Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED)

04/25/2025

We’re proud to feature Community Trust Bank as our Sponsor Spotlight of the Month! Through their generous support, they help advance the mission of KAED and the KAED Foundation—driving economic development efforts across the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1903 in Pikeville, Kentucky, Community Trust Bank is celebrating 121 years of service. With a strong presence across Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee, they operate 72 banking locations in Kentucky, along with six in southern West Virginia and three in Tennessee.

Over the years, Community Trust Bank has built a reputation for delivering exceptional, personalized service while offering innovative and competitive financial products to individuals, businesses, and communities.

We’re grateful for their partnership and shared commitment to strengthening Kentucky’s economy.

04/24/2025

We are proud to recognize and thank Jim Moore, Director of Business Development at Greater Paducah Economic Development, for his service on the KAED Board of Directors.

Elected to the Board in November 2024, Jim has already made a significant impact. He recently completed preparations for the 2025 KAED Collaboration Conference, which was held in Paducah, and he serves on the 2025 Sponsorship Committee, bringing invaluable experience and enthusiasm to these key initiatives.

As a proud Kentuckian with over 30 years of economic development experience across Kentucky, Georgia, and South Carolina, Jim’s passion for building vibrant communities is evident. From rural towns to regional hubs, his expertise spans industries and regions, making him a tremendous asset to KAED and the economic development profession as a whole.

Jim’s deep Kentucky roots, strong commitment to KAED’s mission, and love for his community shine through in everything he does. Thank you, Jim, for your leadership, dedication, and hard work in helping Kentucky seize growth opportunities and tackle challenges head-on. We’re grateful to have you on the team!

04/22/2025

Last week’s KAED Collaboration Conference in Paducah brought together economic developers from across the state for a valuable few days of learning, networking, and collaboration. 🤝📚

We’re excited to share the photo gallery from the event—see the people and moments that made this year’s conference a success. 📸✨

🔗https://photos.app.goo.gl/6GjXRUKppErVyHKR7

04/16/2025

📢 Mark your calendars! The KAED Economic Forum is headed to Covington, Kentucky! 🏙️

🗓️ Date: November 5-7
📍 Location: Covington, KY

Join us for three dynamic days of learning, networking, and big-picture thinking with economic development leaders from across the Commonwealth. From emerging trends to statewide strategies, this is where Kentucky’s future takes shape. 💼📈

We can’t wait to see everyone there!

04/16/2025

⚡️ Big ideas were front and center this morning at the KAED Collaboration Conference during the session: “The Future Power: Opportunities and Challenges”

With demand for electricity surging due to advanced manufacturing, AI, and mega-projects, the panel dove into the potential role of nuclear energy in Kentucky’s future. From diversifying our energy mix to powering long-term economic growth, the conversation was timely and forward-thinking. 🔋🌎

Moderated by Ben Stinnett (BFW/Marcum), the panel featured powerful perspectives from:
🔹 Ryan Martin, Tennessee Valley Authority
🔹 Cory Hicks, Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, LLC
🔹 Sen. Danny Carroll & Rep. Randy Bridges, Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority

Kentucky is thinking big — and planning smart.

04/16/2025

📢 This morning’s session at the KAED Collaboration Conference sparked some important conversations: “Understanding the New Tariff Landscape: Implications for Kentucky’s Economy” 💼🌍

With expert insight from Dr. Charles Aull with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Eran Guse with Murray State University, and skillfully moderated by Brittaney Johnson with Big Rivers Electric Corporation, the panel explored how the new administration’s tariff policies could shape the future of Kentucky’s core industries — bourbon 🥃, agriculture 🌽, automotive 🚗, and aerospace ✈️.

The big question: How will Kentucky’s role in the global market evolve? The discussion was timely, thought-provoking, and packed with insight.

04/16/2025

🎉What a night at the KAED Collaboration Conference Grand Reception at The 1857 Hotel! Economic development professionals from across Kentucky came together for an unforgettable evening of connection and celebration.

🍽️🥂The venue was stunning, the food was delicious, and the energy in the room was full of momentum and collaboration. It’s always inspiring to see our statewide network show up, share ideas, and build relationships that move Kentucky forward.

A huge thank you to CSX for sponsoring the evening’s entertainment 🎶 — it brought the perfect energy to a perfect night!

04/15/2025

🍽️ A powerful conversation unfolded during today’s KAED Luncheon in the Cumberland Room, sponsored by Murray State University — focused on one of Kentucky’s most pressing challenges: the healthcare workforce shortage.

“The Team Tackling the Healthcare Workforce Shortage” panel highlighted how cross-sector partnerships are strengthening healthcare infrastructure and fueling regional economic development. 💼🏥

Thank you to moderator Chris Wooldridge and our incredible panel of leaders:

🔹 Dr. Tim Todd | Murray State University Medical Center
🔹 Jerry Penner | Murray Calloway County Hospital
🔹 David Anderson | Jackson Purchase Medical Center
🔹 Kenny Boyd | Baptist Health Paducah
🔹 Dr. Kelli Dunn | University of Louisville

Innovative collaboration like this is essential to building a healthier, more resilient Kentucky. 💪

04/15/2025

💼 Strategic funding was front and center this afternoon during the “Proven Tools & Strategies for Comprehensive Investment Planning" session at the KAED Collaboration Conference!

This breakout session offered a deep dive into building sustainable, long-term funding strategies — from leveraging public and private resources to aligning investments with strategic goals. Attendees walked away with real-world examples and actionable insights to strengthen their approach.

Big thanks to the expert team from AEI, an STV Company!
🔹 Don Pedigo
🔹 Robert Spillar
🔹 Thomas Redstone

Strong investment planning fuels lasting impact.

04/15/2025

It was great to hear from Elliott Cook of Retail Strategies at the KAED Collaboration Conference! 🛍️📈

His session, “Retail Recruitment 101: A Framework for Educating Your Board,” gave economic developers practical tools to better communicate the complexities of retail recruitment to board members and elected officials — from timing expectations to best practices.

Clear, insightful, and incredibly helpful for anyone working to grow their community's retail footprint!

04/15/2025

🚀 What does it really take to get on a site selector’s radar?

This morning's session at the KAED Collaboration Conference — “How Communities Attract the Attention of Site Selection Consultants” — delivered the answers. 🔑

From innovative workforce strategies to standout regional partnerships, attendees heard directly from leading consultants about what sets successful communities apart.

Big thanks to moderator Chris Schwinden with Site Selection Group and our stellar panel:

🔹 Tom Croteau | Maxis Advisors
🔹 Amy Ge**er | Cushman & Wakefield
🔹 W. Ford Graham | McGuireWoods Consulting
🔹 Ann Rybka | Atlas Insight
🔹 Bryan Farlow | Thomas & Hutton Thomas & Hutton

This is the kind of insight that powers progress. 💡

04/15/2025

We had a fantastic time last night at our Pre-Conference Reception at the beautiful River Discovery Center! 🌊✨

It was the perfect way to kick off the KAED Collaboration Conference — great conversations, great company, and a stunning setting.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

04/10/2025

📣 It’s not too late to register for the 2025 KAED Collaboration Conference in Paducah — and trust us, you don’t want to miss this!

📅 April 14-16
📍 Paducah, KY

Join economic development pros from across the Commonwealth as we explore the big topics shaping Kentucky’s future, including:
🔹 Site selection insights straight from consultants
🔹 Tariff talk & the new administration's impact
🔹 Kentucky’s nuclear energy potential
🔹 Agribusiness as a growth engine
🔹 Data centers, housing, retail, project funding & so much more

💡 Come for the content, stay for the connections. This is where Kentucky comes together to collaborate, innovate, and grow.

🔗 Register now and we’ll see you in Paducah!
https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

🔗 View our full program: https://kaedonline.org/collaboration-conference/

A big thank you to all of our incredible sponsors who have made this event possible: Greater Paducah Economic Development, BFW/Marcum, Murray State University, Tennessee Valley Authority, AEI, an STV Company, CSX, Branscum Construction Company, Inc, McBrayer PLLC, Denton Law Firm, PLLC, Kentucky Cornerstone, Big Rivers Electric Corporation, Agracel, Inc., Retail Strategies, Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, LLC, Eddyville Riverport Authority, Graves County Economic Development, Thoroughbred Engineering, CFSBank, Strategic Location Advisors, LLC, LG&E and KU, Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc.

04/09/2025

Jason Slone serves as the President and CEO of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and is completing his first year on the KAED Board of Directors. With over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, he has dedicated his career to workforce and economic development.

A Morehead State University graduate, Jason has worked in the private sector and served in state government under three gubernatorial administrations, focusing on workforce and economic growth.

Outside of work—though rare—Jason enjoys fishing and spending time at the lake. He and his wife, Allison, a teacher at Rowan County High School, have been married for 24 years and have two children, Jayden Nicole and William Griggs.

Jason’s expertise in workforce development and his passion for helping small businesses start, grow, and expand make him an invaluable asset to KAED and our membership. We are fortunate to have him on our team.

04/08/2025

Win $100 at the KAED Collaboration Conference in Paducah── Just for Meeting Others! 💵

KAED is proud that our organization is growing – including new members, veteran members, and new sponsors as well. And we want everyone to feel welcome and included in our group.
New member and sponsor, Mark Weilenman, with Insyteful, is sponsoring a wonderful idea to encourage all our members to spend a few minutes meeting new members, reacquainting ourselves with veteran members, and stopping by to say hello to our wonderful sponsors, vendors and exhibitors. Insyteful calls this idea “Mystery Members.”

🤝At this year’s conference, we will secretly designate three Mystery Members – one new member, one veteran member, and one sponsor. Each mystery member will keep up with the name of the fifth person to greet them with a warm handshake or hug.

🔥 Here’s where it gets fun! At the end of the day on Tuesday, our three mystery members will come to the podium and each announce the name of their fifth welcoming interaction. Each person named then wins a crisp $100 bill, compliments of Insyteful.

👋 Networking, fellowship, and $100? Sounds like it’s time to say hello!

We can’t wait to see you there!

It is not too late to register! https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

04/07/2025

Join Colby Kirk, President/CEO of One East Kentucky April 14-16 at the KAED Collaboration Conference in Paducah!

It is not too late to register!
https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

View our full program here: https://kaedonline.org/collaboration-conference/

Reserve a room here: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1742493290374&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlink

04/04/2025

Site consultants, site consultants, site consultants!

Yes we have 6 highly experienced and successful site selection consultants joining us at the KAED Collaboration Conference in Paducah, April 14-16. This is your chance to ask your questions and gain insight from these experts as well as Econ Dev practitioners from around the state. Meet two of them today:

With 21 years of industry experience, Amy Ge**er utilizes her state and local tax background to evaluate market costs and tax structure impacts on client projects. She also has worked extensively with economic development teams to evaluate and understand state level tax and incentive legislation and statutes. As executive managing director of Business Incentives Practice at Cushman & Wakefield, Amy has led and managed numerous multi-state incentive negotiation engagements for both office and industrial projects across the country—from Fortune 10 companies to start-ups.

Bryan Farlow heads up Thomas & Hutton's economic development and site selection activities across the U.S. He brings 15 years of industry experience ranging from workforce development, state and federal grant writing, local/regional planning, state economic development, and site selection. Focusing on FDI, site/land-use development, site selection, and site selection technologies he has worked with companies from 17 different countries that have invested over $4 billion in capital investment.

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

View the Program here: https://kaedonline.org/collaboration-conference/

04/03/2025

Big News! 💥

Our Upcoming Collaboration Conference in Paducah (April 14-16) has been featured in The Lane Report! 🎉

Our Collaboration Conference is all about bringing together economic development leaders, industry experts, and community champions to drive growth, innovation, and collaboration across Kentucky.

We’re thrilled to see the momentum building and can’t wait to connect with you all in Paducah! Check out the feature in The Lane Report and join us for this can't-miss event.

🔗 https://www.lanereport.com/180314/2025/04/kaed-collaboration-conference-to-address-economic-development/

⭐️ It is not too late to register! https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

Nearly 150 economic development professionals, site selection consultants, local officials, and business representatives will gather in Paducah, KY, April 14-16 at the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) Spring Collaboration Conference to discuss best practices and new opportunities...