Our Initiatives

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the South Central Kentucky Regional Economic Development Partnership work closely to promote a variety of initiatives in the 10-county region, all supporting local economic development.

Menu of Services Program

The Chamber’s menu of services program was named the #1 Regional and Cross-Border Collaboration program by the International Economic Development Council in 2009. This program deepens the marketing of South Central Kentucky to site selection professionals and industries, informing their decisions to locate business here in the region. Maureen Carpenter, IOM, EDP, director, regional development, is responsible for economic development efforts in the counties that have agreed to a level of the menu of services program.

Liaison Services

The Chamber services as a liaison for economic development services by working with a variety of different companies and institutions around the region. These relationships promote economic growth for large industries, small businesses and entrepreneurs alike, particularly through resources made available by Western Kentucky University.

• Center for Research and Development: A central location for research facilities in the South Central Kentucky region that features access to applied research centers and scientists. The Center focuses on technology-based start-up companies and includes
  • Western Kentucky University’s Applied Physics Institutes
  • The Institute for Combustion Science & Environmental Technology
  • The Materialization Characterization Center and Cyber Defense Center
  • A Small Business Accelerator, including 17 technology-based businesses
• The Central Region Innovation and Commercialization Center (ICC): An incubator providing entrepreneurs and scientists with assistance in developing their business concepts. The ICC guides entrepreneurs through the business plan process, including assistance with their business strategies, concepts, financials, investor relations and valuations.

Workshops and Training

To promote economic development success and workforce training, the Chamber’s economic development staff and the South Central Kentucky Economic Development Partnership regularly promote workshops and training sessions. From information regarding the state’s international attraction efforts to human resource training sessions, a variety of events are available on a yearly basis.

Research Services

To request personalized information about South Central Kentucky, contact President & CEO Ron Bunch, CEcD at 866-330-2422 or ron@southcentralky.com.