This award is presented annually to a manufacturer in the state that showcases exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, community leadership and policy contributions to enhance the overall prosperity of the Commonwealth.
Dave Tatman, Plant Manager, accepted the award on Friday at the
Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY.
"We are honored to receive this award from KAM," Tatman
stated. "General Motors has had a great partnership with our local
community and the state of Kentucky. We are happy to be able to give back to
this area that we have called home for over thirty years. "
The KAM awards ceremony is a celebration held each year to salute
manufacturers across the state that have made significant contributions to
their employees, customers and communities.
"We had a record number of entries this year for the
Manufacturer of the Year award," said Greg Higdon, President & CEO of
KAM. "GM personifies the criteria that we use to evaluate those nominated
for this award and we couldn't be more pleased to honor them for all that they
have accomplished."
The Bowling Green Assembly Plant began production of the Chevrolet
Corvette in Bowling Green, Ky. in 1981 and has remained the exclusive home for
over thirty years.
The plant currently employs more than 800 individuals and recently
underwent a $131 million dollar renovation in 2012 and 2013 to prepare for the
production of the Stingray.
Of that investment, $52 million alone went to renovations of the
Body Shop that allowed for advancements in the design, technology and
engineering of the car; including a $19.1 million pre-treatment system that is
an exclusive addition to the Stingray production line.
"GM has redefined the business climate of South Central
Kentucky and their continued confidence and investment in the region has served
as a foundation for a thriving automotive industry," said Chamber Board of
Directors Chairman Brad Howard. "We look forward to continuing our
relationship with GM for many years to come."
Coupled with their investment in innovation and technology is
their investment as a corporate citizen in the Bowling Green
community. In 2013 alone, GM has pledged more than $215,000 in
charitable donations.
In January 2013, GM was recognized for their outstanding efforts
in donating $100,698 to United Way of Southern Kentucky and increasing their
pledges by $37,000. They received a total of four awards at the United Way's
annual awards ceremony for their investment.
The facility is also gaining recognition for their outreach and
responsibility for the environment. Significant efforts and improvements to the
facility have been made to improve the function of the plant in a way that is
conscious of the environment.
"The Bowling Green Assembly Plant continues to make
significant contributions to our community; both to our economy and to improve
the quality of life here in Bowling Green." said Mayor Bruce Wilkerson.
"We are grateful to have companies like GM that care about their community
and help make Bowling Green, Kentucky a great place to be."
"When people think of Bowling Green, they often associate it
with production of the Corvette. When Bowling Green thinks of GM, we think of a
corporate citizen that has given this city not only an identity, but a quality
of life by their contribution to the community and environment here,"
stated Judge Executive Michael Buchanon. "There is a sense of pride in
this region for GM and when they succeed, we succeed. Congratulations to the GM
staff for this honor."
Both local and state officials were among those there to witness
the Bowling Green Assembly Plant be awarded this honor.
