29 Companies Recognized at Bowling Green Chamber’s Targeted Business Awards; AKFA Awarded Business of the Year

What This Story Is About

The Bowling Green Area Chamber honored 29 businesses at its annual Targeted Business Awards, with AKFA Aluminum Solutions receiving the Business of the Year award.

Why It Matters

Recognized projects represent $178 million in investments and 740 new jobs in South Central Kentucky.

What Happens Next

The honored businesses will focus on expansion and hiring, while the Chamber tracks ongoing growth in the region.

For Context

The October event coincides with Targeted Business and Industry Appreciation Month, marking the largest honoree class in the event’s history.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 29 businesses on Thursday during its annual Targeted Business Awards at the Knicely Conference Center. The top honor, the John B. Holland Business of the Year Award, was awarded to AKFA Aluminum Solutions.

The Chamber holds this annual event in October as part of Targeted Business and Industry Appreciation Month, recognizing businesses that foster innovation, job creation, and community impact across South Central Kentucky.

According to the Chamber, 24 economic development projects were recognized, totaling $178 million in investment and 740 new jobs, making it the largest group ever honored at the event.

Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel highlighted regional partnerships and collaborations.

Roddy Grimes, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, stated, “Businesses in South Central Kentucky are more than employers; they are an important part of our communities.”

Chamber President and CEO Jim Page noted that the awards honor businesses making a meaningful difference in job creation, investment in people, and strengthening communities.

Alisher Srajidinov, COO of AKFA Aluminum Group, expressed pride in receiving the Business of the Year Award, thanking the community for supporting their vision for a new aluminum extrusion facility.

Award Categories

1. John B. Holland Business of the Year: AKFA Aluminum Solutions
2. Healthcare Enterprise: Med Center Health, TriStar Greenview Regional Health
3. Newcomer: Greenball Corporation, Lebanon Power & Apparatus, A Division of Air Hydro Power
4. Innovation: Crown Cork & Seal
5. Green to Gold: Corvac Composites, LLC
6. Emerging Technology Business: Hitcents, UnDesked
7. Expansion: Multiple recognized companies, including Amcor and Tyson Foods
8. Anniversary Recognitions:
   • Med Center Health – 100 years
   • General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant – 45 years
   • Delta Faucet Company – 40 years
   • Constellium – 10 years

Year-to-date, the Chamber reports 22 economic development projects totaling $91.8 million and 396 new jobs.

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