By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Though numbers don’t always tell the whole story, they can help set the scene. Bowling Green’s Economic Development’s annual report for 2025 painted a picture and told the following success stories:
- Twelve companies in the city reported making capital investments last year totaling more than $31 million.
- Two new builds or expansions were completed last year, adding more than 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
- Twelve companies created new jobs.
- Eleven companies expressed interest in locating in Bowling Green.
- City and economic development officials made 32 business retention and expansion visits to manufacturers last year.
Those numbers add up to a pretty satisfying story, according to Kati Thompson, director of Bowling Green Economic Development.
“We’re seeing continued momentum,” Thompson said last week at Bowling Green City Council. “Things are moving in the right direction in our community.”
Helping propel the community are the partnerships between the economic development office and Bowling Green State University and Bowling Green City Schools, Thompson stressed.
In her annual report presented earlier this month to more than 200 attending the BG Economic Development annual meeting, Thompson reported on her office continuing to pursue industrial leads in 2025.
“As one of our four primary goals, this work is ongoing and remains a priority whenever opportunities arise,” she wrote in her annual report. “We submitted relevant sites for 11 state leads that appeared to be a good fit for Bowling Green, and four of those remain active.”
“While attracting new projects is important, supporting the growth of our existing industries is equally vital,” Thompson stated. “Many of our manufacturing partners in Bowling Green are thriving, expanding and continuing to invest in our community. That is something we are incredibly proud of.”
Also last year, the new housing subdivision officially recruited by BG Economic Development got up and running, “with many lots already built out and new families – both new to Bowling Green and longtime residents – now calling it home,” Thompson said.
The economic development office also supported the Downtown Alleyway Revitalization Project, which transformed five pedestrian alleys into welcoming spaces with murals and overhead lighting.
“These projects add character and energy to our community in ways that truly matter,” she stated.
Thompson’s annual report listed projects from 2025:
- Launched a new business retention and expansion system, allowing for flexibility in meeting the needs of local industries.
- Planned and executed Manufacturing Day at the Bowling Green Middle School, featuring 10 companies and serving more than 500 students.
- Assisted several local businesses with energy efficiency projects.
- Completed short- and long-term site and infrastructure planning initiatives ensuring Bowling Green is prepared for growth in its industrial corridors.
- Hosted an economic development session and industry tours for the 2025 Leadership BG class.
- Hosted networking events, including a tour of Magna and a tent at the BGSU Football Homecoming game.
- Attracted the first new housing development in Bowling Green in many years, seeing 23 lots sold in the first year.
- Joined the NORED Legislative Committee to help advocate for economic development related issues in Ohio.
