Chamber President & CEO Receives Prestigious Award

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Communications and Public Policy Director Nick Fuhrman
 

BOWLING GREEN, KY (November 13, 2008) - James N. Hizer, CEcD, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, received the James Norris Gray Award for Professional Development at today's luncheon sponsored by the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED), part of KAED's annual conference in Lexington, Ky.

"There are so many outstanding economic development professionals throughout the Commonwealth. I am obviously humbled to be singled out for this award. I accept this award in recognition of our dedicated volunteers, elected leadership, regional partners, staff, and our entire Chamber partnership, who have all contributed to our outstanding economic development success in South Central Kentucky,” said Hizer.

KAED created this award to recognize those economic developers who strive to keep abreast of the ever-changing field of economic development. Award winners are those who continue their professional education beyond that offered by KAED. The award honors the winners' significant level of experience and expertise in the field of economic development.

"KAED congratulates Jim on winning the James Norris Gray Award this year. Jim is a leader in Kentucky economic development and his commitment to professional development has greatly benefited South Central Kentucky," said KAED President & CEO Mike Mangeot.

This award is named in honor of James Norris Gray, who was an active economic development practitioner, and whose construction firm, Gray Construction, remains a strong supporter of continuing education and excellence in the economic development field.

"Since our founding in 1960, Gray Construction has strongly supported economic development in Kentucky. We understand the importance of attracting and retaining successful industries, as well as helping those industries to expand," said Jill Wilson, vice president, marketing, Gray Construction. "James Norris Gray, our founder, focused much of his energies on strengthening the economic climate in Kentucky, and we're proud to continue that legacy by honoring practitioners such as Jim Hizer with the Gray Award. Jim is a wonderful asset to South Central Kentucky and the Commonwealth because of his work in this field."

"Since his arrival in 2004, we have seen, first-hand, Jim’s professional commitment and outstanding work ethic in making South Central Kentucky a better place in which to live, work and do business. Now, the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky is also well aware of our economic development success as a region and Jim’s leadership,” said Doug Gorman, chairman of the 2008 Chamber Board of Directors.

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.