Bowling Green Recognized as #1 City in Economic Development for Populations Under 200,000

Bowling Green, Kentucky – In an yearly rating of national economic development acknowledgments by Site Selection magazine, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has emerged victorious. This year, the City of Bowling Green has secured the top rank among high-performing U.S. metros in populations under 200,000. Notably, this is the 11th consecutive year that Bowling Green has achieved a rank within the top six tier-2 metropolitan areas in the nation.

Distinguished Recognition

Site Selection magazine bases its rankings on a 10-factor index that utilizes Conway Data Inc.’s vast database of project announcements to evaluate a community’s ability to lure prominent investments. Bowling Green’s triumph in these rankings can be attributed to the harmonious efforts, dedication, and innovative spirit of its local businesses. These factors have not only stimulated economic growth in the region but also developed a resilient community with a spirit of mutual support.

This honor also extends to Lexington, Kentucky, which also secured a place in the top ten for the population bracket of 200,000 to 1,000,000.

United Community Effort

Ron Bunch, the president and CEO of the chamber, gratefully acknowledged the community’s effort in this accomplishment. He says, “Our local businesses, from small startups to large corporations, have shown exceptional resilience and a healthy attitude towards growth, setting the stage for South Central Kentucky to lead with innovation. This accolade is a tribute to their hard work and the robust ecosystem we’ve built together.”

Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott also took pride in the city’s achievements, thanking all stakeholders involved for their collaborative efforts in achieving the national recognition.

A Benchmark for Future Growth

As Bowling Green continues to draw national attention for its economic development success, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to maintaining this momentum, ensuring their continued position as a top choice for business investment globally. In 2023, the Chamber announced 16 new projects, 4 new business attractions, and 12 expansions. These projects signify $118 million in capital investments and are predicted to create approximately 984 new jobs.

These predicted jobs are expected to add over $3.6 billion to the local economy over the next ten years, consequently supporting an additional 1,690 jobs within the community. With South Central Kentucky’s position as a leading location for manufacturing and distribution facilities, the region is primed to continue its upward trajectory of economic growth.

More details on Site Selection’s rankings are available on their official website.