April 2023 Chamber Connection

BOWLING GREEN

ranked #2

top-tier 2 metro click to read

APRIL COFFEE HOUR

Friday, April 28th

7:00 - 8:30AM

Knicely Conference Center Speaker: Dr. Nancy Weaver

Proud SponsorS

Family Enrichment Center & Kerrick Bachert Attorneys at Law

chamber connection COURAGE. COMMUNITY.

Courage & Community

There once was a farmer working in his field by the river. He heard a voice calling for help and turned to see a child drowning in the river. The farmer swam out to rescue the child and pulled her safely to shore, but as he caught his breath, he heard another cry. As he swam to this second child, he saw that there were more and more children drifting down the river. He got his friends and neighbors from the nearby village, and together they worked for hours to pull children from the river.

Eventually the farmer stood up, left the group, and began walking upstream. His friends called to him to ask why he was leaving them, and he replied, “Somebody has to go upstream and find out why so many kids keep falling into the river.”

The Economic Impact

We all know that Kentucky has been one of the worst states in rates of child abuse for several years in a row. This is not just a great social crisis, but it is a significant problem economically as well. The CDC states that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) like child abuse and neglect result in higher health care costs for businesses in addition to lost work time and poor mental health which impacts quality of work. Depression alone is estimated to be the cause of 200 million lost workdays each year. Closer to home, a study in Tennessee has estimated that ACEs result in an annual cost of $5.2 billion because of increased medical costs and absenteeism.

Prevention & Support

There are many great agencies and groups in our region who work tirelessly and skillfully to provide treatment for these children and their families. Family Enrichment Center is a local non-profit agency that is trying to go upstream, seeking to understand why families struggle and taking steps to help before abuse occurs. We exist to empower families and prevent child abuse. We seek to accomplish this by providing education, social support, crisis intervention and a safe environment for children and their families.

Small Actions, Big Impact

The good news is that we can each do small things that make a huge difference. Research has shown that children who have positive childhood experiences, like being able to talk to their family about their feelings, feeling supported by friends, and having non-parent adults who take a genuine interest in them, are statistically more likely to have good emotional and mental health in adulthood.

Making a Difference

We believe that everyone can make a difference by offering support and building relationships with the people around them. Individuals can know the names of children in your neighborhood to help them feel important or offer an encouraging word to the stressed out parent at the grocery store. Businesses can help to reduce stress by connecting an employee with needed resources or simply offering a listening ear. Kerrick Bachert has chosen to provide financial support to Family Enrichment Center, saying “Kerrick Bachert has been a longtime supporter of the FEC mission and its commitment to serving children and parents to help prevent child abuse in our community. We know that our contribution to FEC is a sound investment that will yield great results for children and families in our community.”

The Power of Collaboration

Child abuse is a huge problem with both social and economic implications. There is not one person or agency that can do everything to address it, but everybody can do something. We hope to encourage everyone to find their something, and by working together, we will create a happier, healthier, and safer community.

SOMEBODY HAS TO GO UPSTREAM AND FIND OUT WHY SO MANY KIDS KEEP FALLING INTO THE RIVER.

“ “

April Coffee Hour

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Nancy L. Weaver, PhD, MPH

Founder and CEO, Weaverly, LLC

Developer and Director, Support Over Silence Professor, Saint Louis University, College for Public Health and Social Justice

Nancy L. Weaver, PhD, MPH, helps businesses, schools and communities develop and use public health programs and policies in ways that work for them. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a master’s degree in biostatistics, and a PhD in behavioral science.

Dr. Weaver is highly skilled in transdisciplinary teaching, research, and practice and has been actively engaged in the public health response to the covid-19 pandemic. She trains students and practitioners to understand the complex issues related to covid-19 and other health threats -- in particular, how to consider many different perspectives, voices, and community needs.

Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Missouri Foundation for Health, among others, and has led to the widespread dissemination of effective injury prevention and parenting programs. Most recently, she launched Support Over Silence for KIDS (supportoversilence.com) to provide bystander training to support parents and children struggling in public. Dr. Weaver is Co-director of the Community Engagement Core of the Center for Innovation in Child Maltreatment, a partnership with Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Weaver has a keen interest in helping parents and children develop skills for emotional health and wellness and working with schools and agencies to nurture the growth and development of all kids. She consults in the areas of messaging, community and team engagement, teacher training, strategic planning, and program design and evaluation. Using a systems lens and applied improvisation, her work emphasizes the importance of strength-based approaches, empathy, and deep understanding across people and sectors.

APRIL COFFEE HOUR

Friday, April 28th | 7:00 - 8:30AM

Knicely Conference Center

Speaker: Dr. Nancy Weaver

Proud Sponsor

Family Enrichment Center & Kerrick Bachert Attorneys at Law

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Happy Spring!

As warm weather and summer activities are just around the corner, the Chamber has some big plans in the making, including the Excellence Awards Luncheon Tuesday, May 9th, hosted at the National Corvette Museum. We hope you can attend to help us congratulate this year's award recipients, including the 2023 ATHENA, ATHENA Young Professional, Small Business Person of the Year, Nonprofit and Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the year.

What an incredible month March has been! We at The Murphy Construction Group were thankful for the opportunity to hold the initial Coffee Hour of the year, and it was a delightful morning. We express our appreciation to all who participated, with an impressive turnout of more than 350 people.

Moreover, we extend our gratitude to those who contributed to making the Women's Leadership Conference a resounding success. The event was sold out, with 260 attendees at La Gala, where exceptional speakers delivered inspiring talks, and attendees had the chance to connect with other remarkable women. We are pleased with the representation of women in our community.

More big news, Bowling Green has been recognized again as one of the nation's top areas for attracting corporate facility investment. The ranking is based on the number of projects won, and Bowling Green ranked second in total projects for metros among communities with populations less than 200,000, and lastly, ranked fourth in projects per capita. This is the tenth consecutive year for Bowling Green to be ranked as a top tier-2 metropolitan area in the United States.

Lastly, thank you for your partnership with our Chamber. Businesses like yours are what make our community so great!

Todd Matthews 2023 Chairman

PARTNER CELEBRATIONS

AT HOME CARE OF KY MARCH 1 | GRAND OPENING

OAK HAVEN PSYCHIATRY MARCH 16| GRAND OPENING

OWLBUS FINANCIAL COACHING SERVICES MARCH 22 | GRAND OPENING

INTERNATIONAL CENTER MARCH 6 | GROUND BREAKING

DOWN SYNDROME OF SOUTHERN KY MARCH 20 | 10TH ANNIVERARY

RIVENDELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOSPITAL MARCH 29 | GRAND OPENING

CHEETAH CLEAN AUTO WASH MARCH 23 | GRAND OPENING

ALLEN FAMILY DENTAL MARCH 31 | GRAND OPENING

PRESS RELEASES

Bowling Green Nationally Recognized for Economic Development for Tenth Consecutive Year

BOWLING GREEN, KY., March 2, 2023 –Bowling Green has been recognized again as one of the nation’s top areas for attracting corporate facility investment. The ranking is based on the number of projects won, and Bowling Green ranked second in total projects for metros among communities with populations less than 200,000 and ranked fourth in projects per capita. This is the tenth consecutive year for Bowling Green to be ranked as a top tier-2 metropolitan area in the United States.

The ranking evaluates communities on their ability to attract investment based primarily on a 10-factor index using Site Selection publisher Conway Data, Inc’s database of new and expanded project announcements. Four Kentucky locations were selected in the rankings, with Bowling Green as the highestranking Kentucky community. Bowling Green is the only Kentucky community ranked for ten consecutive years.

UPCOMING MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENTS

APRIL 13 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM

LOCATION:

Sublime Studio, 1506 US 31W Bypass

Bowling Green, KY

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

MAY 11 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM

LOCATION: FirstBank 5290 Scottsville Road

Bowling Green, KY

APRIL 28 | 7:00 - 8:30 AM

LOCATION: Knicely Conference Center

SPEAKER: Nancy Weaver, PhD, MPH

• Founder & CEO, Weaverly LLC

• Developer and Director, Support Over Silence

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

• Professor, Saint Louis University, College for Public Health and Social Justice

MAY 2 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

LOCATION: LOST RIVER PIZZA COMPANY 2440 Nashville Road, Suite 107

Let’s Do Lunch is an opportunity for Chamber partner representatives to network in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy lunch. Attendees will order upon arrival. SEATING IS LIMITED.

SPONSORS

Interested in quality engagement with local business leaders? Interested in brand exposure. We have the perfect sponsorships available for your business.

Available sponsorships:

• Water Sponsor

• Air Cannon

• Contest Hole

• Display Sponsor

• Drink Station

• Tee Sponsor

TEAMS

Nurture Your Entrepreneurial Dreams

Startup Garden is an exciting event that’s coming up on April 26th. It’s a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from some of the best minds in the business world and grow their skills from seed. This event is designed to provide a supportive environment for entrepreneurs who are just starting out or looking to take their businesses to the next level. Don’t miss out on this chance to plant the seeds of success for your business and watch them grow with the help of Startup Garden.

Guest Speaker: Justin Gearlds

Wednesday, April 26 4:30 - 6:00 PM (CT)

Location: English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP 1101 College St. Bowling Green, KY

SLINGSHOT is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries Inc. Slingshot is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile. It does not have airbags and it does not meet automotive safety standards. Three-wheel vehicles may handle differently than other vehicles, especially in wet conditions. Always wear a DOT-approved full-face helmet and fasten seatbelts. The Driver may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Drive within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Justin Gearlds

RENEW by Optimum Rejuvenation Co-Owner

save the date

Sports & Biz Luncheon

July 18, 2023

Knicely Conference Center

Join us for lunch as we hear from the Bowling Green Hot Rods and WKU sports influencers on how they are impacting the business community & economy and what the future looks like for these organizations!

Pearls of Wisdom

August 9, 2023

This women's luncheon series will help business professional women of South-Central Kentucky expand their professional skills!

Sponsorships available.

President’s Club partners invest in and support South Central Kentucky’s economic development strategy. These financial resources are used to directly impact the growth of the economy.

Welcome New President's Club Partners

GENERAL MOTORS BOWLING GREEN ASSEMBLY PLANT

WNKY NEWS 40

ARNOLD CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES, INC.

BALL CORPORATION

CANNON AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS

CRYE*LEIKE EXECUTIVE REALTY

KERRICK BACHERT PSC

STEWART-RICHEY CONSTRUCTION, INC.

THREE SPRINGS HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, LLC

TRUIST

INTERESTED IN JOINING PRESIDENT’S CLUB?

Thank You!

TITLE SPONSOR

Thank you to all the Worthy Women that attended the 6th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference, presented by Graves Gilbert Clinic, on March 21st. Over 260 businesswomen of all ages and professions gathered at this year’s event for a day of empowering & motivating speakers, shopping with local vendors & businesses, and networking. This year’s theme, Worthy Women, featured five different speakers. The speaker line-up included:

• Maude Forrester, Junior, Warren East High School

• Kathy O’Nan, Mayor of Mayfield, Kentucky

• Jenean Hampton, Former Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky

• Shay McAlister, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, WHAS 11

• Annette Goff, Executive Sales Representative, AbbVie Pharmaceutical Company

The WE to the Power of Three Women’s Leadership Conference was created to inspire and empower women in the South Central Kentucky business community and to have attendees leave feeling empowered to take control of their own personal and professional success, to feel enlightened by the stories and the speakers and the other women around them, and to be engaged in the Chamber, community, and the workplace.

The Chamber extends a special thanks to Graves Gilbert Clinic for its generous title sponsorship. Additional sponsorships included:

• Speaker Sponsor: BMW of Bowling Green

• Diamond Level Sponsors: Arnold Consulting Engineering Services and Crown Cork & Seal

• Sapphire Sponsors: KD Aesthetics, Service One Credit Union

• Emerald Level Sponsor: Atmos Energy

• Pearl Level Sponsors: Bowling Green Municipal Utilities and US Bank

• Vendor Sponsors: Aetna Medicare Solutions, Atalla Plastic Surgery, Be Happy Yoga & Salt Cave, English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, KD Aesthetics, & Regina Webb Salon & Spa

UPCOMING MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENTS

APRIL 11

8:30 - 9:30 AM

Wild Eggs

804 Campbell Lane • Suite 100

Come grab a cup of coffee and meet some fresh new faces all while supporting a local business. This is a casual networking event to help likeminded Young Professionals get together to build strong relationships within the community.

MAY 25 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Regis Oconnor Boulevard Bowling Green, KY

Habitat for Humanity BUILD SITE DAY

Bowling Green Young Professionals is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to help build local homes for people in need in our community.

Please register for this event through the Habitat for Humanity website, HERE

**Max of 10 volunteers on site

If you have any questions regarding a BGYP membership or any of the BGYP events, please email Kalyn Vick, kalyn@bgchamber.com.

MAY 12 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

BOWLING GREEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Stay up to date on current and passed legislation bills that affect you!

Speaker: John Cox, Director of Public Affairs at the Kentucky Chamber

JUNE 16 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

813 College Street, Suite 401 Bowling Green, KY 42101

Habitat for Humanity RESTORE DAY

Bowling Green Young Professionals is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to help with various items needed at the ReStore location. YP volunteers will be helping with processing, pricing, moving out new donations to the sales floor and organizing current items on the floor.

Please register for this event through the Habitat for Humanity website, HERE

VIEW ALL EVENTS HERE

PRESENTING SPONSOR

MEDIA & ARTS DAY

On March 15th, the Leadership Bowling Green Class of ‘23 began their Media & Arts Day at WNKY. After the tour and lunch at Mellow Mushroom, the class traveled to Baker Arboretum & Downing Museum. The arboretum encompasses 115 beautifully landscaped acres and the most comprehensive works of art by Joe Downing. Next the class toured the 1800 seat Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center and the Capital Arts Theatre for a panel made up of local leaders in TV, Radio, and print. The class ended the day at Sublime Media with a panel representing local media agencies.

Alumni Day Chairs:

Magen Siegrist (Farmers Bank & Trust)

Telia Butler (City of Bowling Green)

India Blankenship (Guarantee Pest Control)

Rob Hankins (Arts of Southern Kentucky)

Nick Kitchens (Gerald Printing)

CAREER SHADOWING

Career Shadowing is a career connection experience in which students gain deeper knowledge through “a day in the life” of professionals within a business. 165 students from 5 high schools were impacted by 9 events.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING partners for providing WINTER EVENTS

BELL, ORR, AYERS & MOORE

ENGLISH, LUCAS, PRIEST & OWSLEY

FAMILY ENRICHMENT CENTER

GENERAL MOTORS BG ASSEMBLY PLANT

LOGAN ALUMINUM

M & L ELECTRICAL

NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM

TRISTAR GREENVIEW REGIONAL HOSPTIAL WKU

THANK YOU TO THE PRESENTING SPONSORS

Interested in CAREER SHADOWING?

Contact Olivia Howard

olivia@bgchamber.com

STUDENT AMBASSADOR COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

On March 28th, 85 SCK LAUNCH Student Ambassadors and 7 Faculty Advisors (Bowling Green High, GEO International, Greenwood, South Warren High, Warren Central, and Warren East High) volunteered at The Boys & Girls Club of Bowling Green. The student ambassadors helped clean, organize, and prep materials for the upcoming summer. This service project provided the student ambassadors an opportunity to serve their broader community.

THANK YOU TO THE PRESENTING SPONSORS

Thank you for Renewing

440 Main Restaurant

Advanced Sheet Metal

Alora Aesthetics

Alpine Pet Care Center

American Legion Post 23

Anne Murray Communications Associates in Pediatric Therapy

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group

Azzip Pizza

B. Stephens HR Consulting

Be Happy Yoga and Salt Cave

BG Dumpster, LLC

Black Equipment Company

BlueCotton, Inc.

BMW of Bowling Green

Brantley Appraisal Company

Buffalo Wild Wings

Burk Construction, LLC

Campbell Chevrolet

Chandler Memory Care & Assisted Living, LLC

College Heights Herald

Covington Dental

Cox Family Dentistry

Creek Sod Farms, Inc.

Crossland Community Church

Dale Carnegie of Tennessee

Delta Dental of Kentucky

Diversified Electrical, Inc.

Don Langley Rentals

Eagle Ridge Retreat Center

Elite Welding & Industrial Services, LLC

Eloise B. Houchens Center

Esh's Utility Buildings

FMO Furniture Merchandise Outlet

Gaddie-Shamrock, LLC

Gary K. Dillard

Gerard's 1907 Tavern

Gigi's Cupcakes

Glory Baby Ministry

Goodall Homes

Greenwood Ford Lincoln

Homeland, Inc.

Hyatt Place Bowling Green

International Paper

Joe Natcher

Johnny Webb

Johnson-Vaughn-Phelps Funeral Home

Junior Achievement of South Central KY

KD Aesthetics

Keller Williams First Choice Realty

Kenworth of Bowling Green

KIRIU USA LLC

Knight Electric Inc., Heating & Cooling

Kobelco Aluminum Products & Extrusions, Inc.

Landmark Financial Advisors

Leachman Buick-GMC-Cadillac

Luttrell Staffing Group

McPeak Vision Partners

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Mid-Park, Inc. Metal Forming Division

Midtown Events Center

Midtown Plaza Shopping Center

Miracle Ear

Morgantown Bank & Trust

Next Level Home Services

Nutrition Center

Odd Fellows Lodge

Paul Burrell Management Company dba McDonald's Personnel Placements, LLC

Precision Eye Care & Optical

Rafferty's Restaurant & Bar

RC Components, Inc.

Republic Services

Rick Wilson

Salvation Army

Shelton CPAs, LLP

Shop At Home Carpets

Sleep Inn / Mainstay Suites

Sowders Company Designers / Builders, LLC

Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY)

Sugar Bear Properties, LLC

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc.

Texas Roadhouse

The Appraisal Station

The Registry

Tony Witty/Stifel

Topura America Fastener, Inc.

Valor Oil

Walnut Grove Logistics

Weed Man Lawn Care

Western Crane Service

White Oak General Contractors

Wright Implement 1, LLC

*DATES/TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

LEADERSHIP LESSONS: ENHANCING THE LEADER WITHIN

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 | 8AM - 12PM

SUPERVISOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 | 8AM - 12PM

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS GOOD BUSINESS

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 | 8AM - 12PM

GOING FROM A GOOD COMPANY TO A GREAT ONE

Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 8AM - 12PM

Let's Celebrate!

Need to schedule a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking? If you are interested in this partner-only benefit, click the link below to learn more!

Please allow 6-8 weeks notice.

SCHEDULE A PARTNER CELEBRATION

YOU ARE Important TO US!

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT YOUR PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS? Contact your Chamber partnership team today at partnership@bgchamber.com.