Gov. Beshear Joins Shady Rays for Celebration of Newly Expanded Corporate Headquarters in Simpsonville
Company’s new 75,000-square-foot facility will help meet growing customer demand
SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Shady Rays, a national leader in lifestyle and adventure eyewear, to celebrate the company’s new corporate headquarters and fulfillment and distribution warehouse in Simpsonville.
“The commonwealth’s economic momentum is showing no signs of slowing down, and that is largely due to Kentucky companies continuing to expand in our communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “Shady Rays is a quality company that provides great job opportunities for Shelby County, and I am thrilled to celebrate this exciting next step. I want to thank Shady Rays and its leadership team for continuing to invest and believe in what this great state has to offer.”
Shady Rays’ new facility will consist of a 69,000-square-foot fulfillment and distribution center and a 6,000-square-foot office space to serve as the company’s corporate headquarters in Simpsonville Commons. This new location nearly triples the company’s previous footprint in Shelby County, formerly operating out of two facilities in the Kingbrook Commerce Park. The larger fulfillment center will include upgraded technology for improved efficiency, with the new office space hosting additional workspaces, a showroom for product display and an outdoor patio. The added space will allow Shady Rays to be more efficient, fill significantly more orders and meet growing customer demand across the United States and around the world.
“As we stand before our new corporate headquarters and fulfillment center, I am overwhelmed with pride,” said Shady Rays founder and CEO Chris Ratterman. “This space is not just a physical manifestation of our growth, but a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. It symbolizes our commitment to innovation, customer service and community. Today marks a milestone in our journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Shady Rays was founded in 2012 to provide polarized sunglasses built for high visibility and durable construction. The company’s leaders are dedicated to giving back to the communities in which their employees work and live, making a difference through their Shady Rays Impact initiative. The total number of Shady Rays’ employees fluctuates throughout the year, with the spring and summer being the company’s peak seasons. The company currently has 95 full-time employees, with 63 of those positions held by Kentuckians.
Shelby County Judge/Executive Dan Ison explained that the project is the perfect fit between the company and the community: “It is fitting that Shady Rays, one of the fastest-growing lifestyle eyewear brands, would call Shelby County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the commonwealth, home. Shady Rays’ commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and commitment to our community is the foundation for this commendable achievement, and we look forward to their continued success in the years ahead.”
Simpsonville Mayor Ronnie Sowder is thrilled to see Shady Rays grow and continue making a difference in the community: “We are excited to see Shady Rays make such a huge expansion and commitment to our city! We look forward to what they have in store and the economic impact it will make in our community.”
Simpsonville City Commissioner Kelland L. Garland noted the company’s commitment to the community: “The city of Simpsonville is excited to see Shady Rays making an investment in our community by expanding their HQ and creating local jobs for our citizens. Shady Rays is a model business for American ingenuity and self-driven entrepreneurship. We are honored to have an outstanding business choose to call Simpsonville home, and we are proud of their efforts to give back to the local community and organizations that do good around the world.”
Shelbyville Mayor Troy Ethington is excited to see the company’s continued success in the region: “Shady Rays continues to be an economic asset for Shelby County by providing quality, well-paying jobs and benefits for the workers in our community. The company’s success doesn’t stop with an excellent product and exemplary customer service. Its business model ensures a commitment to give back both locally and globally with each purchase of their sunglasses. Shady Rays is exactly the kind of business we encourage to come to our town. I wish Shady Rays and the city of Simpsonville continued success and prosperity.”
Charlie Clabaugh, training coordinator for the Shelby County Industrial and Development Foundation (SCIDF), congratulated the company on behalf of the group: “The Shelby County Industrial and Development Foundation is always proud to see plans for growth and success become reality. We congratulate the Shady Rays team for their hard work and dedication that made this expansion possible.”
Shady Rays’ investment and job creation build on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $30 billion in announced investments, creating more than 51,800 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America’s $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Kentucky’s credit outlook from stable to positive.
Site Selection magazine placed Kentucky first in the South Central region and top 5 nationally in its 2023 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.
For more information on Shady Rays, visit ShadyRays.com.
A detailed community profile for Shelby County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn
Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Exports Break All-Time Record in 2023, Topping $40 Billion in Products Shipped Globally
Aerospace products and parts remains top export, Canada the No. 1 destination
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more Kentucky-made products were shipped around the world in 2023 than in any other year on record, as the commonwealth broke its single-year total with $40.2 billion in exports, a 16.6% increase over the previous year.
According to data recently made available by the U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division and WISERTrade, aerospace products and parts once again led Kentucky’s exports by category in 2023. The industry shipped more than $13.3 billion in products out of the United States, representing a 27.7% increase over the previous year.
“In Kentucky, we’re working hard to ensure our place as a leader in economic development, and this growth in exports shows our efforts are succeeding,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thanks to 2023’s record high, Kentucky-made products continue to make their way into more homes and businesses all around the world. Our commitment to global partnerships is another way we’re showing Kentucky is the best place to do business and that Kentucky-made products are second to none.”
Pharmaceuticals and medicines, as well as motor vehicles, continued to show growth and remain among Kentucky’s leading exports. Pharmaceuticals saw $3.8 billion in products distributed, a 7% increase over the previous year, while $3.7 billion worth of motor vehicles were shipped globally, a 1.6% growth over 2022. Motor vehicle parts (over $1.7 billion) and basic chemicals (over $1.3 billion) round out the top five industries shipping products from the commonwealth.
The top export destinations have remained fairly consistent over recent years, with Canada once again leading the way with over $9.1 billion in products shipped north in 2023. The United Kingdom (more than $3.8 billion), France (over $3.6 billion) and China (more than $2.8 billion) remain in the top five destinations for Kentucky-made products, as Mexico, now Kentucky’s third-largest exports destination, moved into the top five with nearly $3.7 billion in exports last year.
Kentucky’s export growth builds on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $30.3 billion in announced investments, creating nearly 52,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America’s $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Kentucky’s credit outlook from stable to positive.
Site Selection magazine placed Kentucky first in the South Central region and top 5 nationally in its 2023 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.
For more information on Kentucky exports, visit kyexports.com.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
Gov. Beshear: Over $15 Million in State Funding Awarded To Support Job Growth, Site and Building Development in 13 Counties
Projects are part of Round 2 of the Kentucky Product Development Initiative
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $15 million in state funding going to support job growth and economic development across 13 counties. The latest round of funding was approved today through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and including local matching funds more than $35 million is being invested across the commonwealth.
Site and building development projects in Clark, Clinton, Graves, Green, LaRue, Laurel, Logan, Montgomery, Nelson, Pulaski, Scott, Wayne and Webster counties are the newest approvals for the second round of the program.
“This initiative continues to pave the way for future economic success and job opportunities here in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “Finding ways to make Kentucky stand out to companies looking to relocate here gives us an incredible advantage when it comes to landing new well-paying jobs for our families. Congratulations to these 13 communities across the state as they move another step closer in their site development process.”
The initiative, overseen by the Cabinet for Economic Development, provides funding for local communities to further invest in site and building upgrades to support future, well-paying jobs and economic growth across Kentucky.
The city of Winchester, on behalf of the Winchester/Clark County Industrial Development Authority, is seeking to complete site preparation and infrastructure improvements to provide future business for Clark County. State funding will provide $2 million to the project, with total improvements reaching $5.6 million, including local support.
The Clinton County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Clinton County Industrial Development Authority, will extend water and sewer lines to the Clinton County Industrial Park. State funds will provide over $160,000 to the project, with the full scope of the project totaling over $300,000.
The Graves County Fiscal Court on behalf of the Graves County Economic Development Inc. will assist in the acquisition and development of a site in Graves County. The state funds will provide over $1.6 million to the project, with the full scope of the project totaling over $3.2 million.
The Green County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Green Economic Team Inc., is seeking to complete site preparation and construct a 20,000-square-foot building at the Greensburg Industrial Park. State support will provide $1 million with the total anticipated investment for the project being $2 million.
The City of Hodgenville, on behalf of the LaRue County Fiscal Court, seeks to install sanitary sewer forced main to land set aside for industrial development in Upton. The $1.2 million project was approved today for $600,000 in state support.
The Laurel County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the London-Laurel County Economic Development Authority (LLCEDA), plans to acquire a 170-acre property and complete infrastructure extensions. The state funds will provide nearly $2 million to the project, with the full scope totaling nearly $4 million.
The Logan County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Logan Industrial Development Authority Inc., seeks to construct a speculative building with an expansion pad at the Shelton Lane Industrial Park. The state will provide $2 million for the over $7.7 million site-upgrade project.
The Montgomery County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Industrial Authority, plans to purchase property on Owingsville Road and conduct related site engineering and development. The total anticipated project investment is over $4.3 million with $2 million in state funds approved for the site.
The city of Bardstown, on behalf of the Nelson County Fiscal Court, aims to extend utilities and the existing roadway in the Nelson County Industrial Park. The site will see over $1.2 million in improvements, with over $630,000 coming from state support through.
The city of Somerset, on behalf of the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA), plans to complete phased work at an intersection into a 142-acre site, knows as the SPEDA Commerce Park. Funding from the state will provide $500,000 to the project, with the total project investment being over $1 million.
The Scott County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the city of Georgetown, looks to complete road and infrastructure improvements, due diligence and site preparation work in the Lanes Run Business Park. State funds will supply $1.5 million with the total anticipated investment for the project at $3 million.
The Wayne County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Wayne County Industrial Authority, seeks to acquire additional acreage to expand the Monticello-Wayne County Business Park. The nearly $1 million project was approved today for close to $500,000 in state support.
The Webster County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Webster County Industrial Development Authority, aims to complete due diligence, site preparation and road improvements to provide Webster County with new business opportunities. The total anticipated project investment is over $1 million, with $529,000 in state funding approved for the site.
Round 1 of the program concluded in December 2023, with 53 projects statewide approved for $31.2 million in funding. Including local contributions, these projects are generating over $123 million in investments in Kentucky’s sites and buildings portfolio.
In December, Gov. Beshear announced 46 site and building development projects in 45 counties advanced to the due diligence stage of round two for further review, with $68.8 million available to support the projects.
Last month, Gov. Beshear announced the first location to receive approval in the second round of the program, with nearly $2 million allocated to support site development in Campbell County.
Haley McCoy, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED), noted the collaborative effort needed for KPDI to be successful and thanked the many utility partners who play a vital role in the program’s success: “We are grateful for the collective vision of Kentucky’s economic development partners that has led to the wide success of KPDI. Through collaboration of the state legislature, executive branch, business and nonprofit organizations, KPDI continues to place strategic investments in the commonwealth’s communities that will generate returns for years to come. We appreciate our utility partners Kentucky Power, LG&E and KU, Big Rivers Electric, TVA, Duke Energy, Atmos Energy, East Kentucky Power and Louisville Water for partnering with KAED to cover the cost of the independent evaluations from site consultants that help Kentucky steward these investments in impactful ways.”
During the 2022 legislative session, Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly approved $100 million in funding for the initiative.
Site and building development projects are first evaluated by an independent consultant based upon all facets a prospective company would consider, from workforce availability, access to all infrastructure and detailed information on costs associated with development. In turn, these projects will generate increased economic development opportunities and job creation for Kentucky residents. The initiative furthers the efforts of the pilot PDI program, which provided nearly $7 million in state funding for 20 site development projects statewide. Companies have announced economic development projects at 10 of the locations funded during the pilot PDI program, projecting $4 billion of capital investment and 3,500 new, full-time jobs.
Investment in site development throughout Kentucky builds on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $30.3 billion in announced investments, creating nearly 52,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America’s $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Kentucky’s credit outlook from stable to positive.
Site Selection magazine placed Kentucky first in the South Central region and top 5 nationally in its 2023 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.
Learn more about the Kentucky Product Development Initiative at kpdi.ky.gov.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
Gov. Beshear: Main Street Communities Report $61.4 Million Investment, 649 New Jobs and 126 New Businesses in 2023
Main Street investments include $5.6 million in budget and grant contributions, $23.1 million in private investments and $32.7 million in public investments
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2024) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced that Kentucky Main Street program communities continued to thrive in 2023 with a reported $61.4 million cumulative investment in downtown commercial districts, generating a net gain of 649 new jobs and 126 new businesses.
The $61.4 million investment includes $5.6 million in budget and grant contributions from counties and cities and $23.1 million in private investments, matched by $32.7 million in public improvements. Public improvements encompass building rehabilitation and renovations, new construction and other enhancement projects.
Additionally, these communities finished the year with a net gain of 393 full-time and 256 part-time jobs, 30 new business expansions, 223 rehabilitation projects, 214 façade and exterior renovation projects, 190 public improvement projects and 10 new construction projects completed in Main Street districts.
“Communities thrive when their downtowns are vibrant, and our Kentucky Main Street program plays a vital role in revitalizing downtowns, attracting new business and opportunities for our people and contributing to Kentucky’s economic growth,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you to our Main Street leaders for their dedication to improving their communities for future generations to enjoy.”
“Kentucky’s main streets are the backbone of our communities and the heart of our small towns,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “Attracting people, businesses and opportunities, our downtowns help provide prosperity for Kentuckians in every corner of the commonwealth. This year, the Kentucky Main Street program celebrates its 45th anniversary, and it’s a great time to reflect upon the impact this program has on small towns across Kentucky.”
“Today’s news proves that small towns can create a big impact. In supporting communities across the commonwealth, the Kentucky Main Street program has facilitated incredible economic outcomes,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “Our Main Streets are the heart and soul of our communities.”
The Kentucky Main Street program has generated more than $4.7 billion of investment throughout the commonwealth since its inception.
In 2023, London Main Street reported a net gain of 36 new businesses, 10 business expansions, 218 new jobs and a cumulative investment of $15.6 million in its downtown district. Julie Rea, London Main Street Director, highlighted the program’s ability to showcase the unique qualities of these communities.
“The Kentucky Main Street program creates community. The experience of walking down our commonwealth's unique main streets tell the stories of our lives. We can reminisce about our childhood and delight in how those buildings are repurposed with just the right touch of nostalgia. Community members can come together and celebrate what makes our town unique. Whether it is honeybuns, fried chicken or historic architecture, our Kentucky Main Streets bring a special slice of hometown pride to the table,” said Rea.
LaGrange Main Street reported $19.4 million in cumulative investment, welcoming a net gain of seven new businesses and 32 new jobs. Teresa Boling, LaGrange Main Street Director, underscores how the program supports local business owners while preserving downtown’s rich history and creating opportunities for the future.
“Local communities are where the American dream wakes up. People with an entrepreneurial spirit can test their wings on a Kentucky Main Street and have lots of support and even a helping hand if they don’t fly successfully,” said Boling. “Having a team at Main Street provides the cheerleaders we need to keep working toward our goals, allowing us to protect this place we call home while creating emotional, physical and spiritual health for the community.”
Paducah Main Street reported $3.3 million in cumulative investment, 26 rehabilitation projects and a net gain of seven new businesses. Nicholas Hutchinson, Paducah Main Street Director, emphasized how the Kentucky Main Street program provides resources for the preservation and revitalization of downtown communities, building community-driven economic growth.
“Kentucky boasts a rich history that is preserved today through various historical resources. Kentucky Main Street is a program that seeks to support communities in their efforts to revitalize their localities by providing technical assistance and leveraging available resources,” said Hutchinson. “This program is built on the successful blueprint of Main Street America, which promotes community-driven economic growth through the development of locally owned businesses. Kentucky Main Street is an excellent opportunity to strengthen local economies, enhance local leadership and improve the overall quality of life for residents.”
The Kentucky Main Street communities’ investments and job creation build on the commonwealth's recent economic momentum, including within the tourism industry.
In November 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the commonwealth broke an all-time record with nine new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $301.2 million in economic investment. These projects also expect to create 628 jobs once operational.
Gov. Beshear declared that 2022 was the best year on record for Kentucky tourism, with $12.9 billion generated in economic impact and 91,668 jobs. According to Tourism Economics, 75.9 million travelers visited Kentucky in 2022, spending a total of $8.9 billion across the commonwealth. This generated over $937 million in state and local taxes, resulting in a $536 tax savings for each Kentucky household. Total visitation reached 103% of 2019 volumes, and visitor spending reached 112%. The 2022 figures surpassed the previous record of $11.8 billion in economic impact in 2019.
The state’s bourbon and spirits industry also recorded its best year for growth in 2022, with over $2.1 billion in new investments and approximately 700 new jobs for Kentucky residents. Since the start of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced roughly 100 new-location and expansion projects within the bourbon and spirits sector, contributing to over $3.9 billion in new investments and more than 1,670 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.
In 2022, Gov. Beshear announced $75 million in ARPA funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated $5.3 million in federal funding to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $30.3 billion in announced investments, creating nearly 52,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
For a list of 2023 investments reported by Kentucky Main Street communities, click here. Figures in the report are composed of quarterly reports submitted by participating main streets to the Kentucky Main Street program.
The Kentucky Main Street Association, a non-profit organization, provides support to Main Street communities by assisting with planning, training, fundraising and program support.
The Kentucky Main Street program was created by the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC)/State Historic Preservation Office in 1979 to reverse economic decline in central business districts through historic preservation and redevelopment of commercial buildings. The statewide program has 24 communities: Bardstown, Beattyville, Campbellsville, Carrollton, Cynthiana, Grayson, Guthrie, LaGrange, London, Maysville, Middlesboro, Morehead, Murray, Paducah, Perryville, Pikeville, Pineville, Salyersville, Scottsville, Shelbyville, Springfield, Taylorsville, Tri-Cities of Cumberland and Williamsburg.
For more information, visit heritage.ky.gov
Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Dr. Steven Stack provided an update on federal funds to create jobs through the cleanup of historic mine sites; economic development; thriving Kentucky Main Street communities; Women’s History Month; measles prevention; Severe Weather Week; an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Frankfort; and an event to commemorate the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kentucky.
Funds to Create Good-Paying Jobs Through Cleanup of Historic Mine Sites
Gov. Beshear and Department of the Interior Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis announced that Kentucky will receive more than $74 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to continue creating jobs and cleaning up hazards left by historic mining, such as subsidence, slides, open portals, refuse piles and mine seam fires. To learn more, see the full release.
Economic Development
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $15 million in state funding to support job growth and economic development across 13 counties. The latest round of funding was approved today through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and, including local matching funds of more than $35 million, is being invested across the commonwealth.
Gov. Beshear announced more Kentucky-made products were shipped around the world in 2023 than in any other year on record as the commonwealth surpassed its previous best single-year total with $40.2 billion in exports, a 16.6% increase over the prior year.
Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Shady Rays, a national leader in lifestyle and adventure eyewear, to celebrate the company’s new corporate headquarters and fulfillment and distribution warehouse in Simpsonville.
The Governor announced the Collaborative Blueprint created by and for Kentucky’s Economic Developers – a statewide initiative led by Team Kentucky with input and support from partners across the commonwealth – is now publicly available. The blueprint is the result of an ongoing effort to bring together economic developers and other stakeholders from around the state to determine the best path forward for Kentucky as state, regional and local leaders look to build on the best period for economic growth in the commonwealth’s history.
The Governor also previewed a $6.1 million investment by MMY US, a manufacturer of modular housing units. The project in West Louisville will create 73 full-time jobs at an average wage of $30 per hour and a minimum of $23 per hour – both before benefits – with potential for future investment and job creation.
Main Street Communities Report Major Investment
Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman announced that Kentucky Main Street program communities continued to thrive in 2023 with a reported $61.4 million cumulative investment in downtown commercial districts, generating a net gain of 649 new jobs and 126 new businesses.
Women’s History Month Preview
To kick off Women’s History Month, which begins March 1, Lt. Gov. Coleman announced that seven new women will be inducted into the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit in the Capitol. On March 22, Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman will attend the Kentucky Commission on Women (KCW) Women’s History Month celebration to help unveil the portraits of the new inductees. Lt. Gov. Coleman encouraged Kentuckians to follow the KCW on social media to learn more about women’s contributions to the commonwealth.
Public Health Update
Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH), updated Kentuckians on the response to several measles outbreaks in the United States. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is spread through the air. Nationally, in unvaccinated persons who contract measles, at least 1 in 5 is hospitalized, 1 in 20 children develop pneumonia and 1 in 1,000 children suffer brain injury. Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are recommended to children starting at 12 months. DPH is working closely with local health departments and clinicians across the state to promote the MMR vaccine. Only 90% of Kentucky kindergarteners have received two doses.
“Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles and provides lifelong protection if exposed to the virus,” said Dr. Stack. “Even if exposed to measles, vaccinated persons may continue routine activities.”
Although no confirmed measles cases have yet been reported in Kentucky this year, DPH has collaborated with the Ohio Department of Health on a measles exposure in January at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Severe Weather Month
Gov. Beshear recognized March 1-6, 2024, as Severe Weather Week in the commonwealth. The week is an opportunity to empower Kentuckians to take proactive measures to protect themselves, their families and their communities from the potential impacts of severe weather.
The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to participate in the state’s annual tornado drill on March 6 at 10:07 a.m. EST. Kentuckians can contact their local Emergency Management or National Weather Service offices for more information.
“Here in the commonwealth, we have certainly had our share of severe weather events. So, we know how important it is to be aware and prepared for whatever may come our way,” said Gov. Beshear. “Let us use this week as an opportunity to come together to build a safer, more prepared Kentucky.”
Anniversary of the March on Frankfort
The Governor invited Kentuckians to join him March 5 for the 60th anniversary and reenactment of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Frankfort. Events will begin at 9 a.m. EST, with Focus on Race Relations Frankfort kicking things off at the Capital City Museum. At 10:45 a.m. EST, the march up Capital Avenue will begin. Several attendees will speak on the Capitol steps at noon EST, including some who attended the original march.
COVID-19 Anniversary Event
The Governor invited Kentuckians to the Capitol on March 6 at 1 p.m. EST to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic in the commonwealth.
“Together, Kentucky has overcome so much with kindness and love. We know that together, there’s nothing we can’t overcome with compassion,” said Gov. Beshear. “We will hear from inspiring speakers, and we will remember what we have overcome while also looking to the future and how we can move forward, together.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Earlier this week, the Governor visited Arlie Boggs Elementary School in Eolia to meet with students who were involved in a school bus crash in January and to recognize the health care heroes and first responders who cared for the students and bus driver following the crash. Today, Gov. Beshear named the students, first responders and health care heroes as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“When an Arlie Boggs school bus was involved in a crash, our first responders and health care heroes sprang into action. I’m grateful for their quick response, and I’m proud of our kids’ resilience and bravery,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s part of what makes Kentucky so special.”
|
