Chamber Programs

Leadership BG

Beginning mid-year each year, Leadership BG is a nine month program open to area businesses and their employees.  It is designed to enhance their awareness of their community, the business industry, and foster their leadership abilities. Each class is given the challenge to complete a community project of their choice. This is to allow the class to work together toward a common goal while executing their leadership style.
[ 2009-2010 Leadership BG Application ]

High School Leadership

High School Leadership is an eight-month youth leadership-training program with the mission of introducing high school aged youth to their community while fostering leadership abilities. While today's primary focus remains on tomorrow's leaders, this program consists of fewer lectures and is more interactive - using approaches much like those employed in today's classroom. The program includes students from Otsego, Elmwood and Bowling Green High Schools. Their school faculty and administrators choose participants.
[ High School Leadership Application ]

Business Council Sponsored Events:

The Business Council is one of our Project Teams, which focuses on developing and implementing seminars, workshops and speakers that are of interest to Chamber investors.
 
Business, Briefing, & brew (BB&b):
Sponsored by the Business Council, the second Thursday of every month you and/or a member of your business are welcome to this time of networking & a great cup of Joe.  Meeting time is 8:00am, and is hosted by a different Chamber Investor each month. Watch the Chamber Calendar and Chamber Chatter for each month's location!

Interested in hosting a BB&b? Contact our director, Earlene, by emailing her at E.KilpatrickDirector@bgchamber.net

 
State of the City, County, and Chamber Addresses:
These provide an opportunity for the public to hear the city's, county's, and State and US's perspective on important events and issues that have had an impact on the community throughout the past year.  These events are sponsored by the Business Council.
 

Business After Hours (BAH):
An excellent forum for informal networking, "BAHs" allow investors to meet with others in a social atmosphere, in order to exchange business cards and acquire business leads.  Any Chamber investor can host a BAH.  It is a chance to meet new and prospective Chamber investors, and talk with long time friends.  The rules are simple: no speeches allowed.
[ BAH Contract & Guidelines ]

SCORE

SCORE is a national nonprofit organization with a public service mission. SCORE volunteers provide small business counseling and training through a network of 389 chapters, 800 branches, and its website, http://www.score.org. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration and has served more than six million entrepreneurs since 1964. NW Ohio SCORE was founded in 1965, and its counselors have a wide range of business experience and corporate backgrounds in many diverse areas. Their mission is to provide professional guidance and information, accessible to all, to maximize the success of America's existing and emerging small business.  SCORE offers:

There are no fees to begin SCORE counseling. Each client is matched with a counselor (or team) experienced in the area of the client's need. SCORE counseling is always confidential, and can continue for extended periods of time when needed. If you are considering starting a new business, or already are in a small business but wish to benefit from the experience of successful executives, the FREE, one-on-one counseling, mentoring, and training is available now. To set up an appointment, call the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce at 419-353-7945, or email us at scoretoledo@hotmail.com.

Annual Chamber Events

Annual Meeting Dinner Dance

At the beginning of each year investors are invited to the BG Chamber of Commerce Dinner Dance. This is an opportunity for investors to kick back and network with old friends as well as meet new friends. At this time the gavel is handed over to the new Board President, and three awards are given out: the Outstanding Citizen Awards (Female and Male), and the international Athena Award.  See the Awards section below for more information about these prestigious honors.
 

Career Forum

Each March, over 400 high school juniors from five county schools attend the Career Forum, held at BGSU. Area Business, trade and professional people participate in panel discussions, sharing information about their jobs, education and skills they needed to accomplish their goals and chosen careers. Through this forum the young people of today get a glimpse of the career opportunities offered right at home.

Blood Analysis - Scholarship Fundraiser
with Wood County Hospital

The Chamber partners with the Wood County Hospital for a scholarship fundraiser.  On a Saturday in April, Chamber Investors and members of the community register to have a complete blood analysis taken.  Proceeds benefit student scholarships.
2010 Date: April 17th, 2010

Fourth of July Fireworks

In conjunction with the City of Bowling Green, the Chamber celebrates our country's independence from England with a colorful display of fireworks.
Sponsorship forms for this event will be available in May.

Mid-Year Meeting

The third week in July, Chamber investors come together to reconnect. The program includes a featured speaker, the recognition of the Chamber Scholarship Award winner and the  I Love BG Award winner. Anyone can make a nomination; nominations are due to the Chamber by the date on the form.  See the Chamber Awards section below for more information, or to make a nomination. 

Chamber Day at the Wood County Fair

The Chamber Day at the Wood County Fair is a one-day event held during fair week. Chamber investors (and only Chamber Investors) have the opportunity to showcase their business to hundreds of people attending the fair.
Registration for this event begins in June.

New Teacher Luncheon

The Bowling Green Chamber treats new faculty members from the Bowling Green City Schools and private schools to a luncheon before the school year begins, welcoming them to the community.
This event is held mid-August.

Golf Outing

This annual fundraiser helps to support the mission of the Bowling Green Chamber. Held the last week of August, it is time to relax and enjoy a day of fun, networking, and golf! Spots for teams fill up quick, so download the Brochure (below), and send in your registration early!  Sponsorships spots are also available.  All sponsors will be recognized in print, as well as numerous other benefits listed in the Sponsorship flyer (below).
Registration for this event begins in June.

Merchant Fair

Each September, in collaboration with Bowling Green State University, the Merchant Fair provides Chamber businesses and organizations the opportunity to promote their products and services to the entire BGSU community. This is held  in the fall in conjunction with BGSU's CampusFest/All Campus Picnic.
Registration for this event begins in June.

Chamber Holiday Parade

Celebrate the holidays and the beauty of BG with the Chamber Holiday Parade.  Held in the downtown area, the parade is an excellent way to showcase your organization.  Space is limited, so be sure to register early!  Donations help to support band stipends, parade publicity, and the general administrative costs of coordinating the event.  The theme for this year will be announced soon!
2010 date: November 20, 2010
Parade Registration begins mid-September.