Vybond Tape Maker Opens New Corporate HQ in Franklin

Vybond Group Inc., a leader in specialty tape manufacturing, officially opened its new corporate headquarters in Franklin, Kentucky, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated both a new beginning and a return to its roots. Local leaders, community members, and company executives gathered at the historic manufacturing site, which has produced tape products since 1957.

The newly named Vybond headquarters is more than just an administrative shift—it’s a reaffirmation of the company’s long-standing connection to Simpson County. “While we’re welcoming a new name, we’re also welcoming back old friends,” said Steve Thurmond, President of the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce, noting that many Vybond leaders, including CEO Mike Hill and COO John Baker, began their Vybond careers at this very site.

-The Lane Report

-Photo: The Lane Report

ValorFlex Packaging To Establish Facility in Bowling Green With $23.4 Million Investment

Veteran-owned company provides flexible packaging services for multiple industries

Gov. Andy Beshear announced another investment within the state’s advanced manufacturing industry as ValorFlex Packaging of Kentucky – a new wholly owned subsidiary of ValorFlex Holdings – will establish an advanced manufacturing facility in Bowling Green with a $23.4 million investment, creating 82 quality Kentucky jobs.

“Team Kentucky’s manufacturing industry continues to boost our red-hot economy,” Gov. Beshear said. “As companies from coast to coast look to expand and relocate businesses, many are quickly realizing Kentucky checks every box as one of the most business-friendly environments in the country and the greatest workforce. I want to welcome ValorFlex to their New Kentucky Home and look forward to the company’s future success.”

-Office of the Governor

Future Updates Coming to the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan

Prioritizing safety and mobility, the Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is working to make necessary updates to the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

In order to make these needed updates, the organization is welcoming public input. This will ensure everyone has a say in future decisions that are made to benefit the community.

Starting with the drafting process, Metropolitan Planning Organizer Carroll Duckworth says this step is based on data from previous plans and reaching out to the public for feedback.

-Lily Pollack, WBKO News

Brewco Saw Systems to Expand in Muhlenberg County with $1.2 Million Investment

Expansion comes in response to ongoing and expected company growth

Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued investment and job growth in the state’s manufacturing sector as Curran Mill Machinery, doing business as Brewco Saw Systems, will expand its current operation in Muhlenberg County with a $1.2 million investment, creating 20 new, quality jobs, more than doubling the company’s total Kentucky employment to 37.

“Kentucky’s historic economic momentum in recent years is made possible by our incredible skilled workforce and great businesses that continue to believe in this great state,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our manufacturing sector has been a big part of our success, providing quality job opportunities to Kentuckians in every corner of the commonwealth. I want to thank the leaders at Brewco Saw for their vision to continue building and growing in Muhlenberg County and look forward to their continued success.”

-Office of the Governor

Duncan Hines Days Gives Bowling Green $2M boost

13,000 attend from 17 states attend celebration of good food, good fun

The 3rd Annual Duncan Hines Days event was hosted June 1-8, 2025  in southern Kentucky, with a focus on 19 events held throughout Bowling Green and Warren County. It is estimated that:

• at least 13,000 people attended a Duncan Hines Days event during the week
• at least 17 states were represented based on zip codes tracked thru admissions/ticketing
• an economic economic impact of $2.04 million dollars was felt in the BG/WC area

With more than 50 partners and sponsors working on these events, the Bowling Green community has grown Duncan Hines Days into a new signature event that offers something for all, with a seat for everyone at the community table. Duncan Hines was a real person, a Bowling Green native and WKU alum, whose travel guidebooks and brand name legacy of good food and good fun is celebrated through these culinary, recreational, and cultural events.

-The Lane Report

KCTCS hits all-time high for credentials and graduates since 1997-98

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is celebrating a record-breaking academic year with preliminary data showing the highest number of credentials and graduates since the system’s founding in the 1997-98 academic year.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the 16 community colleges awarded 44,402 credentials, including degrees, diplomas and certificates, marking the most credentials awarded in a single year since 1997–98.

-KCTCS

Kentucky’s Utility Regulator Launches Effort to Study Nuclear Power

Kentucky’s utility regulator is inviting Kentuckians to weigh in on the possibilities of developing nuclear power plants in the state.

The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) in an order earlier this month opened a case to discuss “issues involving the construction, operation, and funding of potential nuclear electric generating facilities.” A PSC press release says the effort is part of complying with a directive from the Kentucky legislature to make preparations for constructing nuclear power plants.

-Liam Niemeyer, Kentucky Lantern