From the Executive Director's Desk

As we approach the end of 2024, Kentucky's 15 Area Development Districts (ADDs) continue to make significant strides, highlighted by their recent annual meetings.


In addition to these meetings, we attended the Aging and SHIP Conference in Lexington, engaging in discussions on issues affecting older adults, such as financial literacy, caregiver support, elder fraud prevention, veteran services, and strategies for aging in place.


That same week, the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) Conference & Expo was held at Lexington's Central Bank Center. We proudly watched Benton Mayor Rita Dotson, a member of the KCADD Board and representative of the Purchase Area Development District, become KLC President. Pineville Mayor Scott Madon, who represents the Cumberland Valley Area Development District on the KCADD Board, was named KLC's Second Vice President. Congratulations to KLC for another successful event.


On Sept. 19-20, three ADD executive directors and I traveled to Bowling Green for a peer review at the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD). This process, which involves reviewing administrative and operational procedures, fosters collaboration and the sharing of best practices across ADDs. Key areas of focus included organizational strategies, employee engagement, and program-specific operations, with finance departments playing a critical role in ensuring smooth collaboration and proper funding.


The peer review also highlighted BRADD's Anchor Project, which will bring a mental health crisis intake center and a Life Learning Center to the 10-county district. This initiative, supported by the Barren River Office of Drug Control Policy, aims to enhance transparency and build a network of community resources. The project demonstrates how innovative programs at the local level can serve as models statewide and beyond.


These peer reviews continue to drive innovation and strengthen Kentucky's ADDs in their mission to promote community and economic development across the Commonwealth.


Through these initiatives, Kentucky's Area Development Districts remain committed to fostering growth and improving the quality of life across the state. The ongoing peer reviews, collaborative projects like BRADD's Anchor Project, and participation in conferences such as the Aging and SHIP Conference and the KLC Conference underscore the districts' dedication to addressing immediate community needs and long-term development goals.


As the year draws to a close, the momentum within Kentucky's ADDs shows no sign of slowing. By continuing to share knowledge, innovate, and strengthen partnerships, these districts are well-positioned to lead the Commonwealth into a prosperous future. 



Casey Ellis

Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

Cornette to lead Buffalo Trace Area Development District

Kevin Cornette, a former economic development supervisor at the Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD) will return to the agency Nov. 1, as its executive director following the retirement of Amy Kennedy earlier this year.


Cornette returns after a 10-year stint as superintendent of the Fleming County Water Association. He began his career at BTADD in May 2000, serving in multiple roles, including community development planner and GIS manager, before ultimately becoming the agency’s economic development supervisor.

 

“I’m excited to return to BTADD and appreciate the BTADD Board of Directors for the opportunity and their confidence in my abilities to be successful in this position,” Cornette said.


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Purchase ADD helps bring mobile dentistry clinic to local schools

The Purchase Area Development District (PADD) is celebrating the impact of a $1 million Delta Health Services grant awarded in November 2023, as the funding now powers a mobile dental care initiative providing critical services to underserved students throughout much of its eight-county service area.



Partnering with Floss and Gloss, a school site-based preventative dental program of the Purchase District Health Department, school nurses within the Fulton County, Fulton Independent, Hickman County, Lyon County, and Murray Independent School Districts identify students with limited or no access to dental care who may then visit the Kare Mobile, LLC. vans while on school grounds.


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Bluegrass Workforce Services Department hosts annual training

The Bluegrass Area Development District's Workforce Services Department held its eighth Bluegrass Local Workforce Development Area Joint Training at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) in Versailles. This event, recognized by the Department of Labor as a potential best practice in its inaugural year, has been labeled a "benchmark" by state officials—a recognition that the department holds in high regard.

During this mandatory joint meeting, the workforce board and governing board members participated in training sessions focused on topics related to workforce development...


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ADDs in the News

Pennyrile ADD officially becomes ‘Super-Hub’ for Veteran Directed Care


From WDKZ 106.5 FM


The Pennyrile Area Development District (PeADD) has officially been designated as a "super-hub" for the Veteran Directed Care Program

one of five at the national level.

The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program provides veterans with opportunities to self-direct their long-term services, while supporting at-home independent living.


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Big Sandy ADD donates vehicles to senior citizens program


From the Appalachian News Express


The Big Sandy Area Development District presented the Pike County Fiscal Court and Pike County Senior Citizen Services with three new vehicles for meal delivery services provided by the local senior citizens program. 

This is the first time the ADD has purchased vehicles for the senior services program and was able to do this because of ARPA funding.


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Kentucky River ADD receives funds to reduce wildfire risk


From Naturally Connected


Gov. Andy Beshear announced Sept. 26, that $249,540 has been awarded to the Kentucky River Area Development District to assist in efforts to reduce wildfire risk. 

The funding is through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant, which provides funding for communities to create a Community Wildfire Protection Plan...


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Grayson County contracts with Lincoln Trail ADD for engineering services


From the Messenger-Inquirer


The Grayson County Fiscal Court, during its regular meeting last Thursday, voted to contract with the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) for engineering services.

According to Grayson County Judge Executive Kevin Henderson, the services are not to exceed $40,000 annually; however, the county does not have to spend that amount.

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What's Happening in Your Area Development District?

Annual meeting recap: 5 ADDs hold annual meetings in September


The Green River, FIVCO, Barren River, Lake Cumberland, and Northern Kentucky Area Development Districts held annual meetings in September, recapping a year of progress and initiatives aimed at regional development. The meetings highlighted successes in economic growth, infrastructure improvements, community engagement, workforce development, and collaborative projects that have positively impacted the local communities. For photos from the events, click here.

Gateway region wraps up pilot cat spay/neuter project with more than 900 procedures performed


The Gateway Area Development District (GADD) and Team Shelter USA, LLC, recently wrapped up the six-month pilot Gateway Cat Spay/Neuter project. In January, GADD announced it had received a $100,000 grant from the Joanie Bernard Foundation to implement a regional cat spay/neuter project, with the goal being to decrease the number of cats and kittens entering shelters. The project targeted Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan counties.


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LTADD partners with MetroTax CPA to provide $100,000 through Revolving Loan Fund


The Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) partnered with MetroTax CPA, LLC to provide $100,000 through LTADD’s Revolving Loan Fund. The program provides gap financing to small businesses seeking to expand in the region and the Commonwealth. This unique RLF program supplements traditional financing by collaborating with regional bankers and lenders. 

Lake Cumberland ADD presents at KACo opioid settlement event


The Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) recently invited the Lake Cumberland Area Development District (LCADD) to present at its Leadership Institute Training on Opioid Settlement Best Practices. 

LCADD Executive Director Waylon Wright and KACo's Opioid Settlement Advisor Lauren Carr have discussed at length collaboration and regional approaches for opioid settlement funds after being selected as a 2024 Kentucky Opioid Abatement grantee. 

Wright, LCADD Deputy Executive Director Lyndsey Brown and Assistant WIOA Director BJ Wilkerson represented the LCADD team at the event.

Barren River ADD celebrates 56 years, Hobdy honored with William H Natcher Award 


Former Allen County Judge/Executive Johnny Hobdy was named the 2024 recipient of the William H Natcher award at the Barren River Area Development District's 56th annual meeting.

The Natcher Award was created in 1994 to honor individuals with distinguished service in government. The late Congressman Natcher was often remembered for saying, "Let's do it the right way." During the presentation, Warren County Attorney Amy Hale Chandler, the 2013 Natcher recipient, said, "(Hobdy's) always been willing to lead by example or play the support role."


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KIPDA selects Atlas Technical Consultants for $1.5 million EPA Brownfield Assessment project 


KIPDA’s Community and Economic Development Division formed a committee last month to review proposals for a project funded by a $1.5 million EPA Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant. Led by KIPDA, with partners City of Shepherdsville and Shelby Main Street, the project targets brownfield sites throughout KIPDA's service area. The committee recommended Atlas Technical Consultants, and KIPDA's board approved. Once EPA permits, KIPDA, its partners, and Atlas will begin community engagement and site assessments.

Cumberland Valley ADD Staff Attend National Long-Term Care Conference in San Francisco


Cumberland Valley Area Development District staff members Brandon Wood, ADRC coordinator, and Sarah Smith, district long-term care ombudsman, attended the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care’s 48th annual conference Sept. 23-26 in San Francisco. The event provided an opportunity to connect with advocates from across the country to learn, network and exchange ideas on long-term care issues, including current trends, best practices, and advocacy opportunities.

Green River ADD releases FY2024 impact report



The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) released its Fiscal Year 2024 impact report during its annual meeting Sept. 11. The report highlights the agency's achievements in various areas, including aging and social services, workforce development, Medicaid waivers, community and economic development, and investments in the cities and counties it serves—Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster. To view the full report, visit https://gradd.com/individuals/gradd-transparency-reports/gradd-partnership-impact-report/.

Upcoming and Noteworthy

Cumberland Valley ADD to host Meet the Funders Nov. 6


Are you seeking funding for your innovative project? Join the Cumberland Valley Area Development District at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with esteemed grant agencies dedicated to promoting economic development. These agencies are eager to support ambitious projects like yours and provide the necessary financial backing to turn your vision into reality.

Don’t miss this chance to network, present your ideas, and secure the funding you need to make a significant impact. The event will take place at The Corbin Center, 222 Corbin Center Drive, Corbin, KY 40701. Lunch will be provided.

To RSVP for the event, contact Caitlin Mason by phone at 606-401-3625 or via email at cmason@cvadd.org. Make sure to provide your name and any other relevant details to confirm your attendance. 


Northern Kentucky ADD to host annual Family Caregiver Appreciation and Training event


The Northern Kentucky Area Development District will host its annual Family Caregiver Appreciation and Training event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 13, at the Gardens of Park Hills, 1622 Dixie Highway, Park Hills. 



Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts | Website

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