June 2023 Chamber Connection

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

June has arrived, bringing with it the warmth of summer and a reminder of how swiftly time passes. In May, our chamber was filled with exhilarating events and celebrations. The Excellence Awards Luncheon stood out as a highlight, where we honored remarkable individuals for their outstanding contributions.

We recognized this year’s ATHENA recipient, Dr. Martha Sales of Western Kentucky University, and this year’s Small Business Person of the Year, Sasa Mandrapa owner of The Bistro, Burger & Bowl, Novo Dolce, The Pub, Speeza and Toro. Brooke Schakat, of BAIRD - The Perry Richey Group an emerging talent, received the 2023 ATHENA Young Professional award. The Family Enrichment Center was acknowledged as Nonprofit of the Year, while the Martin Management Group was celebrated as the Minority and/or Woman-Owned Business of the Year. Read more about this on page 9.

Looking ahead, we have exciting events for our partner. The sold out Chamber Golf Classic at Bowling Green Country Club promises enjoyable networking. Registration is open for the Sports & Biz event in July, uniting sports and business professionals. Additionally, the Pearls of Wisdom Ladie's Luncheon in August will celebrate women's achievements and empowerment.

Let's continue building a strong chamber community. Your presence and engagement are crucial to our success. Wishing you a fantastic month ahead!

Todd Matthews

2023 Chairman

BOARD NOMINATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors.

Per Article III, Section 2 of the by-laws of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., directors shall be selected for the general partnership of the Chamber.

Directors-at-large shall serve one year terms. Following the one-year term, all at-large directors shall be eligible for election to full three-year terms. All directors shall begin their terms of office on Janurary 1 of the year following the election in October.

PARTNER CELEBRATIONS

WARREN COUNTY ROAD DEPARTMENT

MAY 4 | GRAND OPENING

INDEPENDENCE BANK

MAY 5 | 10TH ANNIVERSARY

GREEN'S ROOFING

MAY 10 | 55TH ANNIVERSARY

GOODALL HOMES / THE STANDARD AT BLUE LEVEL

MAY 11 | GRAND OPENING

KENTUCKY KIDS ON THE BLOCK

MAY 15 | NEW EXPANSION

TVA

MAY 16 | 90TH ANNIVERSARY

PARTNER CELEBRATIONS

LUXE BOUTIQUE

MAY 17 | GRAND OPENING

DON'S HOUSE OF COMEDY

MAY 23 | 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

H&B DIRTWORKS

MAY 24 | GRAND OPENING

ADECCO

MAY 31 | GRAND RE-OPENING

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.

UPCOMING MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENTS

SPONSORED BY:

JUNE 27 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM

LOCATION: Embassy Suites by Hilton

556 Hub Boulevard, Bowling Green, KY

JULY 13 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

LOCATION: TEXAS ROADHOUSE

3353 Nell O' Bryan Court, Bowling Green, KY

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.

SPONSORED BY:

Sports & LuncheonBiz

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. 62 students from 5 High Schools were impacted by these events hosted by the following businesses:

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING partners for providing CAREER SHADOWING

Pan Oston

General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant

Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation

Stewart-Richey Construction

M&L Electical

THANK YOU TO THE PRESENTING SPONSORS

Interested in CAREER SHADOWING?

Contact Olivia Howard olivia@bgchamber.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2023!

Thank you to the 2023 Annual Leadership Bowling Green Class Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: RENEW by Optimum Rejuvenation

7 Habits Sponsor: Franklin Bank & Trust

Breakfast Sponsors: Crowd South, SKY Property Management

Cinch Bag Sponsor: Gerald Printing

Retreat 2 Sponsors: Pinnacle Financial Partners, Gigi’s Cupcakes, SKY Property Management

If you would like to be one of the sponsors for the 2024 Leadership Bowling Green Class, please contact Sandra Baker by July 20.

Email: Sandra@bgchamber.com

2023 Class Officers

Amy Hardin, Brooke Schakat, Lindsay Porter, Drew Cassady, Jessica Coomes

2023 Bart Hagerman Award Captain Jonathan Vickous

Class Award for Most Volunteer Hours: Mark Edlebeck

2023 Class Co-Chair | Jessica Carver

MAY 9, 2023 | NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSUEM

WANT TO SEE MORE PICTURES OF THIS EVENT? CLICK HERE!

Thanks to our Sponsors

ATHENA YP Sponsored by Martin Dodge Jeep Chrysler RAM

2023 ATHENA YP WINNER BROOKE SCHAKAT OF BAIRD: THE PERRY RICHEY GROUP

2023 NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR, FAMILY ENRICHMENT CENTER

2023 MINORITY AND/OR WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEARMARTIN MANAGEMENT GROUP

2023 ATHENA WINNER, DR. MARTHA SALES OF WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

2023 SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR SASA MANDRAPA OF THE BISTRO, BURGER & BOWL, NOVO DOLCE, THE PUB BY NOVO, SPEEZA AND TORO

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 AWARD NOMINEES

ATHENA Nominees

Ashley Carter: English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley

Lisa Martens: Nat’s Outdoor Sports

Rhondell Miller: HOTEL INC.

Abby Phillips: Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky

Martha Sales: Western Kentucky University

Lindsey Sanson: American Bank & Trust

Kendra Sewell: Pan-Oston

Christi Turner: Summit Title Company

Melanie Watts: LifeSkills

ATHENA Young Professional Nominees

Lydia Gilliam: Houchens Insurance Group

Maegan Hance: Triple Crown Auto Glass

Jessica Heffinger: Glory Baby Ministry

Elizabeth Newbould: United Way of Southern Kentucky

Lisa Oliver: Abound Credit Union

Brooke Schakat: Baird - The Perry Richey Group

Magen Siegrist: Farmers Bank & Trust

Katie Tabor: Foreman Watson Land Title

Ashlee Wilson: Bowling Green Hot Rods

Minority and/or Woman Owned Business of the Year

Allegiance Staffing

Be Happy Yoga & Salt Cave

Café Kindness

Jules With the Flowers

Martin Management Group

Mbellishevents

Mick Murf Construction

Nat’s Outdoor Sports

Timesavers Caregiving and Concierge

Triple Crown Auto Glass

Wild Eggs

Nonprofit of the Year

Alzheimer’s Association

Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center

CASA of South Central Kentucky

Family Enrichment Center

Historic RailPark & Train Museum

Hospice of Southern Kentucky

HOTEL INC

Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky

Kentucky Apex Accelerator

Kentucky Kids on the Block

LifeWorks at WKU

New Path Recovery Home

Salvation Army

United Way of Southern Kentucky

Small Business Person of the Year

Dr. Thomas Birkenhauer & Dr. Andrew Burt, Bluegrass Oral Health Center

Justin Gearlds, RENEW by Optimum

Rejuvenation

Jackie & Jeff Green, Jeff Green Home Improvements

Susan Hoechner, Barbara Stewart Interiors

Sasa Mandrapa, The Bistro, Burger & Bowl, Novo

Dolce, The Pub by Novo, Speeza and Toro

Ada Beth Oliver, Oliver Creative

Spence Sheldon, Donato’s Pizza

SCK LAUNCH HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR JOB FAIR

In partnership with the South Central Workforce Development Board, and Kentucky Career Center, the local high schools from Bowling Green Independent School District, Butler County Schools, Edmonson County Schools, Warren County Area Technology Center, and Warren County Public Schools participated in the SCK LAUNCH Job Fair which provides graduating high school seniors the opportunity to interview and network with employers from high-demand sectors in South Central Kentucky.

JOB FAIR RECAP

INDUSTRY SECTORS

24 Companies Interviewing

26 Companies Networking

8 High Schools

242 Total Number of Students

381

Total Number of Interviews Scheduled

Participating Chamber Partners:

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the ongoing presenting sponsors English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP and Houchens Industries, Inc., along wiht our presenting sponsor for this year's Job Fair, Logan Aluminum, for their generous support. We are also grateful to the breakfast sponsor, Service One Credit Union, and the lunch sponsor, M&L Electrical, Inc., for their contributions. Additionally, we would like to extend our thanks to all the participating businesses that made this event possible. Special thanks to Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC, Berry Global, BlueCotton, CGS Machine & Tool, Inc, City of Bowling Green, Country Oven Bakery, Graves Gilbert Clinic, Henkel, Holiday Inn University Plaza-Bowling Green, Houchens Food Group, Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products, Bowling Green Metalforming, Med Center Health, Multi Color Corporation, The Murphy Construction Group, Pan-Oston, Performance FoodService, Precision Strip, Scotty's Contracting and Stone, LLC, Stewart-Richey Construction, Stupp Bridge Company, Three Springs Hospitality Management, TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, and Tyson Foods. Your support and involvement have made this event a great success, and we are incredibly grateful for your partnership.

THANK YOU TO THE SCK LAUNCH PRESENTING SPONSORS

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UPCOMING MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENTS

BOWLING GREEN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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.

JULY 13

YP After Hours Networking Event

Come and network in a relaxed atmosphere with other with like-minded Young Professionals.

JUNE 20

8:30 - 9:30 AM

CROWN Cork and Seal 1291 Prosperity Lane

Bowling Green, KY 42103

Join us for an inside look at the CROWN Cork and Seal facility. Be in the know of all the opportunities and services that facilities offer right here in our community.

*Founded in 1892, employees 26,000 and 2021 net sales was $11.4 billion.

JULY

300 8th Avenue

Bowling Green, KY 42101

YP & AMBASSADOR MIXER AT ELPO SUITE

Join us for a casual networking event with the Bowling Green Young Professionals Group and Chamber Ambassadors. This event is an opportunity for each of these groups to meet new and familiar faces and continue to build quality community connections.

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

When your personal definition of success includes a dedication to making a difference – and your degree of wealth puts you in a favorable position to do so – you want a financial advisor who shares your service mindset and is also highly skilled in managing and preserving your wealth.Ken Haycraft has always strived to meet these criteria. He is a man who has made “Always in Service” his personal motto, and he is well-versed in addressing the financial complexities that often accompany substantial wealth. As a veteran whose family lineage of military service goes back generations, it’s easy to understand why his clients include fellow veterans and military officers. But they also include other serviceminded professionals like family wealth stewards, business and community leaders such as professors and doctors.

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.

Thank You for Renewing

BOWLING GREEN METALFORMING BOWLING GREEN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES

BOYD CAT

GRAVES GILBERT CLINIC US BANK US WAREHOUSING, INC.

Thank you for Renewing

Bowling Green Hot Rods

Bowling Green KOA Holiday

Boys & Girls Club of Bowling Green

C & S Business Group

Capitol Window & Door

Carpet Place of Bowling Green, Inc.

Center for Accessible Living

CenterPointe Church

CGS Machine & Tool, Inc.

CMS Roofing & Restoration

Community Farmers Market

Connected Nation, Inc.

Days Inn & Suites

Deemer Floral Company

Dotson Electric Company, Inc.

Dr. Jerry Wells

Dwight Embry's Garage, Inc.

Elder Advantage, LLC

Electronic Payments Express

Ewing Ford Properties

Final Finish

Flowers by Shirley, Inc.

FocalPoint Business Coaching

Foundation Christian Academy

Fukuda USA, Inc.

Geoghegan Roofing & Supply, Inc.

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky

Hampton Inn

Hill-Motley Lumber Company

Hines Pharmacy

Home by Cardinal HOTEL INC

Industrial Controls Automation

Isso Hindu Temple

Kyle A. Woosley State Farm Agency

LifeWorks at WKU

Local Taco Bowling Green

Loid Stables

Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant

Lovers Lane Tree Farm, Inc.

Martin Autoplex

McWhorter Chiropractic, LLC

Nothing Bundt Cakes- Mt. Juliet, TN

Pan-Oston

Prairie Farms Dairy

ProRehab Bowling Green

Reynolds Johnston Hinton, LLP

Riley's Bakery

Sewell and Sewell Architects, PLLC

Simon Dentistry

Southern Kentucky ReEntry Council

Stanley Steemer

Steel Mill and Co

Summit Title Company, LLC

The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky

The Foundry Christian Community Center

The Purple Door Boutique, LLC

Tile Trends, Inc.

Trees N Trends