Bowling Green, October 3, 2025
News Summary
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the success of local businesses at the annual Targeted Business Awards. Esteemed recipients included healthcare providers Graves Gilbert Clinic, Med Center Health, and TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital. Additionally, Caza Innovations received multiple awards, while Country Oven Bakery was named Business of the Year. The Chamber is also accepting nominations for outstanding customer service and small business awards, with a deadline approaching soon. Furthermore, community leaders will be inducted into Junior Achievement’s Hall of Fame, showcasing the impact of local businesses and leaders.
Bowling Green – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the success of local businesses during its annual Targeted Business Awards event, held at SKYPAC. This annual gathering honors various businesses in Bowling Green and Warren County, recognizing their contributions to the local economy.
This year’s awards featured several esteemed recipients in multiple categories. The Healthcare Enterprise Awards were presented to three prominent healthcare providers: Graves Gilbert Clinic, Med Center Health, and TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital. These awards specifically acknowledge organizations for their excellence in the healthcare sector.
Caza Innovations was recognized with both the Emerging Technology Business Award and the Newcomer Award. CEO Kent Murphy expressed enthusiasm for the company’s growth and the support it has received from the Bowling Green community.
The prestigious 2025 John B. Holland Business of the Year award was awarded to Country Oven Bakery. This accolade showcases businesses demonstrating not only economic success but also stellar service and contributions to the community.
As part of the proceedings, the Chamber’s Business Council is currently accepting nominations for two additional awards: the Outstanding Customer Service Award and the Small Business of the Year Award. Nominations for these awards are set to close on January 30, with winners to be announced during the annual Meeting Dinner and Awards ceremony on April 4. The Outstanding Customer Service Award promotes businesses excelling in customer interactions, while the Small Business of the Year Award honors those that excel in management, innovation, and community responsibility.
In addition, two community leaders, Rick Wilson and Dr. Martha Sales, will be inducted into Junior Achievement’s Hall of Fame on March 18. Wilson, former president and CEO of Bowling Green Bank and Trust Co., will receive the Laureate Award recognizing business excellence, while Dr. Sales, Dean at WKU, is to be honored with the Trailblazer Award for mid-level professionals. They will join a prestigious group of 36 community leaders recognized for their contributions to local business and education.
The 2024 Targeted Business Awards encompassed recognition of 29 businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to innovation and impactful community engagement. CC Clark Inc. also received the John B. Holland Business of the Year Award, sponsored by The Murphy Construction Group. These awards represent significant contributions to the economic growth of South Central Kentucky, with a reported $325.9 million in capital investments for 2024 and the creation of 642 new jobs year-to-date. Additionally, an estimated $2.35 billion in capital investment is projected over the next decade.
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1935 and accredited with a 5-Star status by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, aims to highlight the valuable contributions of local businesses to the overall economy and the quality of life in the community. During the awards ceremony, the Chamber presented awards in seven categories, including Business of the Year, Healthcare Enterprise, Newcomer, Business Expansion, Business Innovation, Green to Gold, and Emerging Technology Business. Pinnacle Financial Partners served as the title sponsor of this year’s event.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the Targeted Business Awards?
The Targeted Business Awards recognizes businesses in Bowling Green and Warren County for their contributions to the local economy.
Who were the recipients of the Healthcare Enterprise Awards?
The Healthcare Enterprise Awards were presented to Graves Gilbert Clinic, Med Center Health, and TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital.
What awards did Caza Innovations receive?
Caza Innovations received the Emerging Technology Business Award and the Newcomer Award.
When is the nomination deadline for the Outstanding Customer Service Award and Small Business of the Year Award?
Nominations close on January 30.
When will the winners of the Outstanding Customer Service Award and Small Business of the Year Award be announced?
The winners will be announced at the annual Meeting Dinner and Awards ceremony on April 4.
What are the major contributions reported for 2024?
For 2024, there were $325.9 million in capital investments reported and 642 new jobs created year-to-date.
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Targeted Business Awards
- Wikipedia: Bowling Green
- Sentinel-Tribune: Nominations Open for BG Chamber Business Council Awards
- Google Search: Bowling Green Chamber Awards
- BG Daily News: Wilson Sales Inducted into JA Hall of Fame
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bowling Green Kentucky
- WBKO: United Way Southern Kentucky Celebrates Outstanding Community Partners
- Google News: Bowling Green Business Events
- Lane Report: CC Clark Inc. Top Winner at Bowling Green Area Chamber Awards
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
