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The Leadership BG Class of 2026 hit the road for Economy & Tourism Day—an immersive, fast-paced look at the businesses, people, and ideas shaping Bowling Green’s future.
The morning kicked off at the Chamber, where Class Chair Kelsey Crowe set the tone before Meredith Rozanski, Interim President & CEO, delivered a big-picture overview of the region’s growth and the partnerships fueling it.
The energy picked up with a rapid-fire Business & Economy Panel moderated by Zack Dawson, Capitol Window & Door, featuring four local leaders:
- Roddy Grimes, Stewart Richey, President & CEO
- John Higgins, Bluegrass Supply Chain, President & CEO
- Jason Boyd, Chandler Real Estate, Chief Operating Officer
- April Foster, Inked Brands, Founder & CEO
They shared real-world insights on scaling companies, solving workforce challenges, and innovating in a fast-growing region.
From there, the class boarded the BG Trolley and headed to Pan-Oston, where Patrick Coleman, Houchens Industries, explained the ripple effect of local investment. Chad Eilers and Russell Callaham, Pan-Oston, then guided a behind-the-scenes tour of modern manufacturing.
The afternoon featured a stop at the Mustang Club, where owner Derrick Huff shared the story behind the venue’s growing community appeal. At the Bowling Green Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sherry Murphy highlighted the powerful economic impact of tourism in Warren County.
After lunch at Mustang Club sponsored by The Club at Olde Stone, the class explored the Historic RailPark & Train Museum with Jessica Warren, discovering how rail history shaped the region.
The final stop delivered the ultimate wow moment—an unforgettable tour of the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant, home of the Corvette.
Chair Kelsey Crowe wrapped up the day before the class enjoyed a relaxed after-hours gathering at Hickory & Oak’s Broadbent Room, hosted by Josh Poling.
Special Thanks to Our Alumni Day Chairs
- Drew Cassady, Bluegrass Supply Chain
- Zack Dawson, Capitol Window & Door
- Sherry Murphy, Bowling Green CVB
- Robert Neyenhaus, Stewart Richey Construction
- Brenner Sears, The Club at Olde Stone
- Jessica Chaney Steele, Pan-Oston
- Jessica Warren, Historic RailPark & Train Museum
Partners Who Made the Day Possible
- The Club at Olde Stone – Lunch
- Stewart Richey Construction – Snacks & Drinks
- Historic RailPark & Train Museum – Transportation
- Hickory & Oak Broadbent Room – After Hours
Thank you to every leader and organization who opened their doors to the Class of 2026. Days like this highlight the innovation, collaboration, and momentum driving South Central Kentucky forward.
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