South Central Kentucky isn’t just keeping up — it’s leading the nation.
Site Selection magazine just released its 2025 Governor’s Cup rankings, the most closely watched economic development scoreboard in the country. And once again, Bowling Green/Warren County landed in the top three U.S. metro areas for total project announcements — the third year in a row the region has claimed a top-three spot.
With 16 qualifying projects and a sixth-place finish in projects per capita, Bowling Green continues to punch well above its weight class against metros with populations under 200,000.
But here’s the part that matters for the whole region: Glasgow and Franklin both tied for ninth among the nation’s top micropolitan areas. For Glasgow, that’s the highest ranking in the community’s history.
The Bigger Picture
Kentucky overall placed in the top five nationally for economic development projects per capita — a streak the state has held for all six years of the Beshear administration.
The South Central region specifically ranked second for projects per capita and third for total projects, with 182 qualifying announcements statewide.
In raw terms: the region has pulled in over $6 billion in capital investment and created more than 12,000 jobs over the past decade. Major wins like AESC’s $2 billion gigafactory in Warren County, Toyota’s $1.3 billion expansion in Scott County, and Ford’s massive battery investments have cemented Kentucky’s reputation as the battery capital of the United States.
What Local Leaders Are Saying
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott called the recognition a “true American Story” — but one the city shares with its neighbors.
“I want to congratulate Franklin and Glasgow on their incredible rankings this year,” Alcott said. “When our regional partners win, all of South-Central Kentucky wins.”
Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman echoed the regional mindset: “Their growth strengthens the entire 10-county BRADD region, proving that when South Central Kentucky works together, we don’t just compete — we lead the nation.”
Meredith Wilson, Interim President & CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, credited the results to coordination and climate: “Regional coordination and a business-friendly climate are driving results. We’re proud to support employers as they expand and locate here.”
Why It Matters
Site Selection magazine has awarded the Governor’s Cup annually since 1988 to states with the most new and expanded corporate facilities. The rankings are tracked by corporate site selectors and executives making decisions about where to build, hire, and invest.
Translation: when companies look at where to put their next factory, warehouse, or headquarters — South Central Kentucky shows up on their radar.
And that’s not by accident.