2020 | March | Q1 Newsletter
Kentucky Among Top States in Annual Governor’s Cup Rankings
Commonwealth places first in South Central Region, second nationally per capita

Kentucky continued its string of strong showings in Site Selection Magazine’s 2019 Governor’s Cup, earning the top ranking in the South Central region per capita. The commonwealth placed second nationally per capita and eighth overall for total projects, besting more densely populated states such as New York, California, Michigan, and Tennessee.

Team Kentucky – Cabinet Rebranding Aligns with Gov. Beshear’s Collaborative Approach to Economic Development
The Cabinet for Economic Development is all about fostering a unified, team-oriented approach to spurring job creation and greater investment in the commonwealth. Now, the cabinet is rolling out a new brand that speaks directly to that mission.

Kentucky Becomes Leading Whiskey Exporter in US, Breaks Overall Exports Record for Fourth Consecutive Year
As Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry continues to boom, the commonwealth can now tout its title as the nation’s leading whiskey exporter, according to 2019 export reports.

Gov. Andy Beshear made the announcement while filling the 16-millionth barrel of Jim Beam at Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont in February. 

Businesses announce $5.3 billion in projects, 10,700 new full-time jobs for Kentucky during 2019  
In 2019, Kentucky worked with private businesses to announce the planned creation of more than 10,700 full-time jobs for state residents across the coming years, part of 234 expansion and new-facility projects in which private-sector companies plan invest over $5.3 billion into the state.

STEP Drives Small Business Success in Kentucky
While billion-dollar investments tend to grab headlines, the true lifeblood of Kentucky’s economy are small businesses, which comprise more than 96.5 percent of all businesses in the commonwealth and employ about 700,000 Kentuckians. For many of these businesses, it’s essential to expand their market reach past US borders and across the globe .

Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit Rewards Companies for Growing
One of the Cabinet’s most important objectives is powering Kentucky’s 340,000 small businesses and the 700,000 people they employ throughout the state. One of CED’s most notable programs, The Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit (KSBTC), rewards companies every year just for doing what successful businesses do – grow!

Kentucky Launches New Program to Sustain Agricultural Industry
In December, the commonwealth unveiled the Kentucky Selling Farmer Tax Credit (KSFTC) program, which encourages the continued use of agricultural land for farming by crediting farmers who sell their assets to beginning farmers. Eligible selling farmers could receive tax credits up to 5% of the purchase price of qualifying assets, with a $25,000 cap per calendar year and a $100,000 lifetime cap.

Kentucky’s New and Improved Site Selection Tool Strengthens State’s Industry Recruitment
The Cabinet for Economic Development is significantly strengthening Kentucky’s sites and buildings selection platform through the relaunch of SelectKentucky.com , a revamped, enhanced selection tool that helps companies find the perfect Kentucky community for a new location or expansion.

Recent Announcements