at affordable costs to more than 27,000 water and 5,500 sewer customers throughout Warren County. Warren Water delivers over 7.8 million gallons of water per day – the system’s water lines span 530 square miles. The wastewater system includes over 162 miles of sewer

lines and 52 wastewater-pumping stations that transport more than 1.5 million gallons of wastewater each day.

The utility reached a milestone with 500,000 work hours with no lost time accidents in 2015. The accomplishment was a result of organizational leadership and teams working together with safety as the main focus. General Manager John Dix is proud of the organization’s accomplishment.

“The positive attitudes and behavior that our employees have toward safety and health are the main reason we reached our goal,” Dix said. “The proactive participation in weekly safety meetings and continuing education all fuels a safety-minded culture.”

As part of its community outreach efforts, the utility offers a renewable $1,000 scholarship to a deserving graduating high school senior each year. Warren Water also participates in the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business-Education Partnership program to increase resources and opportunities for students.

Throughout the year, the company participates in area festivals and events to increase awareness of water conservation, recycling and other issues important to the health and safety of the community and the preservation of the environment.

Warren County Water District

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

WARREN RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CORPORATION www.wrecc.com

Formed in 1938 to bring electricity to the rural areas of Warren County, Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation staff members work closely with economic development leaders in Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Grayson, Logan, Ohio, Simpson and Warren counties.

As part of the Touchstone Energy alliance, Warren RECC is dedicated to innovation, accountability, integrity and commitment to the community.

The alliance of over 740 cooperatives in 46 states was created to educate member-owners and to provide a nationwide network to bring added value and benefit to customers.

Warren RECC also works in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority to offer financial and rate incentives to qualified industrial and commercial customers to assist with infrastructure costs and lower overall operating costs.

Community outreach has always been an important mission for Warren RECC. Safety and emergency preparedness demonstrations are available to fire departments, building contractors, farm organizations and other agencies dealing with high-voltage power lines and other electrical dangers.

Educational presentations also are available for schools and civic groups to learn about the principles of electricity and electrical safety and how to deal with electrical emergencies.

Warren Water

Our roots here run deep.

CLIENT: A JOB#: ATM 2015 Ad Re

TRIM: 4.83 LIVE: 4.83 BLEED: n/ COLOR: C

We’ve been dedicated to serving our communities for more than 100 years. Not just with safe, reliable natural gas—but also with our time. That’s why we volunteer to help charitable causes and provide for tax revenues that fuel local economies.

It’s all part of being your natural gas company.

bsky_community_hotdog_4_833x6_5_01mg.indd 1

PUB: 2016 Chamber CONTACT Sarah McC sarah@bg 866-330-2

RELEASE: PRINT DA

8/7/15 11:30 AM

Delivering quality and commitment in every drop...

Transporting 7.8 million gallons of water each day.

Serving over 74,000 residents in Warren County.

Providing affordable water and wastewater services to families and businesses.

270-842-0052 · www.warrenwater.com

www.bgchamber.com

21

STRONG incentives H elping businesses helps the Commonwealth achieve longterm economic growth, which is why the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority – established within the Cabinet for Economic Development – encourages economic development, business expansion and job creation and provides financial support and tax credits. Read on to learn about Kentucky’s many incentives:

www.thinkkentucky.com

NEW & EXPANDING INDUSTRY

• Kentucky Business Investment Program: Provides income tax credits and wage assessments to new and existing agribusinesses, regional and national headquarters, manufacturing companies and non-retail service- or technology-related companies that locate or expand operations in Kentucky.

• Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act: Provides a refund of Kentucky sales and uses taxes

paid by approved companies for building and construction materials permanently incorporated as an improvement to real property.

• Direct Loan Program: Encourages economic development business expansion and job creation by providing business loans to supplement other financing.

• Industrial Revenue Bonds: Used to finance manufacturing projects and their warehousing areas, major transportation and communication facilities, health care facilities and mineral extraction and processing projects.

JOB RETENTION • Kentucky Reinvestment Act: Provides tax credits to an existing Kentucky company engaged in manufacturing and related functions on a permanent basis for a reasonable period of time investing in eligible equipment and related costs of at least $2.5 million.

• Kentucky Industrial Revitalization Act: Investments in the rehabilitation of manufacturing or coal mining and processing operations in imminent danger of permanently closing or have closed temporarily may qualify for tax credits.

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Skilled and Motivated Workforce 94% of regional manufacturing employers rank productivity as good to excellent Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College #1 ranked graduation rate among Kentucky community and technical colleges

America’s Best High School Gatton Academy of Math & Science ranked #1 three years in a row by Newsweek Location, Location, Location We’re located within a day’s drive of 60% of U.S. Markets Low Cost of Business Kentucky’s power rates are the lowest east of the Mississippi river The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People First to implement The Leader In Me™ program K-12 - benefiting 18,000+ youth

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22

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

• SBIR-STTR Matching Funds Program: The Cabinet will match, on a competitive basis, Phase 1 and Phase 2 federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer awards received by Kentucky high-tech small businesses and those willing to become Kentucky-based businesses.

• Commonwealth Seed Capital LLC: Makes debt or equity investments in early-stage Kentucky business entities to facilitate the commercialization of innovative ideas and technologies.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT • Kentucky New Energy Ventures Fund: Provides seed stage capital to support the development and commercialization of alternative fuel and renewable energy products, processes and services in Kentucky.

• Incentives for Energy Independence Act: Requires a capital investment of at least $25 million for an alternative fuel facility using biomass or an investment of at least $100 million for an alternative fuel facility using coal, as its primary feedstock.

SMALL BUSINESS • Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative: Designed to generate jobs and increase availability of credit by reducing the risks participating lenders assume when making loans to small businesses.

• Small Business Loan Program: Designed to help small businesses acquire funding needed to start or grow their small business.

Kentucky Transpark Located on U.S. 31-W and Highway 68-80, the Kentucky Transpark is on the leading edge of newly developed intermodal parks.

This 900+ acre park is home to a diverse group of growing industries and education facilities.

• Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit: Designed to encourage small business growth and job creation by providing a nonrefundable tax credit to eligible businesses hiring one or more eligible individuals and investing at least $5,000 in qualifying equipment or technology.

• Angel Investment Tax Credit: Offers tax credits of up to 50 percent of an investment in Kentucky small businesses.

WORKFORCE TRAINING • Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Skills Training Investment Credit: Provides credit against Kentucky income tax to existing businesses that sponsor occupational or skills upgrade training programs for the benefit of their employees.

• Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Grant Reimbursement Program: Provides matching grant funds for customized business and industry-specific training programs.

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING • Tax Increment Financing: Uses future gains in taxes to finance improvements that will create those gains.

• TIF Loan Support Program: Facilitates a supplemental reserve fund to cover debt service related to the bond financing of the TIF project.

• Local Redevelopment TIF: Available to redevelop blighted areas into mixed use development by using the incremental additional local taxes realized as a result of the development.

AGRI-BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund: Provides incentives for innovative proposals that increase net farm income, stimulate markets for Kentucky agricultural products, create new ways to add value to Kentucky agricultural products and explorenew opportunities for Kentucky farmers.

• Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation: Provides capital access for agricultural diversification and infrastructure projects.

velopers of approved new or expanding tourism projects the ability to recover up to 25 percent of the project’s development costs over 10 years.

• Kentucky Film Incentive: Designed to encourage the development of the film industry in Kentucky.

— For a complete list of state incentives, visit www.thinkkentucky.com.

OTHER BUSINESS INCENTIVES & FINANCIAL PROGRAMS • Kentucky Investment Fund Act: Provides tax credits to individuals and companies that invest in approved venture capital funds.

• EB-5 Immigrant Investor: Gives immigrants the opportunity to invest in the U.S. in exchange for green card eligibility for themselves and qualifying family members.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT • Tourism Development Act: Provides de-

ADVANCING CAREERS. SOLVING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES. Bowling Green, KY 270.842.2906 An Equal Opportunity Employer © 2015 Kelly Services, Inc. Z0990B

www.bgchamber.com

23

NEED FOR SPEED T

he Kentucky Auto Industry Association – an industry-led organization driven by the needs of the state’s automotive industry – plays an important role in facilitating the region’s motorsports culture.

The association was formed with Kentucky’s original equipment manufacturers and suppliers to address the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

The state’s vast network of automotive manufacturing, supplier and service-related companies provides a major impact on Kentucky’s economy, adding $4 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product.

Mitch Wright, general manager of the National Corvette Museum’s Motorsports Park, believes the future of motorsports in the region is very bright.

South Central Kentucky’s motorsports culture is directly driven by its booming automotive industry, with the two relying heavily on each other for growth and development.

“Having the two motorsports facilities (Beech Bend Raceway Park and the Motorsports Park) in the community gives automotive manufacturers and suppliers the opportunity to test their products,” said Katie Frassinelli, marketing and communications manager at the National Corvette Museum.

Although situated just off Interstate 65 in Bowling Green, the Motorsports Park is a nod to the French automotive circuit, as it shares many features of the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, most notably known as the venue for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in which about 46 cars race for 24 hours along the French countryside.

The corners of the Motorsports Park track, which opened in August 2014, were modeled to be identical to the French track.

Because they share the same features, the Corvette Racing and the Nissan NISMO teams performed testing here before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which according to National Geographic, is the No. 1 sporting event in the world, ahead of The Olympic Games and World Cup Soccer. In 2015, Corvette Racing won in its class.

“With the LeMans features we have included in the track, we are becoming a destination for professional race team testing,” Wright said.

The 186-acre Motorsports Park, located at 505 Grimes Road, includes two tracks that can be combined into four different configurations, ranging from a high-speed 1.96-mile loop to an extended 3.15-mile technical course.

209 Smith Rd., Glasgow, KY 42141

(270) 629-4200

1975 Russellville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101

(270) 843-2181

www.bgchamber.com

25

“Our central location, lots of hotel rooms, restaurants and other things to do in the area make Bowling Green a perfect enthusiast destination as well as a great place for motorsports related businesses.”

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The NCM and the Motorsports Park are anchors to Kentucky’s booming motorsports sector.

Kentucky’s second-largest export sector is made up of motor vehicles and parts, reaching $5.5 billion last year. Since January 2010, more than 330 automotive-related projects have been announced in the Commonwealth.

These projects represent more than 20,000 new jobs and $4.5 billion in capital investment.

Many area businesses and manufacturers are using the Museum and Motorsports Park for corporate hospitality and workforce training.

“As our track facilities continue to progress, we look forward to hosting many more groups for teambuilding, recreational and other types of outings,” Frassinelli said.

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Holley Control Tower Companies such as Holley Performance Products continue to draw motorsports events to the community.

In May 2015, the NCM, Holley and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the groundbreaking of the Holley Control Tower at the Motorsports Park.

The tower encompasses 14,635 square feet and provides meeting rooms, administrative offices, a track retail space, a 2,000-square-foot viewing deck and classrooms. The classrooms and meeting spaces are available for rent for track customers, meetings and private functions.

“We are excited to not only have permanent office space, but also ready to make use of the classrooms and meeting space for both our track rental clients, as well as others looking for a unique event venue,” Wright said. “The second floor viewing deck will offer a nice bird’s eye view of the track, making spectating fun to participate in.”

The Kimberlee A. Fast Pavilion and garage complex opened in late June and includes two sizes of garages that can be rented by the day, an open-air pavilion with restrooms, showers, picnic seating and concession area, and second-level viewing decks on the backs of the garages.

A Mobil 1 Fueling Station offers self-serve and pay for six different grades of fuel, including three racing fuels, diesel and 87 and 93 octane.

Holley has been an integral part of Bowling Green’s rich history.

The company’s investment in this control tower and the partnership with the Chamber, Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College and Warren County Area Technology Center in the On Track initiative further cements its commitment to the future of motorsports in the region.

Each year, Holley hosts the annual LS Fest, which celebrates the GM LS engine.

In 2015, the event used Beech Bend Raceway’s track and the Motorsports Park. By expanding the location, the event grew substantially and provided additional opportunities for visitor participation.

Beech Bend hosts the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion.

“Holley’s support plays an important role in that event continuing to be hosted in our community,” Frassinelli said.

On the

FAST

track

F

or South Central Kentucky students, education and motorsports go hand-in-hand.

In September 2015, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce launched the On Track motorsports education initiative in partnership with the Warren County Area Technology Center, Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College and Holley Performance Products.

In partnership with the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority, the Chamber purchased two second-generation Chevrolet Camaros from Holley to donate to SKYCTC and Warren County ATC. During the 2015-16 school year, students are completely rebuilding the cars using multiple educational disciplines, including science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. Industry experts are working with students and faculty to develop the cars and curriculum. In 2016, the cars will compete in the Holley LS Fest Grand Champion competition, while being judged on their business/ marketing plan and use of STEM educational principles.

“We are always excited when opportunities arise to create more educational access for individuals in the community and to highlight

our achievements on a national level,” said Chris Cumens, vice president of finance and administration at SKYCTC. The ATC established “build team” partners in each of their sectors, collaborating with the feeder schools. Greenwood High School provides the science team, South Warren High School provides the business team, Warren Central High School provides the physics team, Warren East High School provides the math team and Bowling Green Independent Schools provides marketing services for the build team.

Students partner with industry experts to understand the most efficient and cost effective means of rebuilding a car.

Local and national industries provide sponsorships, materials and guest lectures as the students progress through the project.

To date, Cannon, Shiloh, SCA and Bowling Green Metalforming offered representatives to serve as mentors. Dr. Greg Arbuckle of

Western Kentucky University's Architecture & Manufacturing Sciences department is serving as the engineering advisor. Kim Phelps and Meredith Robinson of the Chamber are advising the marketing team.

“The last few months have been both exciting and confirming,” Cumens said. “The community support for On Track has been overwhelming.”

The initiative is a crucial piece of the Chamber’s commitment to the development of talent for the future workforce of South Central Kentucky. According to the 2013 Urgent Call to Action study, South Central Kentucky will have 9,000 job openings in manufacturing alone by 2020. The initiative introduces critical STEM concepts in a practical setting that develop a highly skilled talent pipeline to fuel the already strong South Central Kentucky economy.

— For more information or to contribute to the initiative, contact Kim Phelps at the Chamber at 270-901-4611 or kim@bgchamber.com.

www.bgchamber.com

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DEVELOPING DOWNTOWN

A

mid the hum of drills and hammers, saws and heavy machinery, a transformation is taking shape in downtown Bowling Green.

In 2007, Kentucky designated 363 acres in downtown Bowling Green as a Signature TIF district under the state’s tax increment financing legislation. The district stretches from Western Kentucky University’s campus – made up of 20,000 students and 2,000 employees – to The Medical Center at Bowling Green – made up of 2,200 employees. TIF uses future gains in taxes to finance current improvements that will create those gains. When a public project is carried out, the value of surrounding real estate increases, increasing the value of taxable properties and activities, which increases overall tax revenues. TIF dedicates that additional revenue to finance debt issued to pay for the project’s public infrastructure.

Below are a few TIF District landmarks:

Augenstein Alumni Center Built in 2013, the Augenstein Alumni Center is a recent addition to WKU, but with its Grecian style architecture, the building is steeped in history, an ode to what once was.

Located at Center Street and Alumni Avenue, the Augenstein Alumni Center officially opened April 2013, bringing WKU traditions to life and providing an elegant, comfortable space for visitors and the WKU community to host meetings, social events and programs.

The state-of-the-art building was financed by more than $5.6 million in gifts and pledges from over 2,000 donors, including a $1 million gift from namesake Dale Augenstein, who is past president of the WKU Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

Functions can be accommodated in a variety of venues accessible to any size audience. Venues include Robertson and Feix Grand Ballrooms, Mutchler Family Living Room, Owsley Library, WKU Museum, Greenwell Executive Dining Room, Guillaume Executive Board Room, Watkins Ex-

28

ecutive Auditorium and Isbell Atrium. The Center also houses the offices of Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, the WKU Foundation and Development & Alumni Relations Marketing & Communications.

— For more information, visit www.wku. edu/alumnicenter.

Hyatt Place Bowling Green In 2015, the 108-room Hyatt Place Bowling Green opened its doors at the WKU gateway to historic downtown Bowling Green.

The four-story, upscale select service hotel is adjacent to the Augenstein Alumni Center and is a short walk from downtown venues including restaurants, boutiques, the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center and Bowling Green Ballpark.

“With thousands of WKU alumni, parents, sports teams, guest lecturers and prospective students arriving to our great city from across the country, there couldn’t be a more exciting time to be a part of this new opening in Bowling Green,” said General Manager Adam Artusio.

The hotel offers: • 108 spacious guestrooms, which feature

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

a swiveling 42-inch high-definition TV • Free Wi-Fi • Complimentary breakfast • 1,760 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space • 24/7 gallery menu serving made-to-order entrees and appetizers around the clock • A coffee to cocktails bar “The TIF development was intended not only to revitalize downtown Bowling Green but also to connect the WKU campus to downtown,” said Gary A. Ransdell, president of WKU. “The addition of Hyatt Place Bowling Green next to the Augenstein Alumni Center is the cornerstone that will complete that gateway to downtown. This is an exciting opportunity for our community and our campus, and we are pleased to welcome Hyatt Place to Bowling Green.”

The Medical Center-WKU Health Sciences Complex Since opening The Medical Center-WKU Health Sciences Complex in August 2013, The Medical Center has continued to employ the latest simulation technology for the education and training of clinical staff. More than $370,000 has been invested in technolo-

gy in the Simulation Lab since 2013, a significant portion of which was acquired through the contributions of donors. Among the additions are a newborn simulator, pediatric simulator and LifePak defibrillators.

The most recent addition is the Lucina childbirth simulator that allows The Medical Center’s Labor & Delivery staff to train in all stages of labor and delivery.

The simulator includes a female patient and baby. Scenarios range from normal delivery to obstetrical emergencies to provide learners with evidence-based practice in complicated births.

“We see the effectiveness of these tools every day in the proficiency of our staff as they care for our patients in the clinical setting,” said Vivian McClellan, corporate director of Education and Development for Commonwealth Health Corporation.

From experienced nurses to new graduates, The Medical Center’s clinical staff sees value in simulation training, which provides exposure to challenging scenarios that don’t happen every day and can be simulated in a safe environment before happening in real life at the patient bedside.

For new graduate nurses, simulation helps nurses recognize the difference in the theory and treatment of disease they learn during their nursing program and the application of that knowledge.

“We have visited other hospitals in this region of the country and have yet to find another facility with a simulation lab at the level of which we have here in South Central Kentucky,” McClellan said. “We are proud of the sophisticated technology we have at our fingertips to provide the highest level of training to ensure the very best delivery of health care for the communities we serve.”

Stadium Park Plaza In 2015, Mariah’s – a landmark Bowling Green eatery – reopened under new owners David Pinchuk and Jerry Katzoff, also owner of the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

Mariah’s is part of Stadium Park Plaza, a commercial wrap on the parking garage in Block 6 of the TIF district. The development includes a sports bar called 6-4-3, office space and condominiums.

The building provides a comprehensive experience for visitors to cheer on the Bowling Green Hot Rods, then walk over to Mariah’s or 6-4-3 for dinner or drinks. The plaza also prides itself on community involvement, hosting concerts, festivals and car shows.

“Downtown is what Bowling Green is known for,” Pinchuk said. “Building downtown helps grow jobs and grow the community. It’s a little hidden gem.”

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ON THE CUTTING EDGE

S

outh Central Kentucky is a breeding ground for breaking the mold. Our companies, organizations and schools are known for leading in innovation and technology, passionately proclaiming that the future is paved with resources and invention.

Holley Performance Products In 2014, Holley Performance Products, a leader in automotive performance products, created a revolutionary R&D work cell for designing industry leading exhaust systems in its Bowling Green headquarters. The cutting edge facility brought an investment of $1,325,000 and created about 20 new jobs.

The work cell incorporates assets and employees to develop designs, processes and manufacturing techniques, which decrease production time, accommodate sales volume and maintain high quality products, directly benefiting Holley customers. The facility is staffed with designers, engineers and welders and produces exhaust systems for late model muscle cars.

“Everything we focus on is the future,” said Tim Grillot, exhaust business unit manager.

The facility allows Holley to expand its exhaust product lines sold under the world renowned Hooker Header and Flowtech brands. Products include premium quality exhaust systems for late model muscle cars and trucks as well as design enhancements to existing products for classic vehicles.

The R&D lab, which once sat close to empty, now holds Mustangs, Corvettes and other models, suspended in the air, ready to be tested with pipes and products.

“We plan to keep growing,” Grillot said.

“Exhaust is a big push. (Exhaust Fuel Injection) keeps expanding and expanding. It’s the future of performance in this industry.”

Holley was named 2015 Manufacturer of the Year by the Kentucky Association for Manufacturers.

SCA Americas The Bowling Green manufacturing plant of SCA, a global hygiene and forest products company, is SCA’s first zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturing facility in North America.

SCA has been recognized by the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection for its environmental education grants program, employee participation in tree plantings and trash pick-up days in county parks and participation with Western Kentucky University to provide sustainable tailgating kits to football game attendees.

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HOLLEY PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS:

Racing toward a bright future

•Has been in Bowling Green since 1951; began by producing Visi-flo carburetor •Employs more than 250 people at its Russellville Road facility •Leader in high performance exhaust products, standalone EFI systems, carburetors, intake manifolds, superchargers, water pumps, plumbing components and fuel pumps for street and race applications.

•Has powered every NASCAR team since the 1960s Since 2011, SCA has diverted more than 14,173 tons from going to the landfill. Sustainability and community involvement are core values for the global organization.

“We have established clear and direct targets for climate and energy, water, fiber sourcing and biodiversity,” said Mike Littlefield, quality, risk, environmental, health and safety manager at SCA’s Personal Care location in Bowling Green.

For seven years in a row, SCA has been recognized by Ethisphere Institute as one of the world’s most ethical companies. Since 2001, SCA has been recognized by FTSE4Good Global index for its corporate responsibility standards.

“SCA truly takes these commitments and puts them into action,” Littlefield said. “SCA feels the responsibility for ensuring our global operations have a positive impact on the communities in which we reside around the globe.”

Warren County Public Schools Richardsville Elementary School celebrat-

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

ed five years of being the first net zero school in the U.S., meaning the school operates without energy costs, creating as much clean energy with solar panels as it consumes in natural energy.

The building is made of insulated concrete blocks that seal in temperature control three times better than most building materials.

The heating and cooling system and lights work with sensors to determine how many people are in a room and how much light and heat a room needs.

Every classroom faces the sun, so solar tubes pipe direct sunlight in the rooms instead of depending on artificial light. Ground floor classrooms without solar tube exposure have a row of windows near the ceiling where light trays bounce sunlight through the window and onto the classroom ceiling.

The building teaches the importance of energy conservation through: • Green screens that show how much energy is produced by solar panels in real time • Themed hallways, such as recycling, water and solar, with hands-on learning tools

• A covered outdoor classroom with a weather station that allows students to monitor wind, temperature and humidity while studying Kentucky’s four diverse seasons • Floors made of soy-based stained concrete that stays shiny without buffing • Energy Star rated equipment including combi-ovens that cook with steam rather than fryers and tilting skillets In addition, Jody Richards and Bristow elementary schools are net-zero-ready, meaning the only components they need in order to be net zero are solar panels.

"WCPS looks forward to the day when our two net zero ready schools can have their solar panels installed,” said Morgan Watson, WCPS chief communication officer. “We will focus our efforts on energy conservation so we can continue to set an example across the state as an environmentally-friendly school district.”

Richardsville Elementary School

WE ALWAYS DELIVER Visit one of our four department stores including Dillard’s JCPenney, Macy’s and Sears, and over 100 specialty shops.

Enjoy a quick bite in our family-friendly food court and a ride on the carousel.

QUALITY / SERVICE / EXPERIENCE / INNOVATION / EXCELLENCE / LEADERSHIP OVER SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE GLASGOW

|

BOWLING GREEN

|

LYONSCOMPANY.COM

www.bgchamber.com

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Zest! Juice for Life

Beet Box Produce

Bare Creek Farm

KENTUCKY

GROWN

Community Farmers Market

32

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

It’s no secret South Central Kentucky is a produce and agricultural mecca.

Thanks to these companies, locals have boundless reasons to relish in the region’s garden of resources.

Bare Creek Farm Bare Creek Farm is anything but bare.

Weston and Larie Vernon opened the tree farm in 2014 to make use of their land while giving families the opportunity to pick out and chop down their own Christmas trees.

The Vernons want the land to be a place where families can create new Christmas traditions. So far, the family has planted a little over 1,000 trees – half are Norway Spruce, half are Canaan Fir – which are expected to be cut in a few years.

Until then, the farm sells pre-cut trees from a Virginia farm. More than 200 families come out each year to pick out a tree and sip hot chocolate fireside. Wreaths and garland are also for sale.

The farm opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through the Christmas season.

— For more information, visit www.barecreektreefarm.com.

Beet Box Produce Beet Box Produce makes it easy to eat organic, healthy produce without ever visiting a farmers market or grocery store.

Here’s how it works: Visit www.beetboxproduce.com to pick your box size and delivery schedule. Beet Box emails you the Friday before your delivery to let you know your menu has been customized based on what’s fresh and in season. Here, swap out items you don’t want for your favorites. Then relax and wait for your box to be delivered.

Be sure to frequent Beet Box’s website, as its online grocery section and local vendors are ever-expanding. The company offers corporate discounts starting at four employees, with varying tier levels that go up from there.

While some of the farms Beet Box partners with are not certified organic, every partner uses pesticide-free farming methods.

The best part? No sign-up or cancellation fees, so customers can focus on eating healthy, delicious foods at affordable prices.

Burkmann of Bowling Green Burkmann of Bowling Green is part of the larger feed supplier, Burkmann Nutrition, which provides a variety of animal nutrition products.

The Bowling Green plant is a specialty manufacturer of high-quality bird seed sold throughout the Southeast, with two tractor trailers that distribute to retailers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee.

Because of its notable customer service and product quality, the plant has been named Wild Birds Unlimited’s No.1 seed supplier. The plant manufactures its own proprietary brand of high-quality seed, Song of America, along with premium nutrition seed blends for the poultry industry.

Agricultural diversification is big business in the Bowling Green area.

— For more information on the economic impact of agribusiness in the Bowling Green area, contact the Warren County Extension Office at 270-842-1681.

Creek Sod Farms Beverly Creek founded Creek Sod Farms more than 25 years ago, offering high-grade farm supplies to the area. The company specializes in ground prep, sod installation, seed/straw, hydroseeding and erosion control and existing lawn replacement.

With an acute attention to detail, customer satisfaction is Creek Sod Farm’s No.

1 goal. Located at 208 W. Dishman Lane, Creek Sod Farms is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Community Farmers Market This year-round, producer-only farmers market at 2319 Nashville Road is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. The market connects local producers to local consumers through outreach including: • The Double Dollar Program doubles the first $20 in SNAP/EBT benefits and the value of WIC farmers market vouchers and senior nutrition farmers market vouchers every day the market is open.

• The Mobile Market brings fresh produce to underserved areas of Bowling Green, making local food accessible and affordable.

• Kids Club provides avenues for kids to engage with local food producers in May and October.

Like CFM on Facebook to stay up-todate on activities, events and vendors.

Zest! Juice for Life A serious health movement is on the rise, and the ladies at Zest! Juice for Life are stars of the show.

Natalie Boddeker, the company’s founder, got excited about juicing after watching Joe Cross’ documentary “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead,” which chronicles his 60-day, 3,000 mile journey across the U.S., only drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juice.

Inspired, Boddeker stocked up on fruits and vegetables and went on a 50-day fast.

She lost weight, had more energy and her skin was glowing. She then teamed up with friend and co-worker Tonia Johns to start a juicing business – which has been around for over two years. Today, Zest! offers unique flavors such as Almond on a Date, Beet Goes On, Cha Cha Chai and Kale Yeah!

You can find the Zest! ladies every Saturday at the Community Farmers Market and online at www.zestjuiceforlife.com where they sell their products for $7 a bottle.

www.bgchamber.com

33

Value proposition WKU Center for Research and Development, Kentucky Innovation Network and Small Business Accelator provide businesses, scientists and engineers with counsel and collaboration

F

or the past 13 years, people wanting to start a business in Bowling Green have had a unique option to kickstart their new venture. Western Kentucky University’s Center for Research and Development, located in the former Bowling Green Mall, houses WKU’s Small Business Accelerator and provides startup busi-

ness ventures and expanding businesses the resources to succeed.

Located at 2413 Nashville Road with more than 275,000 square feet of space located on 27 acres, the CRD also houses multiple WKU Applied Research Centers and the Kentucky Innovation Network’s Bowling Green office. Essentially, the CRD is a forum for businesses

to collaborate with scientists, engineers and technology-based companies, in turn creating jobs for the local economy.

“Think of this building as an indoor research park,” said Doug Rohrer, executive director of the Central Region of the Kentucky Innovation Network. It exists to provide state-of-the-art research

Western Kentucky University Center for Research and Development

34

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

facilities and access to world-class applied research centers and to join scientists and engineers for research collaborations and technology commercialization.

At any given time, about 20 companies are housed in the Small Business Accelerator. These companies aren’t law firms or doctor’s offices hoping to get their feet off the ground. They fit a mold, wired for innovation. They are knowledge- and technology-based companies focused on providing a competitive advantage to their clients.

Director of the CRD and Small Business Accelerator Jeff Hook says the CRD is about leveraging assets and connections.

The Center’s resources assist in the growth of small businesses, providing jobs for the local and regional community and creating a relationship that weaves an intricate web of people and ideas.

These innovative businesses can lease space as small as 300 square feet, which includes utilities, gas and Internet, along with business consultation. Many startup businesses don’t have the luxury of having all their resources in one spot. This package deal, of sorts, is what makes the Small Business Accelerator valuable to these revolutionary small businesses, and in turn, the regional economy.

“That’s the root of it: value,” Hook said.

“We’re not here just to lease space. We’re here to add value, which improves the chances of our region growing and retaining these new businesses.

“The WKU Small Business Accelerator offers a value proposition well beyond providing office space. You have access to conference and training rooms as well as business development consulting. If we don’t have the answers, our job is to find the answers so the companies can get down to business.”

But not all these businesses are bound for greatness – some companies start and unfortunately fail, as is the nature of the free enterprise system.

“This is a good place to have that experience,” Rohrer said. “You’ve got support with people that have a background in business. Not every business is destined to succeed. Some come and go, others come and stay, while others come and graduate.”

Hook said Bluegrass Supply Chain Services started in the CRD as a one man operation and has since graduated and grown to several hundred employees.

Among an extensive list of companies housed in the Small Business Accelerator is Vector Horizon Technologies, a leader in the clean power and renewable energy industries. And in 2015, VHTek an-

nounced an expansion project in Bowling Green bringing a total of 20 new jobs to the region.

“Vector Horizon Technologies, LLC has been very fortunate to be a part of the Bowling Green and Warren County community for the past five years,” said Jon Bigley, VHTek president. “This community and cooperation with the WKU Center for Research and Development and Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce have been extremely helpful in our development and growth plans.”

VHTek, which has been in Bowling Green since late 2009, is breaking the mold in its industry, creating a clean and bright future for South Central Kentucky.

VHTek designs, develops and produces advanced mechatronic devices that controls engine emissions. Additionally, VHTek provides customers with custom engineered components and assemblies on a prototype and/or volume production basis, and consulting services.

The CRD fosters an environment for companies to thrive and expand at their own pace.

“Most people, once they get in here, don’t want to leave,” Hook said. “It’s a great environment that is hard to duplicate.”

We’re not just bankers. We’re your neighbors and friends.

We see you at the ballpark and chat with you at the grocery store. We volunteer with you and cheer on the same great team. We’re invested here and love being part of the Bowling Green community.

First Security Bank was founded on one simple idea: Provide banking services to our customers where relationships matter and local decisions are made. Our unparalleled customer service is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to helping you with all of your banking needs.

888-425-8000 • FirstSecurity.net DOWNTOWN BOWLING GREEN 1018 Chestnut St. • 270-745-9436 FSB 2016 BG Chamber Ad.indd 1

CAMPBELL LANE 771 Campbell Lane • 270-843-9833

GREENWOOD MALL 1960 Cave Mill Road • 270-393-1959

FRANKLIN 303 N. Main St. • 270-586-4473 11/17/15 3:25 PM

www.bgchamber.com

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A CLOSER LOOK LARGEST REGIONAL EMPLOYERS Houchens Industries

5000

Western Kentucky University

3530

Commonwealth Health Corporation

2690

Warren County Public Schools

2574

Dart Container Corporation

1488

Fruit of the Loom

1100

Logan Aluminum

1000

Sun Products Corporation

994

Akebono Brake Glasgow

Labor Inventory for Bowling Green, KY MSA 905 900

by Firm Size (All)

GM Corvette Assembly Plant

Unclassified 0.0% Unclassified 0.0% Natural Resources .4% Nat. Resources 0.4% Education & Health Services 25.8%

Information Info. 1.1%1.1%

Educ/Health 25.8%

Other Services 2.4% Other Services 2.4%

EMPLOYMENT

BY INDUSTRY

Government 3.7% Govt. 3.7% Finance, Insurance & FIRE 3.8% Real Estate 3.8%

Const. 3.8% Construction 3.8% Wholesale 3.9% Wholesale 3.9%

BOWLING GREEN

Transporation, TWU 4.1% Warehousing & Utilities 4.1% Leisure 11.3% Leisure 11.3%

Mfg. 15.9% Manufacturing 15.9%

Professional & Business Services 11.7% PBS 11.7% Retail 12.1% Retail 12.1%

Sourc

Pride and Excellence in…

Land Surveying Civil Engineering Geotechnical Engineering ConstrucƟon Materials TesƟng Special InspecƟons Landscape Architecture 148 Chester Court Bowling Green, Kentucky 42103 270‐843‐2247 · info@ddsengineering.com www.DDSENGINEERING.com

36

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

It’s what’s not on paper that makes us different.

Time to experience what those around you already have.

#NobodyWorksHarder Bowling Green | Owensboro Lexington | Nashville

270.781.2020 VanMeterIns.com

INDUSTRY CONCENTRATIONS Advanced Manufacturing

South Central Kentucky is ideal for advanced manufacturers, thanks to businesses such as Bowling Green Metalforming, Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products and Logan Aluminum, along with a skilled workforce and access to training and education providers.

Aerospace

South Central Kentucky is in the territory of the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose industrial rates are 22 percent lower than the national average. That’s serious savings for aerospace companies like Blackhawk Composites, located in Morgantown.

Automotive Parts & Suppliers

Home to the only manufacturer of the Chevrolet Corvette, South Central Kentucky is popular for the automotive parts and suppliers sector. With competitive industry wage rates and a precision trained workforce, the region compares favorably with other southern U.S. locations.

Fabricated Metals

Companies like Casco Products/Sequa Automotive Group, Halton Company and

Trace Die Cast are growing in South Central Kentucky because of the region’s competitive assets. Training is available, with Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College providing programs in CNC machining and injection molding.

Food Processing /Food Packaging Food-related businesses such as Country Oven Bakery, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, J.M. Smucker Company and Reinhart Food Service thrive in this region, with access to a significant portion of the U.S., enabling freshly processed food products to be delivered efficiently.

Health Care

South Central Kentucky is consistently recognized as a low-cost place to do business, which is why health care and medical device companies continue to locate to the region.

Motorsports

Propelled by GM’s Corvette Assembly Plant, the region is geared for motorsports. Holley Performance Products and RC Components benefit sector leaders. Beech Bend Dragstrip, National Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports Park are national magnets.

Music — Arts

With musical legends like Sam Bush calling Bowling Green home, the region’s arts and culture scene is thriving now more than ever. The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched the HearBG initative, which promotes economic development through music-related events.

Plastics

With close proximity to railroads, airports and interstates, South Central Kentucky is a prime spot for companies like AEP, ALPLA, Berry Plastics and Graham Packaging.

Transportation & Logistics

South Central Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the U.S. population.

The region is centrally located on Interstate 65, with immediate access to major manufacturing facilities and within 21/2 hours of international airports and distribution hubs, making it ideal for distribution and logistics.

Wood Products

With South Central Kentucky’s skilled workforce, proximity to saw mills and mild tax climate, the region is ideal for businesses like Bowling Green Truss Supply and Southland Manufacturing Company.

www.bgchamber.com

37

COST OF LIVING * Indices based on a U.S. average of 100 Bowling Green Metro

Composite ........................................... 89.1 Grocery Items ........................................ 95

TAX STRUCTURE Personal Income Tax 2% > $0 3% > $3,000 4% > $4,000

Corporate Franchise Tax Kentucky does not impose a corporate franchise tax.

Corporate Income Tax TAXABLE NET INCOME

Housing ............................................... 78.7 Utilities .............................................. 106.1

38

5% > $5,000 5.8% > $8,000

TAXABLE RATE – PER TAXABLE INCOME LEVEL

$0-$50,000 ................................................. 4% $50,001-$100,000 ...................................... 5% $100,001...................................................... 6%

Transportation ..................................... 95.5

Corporations must also pay the Limited Liability Entity Tax, which is the lesser of .095 percent of gross receipts or .75 percent of gross profits. The tax phases are between $3 million and $6 million of gross receipts or profits, with a minimum tax of $175.

Health Care ......................................... 93.6

Sales and Use Tax

Miscellaneous Goods & Services ......... 87.2

Six percent of gross receipts or purchase price. There are no local sales and use taxes in Kentucky.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Source: Kentucky Department of Revenue

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

POPULATION 2014 estimates

Bowling Green ...... 61,488 • Growth 2010-13 .. 4.4%

Warren County ... 120,460 • Growth 2010-13 ... 5.9%

Allen County ......... 20,384 Barren County ....... 43,148 Butler County ........ 12,875 Edmonson County ... 12,013 Hart County ...........18,597 Logan County ........ 26,867 Metcalfe County ...... 9,990 Monroe County ..... 10,704 Simpson County .... 17,826 U.S. ............... 318,857,056 • Growth 2010-14 .. 3.3% • Growth 2010-13 .. 2.4% Source: U.S. Census Bureau

www.bgchamber.com

39

FROM the

GROUND UP South Central Kentucky’s commercial real estate sector continues to skyrocket because of the region’s developments, considerable incentives and highly-trained workforce.

Eric St. John of Neal Turner Realty believes the vision of Bowling Green’s leaders is a primary reason businesses locate to the region.

“Bowling Green is the best resource in South Central Kentucky for access to education, health care, employment and entertainment,” St. John said. “Businesses and people come here, and the commercial real estate just follows the increased demand.”

Among Neal Turner Realty’s newest projects is Hartland Professional Plaza, a newly-built multi-tenant office condo. The centrally located Hartland community is comprised of offices, hotels, retail shops, restaurants, housing and a golf course.

“Helping someone locate a suitable property is only a small part of what we can do,” St. John said. “The real value of a commercial broker is in helping his or her clients evaluate the project in the light of the market, our experiences and their personal goals.”

••• Steve Sheldon, CEO of Sheldon’s Express Pharmacy, is well-versed in navigating the region’s commercial real estate market, having recently opened Bowling Green’s third Sheldon’s location in the Peach Tree community.

“I think the key to the best commercial development is quality over quantity,” Sheldon said.”

Sheldon said people who live in Alvaton had been begging him and his wife to open a pharmacy there for several years. With hard work and good faith, the couple took the plunge and opened the third location.

The Sheldons’ sons, Ryan and Spence, and their daughter-in-law Courtney have helped make this business successful. Sheldon said this location is breaking every record he had with his other two Bowling Green locations.

“Whether it was the Destiny Office Park, the older McGuffey Building, the original Coca-Cola plant, Cambridge Square, Cambridge Place or the more recent Peachtree Place, we’ve always had the greater purpose of trying to improve the quality of our community,” Sheldon said. “It always seemed if we had the right thinking, the development would take care of itself.”

••• Western Kentucky University alum Dale Augenstein recently opened Steamer Seafood

1401 Scottsville Rd Bowling Green, KY 42104 270.781.8000 www.ntrcommercial.com

40

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

in the historic Mariah Moore House, former home of eatery Mariah’s for several decades.

A little over 20 years ago in Hilton Head Island, S.C., Augenstein started the first Steamer Seafood. A native Kentuckian, he had wanted to bring a Steamer to Bowling Green for several years but was holding out for the right real estate.

“We were just kind of waiting and watching and seeing,” he said. “When (the Mariah Moore House) became available, we considered it. Finally I made them an offer and purchased the property, knowing that it has been a wonderful restaurant for 34 years.”

Augenstein said it was important to preserve the historic elements of the building, while giving it a modern, urban design.

“Urban to me means reclaiming things that are old and making them new again,” Augenstein said.

Completely renovated, the restaurant is open and airy with high ceilings, glass walls and a lively, breezy patio. Refurbishing the Mariah Moore House wasn’t Augenstein’s first culinary venture in Bowling Green.

In 2012, he opened Steamer Seafood concession stands at WKU’s Houchens Smith Stadium and E.A. Diddle Arena. He also recently launched a Steamer Seafood mobile food truck, the S.S. Dinghy, that travels to local sporting events, concerts and other events.

World. One Source e n O .

Flexible Packaging

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COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONAL • DESIGN • BUILD PRE-ENGINEERED METAL BUILDINGS

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CDC has a combined 45 years of construction experience that aims to provide high quality craftsmanship that is committed to delivering on-time completion, while maintaining high integrity on all promised time lines and quality assurances.

1259 Herndon Road • Russellville, KY 42276 Phone: 270.725.8788 • Fax: 270.725.8014 Email: info@carterdouglas.com

CARTER DOUGLAS COMPANY NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

MINISTRIES

Carter Douglas Company can take your idea from concept to completion. We have a quality team of architects, builders and sub-contractors that can help take your idea from start to finish.

2705 N 197 Road • Beggs, OK 74421 Phone: 918.267.9001 Fax: 918.267.9003 www.bgchamber.com

41

RAISING Here in South Central Kentucky, talent is our No. 1 priority. To that end, we offer world-class programs to train and cultivate our future workforce. Our initiatives receive national recognition, paving the way for other communities and molding intelligent, talented future employees.

The Leader in Me Lighthouse Schools In early 2015, Warren County Public Schools announced that Plano and Alvaton elementary schools joined Natcher and Briarwood elementary schools as The Leader in Me Lighthouse schools.

The Leader in Me program teaches

the BAR

21st century leadership skills based on Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

To achieve Lighthouse status, the schools passed a review requiring them to meet nine areas of criteria: • A school Lighthouse team meets regularly and oversees implementation of the leadership model with students, staff, parents and community members.

• The school-campus environment reinforces the model by adding leadership-language displays and bulletins to hallways and classrooms that emphasize individual worth and leadership principles.

• Teachers integrate leadership language into school curriculum and instruction daily.

• Staff collaborate and work to build a culture of leadership in classrooms and throughout the school.

• Students are provided with student-leadership responsibilities.

• Students’ parents understand TLIM model and the seven habits and are involved in activities that support the leadership model.

• A system sets and tracks schoolwide, classroom, academic and personal goals.

• The school sees improvements resulting from implementing TLIM

Warren County Public Schools

42

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

process, which includes measuring, col- so technical students could sit for profeslecting baseline data and tracking results sional certification exams allowing them to determine how the leadership model is to seek employment upon graduation.

Each student seeking employment rebringing improvements.

• The school holds events to share the ceived a job offer. leadership model with the community ATC works on community partnerships and other schools, and hosts a mini or full to provide sponsorships for its dual credLeadership Day or a it fee. Southcentral similar event that inKentucky ComThe Chamber raised cludes parents, busimunity & Techniness partners and cal College makes $1.4 million to put The educators. monthly visits to “It is an incredible meet with students Leader in Me in honor for a school to and sends represenachieve Lighthouse tatives to complete every school in status,” said WCPS admission forms Warren County, which Superintendent Rob with all students.

Clayton. “In order The ATC, along was highly successful to attain this distincwith SKYCTC, is tion, a school must part of the Bowling in developing undergo a rigorous Green Area Chamimplementation leadership skills in the ber of Commerce’s process allowing On Track initiative, elementary and the school to crewhich raises STEM ate a culture where (science, technolomiddle school grades. students prepare for gy, engineering and success by becoming math) awareness. leaders in the classroom, the home and the The Chamber – with community support community.”

– donated $10,000 to purchase a 1981 CaIn 2014, Briarwood and Natcher be- maro from Holley Performance Products. came the first two schools in Kentucky to Throughout the 2015-16 school year, stuearn the honor. Only 154 schools in the dents are transforming the Camaro into a U.S. are considered Lighthouse schools. custom race car.

Warren County Area Technology Center The Warren County Area Technology Center values the importance of business partnerships by allowing students to explore career paths while earning high school and college credit. Students are offered dual credit in most programs including Automotive Technology, Carpentry Construction, Health Sciences, Information Technology and Welding Technology.

The ATC strives to see every student attend a technical college and eventually continue to a university setting, while implementing strategic initiatives to engage students.

The ATC partners with businesses and industries to offer career-focused students the opportunity to interview for positions, potentially resulting in employment upon graduation. As part of the Mentor Mondays program, the cohort meets monthly with a manufacturing partner, tours the facility as a cohort and starts employment upon graduation. Each cohort is scheduled with a manufacturing mentor monthly to address the student body and to explain a specific industry.

In early 2015, the business community raised almost $15,000 in under two weeks

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake and Warren County Public Schools are teaming up to provide robotic and engineering education for middle school students across Warren County.

Over the next couple years, BSFB plans to contribute about $32,000 to the robotics programs – providing more than 40 LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robots, course materials, programming software and curriculum and course training, as well as four days of professional development for course instructors.

By the end of 2016, an estimated 1,200 students will have participated in a BSFB-supported robotics course.

“Knowledge and expertise in robotics and system controls are critical skills in the engineering and manufacturing fields,” said BSFB President Eddie Wilkinson. “This outreach program allows us to promote that learning experience. Developing the fundamental knowledge benefits the community and our industry as we embrace the future technologies necessary for our business community to grow and thrive.”

A pilot robotics program at South Warren Middle School, originally conducted

as an extracurricular activity, was the first of nine robotics courses Bendix will fund for WCPS and the Bowling Green Independent School District. Each program gives students hands-on experience in logical reasoning, construction, robotics and engineering.

Students are exposed to construction techniques, programming skills, problem solving and hands-on challenges, such as navigating robots through an obstacle course or programming a robot to complete five laps around a track and stop automatically.

“It’s powerful to see the younger generation engaging in these activities,” Wilkinson said. “It motivates us to continue these partnerships in the future.”

Ford Next Generation Learning To further prepare students for life beyond the classroom, the Chamber is working with Ford Next Generation Learning to implement career academies in local high school classrooms.

The Chamber raised $1.4 million to put TLIM in every school in Warren County, which was highly successful in developing leadership skills in the elementary and middle school grades. Ford NGL will take that leadership experience and pair it with career-focused learning in high school.

For more than a century, innovation has been crucial to the Ford Motor Company, and the Ford family believes the success of young people is directly affected by how well schools and communities engage students, develop their skills, create opportunities and motivate them to become lifelong learners.

Ford NGL uses the proven model of career academies to transform public high schools by combining education, students and businesses in a partnership that clearly defines the roles, responsibilities and vision each group brings to the table.

Since Nashville Public Schools implemented the program, graduation rates have increased by 20 percent and discipline referrals have decreased by 13 percent.

Ford NGL also took shape in Rockford, Ill., and tardiness decreased by 25 percent, while failures decreased by 11 percent. By implementing this career academy, South Central Kentucky puts its already highly-trained workforce a step above the rest.

The Chamber is excited to further explore the region’s career academy potential and how Ford NGL fits into our vision. www.bgchamber.com

43

A DIGITAL NECESSITY Leader in digital signage takes world market by storm

E

yeconic.TV, a global fixture, started in a basement.

“That’s where all good businesses start, in a basement or a garage, and I don’t have a garage,” said Eyeconic.TV Founder and CEO Jeremy Jacobs.

Eyeconic.TV is a world leader in point of sale media, providing the only fully managed digital signage, menu and touch

screen kiosk solutions available on the market.

Eyeconic.TV serves a range of industries, including the educational and school cafeteria markets, banks and financial institutions, government entities, convenience stores, restaurants and the medical and health care communities.

The innovative operation provides custom-tailored hardware and software solu-

Powering

Business Possibilities

How it started

She understands her business potential.

She also understands there is a bank that believes in the power of possibilities.

www.pbibank.com

Powering Possibilities

751 Campbell Lane I Bowling Green, KY 42104 I 270-746-9272 PBI Bank NMLS ID # 450016

44

tions and personalized content, resulting in a unique solution for every order.

“Because digital signage is new, some people view it as a luxury for their business – when it’s completely the opposite,” said Shannon Oleyar, Eyeconic.TV’s director of marketing and customer relations. “You almost can’t afford to not have it.”

In January 2015, the company opened its first showroom in the Western Kentucky University Small Business Accelerator, which is housed in the WKU Center for Research and Development.

The showroom features digital signs, menus and touchscreen kiosk options, and is open to the public. Eyeconic.TV controls digital media in thousands of businesses all over the world.

Those not familiar with the world of digital signage are frequenting the showroom, filled with screens and custom-built furniture – constructed by the very hands of Eyeconic.TV’s employees.

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Jacobs became mesmerized by digital communications when he saw an animated motion graphic on a screen, which was controlled by a computer, that could be changed from anywhere.

“That was fascinating to see where that could go,” he said.

Over a decade later, Jacob’s company works with major names such as Sysco and Signarama to distribute products globally.

While Jacobs’ ideas have skyrocketed – Eyeconic.TV is the leader in its industry – the company is still dedicated to working with local companies.

“We’ve essentially taken on a consultant role for a lot of these businesses because they bring us these problems that they have and we find solutions for them,” Oleyar said. “And it just happens to be with some form of technology.”

What’s in Eyeconic’s future?

Eyeconic focuses on diversifying product lines, building networks and solving novel problems. Going forward, the team will focus on using technology to solve real issues the public and industry face.

“We want to move beyond being a company that just develops one-offs for your

business but creates entire networks that link entire industries together,” Jacobs said.

For companies looking to locate to Bowling Green, Jacobs’ advice is not to be taken lightly – he’s witnessed, and even molded, the evolution of digital communications. Oleyar and Jacobs strongly suggest networking and making connections with the business community.

“The first thing that we did when we opened this office was join the (Bowling Green Area) Chamber of Commerce,” Oleyar said. “They set my computer up out of the box, and it was literally one of the first websites that I went to. I can’t stress that enough.”

With its more than 1,200 partnership-base, the Chamber hosts programs and events that connect the right businesses together.

“The Chamber can align you with customers or vendors, exposing you to your market or just other people,” Jacobs said.

Crafting a global business might sound daunting, but the folks at Eyeconic.TV have used their revolutionary ideas to make it work.

“As long you make a good product, you do good work, you’re nice to people and you’re fun to be with,” Jacobs said.

“Then you’re going to do just fine.”

Small shops, big style Looking for one-of-a-kind, unique pieces? We’ve narrowed down the top local boutiques. All that’s left for you to do? Shop.

Back Down South

By way of its chic products and warm service, this boutique honors its motto, “Where Everybody’s Welcome.” Peruse stylish garments and home goods. Don’t forget to snag a treat for your four-legged friends.

Dixieland Boutique

Think: boho meets Southern sass. Dixieland Boutique specializes in bold accessories and clothing at affordable prices.

Styles also come in plus sizes.

The Purple Door Boutique

The Purple Door carries mix-and-match clothing and accessories. Find threads in misses, women’s and children’s sizes.

The Silver Spoon Luxury Baby Boutique This boutique offers unique and hardto-find infant and children’s clothing, cloth diapers and blankets.

Southern Sisters Southern Sisters has small-town charm with big city trends. The shop is stocked with intricate frocks and unique accessories.

Southern Sophisticate Boutique Southern Sophisticate carries stylish, quality pieces at modest prices. Best-sellers include chunky cardigans, bold accessories and detailed dresses.

Southern Threads This shop is the place to find preppy Southern brands, including High Cotton, Southern Marsh and Jadelynn Brook.

www.bgchamber.com

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Bowling Green:

FAVORITES

FOOD

Hilligans A popular campus greasy spoon, serving handmade pizza, burgers and other bar fare.

The Corner Bakery ▶ A quick, convenient breakfast, lunch and dinner spot specializing in deli sandwiches, pastas, artisan breads and freshly baked desserts.

Cason’s Cove ▶ This historic tobacco barn has been transformed into a rustic, magical wedding destination.

Highland Stables A beautiful, family-owned facility offers unbridled potential for weddings and events.

◀ Novo Dolce

Combines creative, sophisticated culinary techniques with the relaxed dining experience of a pub.

Doug’s Motor City Bar & Grill Come for the one-of-a-kind southern breakfast; stay for the friendly service and relaxing atmosphere.

La Gala 7,000 square feet of warm, industrial event space.

Lost River Cave Part of the largest cave system in the world, Lost River Cave is home to the only underground boat tour in Kentucky.

For a complete list of Chamber partner

The Spot for ...

All-American Soap Box Derby

JumpAir Zone Trampoline Park Indoor trampoline park combines fun and fitness.

LuLu’s Fine Home ▶ Furnishings

Candle Makers on ▶ the Square A candle lover’s paradise – all candles are hand poured onsite with more than 70 fragrances to choose from.

businesses, visit www.bgchamber.com.

SOKY Marketplace This 19,000 square foot open-air market offers a variety of producer-grown products and is the largest in Warren County.

Southern Lanes Only place in Bowling Green to offer bowling, batting cages, miniature golf and billiards. Also serves food and drinks.

Wino’s Depot An intimate bar and depot serving and selling fine wine and craft beer, adorned with velvet couches and ornate chandeliers.

FLAIR

A one-of-a-kind shop, LuLu’s carries upscale consignments and furnishings.

Over a century old, this orchard has more than 7,000 apple, peach and cherry trees and is a go-to spot in the fall for pumpkin picking. Also sells preserves, baked goods and other local products.

FAMILY

At this annual event, kids compete in custom-built racers and vie for the chance to race at the world championship soap box derby in Akron, Ohio.

◀ Jackson’s Orchard

Right at home Bowling Green housing market built on selection, strength and stability From swanky downtown apartments to intricate Victorian homes to polished newly-developed subdivisions, South Central Kentucky has residential real estate as varied as the people who live here.

Chandler Real Estate Among some of Bowling Green’s more unique real estate options is Southwest, Chandler Park’s newest addition.

Located at 2427 Titan Way, Southwest is

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a lavish, boutique apartment community tucked away in the Chandler Park neighborhood. The development is peaceful – equipped with a swimming pool, private fitness room, outdoor fire pit and grilling area – yet, is seconds from Greenwood Mall, Scottsville Road and other amenities.

Because the community is so centralized, residents can be almost anywhere in Bowling Green in 10 to 15 minutes, making the work commute a breeze.

The newly-built apartment homes contain granite counters, stainless steel appliances, hardwood laminate flooring, private entryways, subway tile kitchen backsplashes, plantation blinds, washers and dryers, vaulted ceilings and patio or balcony options. Many units have an attached garage, and residents can choose

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

from the Mesa, Tempe, Sedona or Monterey floor plans. Each design is open and bright, with neutral walls and natural light in almost every room.

Another real estate option in the Chandler Park community is Chandler Park Apartment Homes, just down the street from the Southwest development.

Chandler Park Apartment Homes offer one, two and three bedroom floor plans to suit any taste and feature elegant archways, crown molding and expansive closet space. This community boasts its own car wash, dog park and fitness center.

Traditions at Lovers Lane

Traditions at Lovers Lane is another unique, upscale choice for Bowling Green residents. Offering an assortment of archi-

tecture, Traditions can accommodate a variety of homeowners, including first-time buyers, large families or active seniors.

“A couple distinct features separate Traditions from standard developments in the area,” said Johnston Boyd, owner of Vision Builders, which encompasses Traditions at Lovers Lane. “First, of course, is location.

Also, Traditions offers true diversity in home styles and price ranges.”

The development contains patio, park, cottage and town homes. Located between Lovers Lane and Interstate 65, Traditions is centralized and convenient and touts being the only amenity-based neighborhood in Bowling Green.

“Amenities are always at the top of the list when folks decide to move to Traditions,” Boyd said. “Lawn care, community pool, fitness center and the parks are a high value advantage of living in Traditions.”

Other amenities include a community center, playground, outdoor amphitheater, grill stations and fire pits.

With its manicured lawns, immaculate streets and tidy houses, strolling through Traditions is like being transported to another world. Traditions is dedicated to providing a safe, relaxing community for its residents.

Lock in a great auto rate with Erie Insurance Contact us to find out how: Drew Byers Byers Insurance Group 1733 Campus Plaza Ct. #16 Bowling Green, KY 42101

Office: 270-495-3646 Cell: 270-792-6150 Cost may change if you make a policy change. Not everyone is qualified to purchase ERIE Rate Lock. Insurance is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this advertisement (e.g. does not guarantee continued insurance coverage). For terms, conditions, exclusions, licensure and states of operation information, visit seriouslygoodinsurance. com. Patent pending. S1242e © 2012 Erie Indemnity Company

www.bgchamber.com

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CHAMBER PARTNER APARTMENTS Chandler Park Apartment Homes 2600 Chandler Drive Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-2500 www.chandlerparkapartments.com Chandler Real Estate, Inc. 2600 Chandler Drive Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-901-0300 www.chandlerpropertymanagement.com Cumberland Trace Village Apartments 280 Cumberland Trace Road Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-790-9001 www.cumberlandtraceapartments.com Fairways at Hartland 850 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-0505 www.fairwaysathartland.com SKY Property Management 655 Declaration Way, #27 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-438-9983 www.sky-property-management.com Stratford Holdings 1318 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 615-260-2257

You Dream! We Build!

Custom Homes Remodeling Lots for Sale Plan Design Real Estate Sales Green Building Homes for Sale Kelly Arnold, CGP - Owner

www.yourgeminihomes.com 270.782.8893

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Prime

real estate Compared to many areas of the country where home prices have skyrocketed, then plummeted, the real estate market in Bowling Green has remained stable the past few years.

Bowling Green’s cost of living is lower than the national average, with the region offering moderate prices and a variety of styles. Kentucky has always been a more affordable state for purchasing a home.

In fact, many Realtors are noticing an increase in the number of retirees and empty nesters flocking to the region because of the low cost of living.

REALTOR® Association of Southern Kentucky Meg Manning, executive director of the REALTOR® Association of Southern Kentucky, reported that residential sales increased the first half of 2015 compared to 2014, with homes being on the market for an average of 128 days.

For the first six months, the average sold price for Bowling Green/ Warren County is $186,760 and the median price is $157,250. The 2014 year ended with 1,331 residential homes sales in Bowling Green/Warren County, with an average price of $173,802 and a median price of $152,500.

RASK is a nonprofit trade association serving Allen, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson and Warren counties. The organization promotes member success by providing innovative services and programs that advocate the rights of private property ownership, professionalism and ethical real estate practices while promoting a positive Realtor image in the community. Membership totals include 425 Realtor members and 100 affiliated business partners. The association believes in the importance of successful real estate and in community support and outreach. In April 2015, the association held its fourth annual Hope for Homeless event in

which members camped on Campbell Lane for four days to raise awareness for the homeless population and underserved children, while collecting canned foods and non-perishable items that benefit HOTEL INC and family resource centers in local schools.

“We exceeded our goal and collected approximately 35,000 pounds of food and items,” Manning said.

Builders Association of South Central Kentucky Formed in 1967, BASCKY promotes the integrity and professionalism of the building industry in the community. BASCKY represents members in Allen, Barren, Edmonson, Simpson and Warren counties, with approximately 425 companies holding membership, representing thousands of employees.

“Homeownership is still alive and well as the American Dream,” said Anita Napier, chief executive officer of the BASCKY. The association lobbies against undue local, state and national regulations, while developing legislation to protect the building industry and public. Members can serve on boards and committees that promote a positive building industry climate and image.

Napier sees South Central Kentucky as a particularly rare community in that homeowners have an extensive variety of homes from which to choose. She credits that to BASCKY’s continued efforts.

“We have to strive to ensure we do not become a cookie cutter community with limited options that prevent homeownership,” Napier said.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders, the building of 100 single family homes creates more than 300 full-time jobs and generates $8.9 million in federal, state and local tax revenues.

••• These organizations are doing their part to facilitate a positive real estate market in South Central Kentucky.

Builders Association of South Central Kentucky

New Construction, Remodeling & More!

270-781-3375 www.bascky.com

www.bgchamber.com

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IDEAL FOR

retirement A

bout 30 years ago, Minnesota native Donna Parker remembers pumping gas off Exit 22 in 70 degree weather and dreading her return to the cold.

“If you know anything about Minnesota,” Parker said. “The winters are very brutal.”

She and her husband were traveling back to the Land of 10,000 Lakes from Florida and stopped in Bowling Green for the night.

Parker grabbed a Realtors’ magazine from their hotel lobby and was shocked at how affordable housing was.

“I thought, ‘How can you buy a three bedroom house on 5 acres for only $60,000?’ ” she said. “It just blew my mind. So, we came back the next year, and I did research on cost of living and what the job opportunities were.”

Flash forward to 1993 – the Parkers packed up their life in Minnesota and relocated to Bowling Green. Stories like this are not uncommon, as the region is a prime spot for relocation and retirement.

In 2014 and 2015, Forbes Magazine listed Bowling Green as one of the top 25 places to retire, assessing data from almost 500 cities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Forbes looked at factors such as housing affordability, cost of living, taxes, crime rates, weather, air quality, doctor availability and opportunities for an active lifestyle. Also in 2015, Where to Retire magazine included Bowling Green in its feature “8 Appealing Low-Cost Cities” in which to retire.

According to Realtors.com, the average national price of a single-family home is $208,700. Low cost of living and housing

Get connected!

Western Kentucky University’s Society for Lifelong Learning offers intellectually stimulating, non-credit educational programs for individuals 50 and over, encouraging adults to enhance their sense of community. Course offerings include Southern literature, gardening, foreign policy, health and more.

Visit www.wku.edu/sll for more information.

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In 2015, Forbes Magazine listed Bowling Green as one of the top 25 places to retire, assessing data from almost 500 cities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

affordability are major reasons the Parkers chose to relocate to Bowling Green, but they stayed for the people and hospitality.

“The overwhelming friendliness of people ... it’s like they’ll do anything for you,” Parker said.

••• Russellville native Charlie Sears served in the Air Force and has lived in California, New York, Las Vegas, Portland, Ore., Miami and Memphis, Tenn., among other places, working in air traffic control. He and his wife returned to Russellville in 1991 for retirement because of its quiet, small-town charm.

About 10 years ago, they bought a house in Bowling Green. Of all the cities Sears has lived in, he said he’s been the happiest in Bowling Green because of the friendly people, shops, services, and the tax structure.

Kentucky gives tax breaks to retirees, such as light or no taxation of Social Security and pension benefits, and inheritances. From a tax perspective, Kentucky is one of the best for retirees, according to Forbes.

••• Parker agrees that the moderate, fair priced property taxes are a huge draw. When the Parkers lived in Minnesota, she said they had a three-bedroom, two-bath house.

“Our property taxes when we left were $1,500 a year,” Parker said. “Even down here, we have about the same size house and 35 acres, and our property taxes now – 20-something years later – are not what they were in Minnesota.”

Telia Butler, public relations manager at Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, has noticed people locate to Bowling Green for a variety of reasons.

“Falling in love with the city happens in so many ways,” Butler said. “Sometimes it's when visiting family and friends or coming to town for a national event and experiencing the beauty of our seasons and small town

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER PARTNER ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES Bowling Green Retirement Village 445 Middle Bridge Road West Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-5433 www.bgrv.com Bowling Green Towers 1149 College St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-4215 www.bowlinggreentowers.com Chandler Park Assisted Living 2643 Chandler Drive Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-2626 www.chandlerparkassistedliving.com Massey Springs Senior Living 2945 Smallhouse Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-0004 www.masseyspringsseniorliving.com Morningside Assisted Living 981 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-746-9600 www.fivestarseniorliving.com Village Manor/Christian Health Center 1800 Westen St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-796-6643 www.christiancarecommunities.org

CHAMBER PARTNER NURSING HOMES Bowling Green Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 1561 Newton Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-1611 www.bowlinggreennursing.com Colonial Rehabilitation & Nursing Center 2365 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-1641 www.genesishcc.com/Colonial Greenwood Nursing & Rehabillitation Center 5079 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-782-1125 www.greenwoodnuring.com

CHAMBER PARTNER IN-HOME CARE SERVICES Home Instead Senior Care 1861 Westen St., Suite A Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-7540 www.homeinstead.com/434 Lifeline Home Health 165 Natchez Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-781-0702

charm with big city amenities. Very few places can support such diverse offerings and varying age dynamics like Bowling Green.”

1832 Cave Mill Road | Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-599-1832 Katharine Dunn, General Manager Joy Jolly, Director of Sales FFI.BWGFB.GM@marriott.com

1818 Cave Mill Road | Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-782-4714 Jenna Smith, General Manager Joy Jolly, Director of Sales TPS.BWGTS.GM@marriott.com

Chandler Memory Care & Assisted Living 1310 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-599-0360

Chandler Park Assisted Living 2643 Chandler Drive Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-2626

Theresa McFarlin, Executive Director

1020 Wilkinson Trace • Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-781-6778 • Fax: 270-781-6998 Wendy Kublin, General Manager Duncan Hines, Director of Sales www.bowlinggreen.stayhgi.com

A CARING

community Part of what makes Bowling Green so unique are the organizations dedicated to serving the community. From nutrition to the arts, the region’s programs and people make it a better place for all who live and work here.

BG Kids!

In August 2014, local father and husband Chad White started nonprofit organization BG Kids! to enrich the lives of children by connecting them with social and educational opportunities in the community. The organization’s vision is to provide programming that encourages science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, or STEAM, along with physical and social development.

White said the group’s goal is to be the No. 1 family resource in South Central Kentucky for all active, social and educational programming opportunities for children. The long-term goal for BG Kids! is to provide the region with a children’s museum and science center that reinforces the organization’s vision of providing STEAM educational opportunities.

White, a Franklin native, said his passion for the well-being of families, along with the need for more local family-focused pro-

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

grams and activities, is what led him to form BG Kids! In June 2015, BG Kids! hosted the inaugural BG KidsFest! at Chaney’s Dairy Barn.

Hope House Ministries

Hope House Ministries strives to alleviate physical and spiritual power through faith-based restoration, offering programs, consultation and support. Its Advocacy Program works with individuals and families facing financial crises by assessing their needs, providing immediate care and helping create a plan to overcome obstacles. Hope House’s Jobs for Life program is a Bible-based job training program that prepares individuals to hold sustainable jobs.

Students learn Biblical work principles, how to interact with business leaders, along with interview, resume and networking skills.

The program lasts eight weeks during which many students work at Hope House’s Community Store, a thrift store that sells clothing, home goods and children’s items at low, attainable prices.

Hope House also offers a Faith and Finances course that teaches the key principles of managing money.

Light of Chance

This nonprofit organization encourages wellness by providing programs and opportunities, including Get Set Go, a free initiative that promotes physical activity and healthy food choices. The program combats childhood obesity and meets at the Boys and Girls Club and local elementary schools.

Light of Chance offers Get Set Go’s participants and their families an interactive food seminar called Clever Cooking that teaches families to make healthy meals that fit small budgets. Chef Stephanie Gillespie teaches healthy alternatives while empowering families to maintain active, healthy lifestyles.

The organization also hosts the Hullabaloo Family Obstacle Course each year, and all proceeds benefit Get Set Go.

BG OnStage

Through drama, music education, performing opportunities and live theater, BG OnStage nurtures the creative and personal development of children and adults.

Flora Templeton Stuart, local attorney and advocate of the arts, founded the Art Education Task Force in 2009, and since then, BG OnStage has become a leading educational arts organization, producing musical theater and dramatic on-stage productions and offering classes, workshops and private voice and acting lessons.

Its talented, dedicated staff consists of local educators and artists. The organization prides itself in offering the community extensive opportunities to participate in its programs, including needs-based scholarships for play participants, free tickets for students and schools and volunteer opportunities.

BG OnStage supports The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, Van Meter Hall at WKU, the Down Syndrome Support Group of South Central Kentucky, New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding, IGA Family Fun Fest and The Leader in Me, among other initiatives.

CenterPointe Church

As part of a community outreach effort, every year CenterPointe Church organizes Good Friday Gas Giveaway, in which church members visit a gas station and fill cars with $10 worth of gas. At last year’s event, more than 100 people received free gas in their cars.

GFGG is part of the Great Bunny Takeover, where life-size bunnies do outreach activities the week leading up to Easter at retirement homes, The Medical Center and other local spots.

“GFGG is an opportunity to give to the community expecting nothing in return,” said Dave Deerman, lead pastor at CenterPointe Church. “It models what Jesus did by giving His life on the cross and that’s why we give. It gives people in our church an opportunity to serve people in our community by giving of their finances to make it happen and giving their time to pump gas in the vehicles.”

CHAMBER PARTNER CONGREGATIONS Bowling Green Christian Church 1912 Smallhouse Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-6231 www.bowlinggreenchristian.org Broadway United Methodist Church 1323 Melrose St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-3942 www.broadwayunited.org CenterPointe Church 1807 Cave Mill Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-904-4454 www.centerpointewired.org Christ Episcopal Church 1215 State St. Bowling Green, KY 42101-2650 270-843-6563 www.cecbg.com Crossland Community Church 600 U.S. 31-W By-Pass, Suite 180 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-4428 www.crossland.tv First Baptist Church 621 E. 12th Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-0331 www.firstbaptistbg.org Hillvue Heights Church 3219 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-0012 www.hillvue.com

Holy Spirit Catholic Church 4754 Smallhouse Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-7777 www.holyspiritcatholic.org Living Hope Baptist Church 1805 Westen Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-9462 www.livinghopebg.org NewLife Church 1423 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-0223 www.newlifebg.com St. Joseph Catholic Church 434 Church St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-2525 www.stjosephbg.com The Foundry Christian Community Center 531 W. 11th Ave. PO Box 9937 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-842-5075 www.thefoundrybg.org The Presbyterian Church 1003 State St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-4707 www.bgpres.org

Est. 1952

901 Fairview Ave • Bowling Green

270.843.4338 www.jvpfh.com

www.bgchamber.com

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REGIONAL

&

FESTIVALS

musical entertainers.

EVENTS

For more information, visit www.visitbgky.com.

JANUARY Health & Wellness Expo Hosted by The Medical Center and WBKO-TV at the Sloan Convention Center, this event offers information and resources on a healthy lifestyle.

WKU PRISM Concert This annual concert features a wind ensemble, symphony, jazz band, steel drum band, guitar ensemble, The WKU Redshirts, The WKU Treblemakers and more.

APRIL NCM Bash The National Corvette Museum hosts its annual reunion for Corvette owners and features demonstrations, seminars, a car show, road tours and a preview of upcoming models.

Lost River Music Fest The Lost River Music Fests brings well-known names and acts to downtown Bowling Green.

Hangover Classic 5K & Relay Sponsored by The Bowling Green Junior Woman’s Club, this race features a 5K run/walk and relay and benefits Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky.

Second Saturdays This street fair features music, games, sidewalk sales, horse and carriage rides and food vendors.

FROZEN4 Run/Walk TRAX Running hosts this annual race to benefit high school athletes who have suffered injuries or illnesses.

Wild Bird & Nature Store Herb Festival Touted as the South’s largest herb festival, this event provides information on herbs, plants and birds.

Martin Luther King Jr. Symbolic March This event begins at the Warren County Justice Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and ends with a program at State Street Baptist Church.

FEBRUARY Annual sHOw Modular Railroad Club of Southern Kentucky Train Sale & Show Train enthusiasts can explore 50 tables of modern trains, railroad memorabilia, modeling supplies, magazines, books, DVDs and art.

Federal Grove Maple Syrup Festival This annual festival at the Federal Grove Bed & Breakfast celebrates local food sources.

MARCH Builders Association of South Central Kentucky Home Expo Dozens of home-related vendors sell products and services each year at the Sloan Convention Center.

Bowling Green Gallery Hop Local galleries open their doors for art enthusiasts and the newly inquisitive to browse original art.

AMRA All Harley Spring Drags This Harley drag series at the strip and raceway is held three times annually: spring, summer and fall.

L & N Railroad Luncheon Held at the South Union Shaker Village, the L&N Railroad Luncheon offers a 19th century menu.

Franklin-Simpson Community Health Fair Hosted by The Medical Center at Franklin, this fair

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offers free health screenings and medical information.

Southern Kentucky Book Fest This annual fundraiser at the Knicely Conference Center features readings and book signings by national and regional authors and illustrators.

ChallengerFest This modern Mopar event is every April at Beech Bend Raceway.

Cherry Blossom Art Festival Hosted by the Franklin Downtown Merchants Association the first Saturday in April, this festival features area artists and craftsman.

Jacksonian Days Street Fair Historic Scottsville offers a week of festivities, including a demolition derby, beauty pageant, street fair, 5K run and more.

MAY BB&T All-American Soap Box Derby This19th annual derby sponsored by the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club is at Phil Moore Park.

Mini Corvette Challenge This fundraiser has raised more than half a million dollars for South Central Kentucky Junior Achievement, featuring go-carts with Corvette-style bodies.

Adairville Strawberry Festival This annual event presented by the Logan County Chamber of Commerce offers live entertainment, carnival rides, vehicle shows, parades, a 5K run, beauty pageant and a re-enactment of the historic duel between Andrew Jackson and Charles Dickinson.

JUNE Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion Celebrating its 14th anniversary, this event includes a cruise-in, Show ‘n’ Shine and drag racing events, along with the Cacklefest finale, which features roaring engines and vintage dragsters.

Ice Cream & a Moovie Chaney’s Dairy Barn shows free summer movies from June to September. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, enjoy the scenic rolling farmland and indulge in Chaney’s famous ice cream.

Concerts in the Park Starting in June, live music is featured at noon Wednesdays at Fountain Square Park and on Friday nights at Circus Square Park. The concerts presented by BB&T and the Downtown Economic Development Authority showcase a mix of musical genres.

Kentucky Blueberry Festival This two-day festival in Edmonton’s downtown square features carnival rides, games, live music, crafts, contests and an assortment blueberry treats.

Glasgow Highland Games The first weekend in June at Barren River Lake State Park, this celebration of Scottish and Irish cultures includes pipe and drum music, dancing, traditional games, feats of strength, crafts, food and a ball.

400-Mile Sale Bargain hunters enjoy four days of deals on scenic Highway 68 as vendors, shops and yard sales present an eclectic assortment of merchandise.

JULY Citizens First Thunderfest Celebrating 25 years, the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green provides a fireworks display, live music, inflatables and more.

National Corvette Homecoming The Sloan Convention Center hosts this event for Corvette enthusiasts. Vintage to current models are on display, and participants enjoy vendor swap meets, seminars and socializing.

Pedal for the Park at Mammoth Cave Participants bike a 77-mile route starting and ending at the Cave City Convention Center.

Sounds of Independence Music Festival This music festival at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center features prominent nationally-recognized entertainers.

Franklin-Simpson Renaissance Summer Nights Concert Series On select Friday nights from Memorial Day through Labor Day, this concert series offers a range of

Peach Tastin’ Days Festival Jackson’s Orchard invites you to free tastings of all things peachy. Enjoy peaches, apples, vegetables, fried apple and peach pies, homemade peach ice

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

cream and more.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand This annual event in late July includes a 5K run/walk and lemonade stands around town to raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which works to fight pediatric cancer.

Bowling Green Extreme 3D Fly-In Admission is free at this three-day event at Stahl Field.

Watch large model aircraft perform aerobatics and enjoy a variety of activities presented by the Southern Kentucky Model Aero Club.

Southern Kentucky Fair This week-long event sponsored by the Bowling Green Jaycees is at the fairgrounds at Lampkin Park.

Along with a midway, livestock shows and exhibits, the fair includes pageants, a demo derby, tractor pull, live music and food.

BG KidsFest!

This second annual ultimate family festival at Chaney’s Dairy Barn features inflatables, games, music, a dance-off, science experiments, pony rides, face paintings and more.

Duncan Hines Festival Hosted by the Bowling Green Junior Woman’s Club, this festival honors Duncan Hines, the Bowling Green native who became a dessert legend, and features a baking contest, art exhibits and activities.

Green River Catfish Festival This Fourth of July celebration includes a parade, carnival, cruise-in, pageants, music and dancing.

Highlights include fireworks and a fishing tournament that nets the winner a $50,000 prize.

AUGUST Night Sky Stories Over a Summer Campfire This free show at Western Kentucky University’s Hardin Planetarium is in July and August.

Garden Spot 5K Run/Walk Sponsored by the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce and presented by The Medical Center at Franklin Rehabilitation Services, this 5K run/ walk features team challenges and a fun run.

SEPTEMBER Balloons, Tunes and BBQ Festival This annual festival at the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport includes a hot air balloon display, carnival, live music, barbecue and more.

National Corvette Museum Celebration and Hall of Fame Induction All generations of Corvettes representing every state and even a few countries gather at the National Corvette Museum.

Jackson’s Orchard Apple Festival Labor Day weekend in Bowling Green means Jackson’s Orchard’s Apple Festival. Sweet, crisp fall apples, apple cider, cider slushes, fried pies, caramel apples and peach ice cream are the days’ highlights.

Bowling Green International Festival Held at Circus Square Park the last Saturday in September, this festival features authentic international cuisines, workshops, a variety of cultural performances and booths featuring exhibits and merchandise.

Monroe County Watermelon Festival Thousands show up every year for this annual celebration in Tompkinsville. The festival includes a parade, 5K, fun run, live entertainment, a cruise-in, arts and crafts and all things watermelon.

Festival on the Square The third weekend in September, this highly-anticipated event features an Antique Automobile Club of America car show in Franklin, along with a cruise-in, arts and crafts, sidewalk sales, a pancake fry and more.

OCTOBER The Medical Center 10K Classic A tradition for 36 years, The Medical Center 10K Classic includes a 10K run, a 10K wheelchair race, a 5K run/walk, a 1.5-mile fun walk and a kids race.

Jackson’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival At Jackson’s Orchard, find family fun for five weekends before Halloween. Activities include wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, petting zoo, pony rides, straw castle, face painting, a goat ranch and slide.

Scarecrow Trail at Lost River Cave This fifth annual trail encourages kids and families to spend time outdoors by building a scarecrow that represents a business, organization or family.

Buick GS Nationals This annual event features a weekend-long race and show at Beech Bend Raceway.

Howl-O-Ween Strut Your Mutt Parade Sponsored by the Fountain Square Business Association as a fundraiser for the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society, Howl-O-Ween includes a parade of pets in costumes, along with other activities.

Logan County Tobacco and Heritage Festival This week-long festival in Logan County includes parades, a carnival, historic walking tours, a golf tournament, craft show, flea market, live entertainment, pageants, special dinners and more. Highlight includes a Jesse James re-enactment.

Metcalfe County Pumpkin Festival/5K This annual event organized by the Edmonton-Metcalfe County Chamber of Commerce includes pumpkin contests, children’s activities, arts and crafts, games, food vendors, a 5K walk/run, tractor show and a dance.

NOVEMBER bg26.2 This half-marathon and marathon race starts at Bowling Green Ballpark and continues through

historic downtown and Western Kentucky University’s campus.

Downtown Merchants Open House On the second Saturday in November, downtown merchants in Franklin host an open house with refreshments and special deals to kick off the holiday shopping season.

Vets ’n Vettes This event began in 2008 and honors veterans, POWs and MIAs through a lunch, meet and greet, parade and more.

Gingerbread Homes for the Arts SKyPAC’s annual fundraiser and community event is Nov. 17 through Nov. 19. The tradition of building gingerbread houses is used as a creative way of bringing the community together to celebrate the holidays and promote the arts.

DECEMBER Downtown Lights Up The holiday season kicks off when Fountain Square Park becomes a winter wonderland adorned with lights. Downtown Lights Up includes Santa, live entertainment and holiday shopping.

Breakfast with Santa The National Corvette Museum hosts this annual event for kids featuring holiday performances, stories, crafts and photos with Santa in his shiny, red Corvette.

Houchens Industries/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl Western Kentucky University welcomes the best in statewide high school football to Houchens Smith Stadium.

Fountain Square Christmas Market Local downtown merchants and other vendors set up booths at Fountain Square. Live entertainment, food and beverages are offered.

Bowling Green Christmas Parade This annual parade is sponsored by the Bowling Green Jaycees and features marching bands, floats, miniature Corvettes and other holiday merriment.

Festival of Trains The Historic Railpark & Train Museum hosts this seasonal event featuring photos with Santa, scale model railroads, rail car tours and more. “Polar Express” story times are also throughout the month.

Christmas In Kentucky The Kentucky Museum hosts this free event following the city’s annual Christmas parade. The celebration includes carolers, games, crafts, gingerbread tastings and visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Big Red.

www.bgchamber.com

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THE SOUND NEWGRASS

of

An hour north of the Country Music Capital of the World, Bowling Green’s music scene is gaining well-deserved recognition

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hether you’re in the mood to sway to soulful blues or hear the cry of a steel guitar, South Central Kentucky’s music scene – much like its food and arts scene – is an amalgamation of worlds.

To advance the region’s musical landscape, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced the creation of the HearBG music committee in February 2015. The initiative is designed to stimulate economic growth in South Central Kentucky through the arts and music scene and other events. The committee – compiled of musicians, creatives and everyday people with music running through their veins – collaborates with local businesses and musicians to develop musical events around other popular events to increase the economic impact for both, building a local music heritage that spans all genres.

“Bowling Green's progressive cultural scene has always nurtured creative musicians and artists of all kinds, from Father of Ragtime Ernest Hogan to Father of Newgrass Sam Bush,” said Telia Butler, a HearBG committee member and public relations manager at the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Celebrating the city's heritage and sharing its many facets is the lifeblood of HearBG.” In September 2015, HearBG celebrated its inaugural event: the screening of “Revival: The Sam Bush Story,” a documentary chronicling the Bowling Green legend and Father of Newgrass. The committee is working to add Newgrass as a genre to the Americana Music Triangle, whose major points are Memphis, Tenn., Nashville and New Orleans and includes one-of-a-kind musical and cultural landmarks throughout. The AMT is the first comprehensive collection of historical, musical and cultural attractions that define the birthplace of American music. It hosts 35 million visitors annually.

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“Celebrating the city's heritage and sharing its many facets is the lifeblood of HearBG.” The committee hopes to earn Bowling Green as a stop on the proposed expansion of the triangle, which includes nine musical distinctions: blues, jazz, country, rock ’n’ roll, rhythm and blues/soul, gospel, southern gospel, Cajun/zydeco and bluegrass.

“Collaborating with community members representing the wide spectrum of the

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

entertainment and arts, historical, tourism and industrial perspectives, HearBG showcases the past, present and future of Bowling Green's innovative scene,” Butler said.

— For more information on HearBG, visit www.hearbg.com. For more information on the Americana Music Triangle, visit www.americanamusictriangle.com.

ARTS ON

the move Sustaining a culture committed to the arts begins with educating the younger generations, and Bowling Green is home to many studios that promote a love for fine arts at an early age.

Cheerville This 20,000 square foot space is a leading cheerleading and tumbling facility in the state, offering two tumble tracks, three full spring floors and one full foam floor.

Cheer Force provides tumbling, stunt and stretch classes and competitive teams. Its staff also travels to work with middle and high school squads that cannot travel to the facility.

Geared for show biz

Tippi Toes co-founder Megan Reilly was still in high school when her and her sister’s dance business began. Reilly’s sister Sarah Nuse needed some quick cash to make a car payment, so her mom suggested the two girls offer dance classes to local day cares in their hometown, Corpus Christi, Texas. More than a decade later, Tippi Toes Dance Company is going strong, with 25 franchises across the U.S. In 2011, the women appeared on the show Shark Tank to raise capital for their company. While they didn’t move forward with a deal, being on the show provided great exposure.

Dance Arts of Bowling Green Since 1966, Dance Arts has been a continued education program that encourages every art form. The more than 6,000 square foot facility offers classes for those just under two years old up to adulthood. Curriculum includes ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, hiphop, acrobatics, strength and conditioning and more. Students also are eligible to participate in dance troupes and competitive companies.

Dance Images Dance Images Owner and Director Elizabeth Hocker began dancing at age four.

The studio strives to instill a love of dance through proper technique, alignment and placement and to teach students to work toward and accomplish goals. Dance Images offers pre-ballet, ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and modern dance classes, along with gyrokinesis, an exercise modality that teaches the body to go beyond its limitations.

Tippi Toes Dance Bowling Green Since 1999, Tippi Toes Dance Company has been encouraging dance and creative movement through its classes, designed to develop motor skills, body awareness, self-esteem and critical thinking. The studio’s mission is to develop a love for dance by teaching healthy living habits and self-confidence. Tippi Toes helps parents in nutrition instruction through its Parents Introducing Nutrition to Kids program.

The studio hosts dance camps and birthday parties. www.bgchamber.com

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THE GREAT

outdoors

CHAMBER PARTNER HOTELS Baymont Inn & Suites 1919 Mel Browning Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-846-4588 www.baymontinns.com

Home-Towne Suites 1929 Mel Browning St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-846-3311 www.htshotel.com

Best Western 1940 Mel Browning St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-782-6933 www.bestwestern.com

The Hotel SYNC 518 Corvette Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-745-0123 www.thehotelsync.com

Candlewood Suites 540 Wall St. Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-843-5505 www.ihg.com

Hyatt Place Bowling Green 1347 Center St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-467-0001 www.place.hyatt.com

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson 535 Wall St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-7200 www.countryinns.com Courtyard by Marriott 1010 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-783-8569 www.marriott.com

South Central Kentucky is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Given the region’s rolling hills, massive cave system, beautiful parks and countless events and festivals, Bowling Green brings endless, year-round entertainment.

BG KidsFest!

In June 2015, hundreds showed up for the ultimate family festival at Chaney’s Dairy Barn. This year, the festival features a DJ specializing in kids’ music, a dance off, magic show, science experiments, inflatables, pony rides, face painting and more. BG KidsFest! is hosted by BG Kids!, an organization that connects families to local events and activities.

The Big To-Do Music & Arts Festival Every September at Edgehill Farms, music and food lovers camp for three nights to savor the sounds of more than 30 bands. The festival features art, activities, a hot air balloon, contests and food vendors galore.

Concerts in the Park Presented by BB&T and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, this free concert series is open to the public in June, July and August.

More than 25,000 people show up each summer to enjoy live music, including bluegrass, country, jazz and rock ’n’ roll. Starting at noon every Wednesday in June, bands perform at Fountain Square Park, and concerts take place in Circus Square Park on Friday evenings in June, July and August. Bring chairs and blankets and take advantage of the many food and drink vendors.

Drury Inn 3250 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-7100 www.druryhotels.com Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 1832 Cave Mill Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-599-1832 www.marriott.com Hilton Garden Inn Bowling Green 1020 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-781-6778 www.hiltongarden.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites 1953 Mel Browning St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-783-0083 www.lq.com Marriott International 1072 Street Road Kingston Springs, TN 615-598-3301 www.marriott.com Motel 6 3139 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-0140 www.motel6.com Ramada 4767 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-3000 www.ramada.com Staybridge Suites Hotel 680 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-904-0480 www.ihg.com

Holiday Inn Express 165 Three Springs Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-3200 www.ihg.com

Stratford Holdings 1318 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 615-260-2257

Holiday Inn University Plaza 1021 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-745-0088 www.ihg.com

Super 8 South – Exit 22 250 Cumberland Trace Road Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-781-9594 www.super8.com

Home2 Suites by Hilton 520 Wall St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-202-0136 www.leehospitality.com

TownePlace Suites by Marriott 1818 Cave Mill Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-782-4714 www.marriott.com

Duncan Hines Festival This free community event is held every July and celebrates the life of Bowling Green native Duncan Hines. The Bowling Green Junior Woman’s Club this year hosts the 20th annual festival, which includes a baking and brownie eating contest, music, a silent auction and local arts and crafts vendors. In 2015, the Kentucky Travel Industry Association named the Duncan Hines Festival a 2015 Summer Top Festival.

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Lost River Music Fest In its fourth year, Lost River Music Fest anchors in downtown Bowling Green for a night of music and entertainment. Proceeds often go to organizations such as HOTEL INC, JDRF, The Center for Courageous Kids and The Salvation Army.

Parks

Races

The region offers an extensive list of parks and recreation centers. If you’re searching for basketball and tennis courts, visit Kereiakes or Covington Woods parks. Weldon Peete Park features 54 acres of mountain biking and running trails. Basil Griffin Park provides playgrounds and softball fields, along with a pond for duck-feeding. For a list of city and county parks, visit www.bgky.org and www.warrencounty.gov.

With its mild seasons, Bowling Green is a runner’s paradise and provides year-round races and relays, including The Medical Center 10K Classic in October and the bg26.2 & Half Marathon in November. If long runs aren’t for you, you’re sure to find a 5K that suits you, including the Hangover Classic in January, Chaney’s Dairy Dash in June or Mud Happens in August.

MORE SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY ATTRACTIONS With motorsports-geared attractions pumping through our veins, no wonder high-octane vacationers and locals spend their free time in South Central Kentucky. From raceways to drag strips to the National Corvette Museum, this region is drenched in history and attractions sure to accelerate the thrills of bikers, motorists or the curious traveler.

Beech Bend Raceway

Located on 379 acres, Beech Bend encompasses an amusement park, drag strip, oval track and campgrounds. Beech Bend

Raceway hosted more than a dozen national auto shows during the 2014 racing season and annually brings in more than 500,000 visitors. Rarely a weekend goes by

here without activities and events.

National Corvette Museum

Since 1953, the Corvette has been America's beloved sports car. The NCM was established as a nonprofit, intended to celebrate the Corvette, preserve its past, present and future and serve as an educational resource. Located off Interstate 65, Bowling Green invites you to experience firsthand the passion, awe and thrill of the Corvette mecca.

NCM Motorsports Park

Bowling Green is the only place in the world with the complete Corvette experience from start to finish – beginning at the GM Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant, followed by delivery at the National Corvette Museum and completed with hot laps around the NCM Motorsports Park track. The 186-acre Motorsports Park includes two tracks that can be combined into four different configurations, ranging from a high-speed 1.96-mile loop to an extended 3.15-mile technical course.

The corners of the Motorsports Park track were modeled to be identical to the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.

www.bgchamber.com

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PURSUIT

of healthiness According to Business Insider, the average person spends 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. Because many spend those hours inside an office or factory, implementing health programs in the workplace is crucial to a healthy lifestyle.

Hot Yoga Bowling Green

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ompanies like Sumitomo Electrical Wiring Systems and Logan Aluminum are providing employees with resources to sustain habits focused on health and nutrition.

Sumitomo Electrical Wiring Systems SEWS’s wellness program is participation- and education-based. Each year, participants are required to complete a minimum of four wellness-related activities.

“An organization that places an emphasis on employees’ overall health and well-being will have a healthier, happier and more productive workforce,” said Jeanie Dickerson, R.N., C.W.W.S., SEWS’s Wellness Coordinator. “Reduced health care costs, lower absenteeism and improved morale and camaraderie are huge benefits that go along with implementing a workplace wellness initiative.”

SEWS offers participants one-on-one health coaching, along with discounts on medical premiums.

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Because SEWS has locations across the U.S., the company hosts an annual Wellness Summit in Bowling Green each fall, which allows wellness team leaders to share best practices. In 2015, SEWS’s program was recognized at the annual Health Hometown Movement Worksite Wellness Awards in Louisville and received the Gold Award.

Logan Aluminum Logan Aluminum’s wellness program not only encourages healthier employees, but teaches them the value of health and wellness.

“If a company only promotes exercise but does not follow up with why exercise is important, have you truly engaged that person in their health and wellness?” said Johnny White, Logan’s Benefits, Medical and Wellness leader.

It’s on-site medical clinic provides blood draws, physicals, health consultations, sports physicals, audiometric testing, pulmonary function testing and basic urgent care

treatment. The program includes fitness programs in the company’s onsite fitness center, nutrition guidance and wellness counseling sessions. Because of this program, employee absenteeism is at less than 1 percent.

“Many come to Logan with very little, if any, health and wellness education,” White said. “Our focus is to introduce, educate and reinforce the health and wellness vision from the beginning of the person’s employment until the last day that they work at Logan.”

••• From biking trails to races to fitness studios, South Central Kentucky offers wellness options apart from corporate programs.

Bowling Green Athletic Club BAC creates an environment where working out is not a hassle or duty, but something members look forward to doing.

“Our mission is to see our members reach their personal goals and consider BAC their resource for all their fitness needs,” said Club Director Julie Olson.

As fitness fads are often fleeting, BAC keeps a primary focus: getting people in shape. The club offers personal trainers, machines, racquetball and basketball courts and a variety of classes. Other amenities include child care services, tanning beds, a sauna, women’s-only section, café and a cardio theater.

Olson realizes the services BAC offers are not cheap. She said this is what sets BAC apart from other gyms – its attention to detail and overall customer experience.

“We are in the service industry, not the sales business,” Olson said. “We want to know names, not membership numbers.”

FOCUSED ON FITNESS! Bowling Green Backyard Bootcamp Helps participants lose weight and tone muscle, while improving overall health and appearance.

Natural Health Center for Integrative Medicine Provides a non-invasive perspective to healing by practicing naturopathy, a holistic approach of body, mind and spirit.

Nutrition Center Offers Kentucky Proud products with staff trained to provide valuable information on vitamins, herbs, health and beauty aids, spices and supplements.

Orthopedics Plus Physical Therapy Provides treatment for pain, sprains, strains, fractures, ligament repair/reconstruction, tendon repair, joint replacement and more.

ProRehab Bowling Green Provides physical, occupational, speech and sports therapy, and other services.

Rooted in Wellness Massage Therapy This massage therapy studio is a preventative care and wellness-based practice.

Ross Medical Education Center Career paths include medical assistant, medical insurance billing and office administration, dental assistant and pharmacy technician.

The Kid Spot Center, LLC Provides speech, occupational and physical therapy services to children ages birth to 21 years old and caters to all ability levels.

The Medical Institute of Kentucky Paths include phlebotomy technicians, medical administrative assistants, clinical medical assistants, clinical medical assistant specialists and dental assistants.

Hot Yoga Bowling Green Hot Yoga Bowling Green helps its clients achieve a union of mind, body and spirit.

The studio teaches the traditional elements of yoga – increased strength, balance, flexibility and focus – set to the backdrop of an approximately 104 degree, 40 percent humidity room, which warms muscles, prevents injury and flushes out toxins. About 10 years ago, after spending years in the corporate world, Tony and Anice Bishop realized their dream and opened Hot Yoga in Bowling Green.

“We bring a new openness to yoga which is nearly unprecedented in its 5,000-year history,” Tony Bishop said. “That sounds like a nearly impossible statement, but, in reality, the diversity of class options, the variety of teacher personalities at Hot Yoga and the high-quality, dedicated fitness backgrounds of our clientele make it the perfect place to learn and practice yoga for people from all walks of life.”

The studio offers classes suited for beginners or advanced yogis. www.bgchamber.com

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COMMUNITY spirit South Central Kentucky by the numbers

1925

Year the L&N Train Depot was constructed from Warren County limestone

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Approximate number of home games the Bowling Green Hot Rods play each year

61,488

Bowling Green’s estimated 2014 population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau

57◦ 82 5

4

Number of Lighthouse Schools in Bowling Green/Warren County

Year-round temperature inside Lost River Cave

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has maintained a 5-Star Accreditation, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, since 2009

Miles covered by the Duncan Hines Scenic Byway, which begins in Bowling Green and winds through Warren and Edmonson counties

18 350,000,000

Civil War sites in Bowling Green

Estimated age of the oldest rocks in Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world’s longest cave system

Messages from the Chamber

Ron Bunch, President and CEO

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce provides valuable services to our more than 1,200 partners, advocates a positive business environment and stimulates economic development for South Central Kentucky. We strive to build on that approach to build success for our region. Through a concerted team effort, 2015 was a record-shattering year for South Central Kentucky. For this watershed success, we have to thank the many partners, local elected and community officials dedicated to this region. South Central Kentucky’s 2015 announced projects brought a total capital investment of more than $900 million, with the creation of over 1,000 new jobs. In 2015, we had the No. 1 investment for manufacturing in the state for the third consecutive year. We had job and wage and salary growth that topped the state in almost every category. I could not be more proud of the economic development advancements we’ve made in 2015 and I am sincerely honored to be a part of the South Central Kentucky community. As we look forward into 2016, I am excited to continue our work aimed at providing the highly skilled talent pipeline to support the outstanding growth in our region and I look forward to announcing some exciting initiatives that will ensure South Central Kentucky’s economic engine continues to grow and prosper well into the future.

Mark Iverson, 2016 Chairman of the Board On behalf of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce’s partners and leaders, I graciously welcome you to South Central Kentucky. I have the privilege of serving as 2016 chairman of the board, and I am honored to be a piece of the South Central Kentucky legacy. Since 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force in the strength and prosperity of our local and regional economy. Thanks to the loyal people and businesses, our economy is vibrant and thriving. With South Central Kentucky’s high quality of life, rest assured there is no better place than South Central Kentucky to build a business or raise a family. I am excited to work with prospective and existing partners this year to ensure our region is strong, secure and successful.

Tommy Adams, 2015 Chairman of the Board As 2015 chairman of the board, I have had the pleasure of witnessing unbelievable achievements in South Central Kentucky. This level of success is credited to our region’s strong sense of community and collaboration. In South Central Kentucky, we share the same hope for the future: that we continue to be an economic powerhouse charged by committed leaders, exceptional resources and an experienced workforce. We continuously move toward these goals, each year witnessing growth larger than the previous. I look forward to watching South Central Kentucky achieve even greater accomplishments in the coming year.

A word from the mayor & judge-executive

Mayor Bruce Wilkerson

Judge-Executive Michael Buchanon

I am extraordinarily honored to serve as the mayor of Bowling Green. The City of Bowling Green, Warren County, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and state economic development officials know the importance of camaraderie, exemplifying that collaboration daily. While each of us has our specialties and strengths, we all share the same vision: economic prosperity for Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky. We are fortunate to have such a strong, working relationship, and we could not have accomplished all we have in recent years without that teamwork. I am beaming with pride to be part of a team that understands how regional growth can move mountains. Together, there’s not much we can’t achieve.

Communities like ours don’t happen by accident. South Central Kentucky thrives because of the people dedicated to creating a positive environment for all who live and work here. I am exceptionally proud to serve as the judge-executive of a county that values improvement and progress. Warren County, the City of Bowling Green, the state of Kentucky and the Chamber of Commerce have a longstanding tradition of providing innovative, valuable services.

From recreational activities and a thriving arts scene, to a wealth of resources and opportunity, South Central Kentucky has the whole package guaranteed to provide an outstanding quality of life. I couldn’t be more excited about the bright future in store for South Central Kentucky.

www.bgchamber.com

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Excellence in

partnership

I

In 2015, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce’s announced projects brought a total capital investment of more than $900 million, with the creation of over 1,000 new jobs.

n 2015, the Chamber was one of the first four in the state to be designated a Kentucky Certified Chamber by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives. This new designation is a peer-reviewed, best practices certification awarded to chambers who meet nationally benchmarked criteria on internal organization, processes, financial controls and service to members. This program is the third of its kind outside the U.S. Chamber Accreditation.

“We are honored for our incredible staff to be recognized by our Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives colleagues,” said Ron Bunch, Chamber president and CEO. “We have an extraordinary team of partners who work together to provide value to our community.”

In 2014, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced the Bowling Green Chamber’s reaccreditation as a 5-Star Chamber – a distinction given to only 1 percent of national chambers. This process examines every aspect of a chamber’s operations, including governance, finance, human resources, government affairs, program development, technology, communications, facilities and benchmarking. The Chamber has achieved

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this accreditation without a lapse since 1973.

Apart from its accreditation accolades, the Chamber swept a commendable number of awards and rankings in 2015.

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards The KCCE honored the Chamber with three Excellence Awards during its Spring Conference. Awards received include: Outstanding Membership Retention for 2014, Outstanding Publication for our Annual Report and Outstanding Website. Established in 1965, the KCCE serves as the society for chamber of commerce professionals in the state.

Site Selection and Area Development magazines Kentucky’s 2014 economic development efforts were lauded by industry-leading publications Site Selection and Area Development magazines. In 2015, Kentucky placed first in Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup national rankings for new and expanded industry activity per capita for the year.

Bowling Green ranked fourth on Site Selection’s list of “Top 10 Metros of 2014” for new and expanded facilities among metropolitan areas with populations less than 200,000.

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

This is Bowling Green’s second consecutive year on this list, climbing two spots from sixth place in 2013. Additionally, Area Development magazine announced that Kentucky received the 10th annual Silver Shovel award for states with populations between 3 and 5 million. Constellium-UACJ was ranked in Area Development’s top 10 projects for the state.

Outstanding Partnership The region’s outstanding business community is honored through several awards throughout the year: • ATHENA Award, Robbin Morrison Taylor of Western Kentucky University: With Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM, the Chamber has honored local businesspeople for 29 years for contributing to the advancement of women in the workplace by presenting business leaders with the ATHENA Award.

• Small Business Person of the Year, Ed Griffin of Griff’s Deli: The Chamber has annually named a community member the Small Business Person of the Year since 1985, recognizing a leader who owns a for-profit company that employs 100 or fewer full-time employees, has invested his money in that business, has experienced recent growth and is involved in the development of the community.

• 2015 Women Business Advocate of the Year, 2014 ATHENA Michelle Gorman of U.S. Bank: Each year, the Small Business Administration brings recognition to outstanding businesspeople for their commitment to the community.

• Manufacturer of the Year, Holley Performance Products: Each year, the Kentucky Association for Manufacturers presents this award to a manufacturer that shows exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, community leadership and policy contributions to enhance the prosperity of the Commonwealth.

Top Announcements The Chamber’s 2015 announced projects brought a total capital investment of more than $900 million, with the creation of over 1,000 new jobs.

General Motors’ May 2015 expansion was the No. 1 project in the state for manufacturing capital investment, bringing a total investment of $439,000,000. This expansion is the fourth largest capital investment in the state in over a decade and the third largest motor vehicle related capital investment in the state in the last five years, also touting the largest new jobs announcement in the state in 2015.

Bowling Green Metalforming’s December 2014 expansion was the No. 4 project in the state for manufacturing capital investment and was the fourth largest capital investment in the state in 2015, bringing a total investment of $261,240,000 and 450 new jobs.

Racing to the top Area tourism excellence rises to best in state in 2014

By Telia Butler

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ith an annual economic impact of more than $13.1 billion in 2014, tourism is one of Kentucky’s top industries.

A survey produced for the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet by Certec, Inc., revealed that area tourism showed the highest growth rate in the state in 2014.

According to the survey, Warren County grew 6.2 percent, resulting in a $387.3 million economic impact. The 10-county Caves, Lakes & Corvettes region in which Warren County is located saw the highest increase in direct tourism expenditures in the state, with a rise of 6.7 percent equaling a $395.1 million economic impact.

“Several factors contributed to why tourism increased so heavily in 2014: international publicity our area received after a sinkhole swallowed eight Corvettes at the National Corvette Museum,” said Vicki Fitch, executive director of the CVB. “Plus, record visitor attendance reported at the (National) Corvette Museum, GM Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant, Historic RailPark & Train Museum and Mammoth Cave National Park, along with hosting major national auto enthusiast and sporting events boasting record attendance.”

Because of combined efforts of the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and area tourism businesses, along with the appeal of Bowling Green’s attractions, meeting facilities and hospitality, more visitors are coming to the area every year.

South Central Kentucky is home to many one-of-a-kind attractions. Nowhere on the globe can anyone find the complete Corvette experience from start to finish than in Bowling Green. Get the full package watching America’s favorite sports car being built

on the production line at the GM Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant; glance into the past, present and future of the car at the world-famous National Corvette Museum; and cross the finish line completing hot laps at the new NCM Motorsports Park high performance driving facility.

New to the Bowling Green experience is the Downing Museum at the Baker Arboretum. Home to thousands of original works created by Western Kentucky University alumnus Joe Downing, the museum collection includes examples of his abstraction and experimentation with media formats such as linen, leather, porcelain, wood, metal, canvas and more. Surrounding the museum are the breathtaking scenic grounds of the Baker Arboretum, which include more than 600 species and 1,200 varieties of cultivar and foliage with views of WKU and the surrounding landscape.

Auto-themed events and attractions have long been an integral part of Bowling Green’s culture. Offering related attractions and events including Beech Bend Raceway and drag strip, the GM Corvette Assembly Plant tour, the NCM and NCM Motorsports Park, the city is a hot rodder’s dream.

Beech Bend Raceway hosted more than a dozen national auto shows in 2015, including new events that brought thousands of visitors to the area, like the Pontiac US Nationals, the Camaro Fest VI, Danchuk TriFive Nationals and GoodGuys Nostalgia Nationals.

The Holley NHRA Hot Rod Reunion, National Corvette Homecoming and Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals were named to the Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s Top 10 Festivals and Events of Summer 2015 because of their significant impacts.

In addition to an information-packed visitor’s guide available by mail or digital download, the CVB website (visitbgky. com) offers details on hundreds of things to see and do, discount coupons and affordably-priced packaged passes to the area’s most popular attractions.

Other Bowling Green area attractions boosted their offerings in recent years,

including a new kayak tour option at Lost River Cave; a new locomotive engine at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum; a NASA T-38 Talon addition to Aviation Heritage Park; and expanded tour times and new gift shop lounge at Corsair Distillery.

The past several years, the CVB has offered a free hospitality training program, launched during National Tourism Week and offered several more times throughout the year, to educate participants on making a good impression on visitors and keeping them in town longer, which boosts the local economy.

Each one-hour session trains frontline staff members of hotels, restaurants, attractions, service stations, retail shops, Kentucky interstate welcome center staff and other area businesses that provide services to travelers on how to be a VETTE, or Very Enthusiastic Travel and Tourism Expert.

The CVB staff, along with partnerships with and help from area community leaders and stakeholders, is working to keep Bowling Green on the map for visitors.

The 10-county Caves, Lakes & Corvettes region in which Warren County is located saw the highest increase in direct tourism expenditures in the state, with a rise of 6.7 percent equaling a $395.1 million economic impact.

www.bgchamber.com

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Outside

the boardroom

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes young people as one of the city’s greatest assets.

As the job market for millennials becomes increasingly more competitive, young professionals are looking for organizations that expand their networks and sharpen their resumés. In response to this demand, the Chamber founded Bowling Green Young Professionals, or BGYP!, an initiative that offers talented, young businesspeople opportunities to get connected in the community.

The nonprofit, volunteer-run organization targets young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 by curating leadership, social and professional development opportunities. The group meets once a month at sporting events, happy hours or local businesses.

Drew Martin, president of Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky, has been involved with the Chamber since 2012. Early in

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his professional career, he remembers being advised to get connected to the Chamber.

“I saw the different opportunities for growth both personally and professionally,” Martin said.

Martin is able to interact with community leaders, businesspeople and colleagues while developing new applicable skills. A 2014 Leadership Bowling Green alumnus and a member of BGYP!’s social committee, Martin said his involvement gives him insight into the business community.

“I have been able to better understand the different types of industry and organizations in our community that I may not have had a chance to do previously,” he said. “The Chamber has also provided a network of professional colleagues that I can seek advice from, tips for improvement and friendships.”

He offers one piece of advice to anyone in the community: Stay involved and active with the Chamber.

“There are so many opportunities for growth through their programs,” he said.

Zach Massey, of Scott, Murphy & Daniel, LLC., has been involved with the Chamber since moving to Bowling Green in 2012.

“I decided to get involved for two reasons,”

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

“The Chamber has allowed me to meet young professionals my age with common career goals who have quickly become friends, business contacts or both.”

Massey said. “One: to get know my community by developing business relationships through the Chamber and its partners. And two: to bring my skill sets as a civil engineer/ construction manager to our community.”

Massey is also a 2014 LBG alumnus and was part of the committee to re-establish BGYP! in 2014. He still serves on the committee, helping grow it to its more than 100 members. Massey regularly attends Business After Hours, groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings, along with dinners and banquets.

“The Chamber has allowed me to meet young professionals my age with common career goals who have quickly become friends, business contacts or both,” he said. “Once you are involved with the Chamber, you are able to see how many individuals, businesses and leaders are Chamber partners. The more you are able to invest into this organization, the more you will benefit from your involvement.”

BGYP! President Rebecca Lee is adamant about taking advantage of the Chamber’s resources. Lee connected with the Chamber in 2006 when she joined the marketing department at Commonwealth Health Corporation, a Diamond Star President’s Club partner.

“From the beginning, I knew that the Chamber was a great place to invest my time,” Lee said. “The Chamber is at the center of what's going on in our community.”

She said she’s been amazed watching the growth of Western Kentucky University and the Kentucky Transpark and seeing the renewed life and energy downtown. Like Martin and Massey, Lee is a 2014 LBG alumnus.

She said the program helped her learn about her community and expand her network.

“We spend money and time educating ourselves, growing our networks, building our resumés and getting the tools we need to help our businesses/employers grow and succeed,” Lee said. “The Chamber should be a key part of every professional’s toolbox. When a person or business invests in the Chamber, they get a wealth of resources, education, information and networking opportunities in return.”

— For more information on BGYP!, visit www.bgchamber.com/programsandspecialevents/bowling-green-young-professionals.

Join the club Country clubs took root in Scotland and made their way to the U.S. in the late 19th century. Today, South Central Kentucky’s clubs combine old-world class with upscale, modern amenities. Bowling Green is home to three country clubs that all provide unique, superior services and activities.

Bowling Green Country Club

Situated on 1,400 acres surrounded by the Barren River, Bowling Green Country Club is a home away from home.

Founded in 1913, BGCC is one of Kentucky’s oldest and most respected private clubs. The club’s active and vibrant membership has helped it maintain a heritage steeped in tradition, offering a relaxed, warm environment that embraces South Central Kentucky culture.

BGCC is marked by its affordable, yet posh, family-oriented environment. Amenities include banquet facilities, a swimming pool, tennis courts, full service pro shop, an exemplary golf course, fine dining and a clubhouse.

— For membership information, visit www.bgcc1913.com.

Indian Hills Country Club

Indian Hills Country Club is located in a residential area, making the club conveniently accessible by golf cart or bicycle.

Amenities include a golf course, swimming pools, fitness room,

clubhouse, spacious patio and a multitude of social activities and events. Naturally rolling hills, tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers make the course a challenging, but pleasant place to golf.

The club’s experienced, friendly staff makes Indian Hills a perfect venue for receptions, business meetings, private parties and corporate or charity golf outings. Corporate and family memberships are also available.

— For membership information, visit www.indianhills-bgky.com.

The Club at Olde Stone

Tucked away in the Bowling Green countryside, The Club at Olde Stone offers southern grace, classic elegance, celebrated cuisine and impeccable service in an extraordinary setting.

Surrounded by green rolling fairways, outdoor terraces and gardens, the Golf House and Village Hall offers members and guests the finest in ambience and amenities, including recreational and entertainment facilities, six Har-Tru tennis courts, a large resort-style swimming pool and Jacuzzi, complete fitness center, meeting and banquet facilities, casual and formal dining areas and cottage rentals.

The golf course was designed by the legendary Arthur Hills and features manicured fairways and greens, with an indoor learning center, offering heated tee space and innovative swing analysis technology.

— For membership information, visit www.olde-stone.com.

Bowling Green County Club

Indian Hills Country Club

www.bgchamber.com

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The Medical Center www.themedicalcenter.org

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he Medical Center is a regional leader in health care, providing a full range of services to residents of South Central Kentucky.

The Medical Center provides 24-hour emergency prevention for balloon angioplasty, cardiac stenting and openheart surgery; has been certified by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center; and is the only provider of obstetrical and neonatology services in Warren County.

In addition, cancer patients receive compassionate, state-ofthe-art care through the Cancer Treatment Center for Southern Kentucky.

The past year has seen even more improvements and growth in services at The Medical Center, including:

Medicine to expand availability of orthopaedic surgeons in South Central Kentucky. Medical Center Orthopaedics is located in the Riverside Professional Center on The Medical Center campus.

Medical Center Orthopaedics

Low-Dose Radiation CT Scanners

In April 2015, Commonwealth Health Corporation and UK HealthCare celebrated the opening of Medical Center Orthopaedics, South Central Kentucky’s new orthopaedic surgery practice.

The Medical Center created the new physician practice in affiliation with UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

The Medical Center Neurosurgical Unit The Medical Center opened the first neurosurgical unit in South Central Kentucky in February 2015. This six-bed unit provides specialized care for critical care patients and patients undergoing brain or spine surgery.

Most patients in the unit have undergone surgery for traumatic brain injuries, intracranial hemorrhage, strokes, brain tumors, spinal cord injuries or to relieve neck or back pain.

New CT scanners installed at Western Kentucky Diagnostic Imaging and The Medical Center Emergency Department can produce high-quality images using less radiation.

The Optima* CT660 with ASir* technology from GE Healthcare creates fast, high-quality images for diagnostic radiologists

to make accurate diagnoses at optimized doses for patients. CT scans can be used for a variety of procedures such as cardiac, angiography, brain, chest, abdomen and orthopaedic. Minimizing patient exposure to radiation is important, particularly for cancer patients who may require many follow-up scans to see how they respond to cancer treatment. The Medical Center was the first facility in the region to invest in the new low dose technology.

Nursery/NICU/Labor & Delivery Renovation Following renovation of the Nursery and NICU, improvements to The Medical Center’s Labor & Delivery Unit were completed in April 2015.

Designed to be warmer and more welcoming, the area helps expectant mothers and their families feel at home. The current

phase of renovation focuses on the Post-Partum Unit to make it more soothing and inviting. Ultimately, all areas of Obstetrics & Neonatology will be remodeled. The project, which began in 2014 and includes all areas of The Medical Center’s Nursery, NICU, Labor & Delivery and Obstetrics, is expected to be completed in early 2016.

••• With innovative technology as well as compassionate employees and health care providers, The Medical Center is committed to caring for people and improving the quality of life for the region.

— For more information, including upcoming events, follow Facebook.com/TheMedicalCenterBG or visit www.themedicalcenter.org.

Bowling Green’s Hospital

• • • • • • • • •

Neuroscience Services The Heart Institute Cancer Treatment Center Primary Stroke Center Obstetrics and Neonatology Orthopaedics Surgical Weight Loss Program Diagnostic Imaging Home Care Program

25 0 PARK ST R EET • BOW L I N G G R E E N , KY 42 1 01 • 270.74 5 .10 0 0 • Th e M e d i c al Ce n te r.o rg

www.bgchamber.com

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TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital www.tristargreenviewregional.com

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riStar Greenview Regional Hospital has been part of South Central Kentucky for more than 43 years and remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for those it serves. TriStar Greenview is a 211-bed acute-care facility with more than

140 physicians on staff trained in a variety of specialties. Through qualified staff, physician recruitment and cutting-edge technology, the hospital is continually growing to meet the needs of the community.

The Emergency Department has seen a doubling of visitors the last four years to

almost 37,000 patients in 2014. TriStar is also part of the largest Accredited Chest Pain Network, which includes seven hospitals in Middle Tennessee, along with TriStar Greenview in South Central Kentucky.

TriStar Greenview’s Emergency Department has an accredited Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center and is fully-staffed around the clock to serve all health care needs quickly and efficiently.

The hospital is known for its short emergency wait times.

TriStar Greenview also is designated as a Blue Distinction Center by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for hip and knee replacement surgery. The Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program is a national designation awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality specialty care and have “set themselves apart by adhering to best practices in patient safety and surgical care and producing consistently strong outcomes with fewer complications,” according to Marcus Thygeson, M.D., senior vice president and chief health officer for health care services at Blue Shield.

TriStar Greenview offers the latest in robotic technology: da Vinci Si Surgical System with Firefly integrated fluorescence imaging capability, which provides real-time, image-guided identification of key anatomical landmarks using near-infrared technology.

Surgeons at TriStar Greenview are utilizing the da Vinci Si Surgical System to

TriStar Greenview offers the latest in robotic technology: da Vinci Si Surgical System with Firefly integrated fluorescence imaging capability, which provides real-time, image-guided identification of key anatomical landmarks using near-infrared technology.

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

perform a variety of surgical procedures, including gynecologic, urologic, colorectal and gall bladder procedures. Patient benefits include less pain, a reduced risk of infection, smaller incisions, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery time.

Patients have access to the latest technology in robotic surgery close to home.

This robotically-assisted surgical technology has a proven track record for safety and is designed to provide additional clinical benefits.

In 2015, the Allen Clinic opened as part of the Greenview Medical Group. The Clinic, on Campbell Lane near Nashville Road, features primary care and is accepting new patients. Other members of the Greenview Medical Group are The Glasser Clinic, Southern Kentucky Primary Care, The Bowling Green Medical Clinic and Greenview Specialty Associates.

Heart pounding movie Let Us “Cure You With Kindness�

Chest pounding pain

1325 Andrea Street, Suite 100 Bowling Green, KY 42104 Please call us for an appointment.

270-901-3454

www.theglasserclinic.com

EVERYDAY ACHES, OR SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS? Ongoing symptoms could mean a more serious problem.

If you are experiencing recurring symptoms, you can rely on our emergency room to be there for you 24/7. Our team of expert emergency trained physicians will diagnose and treat you so you can get back to the movies you enjoy.

www.bgchamber.com

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Graves-Gilbert Clinic www.gravesgilbert.com

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he physicians of the Graves-Gilbert Clinic are proud of the role the clinic has played in bringing quality medicine to the area.

With nearly 800 employees, Graves-Gilbert Clinic has grown to become one of the area’s largest locally-owned businesses, with more than 95 physicians and 34 physician extenders (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) practicing in more than 20 specialties. More than a quarter million patients trust their care to Graves-Gilbert Clinic each year. The clinic has offices in Smiths Grove, Russellville, Morgantown, Lewisburg and multiple offices in Bowling Green.

For more than 78 years, the Graves-Gilbert Clinic doctors and staff have cared for and about the people of South Central Kentucky. Many generations of families have trusted their care to the distinguished physicians and staff at Graves-Gilbert Clinic.

The clinic’s pediatric medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, orthopaedics, sports medicine, dermatology, walk-in care and hospital inpatient specialist services have all added new providers to meet patient needs.

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

In response to the nation’s changing health care landscape, Graves-Gilbert Clinic and Western Kentucky Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates announced an agreement in principle to merge their medical groups.

Because of regulatory changes and national legislative initiatives, many providers are choosing to seek out larger organizations to help with and streamline administrative tasks.

Having been a part of the South Central Kentucky community since 1937, Graves-Gilbert Clinic is well-positioned to provide such services.

The acquisition allows for a more enhanced method of practice and patient experience from start to finish.

Also, in April 2015, Graves-Gilbert broke ground on a new primary facility on Nashville Road. The 40,000 square foot facility is expected to add up to 50 new jobs, with room for 10 health care providers specializing in pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics, gynecology and internal medicine. It also will house a new laboratory with state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging.

Graves Gilbert Clinic has proudly served the people of South Central Kentucky for 78 years and counting, and is home to more than 100 physicians spanning over 30 medical specialties.

Providing compassionate and innovative care, our multi-location, multi-specialty clinic now offers three Walk-in Care locations; GGC PrimeCare on Wilkinson Trace, GGC @ WKU on Western’s campus, and our newest location, GGC Walk-In Care on Fairway Street.

Our commitment to providing the people of South Central Kentucky with the highest quality and most comprehensive approach to healthcare makes Graves Gilbert Clinic the Best Place for Care.

201 Park St. | Bowling Green, KY 42101

(270) 781-5111 www.gravesgilbert.com

Connect with us at

/GravesGilbert

@GravesGilbert

COMPREHENSIVE CARE BODY Barren River District Health Department

www.barrenriverhealth.org The Barren River District Health Department serves Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Simpson and Warren counties, offering education on prenatal care and breastfeeding, dental health, smoking cessation, nutrition and exercise. Centers offer well-child exams, vaccinations and a mobile dental service.

Colonial Rehabilitation & Nursing Center

www.genesishcc.com/Colonial Certified by Medicare and Medicaid, Colonial Center is a 48 skilled bed facility and has provided care for more than 40 years in the community. Colonial Center is known for its home-like atmosphere and tenured staff. Services include short stay and long term care, along with dementia, dental, colostomy, podiatry, psychiatric and vision care.

Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital

www.commonwealthregionalspecialtyhospital.org Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital is a continuing-care/long-term acute-care facility offering medical care and rehabilitation for patients with medically complex conditions and multiple chronic conditions requiring stays of 18 to 35 days.

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Your guide to the best health care services

Greenwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

www.greenwoodnursing.com Greenwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a team of qualified professionals focused on leading patients to recovery. Services include nursing, dietetics, social, post-surgical, wound care, restorative care, respiratory care, pain management, cardiac rehabilitation, diabetic management, stroke care, hospice and acute care services, along with physical, speech and occupational therapy.

The Medical Center’s Health & Wellness Center

www.mcbg.org/internal/wellness/Health_and_Wellness_Center Providing health education, free and low-cost screenings, exercise classes, weight-management programs, support groups for chronic conditions and more, The Medical Center’s Health & Wellness Center is an affordable one-stop resource for healthier living.

Southern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital

www.skyrehab.com SKY Rehabilitation Hospital is the only acute rehab hospital in South Central Kentucky that provides rehabilitative services in an acute hospital setting for inpatients and outpatients, along with the only full-size, heated, therapy pool in the area. SKY Rehab is accredited by The Joint Commission, COLA and designated as a CARF Stroke Specialty Rehab Hospital and serves patients recovering from a stroke, orthopedic injury, multi-trauma accident, joint replacement, head or spinal cord injury or de-conditioning due to an extended illness. Patients receive

the highest level of team-focused therapy, comprised of certified rehabilitation registered nurses, case managers and physicians specialized in physical and rehabilitative medicine, which includes at least 15 hours of physical, occupational and/or speech therapy per week. Patient centered teams are comprised of certified rehabilitation registered nurses, case managers and physicians specializing in physical and rehabilitative medicine.

SKY can impact the rehabilitation of patients recovering from a stroke, orthopedic injury, multi-trauma accident, joint replacement, head or spinal cord injury or de-conditioning due to an extended illness.

Western Kentucky Diagnostic Imaging

www.wkdi.com Part of The Medical Center and located in a free-standing facility, Western Kentucky Diagnostic Imaging offers high field and open MRI, digital mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound, bone density evaluation, fluoroscopy, CT scans and X-rays.

hands and specializing in sports medicine, Western Kentucky Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates – part of Graves-Gilbert Clinic – has over 30 years’ experience in orthopaedic and neurosurgical care. Diagnostics include MRI, X-ray and bone density scans.

COMFORT & SUPPORT Hosparus Barren River

www.hosparus.org Hosparus Barren River cares for patients and their families in their own homes, longterm care facilities and area hospitals. Its team of professionals and volunteers provides pain and symptom control, medication management, personal care such as bathing, skin care, housekeeping, counseling and spiritual care and bereavement services.

Hospice of Southern Kentucky

www.hospicesoky.org Hospice of Southern Kentucky meets the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of terminally ill patients and their families. Patients who wish to spend their final days at home receive in-home service, based on a care plan, from professional medical practitioners and support staff. Hospice House offers a visitor-friendly environment for inpatient or residential care, as well as short-term respite care to relieve regular caregivers.

GOLDEN AGE Bowling Green Retirement Village

www.bgrv.com Bowling Green Retirement Village offers the comforts of home with six styles of apart-

Western Kentucky Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates

www.wkona.net Offering state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for injuries to joints, spine, feet and

www.bgchamber.com

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ments/suites. Independent living includes outdoor patios and gardens, meals, housekeeping and scheduled trips and activities.

Staffed 24 hours, assisted living units and suites offer support services and activities, including laundry, medical transportation, swimming and health and fitness classes.

Bowling Green Towers

www.bowlinggreentowers.com This apartment community offers spacious floor plans and an array of amenities, including on-site laundry and exercise facilities, a community kitchen, dining and living area and a business center.

Chandler Park Assisted Living

www.chandlerparkassistedliving.com Residents enjoy assisted living with personalized service plans and a trained staff 24

hours a day. Private apartments, a courtyard, entertaining events and an on-site ice cream shop contribute to a high-quality lifestyle.

Massey Springs Senior Living

www.goodworksunlimited.com/facility-masseysprings.php Massey Springs offers an assisted living complex and independent villas. Short-stay respite care is available. Massey Springs provides 24-hour security and emergency call systems, medication reminders, housekeeping and laundry services, meals, an on-site salon, daily activities and travel options.

Morningside Assisted Living

www.morningsideofbowlinggreen.com Offering customized assisted living care in private apartments, Morningside provides personal care, health and safety monitoring,

health care coordination, medication assistance and companionship.

Village Manor/Christian Health Center

www.christiancarecommunities.org Village Manor and Christian Health Center cater to seniors seeking an active lifestyle, while offering a courtyard, planned social events, dining, exercise facilities, a woodworking shop and library. The center is licensed for skilled nursing, intermediate and personal care. Licensed therapists provide occupational, physical and speech therapy.

Activities keep residents healthy and engaged.

MIND Chandler Memory Care & Assisted Living

www.chandlermemory.com Chandler Memory Care provides a therapeutic environment with optimum security and safety, allowing a person experiencing memory loss to maintain independence. The facility provides a 24-hour support staff and programs focused on respect, dignity, independence and choice.

Kelly Autism Program

C AT I O F R I E N D LY S E R V I C E . C O N V E N I E N T L O

Services include: • Open MRI & High Field MRI • CT Scan • Digital Mammography

N.

• Ultrasound • Stereotactic Breast Biopsy • Bone Density Evaluation • Fluoroscopy • X-Ray

270.746.9500 Scheduling 270.780.2764 Toll Free 888.746.9500 1635 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY

www.wkdi.com

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

www.wku.edu/kellyautismprogram/index.php A Western Kentucky University outreach, the Kelly Autism Program provides services to individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Services include Individualized Education Plans, group socialization, recreational and community activities and school-to-work transition.

Rivendell Behavioral Health Services

www.rivendellbehavioral.com This Joint Commission accredited facility, located on a 49-acre campus, is recognized as a top performer on key quality measures.

Rivendell is a leader in progressive psychiatric treatment for children, adolescents, senior adults and adults with chemical dependency issues and includes a ropes course, two gymnasiums, group areas and classrooms.

WORKPLACE Corpcare

www.corpcare.org Corpcare offers occupational health and wellness services tailored for a company’s needs, including DOT physicals, pre- and post-offer physicals, return to work exams, drug testing, immunizations and more.

wku.edu/reach

I want to lead by example.

Seeing the world and exemplifying the ideals of WKU are Sarah’s main objectives. Being an Honors College student and studying abroad at Harlaxton College are just two of the ways she is reaching those goals. At WKU she is part of a community that encourages her to experience all the world has to offer!

It’s all within my reach!

SARAH STACKHOUSE

Bowling Green, Ky

Bowling Green City Schools www.bgreen.kyschools.us

By Leslie McCoy

T

he Bowling Green Independent School District has existed since the 1880s and has long been known for excellence in academic programs and success on the athletic field.

Its mission is to lead the way in education for all students and encourage and recognize distinction in every field of human endeavor.

The district strives to meet four primary goals and expectations: building relationships, engaging students, teaching 21st

century skills and personal and professional growth.

BGISD serves about 4,000 students in five elementary schools, a junior high (grades 6-8), a high school and an alternative placement secondary school. Of the 4,000 students, about 57 percent qualify for free or reduced meals through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program; 43 percent of the district’s student population are minority students; and 15 percent are English Language Learners. More than 36 languages are spoken throughout the schools, including Spanish,

Swahili, Bosnian, Somali and Arabic. BGISD employs about 600 people, including over 320 certified teachers and administrators. Gary Fields is serving his first year leading the district as the 10th superintendent in the more than 125-year history of the district.

Accomplishments of students and employees provide evidence of the district’s motto, which is “Excellence is Worth the Effort”: • BGISD is fully accredited by AdvancED and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• 19 current teachers have earned National Board Certification.

• Three elementary schools have earned National Blue Ribbon status: T. C. Cherry, Potter Gray and W. R. McNeill, which has been designated as a Kentucky School of Distinction.

• The Bowling Green High School Class of 2015 included 278 graduates who earned more than $12.6 million in scholarship offers and are attending 39 different post-secondary institutions and serving in three branches of the military.

• The BGHS Advanced Placement program offers 21 different courses, and 25 percent of the student body participated in at least one AP course during the 2014-15 school year.

• Five BGHS students were named 2015 National Merit Finalists.

• Two BGHS juniors, Priyanka Sheth and Jessica Klusty, earned perfect scores on the ACT during the 2014-15 school year. Jessica Klusty also scored a perfect 2400 on the SAT. • 25 seventh-graders at Bowling Green Junior High were recognized by Duke University’s Talent Identification Program for earning ACT scores rivaling or surpassing the national average for high school juniors and seniors.

• Six BGHS students attended Governor’s Scholars Program in 2015; three attended the Governor’s School for the Arts.

• Two Odyssey of the Mind teams from

The district strives to meet four primary goals and expectations: building relationships, engaging students, teaching 21st century skills and personal and professional growth.

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

McNeill participated in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals after qualifying at state competition.

• The BGJHS forensics team placed fourth at the Kentucky High School Speech League State Finals. Team member Cole Vaughan won National Runner-Up in Storytelling and Poetry Interpretation at the National Junior Forensics League tournament in Dallas.

• The district is home to 20 all-state musicians: three all-state band, 13 all-state chorus and four all-state orchestra members.

• The BGHS football team won the 5A State Championship in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

• The BGHS boys soccer team won the State Championship in 2014.

• The BGHS boys basketball team was State Runner-Up in 2015.

• The BGHS boys golf team ended the 2015 season with a Top 5 finish at State.

— For more information, visit www.bgreen. kyschools.us, follow on Twitter at twitter.com/ bgisd, like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ bgcityschools or call 270-746-2200.

Warren County Public Schools www.warrencountyschools.org

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eing a growth district isn’t just about numbers for Warren County Public Schools. One of Kentucky’s fastest-growing school districts in recent years, WCPS serves nearly 15,000 students from preschool to high school. That growth has helped the district expand its facilities and provide the latest instructional technology.

But WCPS administrators, teachers and staff are concerned more about the growth of individual students than the increase in numbers. The district motto, “Where Children Prepare for Success,” is evident everyday as talented educators help students achieve success in the classroom and in extracurricular activities as they prepare for success in life.

That success can be measured in many ways, with the state’s annual academic assessment being the most prevalent. WCPS demonstrates it is clearly among Kentucky’s top-performing districts. The latest results on Kentucky’s Unbridled Learning assessment and accountability system show that WCPS ranks among the state’s best.

The district improved its state ranking from the 71st percentile in 2013 to the 87th in 2014.

WCPS is in the proficient category and bordering on distinguished status. WCPS schools Cumberland Trace Elementary, South Warren High and South Warren Middle earned

By Don Sergent “School of Distinction” status for scoring among the top five percent of schools in the state. Jody Richards Elementary, Plano Elementary and Greenwood High earned distinguished ratings.

“The significant rise in our assessment scores speaks volumes about our district-wide focus and commitment toward continuous improvement,” said WCPS Superintendent Rob Clayton. “Although it’s a mere snapshot of our progress and success, we recognize the importance of these results for our students, staff and entire community.”

On other measures of success, WCPS stacks up well when compared to districts around the state and nation. One such measure comes as an outgrowth of The Leader in Me initiative, implemented with financial help from the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. The Leader in Me is FranklinCovey’s whole-school transformation process. Based on the Stephen Covey book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” The Leader in Me teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader. As they implement this process, schools make progress toward Lighthouse status, meaning they’ve attained a well-rounded leadership model and serve as models of leadership and mentors to other

schools. Two WCPS schools – Briarwood Elementary and Natcher Elementary – were the first in Kentucky to achieve Lighthouse status.

Alvaton Elementary and Plano Elementary have since earned the designation as well.

“It’s an incredible honor for a school to achieve Lighthouse status,” Clayton said.

WCPS students and staff are showing leadership in many ways – and earning recognition as a result. One such recognition has come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which rewards schools for helping students lead healthy lifestyles. Twelve WCPS schools have earned the USDA’s Gold Award for providing nutritious meals, encouraging

The district motto, “Where Children Prepare for Success,” is evident every day as talented educators help students achieve success in the classroom and in extracurricular activities as they prepare for success in life. www.bgchamber.com

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physical activity and educating students about nutrition.

“We’re continually looking for ways to provide healthier choices,” said Kelly Holt, WCPS food service supervisor. “These are lifetime healthy eating habits we’re creating.”

WCPS is also a leader, statewide and nationally, in implementing energy-efficient strategies. The district started an energy-management program in 2003, long before the green movement started gaining steam, and has been recognized for its efforts. In fact, 21 WCPS buildings have earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Award for performing at a high level of energy efficiency.

WCPS utilize such efficient design elements as geothermal heating and cooling, Insulated Concrete Form walls and daylighting to keep costs down, and staff and students observe energy-saving behaviors. It adds up to more money for student learning.

“The money that’s saved can be redirected to classrooms for equipment and computers,” said Jay Wilson, WCPS energy manager.

The district’s green movement led to the 2010 opening of the nation’s first net zero public school building, Richardsville Elementary.

Equipped with solar panels on its roof and an adjacent parking shelter, the building generates more electricity than it consumes. As a result of its cutting-edge design and success in achieving net zero status, Richardsville is one of only 78 schools in the nation to earn the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School honor. The school is regularly visited by global officials who want to emulate Warren County. Two other new buildings, Bristow Elementary and Jody Richards Elementary, have many of the same energy-saving design elements as Richardsville and are considered net zero-ready. Both have the infrastructure in place for installation of solar panels, if installing them becomes economical.

Constantly looking to provide the best learning environment for students, the Warren County Board of Education has approved upgrades at Warren Central and Warren East high schools. The renovations improved library, auditorium and cafeteria offerings at the schools. Upgrades to all athletic fields, including installation of synthetic turf at both schools, are still in the works.

Also in the works are changes at the four WCPS middle schools, which are scheduled to switch from a grades 7-8 alignment to a grades 6-8 format beginning with the 201718 school year.

“This increases opportunities for kids,” Clayton said, who noted that moving sixth-graders to the middle schools will enhance educational rigor and lead to a higher level of student learning.

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Plano Elementary School

AN AWARD-WINNING

HIGH SCHOOL WKU’s Gatton Academy

By Lynette Breedlove, Ph.D., and Derick Strode

Western Kentucky University is home to The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, a residential school for high school juniors and seniors from across the Commonwealth who complete their last two years of high school while beginning their first two years of college. Students complete all their courses, which focus heavily on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in classes alongside WKU students, taking advantage of academic opportunities by engaging in independent research projects mentored by WKU faculty. Students live in a communal residence hall designed to meet the needs of gifted high school students. Students participate in summer activities, applying a year in advance for internships, research opportunities and study abroad trips. Assistant Director of Academic Services Derick Strode helps students find research opportunities and internships, in addition to planning study abroad trips.

During the summer of 2015, three Gatton graduates participated in Research Experiences for Undergraduates and International Research Experiences in Texas, Wisconsin and South Korea, all funded by the National Science Foundation. Two other graduates interned at NASA in West Virginia and Maryland. Staying closer to home, three graduates interned at Carlson Software in Maysville.

Twenty rising seniors spent the summer researching at WKU, WKU–Owensboro, the Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory in Newport, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Center for Education and Workforce Statistics and Owensboro Cancer Research Program.

At the end of the summer, many students headed to England with other Gatton rising seniors. Each summer, about 40 Academy students visit Harlaxton Manor for a three-week trip where they study English literature. In May 2015, 15 students traveled to Beijing, China, where they researched China’s high speed rail system, architecture and trade. Three recent graduates and one rising senior participated in the Confucius Institute’s High School Summer Bridge Program in China. In addition, three recent graduates are experiencing the intensive study and immersion opportunities provided by the National Security Language Initiative for Youth in Morocco, Moldova and South Korea.

Gatton students seldom take the summer off. Instead, they continue their pursuit of enriching experiences with internships, research and study abroad trips.

www.wku.edu/academy

For more than 30 years, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU has provided hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities for gifted and talented students.

Summer Programming for Grades 1–10 Saturday Programming for Grades 1–8 Travel Opportunities for Grades 8–12 270-745-6323 | wku.edu/gifted www.bgchamber.com

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Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College www.bowlinggreen.kctcs.edu

Story by Mark Brooks

SKYCTC prepares students for life beyond the classroom

S

outhcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College graduates are entering the workforce a step above the rest, and employers are taking notice.

Not only is SKYCTC training a determined, ample workforce, the college has been recognized as a national leader in soft skills curriculum.

As thousands of college graduates enter the workforce, employers look for students equipped with more than just the traditional knowledge and skills for their chosen profession. Want a nursing job? You should know anatomy, disease management and patient care. Hoping to be a robotics technician? You need to be versed in computer programming and advanced manufacturing skills.

But it is often not sufficient to simply know how to the do the job, students also are expected to exhibit proper workplace behavior.

SKYCTC is expanding its career readiness curriculum by

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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

“We have set the bar higher for our students so they will stand out to employers.” teaching skills such as professionalism, workplace etiquette and teamwork. The Faculty Senate implemented a workplace ethics agreement in all classrooms to strengthen student mastery of punctuality and work ethic, classroom participation and teamwork, appropriate dress, proper technology use and treating each team member with professional courtesy.

That means in addition to completing class assignments students demonstrate punctuality, professionalism and persistence. Since the workplace ethics agreement implementation in 2011, student GPAs and retention rates have improved and employers are recognizing their SKYCTC graduates’ solid work ethic. The success of the program earned SKYCTC national honors. The college’s Faculty Senate was the 2015 recipient of the Faculty Innovation Award of Excellence from the American Association of Community Colleges in April and was chosen from more than 1,100 of AACC’s member colleges. The program also has been recognized by the League for Innovation in the Community College.

“We have set the bar higher for our students, so they will stand out to employers,” said SKYCTC President Phillip Neal. “They will be the preferred hires not only because they have the necessary skills, knowledge and training to do the job, but also because they are dependable, hard-working and understand the expectation of today’s industries.”

Only students who meet both the academic and work ethic behavioral expectations successfully complete their courses.

Faculty report increased productivity in the classrooms, and students say they feel more motivated to succeed.

“This is a team effort, and while it immediately benefits our college community, it is directly focused on better serving our industry partners who are the basis of Kentucky’s economy,” Neal said. “We are honored to be recognized for helping our students and their future employers succeed.” www.bgchamber.com

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Western Kentucky University www.wku.edu

Gordon Ford College of Business receiving global recognition

By Jennifer Breiwa Smith

T

he Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University ranks in the top 1 percent of business schools worldwide. Of the 15,000 collegiate schools of business, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredits only 182 in business and accounting. To be part of this elite group is a prime example of how WKU is achieving excellence in applied educational programs.

The Gordon Ford College of Business helps students develop a range of marketable business skills in nine undergraduate majors including accounting, business economics, business informatics, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing and mathematical economics.

Graduates in these fields are in high-demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in the “Occupational Outlook Handbook” that employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow 17 to 19 percent through 2020.

The College offers three graduate programs including the Master of Accountancy, Master of Applied Economics and the Master of Business Administration. The MBA offers three high quality, affordable formats: full-time, online and professional. The Professional MBA has been recognized as a top five percent program according to the MBA Major Field Test.

Students in the business disciplines have opportunities to study abroad, apply for

prestigious national scholarships, attend guest lectures, consult with business leaders and work collaboratively on case studies to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations.

The six Centers of Excellence in the Gordon Ford College of Business link classroom learning to hands-on business practices: •Center for Applied Economics •Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation •Center for Financial Success •Center for Leadership Excellence •Center for Professional Selling •Center for the Study of Capitalism

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WKU sophomore accounting major Rebecca Zimberg recently completed the annual Kentucky Society of CPAs College Leadership Institute. She was one of 21 students from the Commonwealth to par-

ticipate in the program, which is designed to help accounting majors develop communication, leadership and interviewing skills while networking with professionals in their field.

“It was great exposure for me to attend this as a sophomore,” Zimberg said. “Most of the other students participating were upperclassmen so I was able to ask questions and get a lot of information from them. I feel now that I have a game plan for the next few years. I am excited about my future in accounting.”

In addition to the academic programs, the six Centers for Excellence in the Gordon Ford College of Business expose students to world-class faculty and programs in cutting edge areas that include: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Financial Success, Professional Selling, Applied Economics, the Study of Capitalism and Leadership.

The Center for Applied Economics connects students with real-world data sets and problems, giving them an opportunity to consult with business and political leaders. The Center serves as an economic information access point for Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky and provides a bridge between technical research in eco-

nomics and the local community on relevant topics.

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides opportunities for students to interact with business leaders through business plan competitions, guest speakers and consulting. During the 201415 academic year, more than $7,500 was awarded to student entrepreneurs to advance their business ideas and inventions.

The Center established Topper Tank, which gives student entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet with business professionals to receive feedback and assistance that will help them further their ideas.

The Center for Financial Success offers an on-site clinic staffed by a trained financial success counselor who provides financial literacy guidance to the WKU community.

The Center for Leadership Excellence offers area business leaders the opportunity to

engage in a series of workshops and forums that provide theoretical and practical information regarding leadership strategies.

The Center for Professional Selling is one of a select group of certified sales programs in the United States. Students who participate in this Center prepare for a career in sales by partnering with companies who provide sales opportunities.

The Center for the Study of Capitalism connects students with forward-thinking economists through its lecture series.

The Gordon Ford College of Business is a leader in providing high-quality business education programs to meet the needs of the business community. Its distinctiveness as an applied College of Business, where students learn an academic discipline and marketable job skills, make it a model of business education in the Commonwealth.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE (PEAK) Professional success doesn't just begin when a student wears the cap and gown; it is a process that starts the moment a student walks into Grise Hall for the first time. Because preparing students for entry into the professional business environment is an important focus area for the Gordon Ford College of Business, the PEAK program provides students with information, assistance and advice in: •Career awareness and exploration opportunities •Personal improvement workshops and seminars •Real-world experiences through mentoring and internships •Continued professional development and networking for alumni

Gordon Ford College of Business students touring Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta.

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www.wku.edu/business • 270.745.3290

www.bgchamber.com

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PHONE NUMBERS FOR NEWCOMERS UTILITIES Services listed are for Bowling Green/Warren County. For information on services in other counties, contact county government offices.

ELECTRICITY Bowling Green Municipal Utilities .................. 270-782-1200 Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation ... 270-842-6541

NATURAL GAS

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College ....................................... 270-901-1000 Western Kentucky University ............................ 270-745-0111

Libraries Warren County Public Library ........................ 270-781-4882

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Atmos Energy Corporation ............................. 270-901-1677

CITY OF BOWLING GREEN

WATER / SEWER

Emergency ............................................................................ 911 Building Division .............................................. 270-393-3615 City Manager ................................................. 270-393-3000 Fire Department ............................................... 270-393-3702 GO bg Transit ................................................... 270-782-3162 Humane Society .............................................. 270-842-8572 Parks & Recreation .......................................... 270-393-3249 Police (non-emergency) .................................. 270-393-2473 Property Taxes (city) ....................................... 270-393-3000 Public Works .................................................... 270-393-3628

Bowling Green Municipal Utilities .................. 270-782-1200 Warren County Water District ......................... 270-842-0052

TELEPHONE AT&T .................................................................. 270-846-4611 Time Warner Cable ......................................... 844-316-8554

CABLE Time Warner Cable ......................................... 844-316-8554

INTERNET The city of Bowling Green offers free public Wi-Fi. Visit www. bgky.org/freepublicwifi.php for a list of locations.

AT&T .................................................................. 270-846-4611 Bowling Green Municipal Utilities .................. 270-782-1200 Time Warner Cable ......................................... 844-316-8554

TRASH Scott Waste Management ............................. 877-558-2579

RECYCLING Shelby Recycling ............................................. 270-846-0689 Southern Recycling .......................................... 270-781-3265

EDUCATION Public K–12 Bowling Green City .......................................... 270-746-2200 Warren County .................................................. 270-781-5150 Allen County ....................................................... 270-618-3181 Barren County ................................................... 270-651-3787 Butler County .................................................... 270-526-5624 Edmonson County ............................................ 270-597-2101 Hart County ...................................................... 270-524-2631 Logan County ................................................... 270-726-2436 Metcalfe County ............................................... 270-432-2481 Monroe County ............................................... 270-487-5456 Simpson County ............................................... 270-586-8877

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WARREN COUNTY Building & Electric Services ........................... 270-843-5360 County Clerk .................................................... 270-842-1535 Judge Executive ............................................... 270-843-4146 Parks & Recreation .......................................... 270-842-5302 Property Taxes ................................................. 270-842-1633 Property Valuation .......................................... 270-843-3268 Public Works - Roads ..................................... 270-843-8328 Rescue Department ......................................... 270-783-3030 Treasurer .......................................................... 270-842-5805

OTHER COUNTIES Allen County .................................................... 270-237-3631 Barren County .................................................. 270-651-3338 Butler County ................................................... 270-526-3433 Edmonson County ............................................ 270-597-2819 Hart County ...................................................... 270-524-5219 Logan County .................................................... 270-726-3116 Metcalfe County ............................................... 270-432-3181 Monroe County .............................................. 270-487-5505 Simpson County ............................................... 270-586-7184

MISCELLANEOUS Drivers License (Bowling Green)

•1001 Center St., Suite 102 ................... 270-746-7417 Post Office (Bowling Green)

•311 E. 11th Ave. ............................. 270-796-4035

•5300 Scottsville Road ................. 270-843-5760

Index of Advertisers & Preferred Businesses ACCOUNTANTS

BKD, LLP — See ad on page 15 400 E. Main Ave., Suite 200 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-0111 www.bkd.com BKD, LLP is one of the largest CPA and advisory firms in the U.S., providing consulting, tax, assurance and accounting outsourcing solutions to businesses, governmental entities, not-for-profit organizations and individuals.

ASSISTED LIVING

Anderson Hospitality Chandler Memory Care & Assisted Living — See ad on page 53 1310 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-2626 www.chandlermemory.com Bowling Green’s new residential community designed for seniors with a memory deficit. We offer a safe and secure home-like environment with numerous services and amenities.

Shelton CPAs, LLP — See ad on page 20 181 W. Professional Park Court Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-9620 www.sheltoncpas.com Shelton CPAs, LLP is the largest local group of CPAs in Bowling Green, KY. We provide top-quality, trustworthy services in accounting, auditing, tax, business valuations, forensics and litigation support.

AIRPORT

Bowling Green Warren County Regional Airport — See ad page 19 1000 Woodhurst St., Suite 210 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-1101 www.bgwcairport.org Rob Barnett, Airport Manager Open 24 hours, 7 days per week, full flight services, all weather capability, rental cars, aircraft maintenance, free parking, FBO courtesy car, two flight schools, aerial tours and hangar leasing.

Airport management is now selling aviation fuel.

ARCHITECTS

Anderson Hospitality Chandler Park Assisted Living — See ad on page 53 2643 Chandler Drive Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-2626 www.chandlerparkassistedliving.com Chandler Park is Bowling Green’s premier assisted living, offering a variety of floor plans, services and amenities to meet the needs of today’s seniors.

Massey Springs 2945 Smallhouse Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-0004 leigh@masseyspringssrliving.com www.masseyspringsseniorliving.com We provide independent and assisted living for seniors with three home-cooked meals daily, housekeeping and laundry services, help with ADL’s, medication reminders, and the best support staff around.

ASSISTED LIVING / RETIREMENT

Bowling Green Retirement Village

996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite B4 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-904-3388 msewell@sewellarchitects.com www.sewellarchitects.com An architectural firm specializing in commercial, industrial and residential design.

Our mission is to provide top-quality architectural design, and clients seek us out for our high standards of service.

445 Middle Bridge Road West Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-5433 www.bgrv.com •Licensed Independent & Assisted Living •3 Balanced Daily Meals •Housekeeping/Maintenance •Full Range of Support Services •Medical Transportation •Health & Fitness Program •Indoor Heated Swimming/Classes •Health & Wellness Workshops •Resident Life Activities •Field Trips to Local Events •24-Hour Emergency Response

613 W. Main St. Louisville, KY 40202 www.stengelhill.com Founded in 1986, Stengel Hill Architecture is a full-service architectural firm with offices in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, specializing in healthcare, commercial and educational architecture.

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English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP — See ad on page 15 1101 College St. P.O. Box 770 Bowling Green, KY 42102-0770 270-781-6500 www.elpolaw.com Established in 1973. Engaged in general trial and appellate practice in state and federal courts; health, medical negligence, labor, employment, education, estate planning and probate, banking, corporation, real estate, immigration, and environmental law.

Martin Autoplex 2201, 2205, 2209 & 2011 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-846-0600 gm@martindodgejeep.com, gm@ucwky. com & gm@martinkia.com www.martinautoplex.com Martin Autoplex provides today’s top makes and pre-owned vehicles from Martin Dodge-Jeep-Chrysler-Ram, Martin Kia, Bowling Green Mitsubishi & Used Car Warehouse. Dealerships are open M-Sat 8a-7p and Sun 9a-6p.

Linda B. Thomas, Attorney at Law 996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite A1 Hartland Place Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-8737 www.smartcounsel.biz Commercial and residential real estate transactions, planning and zoning, business law, entity formation/administration/dissolution, contracts, business succession strategies and adoptions.

AUTOMOBILE BODY REPAIR / PAINTING

Toyota Of Bowling Green 1860 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-4321 sales@toyotaofbowlinggreen.com www.toyotaofbowlinggreen.com Proudly serving Bowling Green Area for 30 years. Number one priority first-class service.

LOVE IT OR BRING IT BACK on all used cars. Toyota most dependable car with best resale value on the market and is most American-made vehicle by Kentuckians.

AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS / SERVICES Final Finish

Sewell and Sewell Architects, PLLC

Stengel Hill Architecture — See ad on inside front cover

AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE

ATTORNEYS

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

382 Gardner Lane P.O. Box 477 Morgantown, KY 42261 270-526-4856 chase@finalfinish.com www.finalfinishusa.com At Final Finish, we are proud to provide the highest level of quality and customer service to our customers in Powder Coating, Collision Center, Rhino Lining and Ceramic Coatings.

AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPS / REPAIR

Leachman Buick-GMCCadillac 2012 Scottsville Road P.O. Box 1749 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-4881 cjackson@leachmanauto.com www.leachmanauto.com Leachman Buick GMC Cadillac is a family-owned local car dealership that has been in Bowling Green for over 68 years. Kentucky’s #1 GMC Dealership!

Luxury Imports of Bowling Green — See ad on page 13 325 Three Springs Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-745-0001 www.bowlingreendealership.com Factory authorized BMW and Mercedes Benz dealership. Stop in and see this award-winning dealership that has made many clients happy. Ask for Dan Clark, General Manager.

Big O Tires — See ad on page 25 209 Smith Rd., Glasgow, KY 42141

Holley Performance Products — See ad on page 27 1801 Russellville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-782-2900 Fax: 270-781-9940 www.holley.com Holley has been the undisputed leader in fuel systems for over 100 years. Holley’s products include performance fuel pumps, fuel injection, intake manifolds, & engine dress–up products for street performance, race and marine applications.

BUILDERS & RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Builders Association of South Central Kentucky — See ad on page 51 859 Lovers Lane Bowling Green KY 42103 270-781-3375 anapier@bascky.com www.bascky.com For new construction/remodeling needs, contact our member association serving housing and construction in Warren and surrounding counties for the building industry and for the protection of consumers.

1975 Russellville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101

(270) 629-4200 Road (270) 843-2181 1975 Russellville Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-2181 store017091@bigostores.com www.bigotires.com Big O Tires offers guaranteed lowest tire prices and a wide range of diagnostic, repair and routine maintenance services, backed by one of the best national service warranties available.

Lee Myles Transmissions & AutoCare 945 U.S. 31-W By-Pass Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-9339 bgleemyles@accessky.net www.bowlinggreenleemyles.com Lee Myles Transmissions & AutoCare specializes in transmission repair and rebuilding and can also handle most of your general auto care needs. ASE and AAA certified and BBB accredited.

Gemini Homes, Inc. — see ad on page 50 1043 Pedigo Way, Suite #5 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-782-8893 www.yourgeminihomes.com You Dream! We Build!

•Custom Homes •Remodeling/Additions •Lots for Sale •Plan Design •Real Estate Sales •Green Building •Homes for Sale •Decks/Outdoor Spaces •Replacement Windows

BUILDING MATERIALS

Lee Brick & Block — See ad on page 50 309 Dishman Lane P.O. Box 3245 Bowling Green, KY 42102-3245 270-781-9813 digby@leebrickandblock.com www.leebrickandblock.com Offering a Full Line of Masonry Products, Including: •Concrete & Clay Pavers •Glass Block •Firerock and Stone Age Fireplaces •Retaining Wall Block for Landscapes •Masonry Tools •Mountain Stone & Natural Stone

CLUBHOUSE / GOLF COURSE / EVENT CENTER Mid-South Lumber & Supply, Inc. 107 Emmett Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-0194 jperkins@midsouthlumber.com www.midsouthlumber.com “We’re More Than Wood” •Offering a full line of building products •Andersen Circle of Excellence Dealer •Benjamin Moore Signature Store •Doors, windows, mouldings, decking, roofing, siding

CHURCHES

Stewart Richey Construction — see ad on page 29 The Club at Olde Stone — See ad on page 50 950 Village Way Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-393-4653 www.olde-stone.com Olde Stone is a Private Golf Course Community along the banks of Drakes Creek. •18 Holes of Arthur Hills Golf•Village Hall•Golf House•Fitness, Tennis, Pool•Cottage Rentals•Three Neighborhoods Life. The Way it Was Meant to Be.

CONFERENCE / EVENT FACILITIES Bowling Green Christian Church — See ad on page 55 1912 Smallhouse Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-6231 x6 weston@bowlinggreenchristian.org www.bowlinggreenchristian.org MISSION: We exist to love God through worship, love the church through fellowship, love the world through evangelism and love the broken through compassion.

Hillvue Heights Church — See ad on page 55 Hillvue Heights Church 3219 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-0012 www.hillvue.com We exist to lead the community to a connection with Christ, so sin can be healed and people can develop into ministers of God’s grace.

COUNTRY CLUBS

WKU Office of Conferencing & Catering — See ad on page 87 2355 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-745-2409 www.wku.edu/conference WKU Conferencing and Catering offers two beautiful spaces: The Augenstein Alumni Center and spacious Knicely Conference Center. Combined with our event planning services and professional catering, our services are second-to-none.

CONSTRUCTION / CONTRACTORS

2137 Glen Lily Road Bowling Green, KY 42101-9409 270-842-5184 www.stewartrichey.com Stewart Richey is a multi-disciplined construction and service firm providing contracting, maintenance, and repair services across residential, commercial, industrial, civil and institutional markets. Our mission is to provide unsurpassed service and innovative solutions through our exceptional people. Whether you have an emergency situation, a necessary repair or replacement, or need periodic maintenance, Stewart Richey is on call 24/7 to meet your maintenance and service needs.

CONTRACTORS

Scotty’s Contracting & Stone, LLC — See ad on page 37 2300 Barren River Road P.O. Box 4500 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-3998 billk@scottyscontracting.com www.scottyscontracting.com Contact us for a FREE estimate!

•Crushed Stone, Lime •Roads, Driveways, Parking Lots •Grade and Drain Construction QUALITY PAVES THE WAY!

CONTRACTORS COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL

Holy Spirit Catholic Church — See ad on page 55 4754 Smallhouse Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-7777 www.holyspiritcatholic.org •Please check Web site for Mass times.

MISSION: We are a welcoming Catholic community called to live our faith by celebrating sacraments and prayers; proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ; seeking lifelong faith formation; sharing our time, talents, and treasure; and reaching out in compassionate service to others.

NewLife Church 1423 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-0223 info@newlifebg.com www.newlifebg.com “We live to help others experience God.” Sunday 9a, 10a, 11a, 6p & Wednesday 6:30p

The Presbyterian Church — See ad on page 55 1003 State. St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-4707 www.bgpres.org Located in beautiful downtown Bowling Green. 2016 begins our 197th year of worship and service to the Lord. We hope you’ll visit us. All are welcome!

Holland, Inc. — See ad on page 39 7705 Russellville Road P.O. Box 73 Rockfield, KY 42274-0073 270-781-7044 www.hollandexcavating.com Excavating Contractor: We do site preparation, grade and drain, clearing, and stone.

•Subdivisions•Commercial•Industrial •Residential

Scott & Murphy — See ad on outside back cover 2335 Barren River Road P.O. Box 2520 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-781-9944 www.scottandmurphy.com CONCRETE & CIVIL CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST •Curbs•Sidewalks•Pavement •Foundations & Slabs•Retaining Walls•Tilt-Up Panels•Basements•Bridges•Culverts•Catch Basins•Equipment Foundations •Containment Structures/ Trenches•Concrete Sawing & Demolition•Retention & Storm Drainage•Site Grading

Scott, Murphy & Daniel, LLC — See ad on outside back cover 2335 Barren River Road P.O. Box 2520 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-781-9944 www.scottmurphydaniel.com •Design/Build Construction•Complete Engineering/Architectural/Design Services•Construction Management Services•Conventional General Contracting •Renovations/Conversions/Expansions •Industrial •Commercial •Medical •Institutional •Church

Carter Douglas Company, LLC — See ad on page 41 109 Robins Way Russellville, KY 42276 270-725-8788 info@carterdouglas.com www.carterdouglas.com Carter Douglas Company specializes in industrial, commercial and institutional construction. We have over 19 years’ experience in construction management, welding and sales. CDC can design, plan and build any project you desire from start to finish.

COUNSELING

Alliance Counseling Associates — See ad on page 77 1048 Ashley St., Suite 201 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-904-6567 alliancecounselingky@gmail.com www.alliancecounselingky.com Compassion, Dedication and Support is what you’ll find when you work with one of our many counseling professionals! We provide evidence-based services to help you overcome the challenges you’re facing. Our services are provided to people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

Lawless Orthodontics

Bowling Green Country Club — See ad on page 69 215 Beech Bend Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 Office: 270-842-0325 Pro Shop: 270-842-4581 bgcc@bgcc1913.com www.bgcc1913.com BGCC is one of Kentucky’s oldest and most respected private clubs. We offer a variety of services to our club members, and we pride ourselves on our affordable, family-oriented environment.

Indian Hills Country Club 200 Indian Hills Drive P.O. Box 3595 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-842-0041 Golf Shop: 270-843-8256 info@indianhills-bgky.com www.indianhills-bgky.com Private club golf course, bar and grill, pool and snack bar. Call for rental rates for your private party or wedding reception. Corporate and charity golf outings are welcome.

CREDIT UNIONS Autotruck Financial Credit Union 1475 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-4365 Tpearson@autotruckfcu.org www.autotruck.fcu.org AFCU is a full-service financial institution offering competitive products and services to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the Barren River Area Development District. Call Today!

DANCE EDUCATION

Dance Arts of Bowling Green 1060 Pedigo Way Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-6811 danceartsofbg@yahoo.com www.danceartsbg.com The Dance Arts School curriculum is a graded training program with emphasis on the emotional, intellectual and creative development of each child. This school specializes in young children’s classes as well as offering the Pre-Professional Program, SOKY Dance Ensemble, to prepare dancers for the collegiate and professional dance world.

DENTISTRY

Bluegrass Oral Health Center — See ad on page 73 546 Park St., Suite 400 Bowling Green, KY 42101-1780 270-781-6161 msmith@bgohc.com We provide comprehensive dentistry for each member of your family. Treatments include: •Preventative Restorations •Cosmetic Dentistry •Root Canal Therapy •Oral Surgery •Implant •Oral and I.V. Sedation

895 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-781-1025 smiles@smilesthatlast.com Creating exceptional smiles in your community and exceptional experiences as we get there. Another location at 1337 North Race Street, Glasgow, KY 42141 (270) 6599500

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Logan Economic Alliance for Development — See ad on page 11 116 S. Main St. Russellville, KY 42276 270-726-9575 www.loganleads.com LEAD is the economic development agency for Logan County Kentucky and its four cities, Adairville, Auburn, Lewsiburg and Russellville. LEAD markets its industrial buildings and sites throughout the U.S. and globally.

South Central Kentucky — See ad on page 22 710 College St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-3200 www.southcentralky.com Warren County and Bowling Green are at the center of a dynamic ten-county regional growth partnership. Each of our ten counties share resources, accessibility and the vision to drive a healthy business climate.

WKU Center for Research and Development — See ad on page 29 Jeff Hook, Director 2413 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 The CRD, an entrepreneurial community, offers an ideal environment for growing and expanding businesses to collaborate with technology based companies, practicing engineers, and university scientists while providing resources to succeed.

EDUCATION

Bowling Green Independent School District — See ad on page 80 1211 Center St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-746-2200 Leslie.mccoy@bgreen.kyschools.us www.b-g.k12.ky.us Building on a tradition of excellence, Bowling Green Schools lead the way in education for all. The district serves students in five elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and one secondary alternative school. Follow BGISD on twitter.com/bgisd and facebook.com/bgcityschools.com.

www.bgchamber.com

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ELECTRICAL / TECHNICAL

Gordon Ford College of Business at WKU — See ad on page 87 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11063 Grise Hall Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-745-2279 gfcb@wku.edu www.wku.edu/business WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business is a leader in providing high-quality, applied undergraduate business education and select graduate programs that meet the needs of the business community.

M&L Electrical, Inc. – M&L Technical Systems — See ad on page 13 6060 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-0125 www.mltechnical.com Celebrating 40 years of business, this design-build electrical and alarm/communication systems contractor has served the needs of commercial and industrial customers since 1975. Whether your project involves new construction or expansion, we will execute your project from concept through completion.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College — See ad on page 85 1845 Loop Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-901-1117 www.southcentral.kctcs.edu Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College is a comprehensive two-year college offering Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees. The College also offers diplomas and certificates in more than 30 program areas as well as Workforce Solutions Training for business and industry and Adult Education and Literacy instruction.

The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU — See ad on page 83 1906 College Heights Blvd. #71031 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-745-6323 gifted@wku.edu www.wku.edu/gifted The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University has served gifted students, their parents, and educators for more than 30 years.

Warren County Public Schools —See ad on page 82 303 Lovers Lane Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-781-5150 www.warrencountyschools.org WCPS is Kentucky’s fifth-largest school district, with nearly 15,000 students in 23 schools, and it ranks among the state’s best in academics and athletics.

Western Kentucky University — See ad on page 79 1906 College Heights Blvd.

Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-745-0111 wku@wku.edu www.wku.edu WKU is home to many rigorous, highly ranked and nationally recognized academic programs in education, liberal arts and sciences, the health sciences and business, at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level.

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B&R Electrical, Inc. — See ad on page 20 550 Kelly Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-793-5698 www.br-electrical.com •Industrial•Commercial•Construction •Engineering •Design•Maintenance

Bluegrass Electrical, Inc. — See ad on page 41

1646 Morgantown Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-8333 Fax: 270-781-5113 www.bluegrasselectric.com Commercial and Industrial Electrical Contractors proudly serving the construction, maintenance, design and machinery relocation needs of our community and region.

The quality you expect — The service you deserve.

EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES

Kelly Services — See ad on page 23 1256 Campbell Lane, Suite 102 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-2906 www.kellyservices.us As a global leader in providing workforce solutions, Kelly Services, Inc. offers comprehensive outsourcing and consulting services as well as world-class staffing on a temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct-hire basis.

Manpower Employment Services Provider 1600 Campbell Lane, Suite 103 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-0767 amy.coursey@manpower.com www.manpower.com Manpower is the world leader in contingent and permanent staffing solutions. Manpower’s talent resourcing options will increase your business flexibility, agility, cost effectiveness and competitive advantage.

White Staffing Management, LLC 270-904-1299 www.whitestaffing.com White Staffing Management is a proven leader in supplying reliable solutions for your company’s temporary/permanent staffing needs, from entry level to executive level. Let White Staffing Management show you how they are “Changing the Game in Staffing”!

ENGINEERING Industrial Electrical Contractors — See ad on page 11 121 Vanderbilt Court P.O. Box 51566 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-393-8466 www.ieccbg.com A commercial and industrial electrical contractor providing construction, design, engineering and maintenance services statewide since 1999.

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR

Cape Electrical Supply — See ad on page 19 140 Flex Park Drive 270-843-1188 m.morris@capeelectric.com www.capelectric.com A full line electrical distributor servicing utility, industrial, commercial, and residential markets. Cape Electrical is the only distributor in the Bowling Green area to service all four markets.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES / LIGHTING

Bowling Green Winlectric Company 1001 Shive Lane, Suite A Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-6153 bgwinlectric@bellsouth.net www.bowlinggreenlighting.com Whether you are renovating, building or just searching for that one perfect light fixture, we have the solution for you.

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Arnold Consulting Engineering Services, Inc. — See ad on page 84 1136 South Park Drive P.O. Box 1338 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-780-9445 www.a-eces.com Experienced in the fields of civil engineering, surveying, transportation, materials testing, and landscape architecture, our staff provides the knowledge and support needed to address complex problems in our changing world.

Landmark Engineering, Inc. — See ad on page 19 183 St. Charles St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-0812 marianna@landmarkengineering.net www.landmarkengineering.net Landmark Engineering offers a broad range of design services, including: •Civil Engineering •Land Surveying •Transportation Engineering •Materials Testing •Land Planning •Landscape Architecture

FABRICATION MAINTENANCE SUPPORT

148 Chester Court Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-843-2247 info@ddsengineering.com www.ddsengineering.com DDS Engineering, PPLC, is committed to providing “Pride and Excellence” in the fields of land surveying, civil and geotechnical engineering, construction materials, testing, special inspection services and landscape architecture with over a century of combined professional experience.

5290 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-783-8300 www.farmersnationalky.com •Commercial•Consumer•Auto•Home Equity Lines•Equipment•Mortgage •Construction•and More!

First Security Bank — See ad on page 35 1018 Chestnut St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 270-745-9436 MOK@FirstSecurity.net (Mike O’Kelly) FirstSecurity.net A $570 million asset bank with 11 banking centers in Owensboro, Bowling Green, and Lexington, Kentucky, as well as Evansville, Indiana. Its focus is on relationship banking and the ability to make credit and other business decisions locally.

H & H Sheet Metal 355 Peyton St. Russellville, KY 42276 270-726-2158 Serving the area for more than 30 years, our experienced workforce of more than 100 employees is able to meet most any industrial need.

•Millwright•Riggers•Iron Workers •Welders•Pipe Fitters•Pipe Welders •Concrete Pouring & Finishing•& Various Other Services

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Hilliard Lyons — See ad on page 9 446 E. Main Ave. P.O. Box 1837 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-781-1691 Svitale@hilliard.com www.hilliard.com Jennings Perry Schmitt Financial Group of Hilliard Lyons Stadium Park Plaza 360 Eighth Ave., Suite 211 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-467-9664 sperry@hilliard.com www.jpsfinancialgroup.com

Franklin Bank & Trust Company 317 North Main St. Franklin, KY 42134 270-586-7121 lindsey_mcclain@fbtco.com www.fbtco.com We are your full-service, hometown bank!

Five convenient locations in Bowling Green & Franklin. Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business. Member FDIC - Equal Housing Lender

Independence Bank — See ad on page 9 1950 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-1776 www.1776bank.com Independence Bank is one of the fastest-growing community banks in Western KY. Stop in to any of our three convenient locations in Bowling Green to see what the revolution is all about.

•1950 Scottsville Road, 270-781-1776 •877 Fairview Avenue, 270-843-9600 •2415 Nashville Road, 270-846-1776

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Morgantown Bank & Trust — See ad on page 50

DDS Engineering, PLLC — See ad on page 36

Farmers National Bank — See ad on page 39

Bank of Edmonson County — See ad on page 27 109 N. Main St. P.O. Box 99 Brownsville, KY 42210 270-597-2175 www.bankofedmonson.com Where banking is still a people business!

Full-service bank offering checking, CDs, money-market accounts, mortgages, home-equity loans, business checking, commercial loans and Internet banking.

Citizens First Bank – See ad on page 29 1805 Campbell Lane 1700 Scottsville Road 987 Lehman Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-393-0700 www.citizensfirstbank.com •Checking•Savings•Personal Loans •Business Loans•Mortgage Loans•Online Banking•Bill Pay•E-Statements•Mobile Banking•Merchant Capture •Bowling Green•Franklin•Glasgow •Munfordville•Horse Cave

1848 Morgantown Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-467-2265 ksmart@mtownbank.com ggay@mtownbank.com www.mtownbank.com 1945 Scottsville Road Thoroughbred Square 270-846-7333 cyoung@mtownbank.com Your full-service, locally owned and operated bank since 1880. Easy to Talk to.

Easy to Trust.

PBI Bank — See ad on page 44 751 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-746-9272 support@pbibank.com www.pbibank.com PBI Bank Inc., the ninth largest bank domiciled in the Commonwealth, provides a broad range of high-quality retail and business banking services through a network of banking centers across Kentucky.

Johnson, Vaughn, Phelps Funeral Home, Inc. — See ad on page 55 Service One Credit Union — See ad on page 50 1609 Campbell Lane P.O. Box 51770 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-796-8500 helpdesk@socu.com www.socu.com Service One, a full-service financial institution, has savings and checking accounts as well as Mortgages, Auto Loans, Credit Cards, Student Loans and Business Loans.

Save time and money with online banking, mobile deposit and our budgeting tool! Service One Credit Union – Where you belong.

U.S. Bank — See ad on page 3 500 E. Main St., 721 Campbell Lane, 810 Lain Ave., 1747 Scottsville Road, 1970 Cave Mill Road, 3240 Louisville Road, WKU Campus Branch P.O. Box 90001 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-745-7600 www.usbank.com U.S. Bank provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions.

We’re open for business and ready to serve you.

FIRE & SAFETY

Superior Fire & Safety A Division of ABCO Fire 300 Lowe Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101 888-212-5515 / 270-991-3473 dturley@abcofire.com LEADERS IN FIRE PROTECTION. Superior Fire is your single source for fire protection products, services, code compliance and many other safety needs. Trust in our tag!

Reliable Approach. Unique Value.

FLOORING

Grinstead’s Flooring & Furnishings — See ad on page 40 1353 Old Louisville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-1072 gjgrinstead@gmail.com www.grinsteadsflooring.com We carry a complete line of floor covering products, specializing in residential sales and installation. We have the largest selection of quality laminate in Bowling Green. We do not charge for estimates.

FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Homes & Crematory 832 Broadway Ave. 820 Lovers Lane Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-3111 kevinkirby@jckirbyandson.com www.jckirbyandson.com J.C. Kirby & Son have been serving folks of Bowling Green and Warren County for the past 50 years. With over 260 years of combines experience, we feel we are adept to solve most any given problem.

•Bowling Green Monument Company •Bowling Green Gardens Cemetery

901 Fairview Ave. P.O. Box 1114 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-843-4338 www.jvpfh.com A family owned and operated funeral home.

All professional services, from embalming to final preparations, are performed on location by our qualified staff.

GAS - WHOLESALE Key Oil Company 3170 Industrial Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-2590 pevitts@keystops.com Key Oil is the largest distributer of Branded Motor fuels for Marathon Petroleum Company and serves the energy and fuel requirements of a broad spectrum of customers.

GOVERNMENT

Bowling Green-Warren Co. Contractors Licensing Board — See ad on page 40 1141 State St., Suite 200 P.O. Box 1268 Bowling Green, KY 42102-1268 270-781-3530 www.bgky.org When selecting your contractor for your new home, remodeling, or home improvement, always check to see if he or she is licensed and in good standing. The Contractors Licensing Board can be reached at 270-7813530.

HEALTH & FITNESS

HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS

HEALTH CARE

Graves Gilbert Clinic — See ad on page 75 201 Park St. P.O. Box 90007 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-781-5111 www.gravesgilbertclinic.com Since 1937, Graves-Gilbert Clinic has been a leader in providing quality healthcare to the South Central Kentucky region. The clinic consists of over 100 physicians representing 20 medical specialities.

Medical Center Urgentcare 1110 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-796-3500 urgentcare@chc.net MedicalCenterUrgentcare.com Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Treats most illnesses and injuries. Provides complete physicals and wellness screenings. Onsite lab and X-ray capabilities. Wide range of occupational health services.

TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital — See ad on page 73 1801 Ashley Circle Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-793-1000 www.TriStarHealth.com TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital is a 211bed acute care medical/surgical facility that has served South Central Kentucky for over 43 years. TriStar Greenview has 24/7 Emergency Dept., Cardiac Cath services, and is recognized for its outstanding Orthopedic surgical care.

Western Kentucky Diagnostic Imaging — See ad on page 78 1635 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-746-9500 wkdi.com Quality imaging. Friendly service. Convenient location. Services include Open MRI and High Field MRI, CT Scan, Digital Mammography, Ultrasound, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Bone Density Evaluation, Fluoroscopy and X-ray.

HEARING AIDS SKY Rehabilitation Hospital — See ad on page 76 1300 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 Ph. 270-782-6900 Fax 270-467-0700 www.skyrehab.com SKY Rehabilitation Hospital offers a comprehensive range of acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative services. SKY specializes in assisting patients in their recovery from physical and/or neurological illnesses or injuries.

SKY is South Central Kentucky’s only CARF Accredited Stroke Specialty Rehab Hospital.

730 Fairview Ave., Suite C-2 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-793-0011 hotyogabg@yahoo.com www.hotyogabg.com Hot Yoga utlizes yoga postures, deep breathing and controlled movement in a heated/ humidified studio with purified air for health and relaxation. Hot Yoga is much more than a workout — much more than just yoga. The ULTIMATE fitness experience!

Natural Health Center for Integrative Medicine — See ad on page 77 1022 U.S. 31-W By-Pass 270-904-6000 doctorjuan@thenaturalhealthcenter.net www.thenaturalhealthcenter.net At the Natural Health Center for Integrative Medicine you will find the resources essential to restoring, healing and maintaining your health. Our goal is to help you achieve maximum well-being of body, mind & spirit.

1832 Cavemill Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-599-1832 www.marriott.com/bwgfb A hotel with outstanding guest rooms and suites at an exceptional value where you can jumpstart your day with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness facility, and a pool.

Anderson Hospitality Hilton Garden Inn — See ad on page 53 1020 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-781-6778 www.bowlinggreen.stayhgi.com At Hilton Garden Inn hotels you’ll find everything you need to be self-sufficient and productive. Designed for the individual business traveler and the weekend leisure guest, we provide the finest quality of essential services and amenities. We are dedicated to our guests’ comfort and service needs.

Better Hearing Centers 829 State St. Bowling Green, KY 42101-2230 270-843-3192 david@betterhearingcenters.org www.betterhearingcenters.org Better Hearing Centers has been serving South Central Kentucky since 1967. They have helped thousands of people hear better across the state and offer a 30-day money back guarantee.

HEATING & COOLING Hot Yoga Bowling Green — See ad on page 63

Anderson Hospitality Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott — See ad on page 53

Anderson Hospitality TownePlace Suites — See ad on page 53 1818 Cave Mill Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-782-4714 www.Marriott.com/BWGTS The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bowling Green is purpose-built for the self-sufficient, value-conscious extended-stay guest.

The Glasser Clinic — See ad on page 73 1325 Andrea St., Suite 100 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-6164 Fax: 270-901-3459 julie.anderson2@hcahealthcare.com www.theglasserclinic.com Dr. Jack Glasser, Dr. Todd Douglas, Dr. Kevin Kelly and Lisa Grimes, APRN, provide exceptional healthcare to Bowling Green and the surrounding communities. Their motto is “We will cure you with kindness.”

The Medical Center — See ad on page 71 250 Park St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-745-1000 info@mcbg.org themedicalcenter.org Region’s healthcare leader. The Heart Institute, Cancer Treatment Center, Primary Stroke Center, Obstetrics/Neonatology, Orthopaedics, Neuroscience Services, Surgical Weight Loss, Diagnostic Imaging, da Vinci Robotic Surgery.

The Medical Center Home Care Program

Lyons Service Company — See ad on page 31 1535 Memphis Junction Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-8793 rbrown@lyonsservicecompany.com www.lyonsservicecompany.com Scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs on mechanical heating and cooling equipment. Installation of building automation controls. Repair of process chillers and broilers. Serving the industrial, commercial, school and health care markets.

HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

King Home Care 1203 Ashley Circle Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-8111 www.kingdrug.com King Home Care is a locally owned and operated home medical equipment company. King Home Care provides home medical equipment, respiratory equipment, diabetic supplies and home infusion therapy.

Best Western — See ad on page 59 1940 Mel Browning St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-782-6933 bestwesternbg@gmail.com www.bestwestern.com •Complimentary Hot Breakfast •40” LED TVs •Complimentary Wireless Internet •Fitness Room/Business Center •Outdoor Pool •Negotiated Rates Available

Candlewood Suites — See ad on page 17 540 Wall St. Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-843-5505 www.candlewoodsuites.com Candlewood Suites is the guest-preferred leader in extended stay. As a member of IHG family of brands, we participate in Priority Club Rewards, Green Engage and Clean the World.

1953 Scottsville Road, Suite 200 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-745-1006 themedicalcenter.org The Medical Center Home Care Program provides skilled services to patients recovering from illness or surgery and those with a chronic disease or disability.

www.bgchamber.com

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INSURANCE

Country Inn & Suites — See ad on page 61 535 Wall St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-7200 Asmira.memic@countryinns.com Relax and Unwind! Our Amenities Include: •Free Hot Breakfast •Indoor Pool & Fitness Center •Business Center & Free High-Speed Internet •Meeting Space Available

Super 8 South-Exit 22 250 Cumberland Trace Road Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-781-9594 super8bowlinggreen@gmail.com www.super8.com Welcome to the Super 8 South. A complete renovation has been done to offer quality guestrooms with brand-new queen- and king-size beds, featuring amenties that include in-room coffee, free wireless Internet and microfridges.

165 Three Springs Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-3200 or 888 Holiday www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress Experience a warm Southern welcome when you stay at the Holiday Inn Express of Bowling Green. Relax with triple-sheeted bedding, 37” TVs and DVD players. Start your day with our free hot Express Start breakfast bar.

812 State St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-282-2411 info@lawtoninsurance.com www.lawtoninsurance.com You will find solutions at Lawton Insurance – whether it’s home, auto, life and health, or the most sophisticated needs for today’s business world. Lawton Insurance, serving Kentucky since 1899.

Van Meter Insurance — See ad on page 36 Diamond Screw Products, Inc. 2564 Russellville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-0040 270-781-0263 Fax sales@diamondscrewproducts.com We supply local industry and individuals with fasteners, tools, safety and janitorial supplies.

We strive to cater to our customers’ needs, both big and small.

1240 Fairway St PO Box 1779 270-781-2020 270-843-8808 vanmeterins.com At Van Meter, we work as hard as you do to ensure you are covered. Your full service Business, Personal and Health Insurance agency. “Nobody Works Harder.”

LIBRARY

INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY Holiday Inn University Plaza — See ad on page 25

B & M Industrial Supply — See ad on page 25

1021 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103-2445 270-745-0088 Plaza.Sales@JQH.com www.hibowlinggreen.com Bowling Green’s largest hotel recently completed a $7.5 million dollar renovation! Featuring 218 spacious guestrooms and suites, the Hartland Café and the Atrium Lounge, the Holiday Inn is the perfect place to send your overnight guests.

26 Corporate Court Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-4916 Kelly@bmsupply.com Visit us at one of our two locations. Call us for a line card or catalog.

Hyatt Place Bowling Green 1347 Center St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-467-0001 www.hyattplacebowlinggree.com Hyatt Place Bowling Green just opened June 2015! With 1,790 square feet of meeting space and 108 well-appointed guestrooms we can accommodate all of your hospitality needs.

Fastenal 5261 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-2080 Fax: 270-842-3287 kybow@stores.fastenal.com www.fastenal.com With growth through customer service, offering 13+ product categories, and being where you are, Fastenal is leading vendor of Industrial Supplies.

INDUSTRIAL / WELDING SUPPLIES

Holston Gases, Inc. – See ad on page 23 La Quinta Inn & Suites 1953 Mel Browning St. Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-783-0083 lq6264dos@laquinta.com www.lq.com “We know just what any traveler needs to wake up on the bright side.”

•FREE Hot Bright Side Breakfast•Indoor Pool / Hot Tub•Exercise Facilities •Smoke Free•Free Wi-Fi •Pet Friendly / No Extra Charge

Ramada 4767 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-3000 rmills@ramadabg.com www.ramada.com/bowlinggreen •Free Full Hot & Cold Breakfast •Fridge & Microwave in All Rooms •Free Wireless Internet •Outdoor Pool (Seasonal) •Nightly Entertainment •Newly Renovated Restaurant & Lounge •Exercise Room •Pets Allowed for a Fee

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130 Turner Court Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-3420 www.holstongases.com •Industrial Gases •Welding & Cutting Supplies •Industrial & Safety Supplies •Medical & Specialty Gases •Propane Serving Industry & Our Community Since 1958.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Warren County Public Library — See ad on page 51 1225 State St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-4882 lisar@warrenpl.org www.warrenpl.org With four permanent locations throughout the county, the library has as its mission providing equal access to the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading, and the power of information.

LIGHTING / SECURITY

HeathCo, LLC — see ad on page 19 2445 Nashville Road P.O. Box 90045 Bowling Green, KY 42102-9045 270-846-8300 msexton@heathcollc.com www.heath-zenith.com HeathCo, LLC, producers of Heath/Zenith electrical products for the home, is synonymous with quality, integrity and innovation around the globe.

LIMOUSINE SERVICES Jump N Jive, LLC dba Party 1 Limousine P.O. Box 137 Franklin, KY 42135 270-202-1559 party1limo@gmail.com. www.party1limo.com Serves the Southern Kentucky and Tennessee areas and offers multiple levels of service to assist with transportation needs. Airport transportation, Limousine, SUV, Wedding, Party, Executive Transportation, and moving small or large groups between locations.

LUMBER Hill-Motley Lumber Company

IFS Technologies — See ad on page 13 670 Mt. Olivet Road, Unit 5 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-6636 mcantine@ifstechnologies.com www.ifstechnologies.com IFS Technologies is an information service provider with a desire to untangle your IT headaches. Experienced help desk, DR and backup solutions, networking, IT security, voice, and full IT manament.

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

BILSTEIN COLD ROLLED STEEL LP — See ad on page 15

Lawton Insurance

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Holiday Inn Express — See ad on page 17

MACHINING / FABRICATING

121 W. Main Ave. P.O. Box 779 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-842-2436 hillmotley@hillmotleylumber.com Sale of building supplies, manufacturer of mill work items, builders hardware, and special orders – windows, doors, locks. Established since 1945.

CGS Machine and Tool, Inc. — See ad on inside front cover 2750 Griffin Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-783-3589 steve@cgsmachine.com www.cgsmachine.com •Tool and Die•Conventional Machining •CNC Turning•CNC Milling•Wire EDM•Fabricating/Certified Welders •Special Machine Building•2 Shifts•24 Hour Emergency Service

MAILING SERVICES

The UPS Store #2058 1945 Scottsville Road, Suite B2 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-842-7299 Store2058@theupsstore.com www.theupsstorelocal.com/2058 We are a locally owned and operated The UPS Store location, and we care about our customers. We have the knowledge and expertise to handle all your mailbox, packing, shipping and professional printing needs and we are passionate about what we do! Stop by and visit us today. We’re confident you’ll be glad you did.

MANUFACTURING

AEP Industries, Inc. — See ad on page 41 123 Willamette Lane Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-782-8026 www.aepinc.com AEP’s Printed / Converted Products Division delivers a fully integrated packaging solution to markets such as food, beverage, health and beauty, pet care, and industrial.

Processes include co-extrusion blown film, flexographic printing, lamination, slitting and bag making.

American Howa Kentucky, Inc. 445 Jody Richards Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-563-4400 www.americanhowaky.com Manufacturer of headliners, sunshades, dash insulators and other interior products for the automotive industry.

BADA/HENNESSY 759 Hennessy Way Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-1013 Phil.bourassa@ammcoats.com Manufacturer of Lead and Non-Lead wheel balancing weights.

Berry Plastics Corporation – See ad on page 19 360 Southwood Court Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-746-1100 www.berryplastics.com The Bowling Green facility manufactures plastic closures primarily for the food, beverage and distilled spirits industries. Our facility operates in a clean, climate-controlled environment and offers a competitive wage and benefits plan.

3250 Spring Hollow Avenue Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-908-4925 www.bilsteincrs.com Established in 1911 in Hagen, Germany, Bilstein is a worldwide leader in tailor-made steel grades. Bilstein Cold Rolled Steel is the company’s first United States manufacturing operation.

Blackhawk Composites 404 W. Morrison P.O. Box 1457 Morgantown, KY 42261 270-662-0100 kaylah.west@blackhawk.aero www.bhci.aero Blackhawk Composites has the capability to manufacture components and assemblies for advanced aerospace applications. We are Site certified through the FAA and are certified and operate to AS9100C quality system.

Bowling Green Metalforming — See ad on page 1 111 Cosma Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-901-1555 bob_clemens@cosma.com Bowling Green Metalforming is a “World Class manufacturer aof automotive frame and chassis systems, primarily selling to OEMs of cars and light trucks. Located in Canada and the United States.”

Country Oven Bakery — See ad on page 13 2840 Pioneer Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-782-3200 bill.koons@kroger.com Established in 1981, a producer of the highest-quality iced cakes, baked cakes and frozen dough products for in-store bakeries.

Fruit of the Loom – See ad on inside back cover One Fruit of the Loom Drive P.O. Box 90015 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-781-6400 www.fruit.com Fruit of the Loom, Inc., is a global manufacturer and marketer of apparel and athletic goods. Brands include Vanity Fair intimates, Fruit of the Loom, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, among others. An independent, wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

General Motors Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant — See ad on page 26 600 Corvette Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101-9109 270-745-8019 www.corvetteassembly.com General Motors has built the iconic Chevrolet Corvette right here in Bowling Green for over 30 years. With approximately one million square feet under roof, the plant employs roughly 1,000 employees. Over the past 5 years, GM has invested $131 million in renovations for the building of the 7th Generation Corvette Stingray, $3.5 million for the Performance Build Center and $439 million for a new paint shop and other facility upgrades.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. — See ad on page 41 151 Turner Court P.O. Box 1839 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-842-3319 www.hillspet.com Helping to enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets.

International Paper 5150 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-783-3600 www.internationalpaper.com International Paper is a diversified integrated forest products company. Our facility in Bowling Green produces corrugated shipping containers for manufacturing in Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana.

Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products – See ad on page 25 One Kobe Way Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-6492 x205 Megan.marsh@kobeal.com www.kobeal.com www.kobeal.com KAAP is an award-winning manufacturer of forged aluminum suspension products. KAAP is committed to producing quality products, consistently meeting customers’ expectations, and striving to increase customer satisfaction through continuous improvement of products and services, and the KAAP quality management system.

Sumitomo Electrical Wiring Systems, Inc. — See ad on page 11 1018 Ashley St. Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-782-7397 info@sewsus.com www.sewsus.com Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of automotive electrical distribution systems, components and electronics and has been delivering innovative solutions to the auto industry for over a quarter of a century.

Sun Products Corporation — See ad on page 45

385 Southwood Court Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-793-5400 www.sunproductscorp.com The Sun Products Corporation is a leading North American provider of laundry detergent, fabric softeners, dish care and other household products.

140 Graham Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-0049 cguthrie@tracediecast.com www.tracediecast.com Trace Die Cast, Inc. offers technology-driven high-pressure die casting solutions for the global automotive industry.

P.O. Box 50309 Bowling Green, KY 42101 1-800-311-4652 info@lindseyinteractive.com www.lindseyinteractive.com Digital marketing services provider, specializing in Web design and development, social media marketing, SEO, E-commerce, content marketing and display advertising.

Our team of experienced experts will help your business reach more customers, expand your brand, and even optimize your online efforts for better conversions.

MUSIC

Machined Ceramics, Inc. 629 Graham St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-0512 sales@machinedceramics.com www.machinedceramics.com Machined Ceramics is a precision ceramic machining facility. Industrial ceramics are used for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, communications, aerospace, medical and automotive applications.

SCA Americas — See ad on page 31 7030 Louisville Road Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-796-9300 www.sca.com SCA is a leading global hygiene and forest products company. The Group develops and produces sustainable personal care, tissue and forest products.

230 Technology Way Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-563-2113 Beth.Biggs@grrec.ky.gov www.grrec.ky.gov GRREC is the largest educational cooperative in Kentucky, with 42 member districts reaching 150,000 students in 250+ schools. We have answers for teachers and leaders. We are YOUR cooperative.

Encore Energy, Inc. — See ad on page 38 830 Fairview Ave., Suite D2 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-1242 Encore is the most active oil operator in this area and focused on making new oil discoveries while planning long-term for the development of non-conventional gas and liquids.

Hospice of Southern Kentucky, Inc. 5872 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-782-3402 www.hospicesoky.org HSK has been Southern Kentucky’s leader in hospice for over 30 years. Serving the BRADD area, we provide care in your home or our Hospice House.

Trace Die Cast, Inc.

Lindsey Interactive 2800 Pioneer Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101-4053 270-781-5440 Donna.payne@lord.com www.lord.com At LORD Corporation we transform innovative ideas into value for the customer.

Our facility in Bowling Green produces high-quality elastomeric assemblies that manage shock, vibration, noise and motion for equipment and the transportation industries.

Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC)

PAVEMENT MARKINGS

OPTOMETRISTS

MARKETING Lord Corporation – See ad on page 11

OIL / GAS EXPLORATION

Potter Children’s Home & Family Ministries 2350 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-3038 Fax: 270-782-2465 ron@potterministries.org www.potterministries.org {Celebrating 100 Years Helping Children} Potter Children’s Home & Family Ministries have been serving at-risk children and single-parent families since 1914. Please visit our website, www.potterministries.org, for further information about Potter Children’s Home.

President’s Club - Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce — See ad on page 2 710 College St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-3200 www.bgchamber.com The President’s Club was formed in 1998 to recognize Chamber partners who generously contribute to the economic development efforts of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

Royal Music Company, Inc. — See ad on page 59 830 Fairview Ave., Suite B1 P.O. Box 866 Bowling Green, KY 42102-0866 270-842-9435 www.royalmusic.biz Royal Music has served families in Kentucky for 68 years. Through our experienced staff, our mission is to provide quality instruments, music, lessons and service to the people of our area.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Barren River District Health Department 1109 State St. P.O. Box 1157 Bowling Green, KY 42102-1157 270-781-8039 Dennis.chaney@barrenriverhealth.org www.barrenriverhealth.org The Barren River District Health Department’s mission is to promote a healthy community and protect its residents by preventing disease, injury and disability.

South Union Shaker Village P.O. Box 177 Auburn, KY 42206 270-542-4167 director@southunionshakervillage.com www.southunionshakervillage.com The South Union Shaker Village offers daily tours, exceptional programs and exciting events. The Shakers, remembered for creating landmark architecture and graceful furniture, were also proponents of tolerance, innovation and green living, long before it was fashionable. Experience the peace and serenity of South Union by roaming its historic buildings and exploring its celebrated farmland. The gift shop has locally crafted products on site.

Love and Warden Eye Care

Reynold’s Sealing & Striping, Inc. 720 Beech St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-781-6609 www.reynoldstransportation.com From sealcoating driveways to striping highways, and everything in between, Reynolds Sealing & Striping is a leader in pavement markings. Reynolds has performed work throughout Kentucky & all the surrounding states since 1982. Reynolds is a true full-service company invested in quality workforce, state-of-the-art equipment, and innovative methods of marking application. Projects of all sizes are in the right hands with Reynolds.

PHYSICIANS / SURGEONS

1256 Campbell Lane, Destiny Place Suite 106 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-796-6021 www.loveandwardeneyecare.com Providing comprehensive eye care for the entire family. Diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases and injuries. Contact lens evaluations. Licensed optician to assist with the best frames and lenses for your prescription and budget.

Western Kentucky Orthopaedic & Neurological Associates — See ad on page 77 165 Natchez Trace Suite, 100 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-782-7800 www.wkona.net Western Kentucky Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates offers MRI and physical and occupational therapy in a state-of-the-art facility. All physicians are board certified and specialize in Total Joint Replacement, Spinal Sugery, Hand Surgery, Neuralgia and Arthoscopic Surgery.

ORAL / MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS

Southern Kentucky Oral Surgery Associates — See ad on page 71 Bowling Green • Glasgow • Franklin • Russellville 270-783-0064, 1-888-347-0064 www.omsbg.com Thomas M. Thompson, DMD • James M. Sutton, DMD • Jeffrey M. Clark, DDS • Michael D. Foster, DMD, MPH • Jerry Cohron, DMD, MS Our oral surgery practice is the leading resource in the area for patients in need of dental implants, extractions (including wisdom teeth), sedation and the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathology.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Interventional Pain Specialists

POOLS / SPAS / PATIO FURNITURE

Aqua Land Pool, Spa & Patio 1260 Campbell Lane, Suite 100 Bowling Green, KY 42104-1061 270-842-8981 chris@aqualand-pools.com www.aqualand-pools.com Aqua Land Pool, Spa & Patio has been South Central Kentucky’s premier dealer of premium pools and spas for over 25 years. YOUR FUN IS OUR BUSINESS. •POOLS•Hot Tubs•Grills•Patio Furniture

POWDER COATING

165 Natchez Trace, Suite 205 Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-745-7246 Info@ManageMyPain.net www.ManageMyPain.com IPS has board-certified, fellowship-trained team members, who assist patients living with chronic pain caused by conditions such as lower back and neck pain, post-surgical pain, herniated discs, and arthritis.

PARTY SUPPLIES Party 1 Superstore 1751 Scottsville Road, Suite 2 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-843-8711 www.party1superstore.com We are a family-owned company that has been in business since 1999. We are a full-service, party, wedding and event rental company. That includes frame tents and inflatables.

S&K Powder Coating, Inc. — See ad on inside front cover 2745 Pioneer Drive Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-746-9607 kyle@sandkpowdercoating.com www.sandkpowdercoating.com •Hand Rails •Automotive & Motorcycle Components •Building & Architectural Hardware •Wrought Iron & Related Furniture •Store & Restaurant Fixtures •Farm Implements •Electrical Enclosures •Industrial Applications

www.bgchamber.com

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL

SHOPPING MALL

Mellow Mushroom Southern KY Society for HR Management 760 Campbell Lane, Suite 106, PMB124 Bowling Green, KY 42104-1086 270-781-5440 x118 donna.payne@lord.com www.sky.schrm.org SKY-SHRM is a professional development organization offering professional development, education and networking to those involved in the human resource profession in Southern Kentucky. Follow us on LinkedIn. Affiliate of National SHRM.

Ann Elliott, CRS, GRI, Realtor Crye*Leike Executive Realty 1278 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-202-3041 Ann.elliott@crye-leike.com Let experience make the difference. I am a Real Estate Professional, a WKU graduate and have been actively involved in service and leadership roles in community organizations, having received numerous community and real estate awards.

1278 Campbell Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-779-7234 stevedavis@crye-leike.com www.SteveDavisOnline.com Buying and selling your home in today’s market requires an experienced agent with current market knowledge, high-tech skills, and an overall integrity you expect! Call Steve today!!

The Hunt Group

Weichert, Realtors-The Hunt Group — See ad on page 1 1053-A Lovers Lane Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-745-9900 www.wrhuntgroup.com A family tradition of excellence in auctions, residential and commercial real estate. Our team of Realtors® are dedicated to premium customer service.

Doris Carver Coldwell Banker Legacy Real Estate Group 753 Bakerfields Way, Suite 102 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-991-3603 doris.carver@coldwellbanker.com www.coldwellbanker.com/agents/doriscarver I am a full-time, full-service REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Legacy Real Estate Group. Committed to excellence, I sell South Central Kentucky, one home at a time!

Jane Parrott RE/MAX Real Estate Executives 2530 Scottsville Road, Suite 101 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-792-7334 jmparrot@aol.com www.janeparrot.com With a bird’s eye view of Bowling Green, I will be able to successfully handle all your real estate needs. Call today to join the Jane Parrot Real Estate Family.

RECYCLING CENTERS

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL Southern Recycling Jim Bullington - RE/MAX Real Estate Executives — See ad on page 49 2530 Scottsville Road, Suite 101 Bowling Green, KY 42104 Office: 270-781-6000 Cell: 270-535-6556 jimbullington@remax.net www.jamesbullington.com With 30+ years as a professional in real estate, Jim knows real estate inside and out, and he knows how to match the right buyer to the property. Just ask his satisfied clients.

Neal Turner Realty — See ad on page 40 1401 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-8000 alex@ntrcommercial.com www.ntrcommercial.com Serving Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky with expertise in commercial and industrial real estate brokerage, development and consulting.

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RETAIL

Greenwood Mall — See ad on page 31 2625 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-782-9048 www.greenwoodmall.com Shop one of Greenwood Mall’s four department stores and over 100 speciality shops.

Enjoy a quick bite in our family-friendly food court. Visit us online at www.greenwoodmall. com

STORAGE

Warren County Water District — See ad on page 21 523 U.S. Highway 31W Bypass P.O. Box 10180 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-842-0052 www.warrenwater.com Warren Water plays a vital role in our growing community by providing a high-quality water service and reliable wastewater service at affordable costs to our over 27,000 customers throughout Warren County.

VETERNARIANS

Batteries Plus

REAL ESTATE

Crye*Leike Executive RealtySteve Davis — See ad on page 50

1035 Chestnut St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-393-1800 bowlinggreen@mellowmushroominfo.com www.mellowmushroom.com/bowlinggreen Voted “Best Pizza in BG” in “The Best of BG” and WKU’s “Best of the Hill” since 2012.

Mellow Mushroom specializes in pizza, calzones, hoagies, salads, 100+ craft beers, and 32 taps! Located in beautiful Downtown Bowling Green.

620 Clay St. Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-781-3265 Providing a conscious community with a curbside recycling program. Keeping our communities cleaner and reducing waste while teaching the next generation the value of recycling for a cleaner home, cleaner community.

RESTAURANTS 643 Sports Bar & Grill — See ad on page 89 360 E. Eighth Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-846-0020 dpinchuk@manhattancap.com www.643sportsbarandgrill.com

Mariah’s — See ad on page 89 360 E. Eighth Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-846-0020 Jodi@Mariahs.com www.mariahs.com

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

1150 U.S. 31-W By-Pass Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-393-8880 bp015@batteriesplus.net www.batteriesplus.com •Huge Selection of Duracell® Ultra Batteries & Bulbs•Installation While You Wait (Most Models)•FREE Battery Testing• Business Accounts Welcome•Battery & Light Bulb Recycling•Hours of Operation - Mon.-Fri. 7:30-8, Saturday 8-7, Sunday 10-5.

US Warehousing, Inc. — See ad on page 39 1945 Scottsville Road, Suite B2-359 Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-9999 Fax: 270-781-8888 www.uswarehousing.com US Warehousing is a full-service warehouse and distribution operation with multiple locations in the Bowling Green Area.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Nat’s Outdoor Sports 1121 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 270-842-6211 lisa@natsoutdoor.com www.natsoutdoor.com Established in 1973, Nat’s Outdoor Sports is the premier Outdoor Retailer in this area.

Nat’s carries your favorite apparel and equipment from The North Face, Patagonia, Trek, Life is Good, Yeti, Chaco, Brighton, Columbia and many more.

Dialog Telecommunications 601 Broadway Paducah, KY 42001 270-442-1037 heather@calldialog.com www.calldialog.com Dialog is a trusted, relied-upon telephone and Internet service provider for nearly every industry across the state of KY, including government and commerce services, banks, schools, medical facilities, law firms, libraries, and construction companies.

UTILITIES

Nutrition Center Health Food Store

Atmos Energy — See ad on page 21

715 U.S. 31-W By-Pass Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-846-1882 nutritioncenter4@bellsouth.net www.nutritioncenter4.com www.Facebook.com/nutritioncenter4 The area’s premier health food store, featuring top-selling name-brand supplements and food as well as local products. Locally owned and operated with knowledgable, friendly staff. Certified Natural Health Professional on site.

2850 Russellville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-901-1703 Dan.price@atmosenergy.com Atmos Energy is recognized as one of the most efficient and reliable natural gas companies in Kentucky. Our emphasis on customer service is one of the primary reasons over 170,000 customers in 37 counties are satisfied natural gas customers today.

SECURITY SYSTEMS / BANK EQUIPMENT

AAA Systems, Inc. — See ad on page 41 1101 Shive Lane Bowling Green, KY 42103-8032 270-842-1443 frank@aaasystems.com www.AAAsystems.com Specializing in the design, sales and installation of security, bank and communications equipment. We carry the following products: Security and Fire alarms, CCTV, Access control, Telephones, Data and Fiber Cabling, Safes, ATM’s, Drive-up units, Vaults, Depositories, Bullet resistent glass and much more.

Bowling Green Municipal Utlities — See ad on page 19 801 Center St. P.O. Box 10300 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-782-4378 www.bgmu.com Bowling Green Municipal Utilities is your hometown utility, providing water, wastewater treatment, electric and commercial high-speed data services to your community.

Westgate Veterinary Hospital 2010 Russellville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-782-1644 westgatevet@aol.com www.westgatevetky.com Practice limited to companion animals. Laser surgery, dentistry, vaccinations, boarding, hospitalization, in-office lab. We carry Hills Science Diet Pet Food. Telephone answered 24 Hours in Emergency: 270-782-1644.

Now offering laser therapy.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau — See ad on page 67 352 Three Springs Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-782-0800 Marissa@visitbgky.com www.visitbgky.com Your starting line for fun in Bowling Green!

Staffed information center with maps and brochures. Certified Kentucky Crafted Retailer featuring handmade gifts, jewelry, souvenirs and more. Convention services available including welcome bags.

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

Scotty’s Development Company Scotty’s Warehousing & Distribution — See ad on page 21 7030 Louisville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-8123 www.scottyswarehouse.com Your total Warehousing and Distribution Solution. Public contracted heated warehousing. Food grade storage. Electronic security. Pick and pack service. Inventory control/EDI. Container loading and unloading.

Build to suit/lease to own.

WASTE SERVICES

Tennessee Valley Authority 6045 Russellville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101-7319 270-846-7040 ppminnicks@tva.gov www.tva.com Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a federal corporation, the nation’s largest public power provider, a steward of the Tennessee River basin, a national center for environmental research, and an economic development agency for parts of seven states.

Scott Waste Services, LLC — See ad on page 20 1212 Eastland St. P.O. Box 447 Bowling Green, KY 42102 270-783-4016 cindyl@wasteconections.com www.scottwaste.com Providing residential, commercial, constrcution and industrial solid waste hauling services. Exclusive residential waste service provider for the City of Bowling Green.

OUR FAMILY IS PROUD TO CALL BOWLING GREEN HOME, TOO.

FRUIT OF THE LOOM World Headquarters: One Fruit of the Loom Dr. Bowling Green, KY 42102

FRUITOFTHELOOM.COM

National Corvette Museum Expansion

• Design/Build Construction • Complete Engineering/Architectural/Design Services • Construction Management Services • Conventional General Contracting • Renovations/Conversions/Expansions

INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL MEDICAL • INSTITUTIONAL • CHURCH Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Considering A New Facility?

“Plan & Save Wisely” Let us Perform a Logistic & Economic Feasibility Study for You “From Conception to Completion, We’re Your Road to a Successful Project” 2335 Barren River Road • Bowling Green | (270) 781-9944 • Fax (270) 782-2506 www.scottmurphydaniel.com • www.scottandmurphy.com Circus Square Park, BG

INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • HIGHWAY Concrete Construction & Building Expansion – BG Metalforming

Curbs •Sidewalks •Pavement •Foundations & Slabs •Retaining Walls Tilt-Up Panels •Basements •Bridges •Culverts •Catch Basins •Equipment Foundations •Containment Structures/Trenches •Site Grading Concrete Sawing & Demolition •Retention & Storm Drainage

Drug Free Work Place • Detailed Safety Program