Lexington, KY - The Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) is in Washington to talk with Kentucky’s federal delegation about issues surrounding regional economic development and job creation.
The fly-in, a first for KAED, has an agenda that spans Monday through Wednesday.
“We are an active presence at our state’s Capitol in Frankfort and our staff, along with the KAED Public Policy Committee, work year-round with legislators and other business organizations to develop sound economic development legislation,” said KAED President and CEO Hal Goode. “As the voice of economic development for Kentucky, KAED is proud to represent our members in the nation’s capital to discuss economic development policies impacting their communities."
Tuesday the group is slated to meet on Capitol Hill with Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul as well as U.S. Representatives Hal Rogers, Ed Whitfield, Brett Guthrie and Andy Barr to lobby their interests. Wednesday the group will meet with emissaries at the German and Japanese Embassies.
The KAED works closely with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, according to fly-in co-chair Nathan Mick. In addition, “the group partners with many other Kentucky organizations to market the assets of our commonwealth,” he stated in a release.
Topics to be discussed on the trip include workforce development initiatives, tax conditions, trade, general policies impacting businesses in helping to grow Kentucky’s economy.
Those on the trip:
Hal Goode, Kentucky Association for Economic Development President and CEO, Springfield.
Hollie Spade, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development chief of staff, Frankfort.
Rodney Chrisman, Jackson Energy Cooperative vice president for customer service, McKee.
Rodney Hitch, East Kentucky Power Cooperative economic development manager, Morehead.
Brad Sowden, LG&E-KU economic and community development, Madison County.
Bob Helton, RJ Corman Railroad Group economic development manager, Georgetown.
Holly Hopkins, Rockcastle County Industrial Development Authority executive director, London.
Connie Hendren, Mine Shield LLC CEO, Lancaster.
Tonita Goodwin, Richmond Industrial Development Corporation executive director, Madison County.
Kevin Osbourn, East Kentucky Power Cooperative manager of communications services, Winchester.
Nathan Mick, StateBook International vice president, Lancaster.