Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Names Brian Mefford as Executive Vice President of Economic Development and Innovation
Nationally recognized innovator, entrepreneur, and Bowling Green native brings decades of experience in state government, technology, and small business to lead the region’s business attraction, expansion, and retention efforts
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced the selection of Brian Mefford as Executive Vice President of Economic Development and Innovation. Mefford will lead the Chamber’s regional economic development efforts, including business attraction, expansion, and retention, and will serve as primary staff leader for the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority, the Bowling Green ITA, and the South Central Kentucky Regional Development Authority. He will develop regional strategies with local governments, Western Kentucky University, Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College, utilities, and workforce partners; grow service partnerships across the 10-county labor shed; and strengthen relationships with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and site selection professionals.
-Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
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Houchens Food Group Acquires Brooks Grocery Chain
Houchens Food Group, Inc. announced Wednesday that it is acquiring Brooks Grocery, a family-owned grocery chain based in Mississippi.
According to a release by the company, the transaction includes three Brooks Grocery locations, which include Tupelo, Mississippi, Iuka, Mississippi and Chapel Hill, Tennessee.
Houchens Food Group says Brooks Grocery opened its first location in Iuka and was founded in 2009. The stores offer customers fresh produce, butcher-cut meats and more, the release says.
-WNKY Staff, WNKY News
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Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Brett Lanham as Vice President of Finance and Administration
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the selection of Brett Lanham as Vice President of Finance and Administration, bringing more than a decade of progressive finance and operational leadership experience to the organization.
In her new role, Lanham will provide strategic financial leadership and administrative oversight for the Chamber and its affiliated entities. She will lead financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash and investment management, compliance, and risk management, while also overseeing human resources, payroll, and other administrative functions. As a member of the Chamber’s senior leadership team, Lanham will serve as a strategic advisor to the President and CEO, staff leadership, committees, and boards.
-Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
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Local Business Founder Discusses Importance, Safety of Tech Recycling
When technology reaches the end of its lifespan, it may seem like the landfill is the next stop.
However, one local business founder is sharing there’s another path forward for some electronics and how to safely give them another life.
Chris Blanz, founder and CEO of Dispo.tech LLC in Bowling Green, stated, “One common misconception is that ‘recycling’ always means dismantling or destroying everything that comes in. People bring electronics to Dispo.tech for many reasons besides failure. Maybe they do not have room for an item anymore or simply no longer need it.”
-WNKY Staff, WNKY News
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SCK LAUNCH: Preparing the Next Generation of South Central Kentucky’s Workforce
For nearly a decade, SCK LAUNCH – which stands for South Central Kentucky Learning About Unique and New Careers Here – has been helping area students see what is possible right here at home. What began as an effort to introduce students to local career opportunities has grown into an important part of the region’s workforce pipeline, connecting thousands of students with businesses, career pathways and the people behind the jobs that keep South Central Kentucky moving forward.
“When we connect students with local businesses and industries, we help them see the possibilities for their future right here in our community,” said Sandra Baker, Senior Vice President of Education, Talent and Workforce for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. “Through career shadowing, 8th grade experience, student leadership, and job fair, students gain valuable experiences, build meaningful relationships, and discover career pathways they may not have otherwise considered.
-Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
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Southern Living Highlights Glasgow for November Travel
Southern Living is recommending Glasgow, as a November getaway, highlighting its proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park and a holiday shopping event involving nearly 20 local businesses. The magazine includes the town in its recommendation to consider smaller Southern destinations before the holidays.
“If you’re interested in planning a November trip this year, we recommend skipping the buzzy cities in favor of small Southern towns,” Southern Living posted online.
The magazine’s broader travel recommendation points readers toward laid-back coastal retreats, peaceful mountain communities and destinations where fall colors arrive later than in other parts of the country. Its Glasgow description focuses on the historic town, access to Mammoth Cave and an opportunity to begin holiday shopping.
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-Staff Report, Glasgow News One
-Photo: Glasgow News One
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ReshoreKY Targets $29.7 Billion Opportunity to Bring Manufacturing Home
The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the National Reshoring Center will launch ReshoreKY on Oct. 14, an initiative designed to connect Kentucky manufacturers with opportunities to produce goods that companies currently purchase overseas.
The launch will take place at the 2026 Kentucky Industry Conference in Lexington. Organizers say the effort will begin with a straightforward question: What are Kentucky companies buying overseas that manufacturers in the commonwealth could make here?
The National Reshoring Center estimates that Kentucky’s economy includes approximately $29.7 billion in potential reshoring opportunities, representing about 31% of the state’s imports. ReshoreKY will work to identify that demand and assess which opportunities could realistically lead to local production.
-Lane Report
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The DeCesare Group Podcast: Dan Harbison, Pinnacle Financial Partners
This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, Jim DeCesare sits down with Dan Harbison, Regional President of Pinnacle Financial Partners, for a conversation spanning more than four decades in banking.
With an incredible 44-year career behind him, Dan now helps lead a bank that takes a unique, nontraditional approach to the industry.
Dan reflects on his early days in banking in the 1980s, his 35-year journey with Farmers National Bank under the leadership of business icon Cal Turner, and the experiences that have shaped his career along the way.
He also shares the success stories that have meant the most to him and why helping people navigate life’s biggest moments never gets old.
Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC.
If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.
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