[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 129 (Monday, September 14, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 BOWLING GREEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I read an article of great interest 
in the Bowling Green Daily News involving the Bowling Green Area 
Chamber of Commerce. The article commended the chamber on being 
recognized by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives as the 
number-one chamber in the nation. Bowling Green and the surrounding 
community has experienced significant growth in the areas of business 
and industry, due to the chamber's efforts to keep Bowling Green a 
flourishing and vibrant city. I know my colleagues join me in 
commending the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce for all it has 
done to better their community and State. I am pleased to see their 
hard work being recognized.
  I ask unanimous consent that the full article be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

           [From the Bowling Green Daily News, Aug. 4, 2009]

 ``We're No. 1'' Chants a Thrill for BG Area Chamber Local Group Named 
                   Best in the Nation in Its Category

                            (By Jenna Mink)

       ``About 100 state and local officials, business leaders and 
     community members gathered at the Bowling Green Area Chamber 
     of Commerce today, many of them chanting, ``We're No. 1.'' 
     The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce recently was named 
     the best chamber of its size in the nation, chamber officials 
     announced today.
       ``I can't tell you what a great feeling it is to say we're 
     the No. 1 chamber in the nation,'' said Jim Hizer, president 
     and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
       Each year, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a 
     national group of chamber leaders, chooses the top chambers 
     in the nation. Chambers are separated into three categories 
     based on their revenue; the Bowling Green Area Chamber of 
     Commerce won in the mid-size category, beating about 45 
     chambers that were invited to apply for the award.
       When choosing the top chamber of commerce, ACCE officials 
     look at ``the entire scope of the chamber, from its financial 
     practices all the way to programs and special events,'' said 
     Tonya Matthews, vice president of chamber operations. ``They 
     really don't miss a beat in digging into the chamber.''
       This is the second year the local chamber has been a 
     finalist--last year, it was one of the top three chambers, 
     but did not pick up the top award.
       ``All I was thinking about was to be a finalist two years 
     in a row and not come home with an award would be an empty 
     feeling,'' Hizer said. ``But we don't have to worry about 
     that.'' The chamber of commerce works to boost the business 
     community by attracting new companies to the area and helping 
     existing businesses expand.
       ``Our principle responsibility is to bring wealth and 
     prosperity to our community for the benefit of our business 
     members, partners and for all citizens,'' Hizer said.
       About 7,000 chambers exist in the United States and 1,400 
     of those are members of the ACCE. This year, two other cities 
     that sit along Interstate 65 won ACCE awards--Nashville's 
     chamber won the large division and Columbus, Ind., won the 
     small division, according to the chamber.
       In 2008, about 26 businesses either located or expanded 
     operations in the Barren River area with a total investment 
     of about $105 million and 2,092 additional jobs, according 
     the chamber.
       And because of its new businesses and expansion efforts, 
     southcentral Kentucky received several national recognitions 
     last year--the area was named by Forbes Magazine the 12th 
     best small place in the area for businesses and careers. It 
     was also ranked 33rd of 363 metropolitan areas in job growth 
     and employment.
       ``The fact that the Bowling Green metropolitan area, by 
     virtually every measure, has been . . . the fastest growing 
     metropolitan area in the state of Kentucky, is evidence that 
     we are achieving our objective in spite of a challenging 
     economic environment,'' Hizer said.
       As for future economic development, the ACCE award will 
     help attract new businesses and convince existing businesses 
     to consolidate here or expand, Hizer said.
       ``This sent a message to the rest of the world that there 
     are some special things happening here in southcentral 
     Kentucky,'' Hizer said. ``And that in and of itself will draw 
     additional interest to our community.''

  Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I would like to take this opportunity 
to recognize the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce for receiving 
the 2009 Chamber of the Year award.
  The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce is truly an outstanding 
organization. It provides an invaluable service to South Central 
Kentucky by working with its more than 1,300 partners to stimulate 
economic development and create a better business environment in the 
region. Its hard work and advocacy has also enabled Bowling Green to 
compete nationally and to earn Site Selection Magazine's ranking of 
ninth for its number of 2008 industry and expansion projects.
  The greater Bowling Green region is home to a resilient economy where 
small and large businesses are forced to contend with a number of 
economic challenges. Recognizing these challenges, the Bowling Green 
Chamber of Commerce has remained committed to aiding businesses as they 
work their way through today's economic landscape.
  Strong leadership and solid organization have contributed to the 
chamber's record of success. Under the guidance of current chamber 
president, Jim Hizer, the chamber's membership and activities have 
continued to increase, providing local businesses more opportunities 
for growth and employment.
  I would like to congratulate the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce 
for receiving the 2009 Chamber of the Year award. Over the years, it 
has become a strong organization committed to serving the interests of 
its members and community. I wish it all the best in its future 
endeavors within Kentucky and around our Nation.

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