The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce held its annual award dinner Thursday night.

WBKO's own Gene Birk served as the emcee for the event.

Several businesses and citizens throughout the community were recognized and honored.

Ambassador of the year went to Mayor Bruce Wilkerson.

New chairman Gaines Penn talked about the biggest issue facing the city this coming year.

"Expanding new businesses, bringing new businesses into bowling green. Our economic development professionals at the chamber work very hard. They work year-round searching out new businesses that might be a good fit for this community," said Penn.

The chamber also introduced six new strategic initiatives.

These include Talent, Innovation, Globalization, Regionalism, Partnerships, and Business Climate.