Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED)

Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) Contact KAED: 101 Burch Court, Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 227-9653 Fax: (502) 227-2611 Website: www.kaedonline.org

KAED is Kentucky's premier non-profit economic development organization, dedicated to not only advancing economic development in the Commonwealth, but to also providing educational, training, development, and advocacy resources to our state's economic developers. KAED strives to serve our economic developer members and our service providers partners, which help make possible our work to grow Kentucky stronger.

Save the Date! KAED Women in Economic Development's fall Her Town Our Tour event will be in Berea - September 9, 2026Joi...
06/05/2026

Save the Date! KAED Women in Economic Development's fall
Her Town Our Tour event will be in Berea - September 9, 2026

Join us for a special gathering of women in economic development from across the region for a day focused on connection, collaboration, and shared learning.

Hosted by the City of Berea, KY Government and the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED), this event will bring together professionals and partners working to strengthen communities across Kentucky.

The day begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Berea Gallery & Event Center with coffee and networking, followed by a program featuring Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and other regional women leaders who will share their experiences and insights in economic development and public service.

In the afternoon, attendees will explore Olde Town Berea—highlighting local artisans, shops, and the unique character of the community.

This gathering is designed to build meaningful relationships, strengthen professional networks, and support women shaping the future of economic development in Kentucky.

Please plan to join us! Register here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

06/04/2026

Looking for your next opportunity in economic development?

The KAED Job Board is packed with openings from across Kentucky, featuring positions as Executive Director, President and Vice President.

Whether you're ready for a new challenge, looking to advance your career, or simply exploring what's available in the profession, now is a great time to see what's out there.

Browse current openings and find your next opportunity today here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/JobListingMainSearch.aspx

Know someone looking for a career in economic development? Share this post and help connect them with opportunities across the industry.

Join us in Lexington August 3-6 for the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED)!KIED is designed to provide e...
06/04/2026

Join us in Lexington August 3-6 for the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED)!

KIED is designed to provide economic development professionals with the tools, knowledge, and practical insights needed to help communities grow and thrive. Delivered in partnership with the University of Kentucky and Murray State University, this four-day course features instruction from local and national experts on key economic development topics and trends.

Accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), KIED also fulfills an important prerequisite for individuals pursuing the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.

This year, we are excited to welcome back Dr. Alison Davis of the University of Kentucky and Blueprint Kentucky, who will lead discussions on workforce development, small business, and innovation. Dr. Davis has been a valued member of the KIED team for several years, and we are thrilled to have her expertise as part of this year’s program.

Whether you are new to economic development or looking to strengthen your skills, KIED is a valuable professional development opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Agenda:https://kaedonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/KIED-Agenda-2026.pdf

Registration: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

More information, including our scholarship application, can be found here: https://kaedonline.org/kied

Next Round of KPDI Kick-off Webinar Scheduled for June 29 at 10:00 AM ET.The next round of the Kentucky Product Developm...
06/03/2026

Next Round of KPDI Kick-off Webinar Scheduled for June 29 at 10:00 AM ET.

The next round of the Kentucky Product Development initiative (KPDI) will officially launch on July 6, with informational materials and guidance resources available at that time. To help communities prepare, KAED will host a kick-off webinar on June 29 at 10:00 AM ET. No registration required.

New this year, we will also offer an additional webinar that walks applicants through the application and RFI process line-by-line to ensure communities clearly understand what information and documentation should be included. That opportunity is scheduled for July 13 at 3:00 PM ET. Registration required.

KPDI Kick-Off Webinar link and RFI Training Webinar registration are both available here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

06/02/2026

KAED Members — Join the Conversation!

Our next Peer-to-Peer Session is coming up June 18 at 11:00 AM, and we’re diving into Business Retention & Expansion.

We’ll talk through:
⭐️Effective BR&E programs & tools
⭐️Spotting early warning signs of business risk
⭐️Supporting expansions
⭐️Using BRE visits to guide strategy

This is your chance to share what’s working in your community and learn from others across Kentucky. The virtual meeting is FREE for KAED members.

You must register here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

06/01/2026

KBI Legislative Changes Webinar
June 4th | 11:00 AM ET

Due to changes made to the Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) program during the 2026 legislative session, KAED and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development are hosting an informational webinar to help economic development professionals better understand what changed and how those updates could impact your community and future projects.

KCED staff will walk attendees through the recent KBI changes, discuss what they mean for economic development efforts across Kentucky, and answer questions from participants.

This webinar is free to KAED members, and no registration is required.

Join the webinar here: https://ky-voip.zoomgov.com/j/1658814504

Join KAED and Mark Waterhouse at the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED), August 3–6 in Lexington.KIED is...
05/29/2026

Join KAED and Mark Waterhouse at the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED), August 3–6 in Lexington.

KIED is a four-day, comprehensive course designed to build a strong foundation in economic development through practical instruction, real-world case studies, and peer learning. Ideal for those new to the field, the program also serves as required coursework for the IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential.

We’re excited to have Mark Waterhouse leading sessions on real estate and community development, bringing decades of experience in both private and municipal economic development.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen your impact.

Agenda:https://kaedonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/KIED-Agenda-2026.pdf

Register here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

More information, including our scholarship application, can be found here: https://kaedonline.org/kied

The course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Graduation from KIED fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who want to pursue the Certified Economic Developer designation (CEcD) through lEDC. For more information on IEDC and certification, visit www.iedconline.org.

KAED had a great time participating in the Economic Summit!
05/28/2026

KAED had a great time participating in the Economic Summit!

05/28/2026

KBI Legislative Changes Webinar

Due to changes made to the Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) program during the 2026 legislative session, KAED and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development are hosting an informational webinar to help economic development professionals better understand what changed and how those updates could impact your community and future projects.

KCED staff will walk attendees through the recent KBI changes, discuss what they mean for economic development efforts across Kentucky, and answer questions from participants.

This webinar is free to KAED members, and no registration is required.

Join the webinar on June 4th at 11 a.m. ET here: https://ky-voip.zoomgov.com/j/1658814504

BR&E Strategies for Busy Economic Developers Economic developers are stretched in every direction—this session cuts thro...
05/27/2026

BR&E Strategies for Busy Economic Developers

Economic developers are stretched in every direction—this session cuts through the complexity with practical, streamlined strategies for Business Retention & Expansion that deliver real results. Using national data and proven best practices, we’ll focus on what works when time and resources are limited so you can strengthen local businesses and drive sustainable economic growth.

Join KAED on June 10 at 1:00 p.m. to gain actionable insights from a nationally recognized leader in economic development strategy and marketing.

Register here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

Address

101 Burch Court
Frankfort, KY
40601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15022279653

Website

http://www.facebook.com/kaedonline

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