BG Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to the
Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce

Bowling Green, Ohio

|   Legislative Update with Congressman Latta, February 24, 8:00am. Call 419-353-7945 to reserve your spot!   |   Panelists sought for the 2012 Career Forum. Click for more info, or to sign up!  |   New HR Series seminar: "the Value of a Wellness Program", February 28, 8:00am. RSVP to 419-353-7945.   |   The BG Chamber and Owens Community College present: Communication Skills That Enhance Interpersonal Relations, February 29, 8:00am. RSVP REQUIRED to 419-353-7945   |   The Blood Analysis Program has been scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2012. Call 419-353-7945 to register!   |   View our 2011 Annual Report by clicking here.  |   Read the latest issue of the Chamber Newsletter!  |

Chamber Events & Programs:
Click the names for details!

Wed 2/22

Leadership BG: WCH & Heritage Corners

Fri 2/24

Legislative Update with Bob Latta

Fri 2/24

Ribbon Cutting for Little Miss Cupcakes

Tue 2/28

"The Value of a Wellness Program."

Wed 2/29

Communication Skills seminar

Fri 3/2

Ribbon Cutting for Serenity Spa & Salon

Wed 3/21

Leadership BG: City Safety Services

Leadership BG: WCH & Heritage Corners x

Session Six: WC Hospital/Health Services; Heritage Corners

Date: Wed 2/22

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cost: Free

Location: TBA To Be Announced Bowling Green, OH 43402

Legislative Update with Bob Latta x

Legislative Update with Ohio Congressman Bob Latta, at the Wood County Hospital

Date: Fri 2/24

Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Cost: Free

Location: Wood County Hospital 950 West Wooster St Bowling Green, OH 43402

Ribbon Cutting for Little Miss Cupcakes x

Come out for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Little Miss Cupcakes, in the Woodland Mall!

Date: Fri 2/24

Time: 1:00 pm

Cost: Free

Location: Woodland Mall 1234 N. Main Street Bowling Green, OH 43402

"The Value of a Wellness Program." x

The next installment in the HR Series, presented by the BG Chamber of Commerce Business Council.

Date: Tue 2/28

Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Cost: Free

Location: Chamber Office 163 N Main Street Bowling Green, OH 43402

Communication Skills seminar x

The BG Chamber and Owens WCS present: "Communication Skills That Enhance Interpersonal Relations."

Date: Wed 2/29

Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Location: Holiday Inn Express 2150 E Wooster St Bowling Green, OH 43402

Ribbon Cutting for Serenity Spa & Salon x

Come out to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Serenity Spa & Salon, in downtown Bowling Green!

Date: Fri 3/2

Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Location: Serenity Spa and Salon 127 S Main St Bowling Green, OH 43402

Leadership BG: City Safety Services x

City Safety Services; WC Historical Center & Museum

Date: Wed 3/21

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: TBA To Be Announced Bowling Green, OH 43402


Habitat for Humanity of Wood County, Inc.

Doris Herringshaw, Associate Member

Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield

Little Miss Cupcakes

Kathrens Insurance Agency

Knape Designs

Richard A. Edwards, Mayor of Bowling Green

Marie Pendleton, Newlove Realty Agent

art-a-site! Gallery & Studio


All Chamber forms are in PDF format.  If you are unable to view these forms, please click here to download the latest version of Acrobat Reader.

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.
[ Leadership BG Application Packet ]

 

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.
  The Chamber would like to thank the 2009-2010 High School Leadership sponsors: the Exchange Club of Bowling Green, the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green, and the Wood County Educational Service Center.
[ 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):
  The second Wednesday of every month, at 8:00am, you are invited to a time of networking & a great cup of Joe.  BB&b's are hosted by a different Chamber Investor each month. Watch the Calendar and Chatter for each month's location!
 
Interested in hosting a BB&b? Email our director: 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.

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.
[ 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:

  • Free, confidential, personalized, one-on-one counseling to help people start a business or improve an existing one
  • General business advice
  • Comprehensive business plan development
  • Assistance in helping clients obtain financial services
  • Guidance and discussions with clients regarding operational problems and importance of cash flow
  • Seminars, workshops, and more!
  • For more information, go to: http://www.scoretoledo.org

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 & Awards

At the beginning of each year investors are invited to the BG Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Dinner & Awards. 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 the Chamber's annual awards are given out: the Outstanding Citizen Awards (Female and Male), the international Athena Award, and the Zeus Award.  See the Awards section below for more information about these prestigious honors.
The 2012 AMDA took place on Saturday, January 28, 2012

 

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 BG Chamber of Commerce and Wood Co. Hospital host the annual Blood Analysis Program on a Saturday in April each year. The comprehensive blood analysis includes a complete cholesterol check with HDL, LDL and triglycerides, liver and kidney function. Additional available tests include a PSA test for men and TSH thyroid test for women, each for an additional fee. Blood pressure checks are also offered. Nearly 1000 people have participated in the program since its inception. Proceeds from the event will go to support the BG Chamber and Wood Co. Hospital Foundation Scholarship Funds.
Registration for this event begins in March.


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.


Mid-Year Meeting

Held annually in July, The Mid-Year Meeting gives Chamber investors a chance to come together and reconnect. The program includes a featured speaker, the recognition of the Chamber Scholarship Award winner and the  I Love BG Award winner. See the Chamber Awards section below for more information on this award, 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 each year during fair week. Chamber investors (and only Chamber Investors) have the opportunity to showcase their business to hundreds of people attending the fair.


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 in 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 quickly, so download the brochure below, and sign your team up early!  Sponsorships are also available.  All sponsors will be recognized in print, as well as numerous other benefits listed in the brochure.
Team and Sponsor Registration begins in May!


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. 
Registration for this event begins mid-September

The 2011 theme was: Sparkling Snowflakes Jubilee

 

Chamber Awards

the Athena Award

The Athena Award Program celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community, and recognizes those who support them.  The Athena Award is given out each January, at the Annual Meeting Dinner & Awards.
[ Athena Award Information & Nomination form ]

the Zeus Award

The Zeus Award Program is a counterpart to the Athena.  Zeus Award Recipients are male individuals who support a culture that encourages women to achieve their full leadership potential through active Mentoring, Supporting, and Development actions. The Zeus Award is given out each January, at the Annual Meeting Dinner & Awards.
[ Zeus Award Information & Nomination form ]
 

Outstanding Citizen Award

The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen Award recognizes those who live or work in the Bowling Green area, and have demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through involvement in business, civic, social and /or service organizations.  The Outstanding Citizen Award is given out at the Annual Meeting Dinner & Awards.
[ Outstanding Citizen Information & Nomination form ]
 

Chamber Scholarship

Each year the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce awards to one deserving student a minority award for their study at Bowling Green State University. Students are selected based on the academic achievement, financial need and their contribution to the community.  2011 Scholarship Applications are to be postmarked no later than April 8th, 2011.
[ Chamber Scholarship Guide & Application ]
 

I Love BG Award

The I Love BG Award was created to recognize an individual or organization for their efforts to increase the visibility of the City and improve the quality of life for Bowling Green residents.  A personalized painting is designed specifically for the winner, created by local artist Rebecca Laabs.  Anyone can make a nomination for this prestigious award. See nomination form for due date.
[ I Love BG Information & Nomination Form ]

 
Visit the website for all of BG:
City of Bowling Green, Ohio
cityofbowlinggreenohio.com


Bowling Green City Map


Wood County &
BGSU Campus Map


Executive Board

President Ann Stott
Frances Ann Stott, CPA

Vice President Bruce Stevens
Stevens Law, LLC

Treasurer Michelle Evans
Evans Home Loans & Evans Insurance

Secretary Sandy Milligan
Milligan Workshops, Inc

Rep.-At-Large Greg Kegler
Kellermeyer Company

Past President Dave Shilling
Drs. Shilling & Peiffer, Inc.

Board of Directors

Michael Bankey
Owens Community College

Charlie Bechstein
First Federal Bank

Suzanne Clark
BG Community
Development Foundation

Greg Esposito
InTech IT Solutions

Pam Fahle
Adecco Employment Service

John Fawcett
City of Bowling Green

Kevin Fowler
KeyBank

Stan Korducki
Wood County Hospital

Wanda Mason
Fifth Third Bank

Ann McVey
Bowling Green
City Schools

Tom Moser
Ag Credit
Agricultural Credit Assn.

Andy Newlove
Newlove Realty, Inc.

Ronald J. Newlove
John Newlove
Real Estate, Inc.

Barbara Ruland
Downtown BG

Timothy Smith
BGSU

Van Spears
The Copy Shop, Inc.

Ginny Stewart
Bowling Green Hats & Apparel

Wendy Stram
BG Convention &
Visitors Bureau

Chamber Staff

Executive Director
Earlene Kilpatrick
E.KilpatrickDirector@bgchamber.net

Administrative Assistant,
Communications & IT Manager

Atonn Smeltzer
AtonnSmeltzer@bgchamber.net

Office Manager
Sandy Kerr
SandyKerr@bgchamber.net

Chamber Interns
intern@bgchamber.net


Manager Sponsor:

Owens Community College

In-Kind Sponsors:

A Firm Foundation - WLQR A.M. 1470; BGSU Falcon Club; City of Bowling Green; "Fighting Falcon Squadron" - BGSU Air force ROTC; Klevers Jewelry; Montessori School of BG; Sentinel-Tribune; WBGU 88.1 The Morning Show; and the Wood County Senior Center
 

Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce
163 N Main Street, PO Box 31, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
Ph. 419-353-7945             Fax: 419-353-3693
www.bgchamber.net