Home » First lady, Hayes among ‘Ten People Who Made a Difference in the South’

First lady, Hayes among ‘Ten People Who Made a Difference in the South’

Recognized in Southern Business & Development Magazine for economic contributions

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2014) – First Lady Jane Beshear and Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes are being recognized for their contributions to the country’s economic well-being.

Southern Business & Development Magazine has named Beshear and Hayes among the “Ten People Who Made a Difference in the South.” The publication releases an annual list of executives, economic developers and politicians who have made a difference in the South’s economy.

“This is a great honor,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Jane and Larry are true champions of Kentucky. They work extremely hard to make the Commonwealth a great place for everyone. I wish to congratulate them on this award and am pleased to see their efforts are gaining national recognition.”

Mrs. Beshear received the honor for her commitment to education. A former teacher, she is a strong supporter of raising the state’s high school dropout age. Last year, Gov. Beshear signed a law that allows individual school districts in the commonwealth to voluntarily raise the dropout age from 16 to 18.

“In Kentucky, we know that education and economic development go hand-in-hand,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Having a highly-trained and well-educated workforce attracts quality businesses to our state, so putting an emphasis on education, learning and achievement has been a priority of this administration. I’m proud to be an advocate for education and will continue to support meaningful legislation and initiatives that put learning at the forefront.”

The publication recognized Secretary Hayes for his wide-ranging economic prowess.

“First and foremost is that his organization may be the most complete state economic development group in the South,” said Mike Randle, publisher of Southern Business & Development. “I have never seen a state distribute projects to so many different areas of a state. It’s uncanny how Larry and his group successfully distribute so many projects to so many different counties.”

“We have made great strides in attracting new and expanding companies to the Commonwealth as well as growing our small business and entrepreneurial climate,” said Secretary Hayes. “This Cabinet takes great pride in generating more business and putting more Kentuckians back to work.”

Southern Business & Development magazine is the only publication that covers economic development in the American South (15 states from Virginia to Texas). It has a monthly circulation of nearly 15,000 copies to business executives, consultants and site selectors.