Film Productions Bring Millions in Economic Activity to Glasgow, Barren County

A growing film industry presence in south-central Kentucky is bringing more than cameras and celebrities to Glasgow and Barren County. Local tourism officials say three feature films shot in the area this summer have generated millions of dollars in economic activity for hotels, restaurants, property owners, service providers and other businesses.

Glasgow-Barren County Tourism Executive Director MacLean Lessenberry, who also serves as president of the Southern Kentucky Film Commission, said film productions can create an immediate economic impact when crews arrive in smaller Kentucky communities.

“The economic return from film production in Glasgow is significant,” Lessenberry said. “When a $15 million production comes into a rural Kentucky community, those dollars don’t simply stay within the production company, they flow directly into our local economy.”

-The Lane Report

Jackson’s Orchard Celebrates 60 Years as Part of the Bowling Green Community

What started as a sales pitch nearly 60 years ago has grown into one of Bowling Green’s most beloved fall destinations.

Jackson’s Orchard and Nursery celebrated two milestones Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony: 60 years in business, and 40 years as a member of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re in our 61st year of business,” said co-owner Jonathan Price. “And along with that, 40 years in the Chamber of Commerce — very, very appreciative, very proud, very proud of both of those accomplishments.”

-Eden Godfrey, WBKO News

-Photo: Jackson's Orchard Facebook

Registrations Open for Best Places to Work in Kentucky Program

The Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM Kentucky) and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce are now accepting registrations for the 2027 Best Places to Work in Kentucky program, widely regarded as one of the state’s top recognitions of employer excellence.

Now entering its 23rd year, the Best Places to Work in Kentucky program sets the standard for workplace achievement, honoring companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to fostering outstanding cultures where employees thrive and businesses succeed.

-Tom Latek, Kentucky Today

Toyotetsu Mid America Investing $41 Million in Owensboro Plant, Retaining Nearly 640 Jobs

Toyotetsu Mid America plans to invest $41 million to expand and modernize its Owensboro manufacturing operation, a project expected to retain nearly 640 full-time jobs.

The automotive parts supplier will upgrade equipment, increase automation and make operational changes designed to expand production capacity and improve competitiveness. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.

Toyotetsu Mid America has operated in Owensboro for 25 years and is a Tier 1 supplier to Toyota, producing automotive components used in vehicle safety, performance and reliability.

-The Lane Report