News Summary
Forbes has released its annual list of best large and mid-sized employers for 2025, featuring twelve companies from Kentucky. While none made the top spots, the inclusion signifies a vibrant work culture. Leading the pack is Fruit of the Loom, followed by notable organizations like Norton Healthcare and the University of Kentucky. Forbes evaluated the rankings based on feedback from 217,000 workers, highlighting Kentucky’s diverse employment landscape. With ongoing job opportunities, Kentucky’s business environment is thriving, showcasing its commitment to employee satisfaction.
Exciting News from Kentucky: 12 Companies Shine in Forbes’ Best Employers List for 2025
Hey there, folks! We have some remarkable news coming straight from the heart of the Bluegrass State. Forbes just unveiled its annual list of the best large and mid-sized employers in the U.S. for 2025, and guess what? Twelve fantastic companies from Kentucky have made the cut! While none of these employers grabbed a top spot, it’s still a big deal to be recognized among the best.
The Stars of the Show
Leading the Kentucky pack is Fruit of the Loom, hailing from Bowling Green, which proudly claims the No. 51 spot among large employers nationwide. This iconic company has been around since 1851, making it one of the oldest brands in the world! With a workforce that spans more than 28,000 globally, they are doing something right despite Forbes reporting a slightly lower headcount of 20,000.
Alongside Fruit of the Loom, several other noteworthy companies represent Kentucky on this prestigious list, including:
- Norton Healthcare from Louisville, taking the No. 106 overall position
- University of Kentucky in Lexington, coming in at No. 203
- Humana, also in Louisville, landing at No. 275
- Tempur Sealy International, based in Lexington at No. 330
- Texas Roadhouse from Louisville, sitting at No. 455
- Toyota Boshoku, which is based in Japan but has roots in Kentucky at No. 669
- Long John Silver’s from Louisville rounding it out at No. 676
Mid-Sized Employers Also Shine
On the mid-sized employer side, four Kentucky companies are making waves as well. Although specific names weren’t highlighted, their presence contributes to the ever-growing reputation of Kentucky as a terrific place to work.
Understanding the Rankings
Forbes calculated these rankings using survey feedback from a whopping 217,000 workers. To ensure accuracy and reliability, they collaborated with Statista for this insightful report. The employers were classified into two categories: mid-sized companies that have between 1,000 to 5,000 employees, and large companies with more than 5,000 employees. Kentucky certainly showed its diversity in both categories!
Job Opportunities on the Horizon
As of April 24, Fruit of the Loom is on the lookout for talent with two postings for cost accountants in Bowling Green. Plus, they have a couple of positions on the facility side that don’t require a college degree. However, keep in mind that none of the job listings currently display pay scales, so added curiosity is likely to arise from potential applicants.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, there’s more excitement brewing in the state! The announcement for the Best Places to Work in Kentucky will take place on May 22, 2025. The selection for this fantastic recognition is being managed by the Workforce Research Group, which is evaluating company employee policies and conducting internal surveys to find out who really stands out.
All in all, Kentucky’s presence in Forbes’ annual list, with twelve respectable entries, showcases the growing potential and commitment these companies have to their employees. While some may not have clinched top positions, being featured at all speaks volumes about the work environment and culture within the state. So, a big round of applause for all the businesses making Kentucky proud!
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Additional Resources
- Forbes: Best Employers by State
- Kentucky Chamber: Best Places to Work in Kentucky
- Fox 56 News: Best Places to Work in Kentucky
- WNKY: T.J. Regional Health Recognized as Best Place to Work
- Cincinnati.com: Biggest Northern Kentucky Businesses
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.
