Bowling Green Ranked Sixth in Nation for Industry Location and Expansion Projects
Site Selection Magazine Recognizes Metro Area in its Latest Issue
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Communications and Public Policy Director Nick Fuhrman
BOWLING GREEN, KY (March 4, 2008) - Site Selection magazine has recognized Bowling Green for its number of industry location and expansion projects, announcing in its March 2008 issue that Bowling Green tied for sixth place with nine projects in metros with a population between 50,000 and 200,000.
Having showcased the annual Governor's Cup rankings since 1978, Site Selection publisher Conway Data's yearly analyses are regarded as "the industry scoreboard" by corporate real estate analysts. The magazine's circulation base consists of 44,000 executives involved in corporate site selection decisions.
To determine the rankings, Site Selection utilized Conway Data's database to track industry location and expansion projects on a state and metropolitan area level. To qualify for tracking, projects must meet at least one of the following criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least $1 million; (b) create 50 or more jobs; or (c) add at least 20,000 square feet of new floor space.
Tying for sixth place, Bowling Green was recognized alongside Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Rocky Mount, N.C.
"I'm thrilled with this recognition," said Elaine Walker, mayor of Bowling Green. "This magazine is the premier magazine for site selectors and economic development professionals, and it's a great honor to be recognized in such a nationally renowned venue. Not only are we being recognized for the many achievements of 2007, but we'll also able to reap the benefits of such recognition in future marketing campaigns."
Warren County Judge Executive Michael O. Buchanon agreed. "Ranking sixth in the nation for our projects is impressive to say the least. While this ranking recognizes only the Bowling Green metro area, I maintain that all of South Central Kentucky deserves this honor because our regional partnership is a primary draw for site selectors. This is a great reward for the hard work and dedication that our economic development professionals throughout the region of South Central Kentucky."
"This national ranking is a testament to the competitiveness of Bowling Green, and South Central Kentucky, in the economic development world," said James N. Hizer, CEcD, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. "We've created more than 5,300 new jobs and $750 million in economic investment since 2004. That's an enormous achievement, and we're working constantly to bring even more projects to this region."
Hizer continued, "In 2008 we're implementing our newly revised South Central Kentucky Marketing Plan, and we'll continue to attract more business because of this plan and because of what we have to offer. Our central location, quality workforce and plentiful resources, from educational opportunities to incentive packages, make us an ideal place to locate a new business or expand a current operation."
"I'd like to congratulate our economic development staff at the Chamber for this achievement," said Doug Gorman, 2008 Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors. "With nearly $77 million in economic investment and 1,602 new jobs, last year's economic growth was unprecedented, and this recognition is a great capstone to that growth."
In Site Selection magazine's announcement of its annual Governor's Cup rankings, Kentucky was listed as No. 10 in the nation for new and expanded industry activity in 2007. Kentucky has the smallest population of any state ranked in the Top 10. Two other metro areas in the state were recognized for their projects as well. For metro areas with populations over 1 million, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky/Middletown, Ohio/Ky./Ind. finished second with 111 qualifying projects. Lexington-Fayette County tied for 10th place with 22 projects in the second tier of metros, comprising those with populations between 200,000 and 1 million.
Six smaller Kentucky communities were recognized in Site Selection magazine's Top Micropolitan Rankings. Glasgow, Paducah, Danville, Frankfort, Madisonville and Mayfield made the 2007 Top Micropolitan list, giving Kentucky a fifth place ranking for most top micros.
Visit www.siteselection.com to view the full rankings.
About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. As one of only 336 chambers nationwide to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.