News about businesses and businesspeople.

Kroger to celebrate newly expanded store

Kroger will celebrate the re-grand opening of its newly expanded Bowling Green store on U.S. 31-W By-Pass at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

With the addition of about 20,000 square feet, the store now has 82,000-plus square feet of space.

“Our staff is excited about the re-grand opening,” said Daniel Gettings, store manager. “The customers have been very patient during the expansion process, and I hope they will be excited with what we now have to offer them.”

Features of the store include a new Nature’s Market nutrition center, an expanded organic produce selection, a new and expanded deli/bakery area that includes fresh sushi, an olive bar, a hot soup bar, sandwich bar, hot foods and gourmet desserts. The store also includes a fresh seafood shop, a new and expanded floral shop, expanded frozen food, dairy and grocery variety, expanded seasonal merchandise and an expanded variety of cosmetics and fragrances.

This Kroger location is also the first to offer a kitchen and office place destination. Customers will find a large variety of name-brand products to stock any kitchen, including dinnerware, cooking sets, small appliances and decorative items. Office place items include computer and mailing supplies.

The pharmacy was expanded as well and continues to offer drive-through service. During the grand opening celebration, customers can receive a $25 credit on their Kroger Plus Card good toward groceries when they transfer prescriptions to the location.

The grand opening celebration will continue for several weeks. From Wednesday through Saturday, the first 300 customers beginning at 8 a.m. will receive a free item.

First Choice Home Medical gets award

First Choice Home Medical was recently honored as the 2008 Philanthropic Business Award recipient by the Western Kentucky University nonprofit administration department.

The award recognizes businesses that contribute money, time and other resources to nonprofits in the community.

Graham gets accredited appraiser designation

Chris A. Graham of Bowling Green, a certified general real property appraiser, has earned the general accredited appraiser designation from the Appraisal Section of the National Association of Realtors.

Graham, an appraiser since 1998, holds membership in the NAR and its appraisal section, and is the president of Graham Appraisal Inc., a real property appraisal firm that offers commercial and residential appraisal services. He is also a member of the Kentucky Association of Realtors and the Realtor Association of Southern Kentucky.

The GAA designation is awarded on an ongoing basis throughout the year and recognizes a high level of professionalism and commitment to the industry by members of NAR’s Appraisal Section who meet specified qualifications. Program qualifications to earn a designation include membership in NAR and its Appraisal Section, successful completion of several educational requirements and state certification.

Coffman appointed to state commission

Robert Bradley Coffman of Bowling Green, a practicing attorney for Coffman & Smith, was recently appointed to the Kentucky State Corrections Commission by Gov. Steve Beshear.

Coffman received a law degree from the University of Louisville.

The commission is charged with awarding all grant money to community connections programs along with developing and implementing a statewide strategic plan for community corrections programs.

Coffman’s term expires in February 2011.