Gov. Steve Beshear came to Lexington on Monday, joining with Mayor Jim Gray along with area civic and business leaders to celebrate Kentucky being honored for economic growth.
Site Selection magazine, an Atlanta-based publication that focuses on corporate real estate and economic development, recently chose Kentucky as the recipient of its 2014 Governor’s Cup award.
Beshear is traveling around the state with the trophy, highlighting the commonwealth’s success in attracting and growing businesses.
“Think about where we were seven years ago when Kentucky’s unemployment rate was 11 percent and business growth was at a near standstill,” Beshear said. “We’ve come so far. Our statewide unemployment rate is now 5.1 percent, and the Governor’s Cup is further proof of the fruits of our labor. This success would not have been possible without this community’s dedication to supporting businesses, creating jobs and making Kentucky a better place for all of us.”
Beshear praised Lexington and Fayette County for being a prime engine for the state’s fortunes.
“From our first day in office, creating and attracting new jobs has been our top priority,” Gray said.