Home » GLI, city of Louisville to end contractual business relationship

GLI, city of Louisville to end contractual business relationship

Mayor announces new economic development initiative

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 30, 2014) — The contractual agreement and business relationship between Louisville Metro Government and Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) is ending as of July 1, according to Eileen Pickett, interim director of GLI.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced a new economic development strategy today.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced a new economic development strategy today.

Mayor Greg Fisher today announced a new economic strategy for the city that combines into one entity all the city agencies dedicated to business development and the built environment. The new strategy, called Louisville Forward, will change the city’s contractual economic development relationship with GLI, he said.

RELATED: Fischer announces sweeping changes to city’s economic strategy

The city will now be responsible for the daily work of business attraction and expansion. Louisville Metro Government will continue to pay GLI for services related to market and industry research and some client development activities. The balance of the money that the city previously budgeted for GLI’s efforts will now be used to fund Louisville Forward.

The changes will not create undue financial burden for GLI, Pickett said. Six positions at GLI will be eliminated, along with the associated expenses.

“The mayor’s announcement is not unexpected and, in fact, it will clear the way for GLI to focus on the priorities identified during our recent strategic planning process,” Pickett said. “These changes come at a time when GLI was already in the process of recalibrating and setting its agenda for the future, one which is centered on serving the interests of our members and the regional business community.”

[pullquote_left]Six positions at GLI will be eliminated, along with the associated expenses.[/pullquote_left]

“Most importantly, what will not change, is that GLI will continue as the region’s business leadership organization and we will maintain our strong commitment to helping existing businesses expand and grow,” she added.

GLI will continue partner with the mayor’s team in driving the region forward. In the coming months, GLI will also be collaborating with the city on some new joint initiatives between the public and private sectors.

The organization’s top priority is to fill the open EnterpriseCorp Executive Director and Vice President of Public Policy positions and completing the search for its new CEO.

“If you study successful cities around the country, one thing they all have in common is a strong, innovative business leadership organization guiding the way and making things happen,” Pickett said. “In Louisville, that organization is Greater Louisville Inc.”

“This is an exciting and invigorating time as we evolve and transform GLI,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for a new vision, renewed energy and community optimism. The new GLI begins today.”