From the Executive Director's Desk

August was a month of much activity, with the Governor’s Local Issues Conference taking center stage. It's a privilege to serve on the Local Issues Board of Directors, working alongside many of my peers who are dedicated to fostering collaboration to drive Kentucky’s growth and prosperity.

The Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts Board of Directors convened its August meeting in conjunction with the conference Aug. 7. We were honored to welcome Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel as our guest speaker. Fresh from an economic development trip to Asia, Secretary Noel provided valuable insights, underscoring the vital role of personal engagement in strengthening global economic partnerships. He also emphasized the importance of addressing workforce challenges, energy sourcing, and enhancing community quality of life to attract and retain businesses in Kentucky.

In alignment with these goals, KCADD has partnered with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Grant Ready Kentucky, and the Kentucky Association of Economic Development to offer specialized training for economic development professionals. This initiative will focus on identifying federal grant opportunities as part of the GRANT Program of 2024. The four organizations are currently working together to develop the training criteria, and we expect to share more details in the near future.

In a moment of celebration, we are thrilled to announce that the Gateway Area Development District (GADD) has been awarded the 2024 Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky Award. This award honors a project resulting from the collaboration of multiple government agencies working together in a cost-effective manner. GADD was recognized for their exceptional work on expanding the Gateway Regional Kitchen and Menifee County Senior Center. Please join me in congratulating GADD Executive Director Joshua Farrow and his dedicated team for their outstanding commitment to serving older adults across the five-county region. You can read more about this initiative and the award below.

On Aug. 27, Molly and I had the pleasure of attending the Kentucky River Area Development District’s (KRADD) Annual Meeting at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. KRADD Executive Director Michelle Allen and her team hosted a great event, which included recognition of two members of the KCADD Board of Directors—Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander and Citizen Member Craig Lindon. Judge Alexander was honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award for his unwavering commitment to both his community and the broader region. Additionally, Lindon was appointed as Chairman of the KRADD Board of Directors.

The fall season is shaping up to be a busy one, with the Kentucky League of Cities Conference and Expo scheduled for Sept. 24-27 and the continuation of the Interim Joint Committee meetings. We look forward to attending upcoming events and hope to see you there!

Casey Ellis

Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

Gateway ADD honored with Spirit of Kentucky Award

Peggy Satterly dedicated nearly five decades of her life to serving the people of Kentucky, embodying the spirit of selfless public service that left an indelible mark on the state. It’s fitting, then, that the Gateway Area Development District—an organization that mirrors her commitment to collaboration and community—has been honored with the Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky Award.

Presented annually, the award celebrates a project that exemplifies the power of multiple government agencies coming together in a cost-effective, community-centered way. The Gateway Area Development District (GADD) earned this recognition for its remarkable work in expanding the Gateway Regional Kitchen and Menifee County Senior Center, a project that has had a profound impact on the lives of senior citizens across five counties.

Evans receives Certified Economic Developer designation

The Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD) is celebrating a significant milestone within its ranks.

In August, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognized BGADD Community Planning Manager Greyson Evans as one of 41 individuals to earn the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.

The CEcD designation is a mark of distinction, representing the highest level of skill and commitment in the field of economic development. It sets a standard of excellence, highlighting those who have demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, comprehensive knowledge, and mastery of economic development strategies.

Kentucky River ADD holds 56th Annual Meeting

The Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) celebrated its 56th Annual Meeting Aug. 27, showcasing the district's achievements over the past year and honoring local leaders who embody the collaborative spirit essential to its mission.

Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander and Hazard Mayor Donald "Happy" Mobelini were jointly nominated for KRADD's Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of their dedicated service following the devastating floods that struck Eastern Kentucky in July 2022. Their nomination stands as a testament to their commitment to the community during this challenging time.

ADDs in the News

BGADD executive director weighs in on EKU Students for Appalachia initiative

From the Eastern Progress

The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Appalachian Studies program has introduced a new Registered Student Organization (RSO), Students for Appalachia, in hopes of bringing in more students and getting them interested in what Appalachian Studies has to offer.

Northern Kentucky Area Development District showcases services to Erlanger

From LINK nky

Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District Tara Johnson-Noem showcased the organization's array of services to the Erlanger City Council in August.

The organization's outreach initiative aims to visit each of the 60 cities within its eight-county region...

Congressman Hal Rogers speaks to Big Sandy ADD

From WYMT Mountain News

Congressman Hal Rogers visited Floyd County Aug. 27, sharing updates form Washington and discussing plans for the region's future.

Rogers spoke to the Big Sandy Area Development District, discussing a variety of topics, from flood recovery to economic development, before sharing his hopes for funding.

Rogers shared what he called some of the main focuses for 2025: strengthening homeland defense...

GRADD AmeriCorps Senior Connections seeking new members

From Owensboro Times

The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) AmeriCorps Senior Connections program is accepting applications for new members to serve during its upcoming program year. The program works to reduce the rate of food insecurity for senior citizens and assist them in their ability to live independently in their homes, establish an effective social support system and a reliable source of nutrition...

What's Happening in Your Area Development District?

Barren River ADD announces associate director of newly established ODCP

The Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) is excited to announce Brooke Edwards as the Associate Director of the newly established Barren River Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP). The office's creation comes as BRADD area officials and stakeholders have been drafting a regional response to the opioid crisis.

The Office of Drug Control Policy will run point guard for the $20 million allocation from the Kentucky General Assembly to create a unique trifecta of services for the region called the Anchor Project.

Lake Cumberland ADD hosts BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky Class of 2024

The Lake Cumberland Area Development District (LCADD) hosted the BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky Class of 2024 from Aug. 15-17 as they explored the Lake Cumberland region.

LCADD Executive Director Waylon Wright and Deputy Executive Director Lyndsey Brown, a 2023 BRIGHT Leadership graduate, highlighted LCADD's regional services, which include senior citizens centers, aging services, workforce development, and economic development.

Princeton Water and Wastewater Commission receives funding to enhance infrastructure system

The Princeton Water and Wastewater Commission received $130,000 to update the facilities plan for a wastewater treatment plant, addressing efficiency and biological hazards. The funding, secured with assistance from Pennryile Area Development District (PeADD) staff, comes from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Strategic Planning Program, which aims to support communities by promoting problem-solving, enhancing resilience, and building partnerships.

GRADD AmeriCorps Senior Connections program members celebrate end of service

The Green River Area Development District's AmeriCorps Senior Connections program members celebrated the end of their service year Aug. 22. Members serve a minimum of 1,700 hours of community service over a one-year period at non-profit, faith-based and public agencies that offer services to senior citizens throughout the region. The goal of the Senior Connections program is to reduce the rate of food insecurity among seniors and assist them in their ability to live independently, have an effective social support system and ensure their resilience.

KIPDA staff attend the Kentucky Rural Water Association Conference

KIPDA Senior Regional Planner Justin Carter and Planner/Grant Administrator Ryan Loyd attended this year's Kentucky Rural Water Association conference in Lexington. The conference provided networking and educational opportunities through training sessions and various workgroups. One workgroup offered at the conference was the financial and funding track breakout session which provided information on applying for funding to help get much needed infrastructure projects constructed in the KIPDA region.

CVADD highway safety coordinator attends Governor's Occupant Protection Awards ceremony

Cumberland Valley Area Development District (CVADD) Highway Safety Coordinator Dreama Wright recently attended the Governor’s Occupant Protection Enforcement Awards ceremony held in Lexington.

Dreama has worked with local law enforcement and communities for many years to increase child safety seat usage, including distributing car seats free to those in need. Local law enforcement assists by referring those needing seats to CVADD and ensuring car seats are correctly installed.

West Kentucky Workforce Board putting young Kentuckians to work

The West Kentucky Workforce Board (WKWB) is part of a new two-year, $20 million statewide initiative through the 10 workforce boards to place Kentuckians aged 16-24 in self-sustaining employment.

Putting Young Kentuckians to Work is included in House Bill 1 from the 2024 Kentucky Legislative session. This legislation was sponsored in part through leadership of Pennyrile and Purchase area legislators Jason Petrie, Elkton; Steven Rudy, Paducah, and Randy Bridges, Paducah.

Upcoming and Noteworthy

Buffalo Trace ADD, CHFS to host Understanding Alzheimer's workshop

Join the Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD) from 10:30 a.m.-noon, Sept. 9, 2024, at the Mason County Public Library (218 E. 3rd St. Maysville, KY 41056) for the Understanding Alzheimer’s Workshop. Participants will gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and learn strategies to effectively communicate with individuals at each stage of the disease. This is a free event and all are welcome. For questions, call the BTADD office at 606-564-6894.

Kentucky League of Cities Conference and Expo scheduled for Sept. 24-27

The Kentucky League of Cities Conference & Expo is set for Sept. 24-27, 2024, at Lexington’s Central Bank Center. This year’s event includes a KLC Insurance Tournament of Cities, keynote speaker EKU Men’s Basketball Coach A.W. Hamilton, an in-depth housing gap review, a revamped awards ceremony, and much more. For more information, visit https://www.klc.org/EventView/12532/klc-conference-expo.

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts | Website