Glasgow has achieved a historic milestone, ranking No. 9 in the nation among micropolitan communities in the 2025 Site Selection Governor’s Cup rankings, based on the number of economic development projects announced during the year.
The ranking marks the highest placement in history for the Glasgow area and reflects a year of strong economic momentum. In 2025, the Glasgow–Barren County area recorded nine qualifying economic development projects, representing $126 million in capital investment and more than 620 new jobs to be created.
The recognition comes from Site Selection magazine, a leading national publication covering corporate real estate and economic development. The magazine has presented the Governor’s Cup awards annually since 1988, recognizing states, metropolitan areas and micropolitan communities that lead the nation in new and expanded corporate facility projects tracked through the publication’s proprietary Conway Projects Database.
Projects counted in the rankings must meet strict criteria, including a minimum capital investment of $1 million, the creation of at least 20 new jobs, or at least 20,000 square feet of new construction or expansion.
The Top Micropolitan rankings, introduced in 2004, recognize smaller communities—generally those with populations between 10,000 and 50,000—that are generating significant economic growth and business investment.
This year’s rankings also highlighted the Commonwealth’s continued economic success. Kentucky placed in the top five nationally for economic development activity in the Governor’s Cup rankings, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a strong location for business investment and job creation.
Local leaders say Glasgow’s historic ranking reflects years of collaboration between local government, industry partners, and economic development organizations.
“This ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community,” said Barren County Judge Executive Jamie Bewly-Byrd. “Economic development is truly a team effort, and the success we are seeing today is the result of strong partnerships between our local governments, business community and workforce. We are proud to see Barren County recognized nationally for the opportunities we are creating here at home.”
City of Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse emphasized the community’s momentum and commitment to continued growth.
“Glasgow continues to prove that communities our size can compete on a national stage,” Royse said. “These nine projects and the investment they represent are creating new opportunities for our residents and strengthening our local economy. We are proud of this recognition and grateful to the many partners who help make Glasgow a great place to live, work and do business.”
According to Maureen Carpenter, President and CEO of the Barren County Economic Authority, the ranking reflects both recent project success and the long-term strategy to attract and support business investment.
“This historic ranking highlights the strength of our community and the power of collaboration,” Carpenter said. “The Barren County Economic Authority works closely with our city, county, state and private-sector partners to attract new investment while supporting the growth of our existing industries. These projects represent real jobs and real opportunity for families in our region, and we are excited about the momentum we are building for the future.”
Site Selection’s annual rankings are widely regarded by corporate real estate executives and economic developers as one of the industry’s most influential benchmarks, highlighting communities that are successfully attracting private-sector investment and job creation.
With its highest-ever national ranking, Glasgow and Barren County continue to demonstrate that strategic planning, a skilled workforce and strong partnerships can drive meaningful economic growth in communities of any size.
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About the Barren County Economic Authority:
Established in 1984, the Barren County Economic Authority is the lead economic development organization in Barren County to attract new business and industry, retain and support existing business expansion and support infrastructure development that meets the needs of business and industry and advance the overall well-being of the community.
BCEA Investors in Economic Development: Champion: T.J. Regional Health Visionary: Glasgow EPB, STV Advocate: Green Mechanical Construction; Kelley Construction Supporters: Alliance, German American Bank; The Murphy Construction Group; The Peoples Bank; South Central Bank