Frankfort, Ky. (May 10, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin today announced new members to the Kentucky State Fair Board.
The Fair Board oversees operations for the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, located at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, and the Kentucky International Convention Center, located in downtown Louisville. Total economic impact from these venues is more than $482.3 million annually. In August KICC will undergo a 2-year, $180 million renovation, which will potentially bring an additional $53 million in annual economic impact to the downtown area.
During its 2016 Regular Session, the Kentucky General Assembly passed Senate Bill 191, bipartisan legislation that reorganizes the Kentucky State Fair Board and amends other statutory language governing the Fair Board and Kentucky’s annual State Fair. After working with key House members and other stakeholders, Sen. Paul Hornback, R-Shelbyville, who is also chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, sponsored SB 191 and the bill was signed into law by Gov. Bevin on April 27, 2016.
“Thanks to the Kentucky General Assembly and Sen. Hornback, the new structure of the Fair Board provides the right blend of institutional knowledge,” said Don Parkinson, Secretary of the Cabinet of Tourism, Arts and Heritage, which oversees the State Fair Board. “I am confident the new board members will work to ensure that the venues the Fair Board oversees remain the nation’s premier event locations.”
Gov. Bevin appointed the following to the Kentucky State Fair Board to serve a one-year term:
• Dr. Mark Lynn, of Louisville, is reappointed to represent the state at large. Lynn will continue to serve as the Kentucky State Fair Board Chairman.
• Michael Poynter Sr., of Stanford, will serve as the representative of the Kentucky Association of Fairs and Horse Shows. Poynter is the former president of the Kentucky Association of Fairs and Horse Shows.
• Marshall Coyle, of Owingsville, will serve as the representative of the Kentucky Farm Bureau. Coyle is the former president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau.
Gov. Bevin appointed the following to the Kentucky State Fair Board to serve for a two-year term:
• David Wallace, of Verona, will represent the state at large. Wallace is the former president of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation and vice president of the Boone County Fair.
• Mike Grisanti, of Louisville, is reappointed to serve as the representative from Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Grisanti is an entrepreneur and investor.
• Joe Goggin, of Danville, will serve as the representative of all segments of animal agriculture. Goggin is a cattle farmer, Kentucky Angus Association Board member and the Boyle County Farm Bureau President.
Bevin appointed the following to the Kentucky State Fair Board to serve for a three-year term:
• Dr. David Williams, of Danville, will serve as the representative involved with or experience in agribusiness. Williams is the President of Burkmann Feeds.
• Phil McCoun, of Shelbyville, will represent the state at large. McCoun is the Chairman of Kentucky Corn Promotion Council.
• Hoppy Bennett, of Shelbyville, will serve as the representative from the American Saddlebred Association. Bennett is the owner of Undulata Horse Farm.
Bevin appointed the following to the Kentucky State Fair Board to serve for a four-year term:
• Ryan Bivens, of Hodgenville, will serve as the representative of all segments of crop or plant production. Bivens is the past president of the Kentucky Soybean Association.
• Sharon Furches, of Murray, will represent the state at large. Furches is the former president of the Kentucky Women in Agriculture.
• Jennifer Yue Barber, of Louisville, is reappointed to represent the state at large. Barber is an attorney and has been recognized as Louisville’s “Enterprising Woman to Watch, 2015.”
The following will serve as ex-officio members:
• Don Parkinson, of Louisville, Secretary of the Cabinet of Tourism, Arts and Heritage will serve as the Governor’s designee and as vice chairman of the Fair Board.
• Ryan Quarles, of Georgetown, Commissioner of Agriculture
• Dr. Nancy Cox, of Lexington, Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
The following will serve as ex-officio, non-voting members:
• Wesley Estes, of Russellville, State President of Kentucky FFA Association
• Calvin Andries, of Lawrenceburg, State President of Kentucky 4-H Organization
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