Today the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its recognition as the 2009 Chamber of the Year.

A joint proclamation from the city and Warren County was read, as well as letters of commendation from Governor Steve Beshear, Congressman Brett Guthrie, Senator Jim Bunning, and Senator Mitch McConnell.

Chamber president Jim Hizer says the award really goes to all the past and present staff members and volunteers. "This chamber has been such a strong organization for so many years," he said, "that it's just gratifying to me, to see that all the people that deserve the recognition are getting it."

The chamber also won two national awards for communications excellence in the categories of Special Publication and Electronic Communication.