“Kentucky’s economy is on a roll.”
So said Gov. Steve Beshear today when he announced that a leading economic development trade magazine has recognized the state as one of the most successful in creating jobs and securing investments.
In the summer 2015 issue, Area Development magazine awarded Silver Shovels in four population categories, with Kentucky’s honor coming in the 3- to 5-million population tier. The awards are based on a state’s top 10 job-creation and investment projects that began to materialize in the previous year. Kentucky’s top projects resulted in nearly 4,000 new and retained jobs and more than $1 billion in investments.
“Receiving the Silver Shovel Award is not only a great honor, but it is also a testament to how our communities and workforce have created a culture where businesses of all shapes, sizes and industries can succeed,” Beshear said.
The award is the latest good news for Kentucky economy, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Last year, companies announced the most business investment in the state since it began tracking that information nearly 30 years ago. In March, Kentucky earned Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup award for the most economic development projects per capita in 2014.
The projects that made Kentucky a winner with Area Development include the following:
‣ Aleris Rolled Products (Lewisport): 743 retained jobs, $350 million investment
‣ Champion Petfoods (Auburn): 147 jobs, $85.3 million investment
‣ Diageo Americas Supply (Bagdad): 31 jobs, $115 million investment
‣ eBay (Walton): 354 jobs, $52 million investment
‣ Faurecia Seating (Simpsonville): 410 jobs, $18.8 million investment
‣ Ford Motor Company (Louisville): 650 jobs, $209 million investment
‣ Kindred Healthcare (Louisville): 400 jobs, $35.7 million investment
‣ Metalsa (Elizabethtown): 247 jobs, $70.4 million investment
‣ Quiver Ventures (Bowling Green): 80 jobs, $155.9 million investment
‣ TPUSA Inc. (Louisville): 750 jobs, $13.3 million investment
To learn more, click here.