STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow has reached a historic milestone in economic development, earning a No. 9 national ranking among micropolitan communities in Site Selection magazine’s 2025 Governor’s Cup rankings.
It is the highest placement in history for the Glasgow area and reflects a year of strong economic momentum, according to a press release from Barren Inc. Glasgow–Barren County recorded nine qualifying economic development projects in 2025. Those projects represent $126 million in capital investment and more than 620 new jobs to be created in the community.
The ranking comes from Site Selection magazine, a leading national publication covering corporate real estate and economic development. The magazine’s Governor’s Cup awards, presented annually since 1988, recognize states, metropolitan areas and micropolitan communities that lead the nation in new and expanded corporate facility projects tracked through its Conway Projects Database. Site Selection’s Top Micropolitan rankings, introduced in 2004, highlight smaller communities, generally those with populations between 10,000 and 50,000, that are generating significant economic growth and business investment.
Projects that count toward the rankings must meet specific criteria, including at least $1 million in capital investment, the creation of at least 20 new jobs, or a minimum of 20,000 square feet of new construction or expansion.
“This ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community,” said Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley-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.”
“Glasgow continues to prove that communities our size can compete on a national stage,” said Glasgow Mayor Henry 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.”
“This historic ranking highlights the strength of our community and the power of collaboration,”
said Maureen Carpenter, president and CEO of the Barren County Economic Authority. “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.”
She said the projects represent real jobs and real opportunity for families in the region and show the power of collaboration between city, county, state and private-sector partners.
Site Selection’s annual lists are widely regarded by corporate real estate executives and economic developers as influential benchmarks in tracking where private-sector investment and jobs are growing.
Key Facts
– Site Selection magazine ranks Glasgow No. 9 among U.S. micropolitan communities in 2025 Governor’s Cup rankings
– Glasgow–Barren County recorded nine qualifying projects in 2025 – Projects represent $126 million in capital investment
– More than 620 new jobs are to be created in the area – Ranking is the highest placement ever for Glasgow
– Site Selection uses strict criteria for counted projects
– Local leaders credit years of collaboration and planning
– Kentucky also placed in the top five nationally in the rankings
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