Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce honors 29 businesses at annual awards event

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce recognized 29 local businesses Thursday night at its annual Targeted Business Awards, held at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center.

The evening’s highest honor, the John B. Holland Business of the Year Award, went to CC Clark Inc., recognized for its significant contributions to the local economy.

CC Clark CEO Dallas Clark accepted the award, citing the company’s $120 million investment in Warren County, which will establish 20 new jobs and a state-of-the-art facility.

“This investment represents our commitment to both innovation and the communities we serve. Warren County’s strategic location, talented workforce, and welcoming business environment made it the perfect choice for our continued growth,” Clark said.

The Targeted Business Awards, held every October in conjunction with Targeted Business and Industry Appreciation Month, highlight businesses that have made notable investments in the region, according to a news release from the Chamber of Commerce.

In 2024, South Central Kentucky announced $325.9 million in capital investment and the creation of 642 new jobs. Over the next decade, these investments are expected to generate over $2.35 billion in economic impact and support an additional 1,103 jobs.

“Our targeted businesses are vital to the economic growth of South Central Kentucky,” said Travis Keller, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. “Their continuous efforts in capital investment, job creation, and community development have helped shape the dynamic and prosperous environment we proudly call home.”

Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch echoed the sentiment, noting that the event showcases the resilience and innovation of the local business community.

“Each award represents dedication not only to creating jobs but also to improving the quality of life for our residents,” Bunch said.

In addition to the John B. Holland Award, the Chamber presented awards in six other categories:

• Healthcare Enterprise Award: Graves Gilbert Clinic, Med Center Health, Rivendell Behavioral Health Hospital, and TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital were honored for expanding operations and job creation in the healthcare sector.
• Newcomer Award: Peak Precision Manufacturing, Southern Coil Solutions, and Vista Metals were recognized as new additions to South Central Kentucky’s business community.
• Business Expansion Award: 14 businesses, including Android Industries, BILSTEIN COLD ROLLED STEEL LP, Bowling Green Metalforming, Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Crown Verity, Gracious Living, Holley Performance Products, International Paper, Multi-Color Corporation, Owl’s Head Alloys, Inc., Pan-Oston, Real Alloy, LLC, ShopHQ, TAZ Trucking and Tyson Foods were awarded for significant growth in 2024.
• Business Innovation Award: CROWN Cork & Seal and General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant were honored for their leadership in innovative practices.
• Green to Gold Award: Southern Coil Solutions received recognition for its commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.
• Emerging Technology Business Award: Transmission was acknowledged for its work in the emerging technology sector.

The Chamber also honored long-standing businesses in the community, recognizing Bowling Green Machine and Welding for 50 years of service and Stupp Bridge for 25 years.

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