Kentucky recognized by national magazine for economic development

Based on success of creating new jobs, securing investments

FRANKFORT Ky. (June 3, 2015) — Gov. Steve Beshear today announced Area Development magazine, a leading economic development trade publication, has recognized Kentucky with a Silver Shovel Award, recognizing the commonwealth as one of the most successful states in creating jobs and securing investments in 2014.

In the summer 2015 issue, Area Development magazine awarded Silver Shovels in four population categories, with Kentucky’s honor coming in the 3-to-5 million population tier. The awards are based on a state’s top 10 job-creation and investment projects that began to materialize in the previous year. Kentucky’s top projects resulted in nearly 4,000 new and retained jobs and more than $1 billion in investments.

Last year, companies announced the most business investment in the commonwealth since the state began tracking that information nearly 30 years ago. In March, the commonwealth earned Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup award for the most economic development projects per capita in 2014.

“The states and their communities receiving 2015 Shovel Awards have proven that they understand the makings of successful economic development strategies,” said Geraldine Gambale, editor of Area Development. “They deserve special recognition for their efforts to grow their economies and provide well-paying jobs in a time of intense competition for new investment.”

The projects that made Kentucky a winner with Area Development are:

• Aleris Rolled Products (Lewisport): 743 retained jobs, $350 million investment
• Champion Petfoods (Auburn): 147 jobs, $85.3 million investment
• Diageo Americas Supply (Bagdad): 31 jobs, $115 million investment
• eBay (Walton): 354 jobs, $52 million investment
• Faurecia Seating (Simpsonville): 410 jobs, $18.8 million investment
• Ford Motor Company (Louisville): 650 jobs, $209 million investment
• Kindred Healthcare (Louisville): 400 jobs, $35.7 million investment
• Metalsa (Elizabethtown): 247 jobs, $70.4 million investment
• Quiver Ventures (Bowling Green): 80 jobs, $155.9 million investment
• TPUSA Inc. (Louisville): 750 jobs, $13.3 million investment