Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED)

Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) Contact KAED: 101 Burch Court, Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 227-9653 Fax: (502) 227-2611 Website: www.kaedonline.org

KAED is Kentucky's premier non-profit economic development organization, dedicated to not only advancing economic development in the Commonwealth, but to also providing educational, training, development, and advocacy resources to our state's economic developers. KAED strives to serve our economic developer members and our service providers partners, which help make possible our work to grow Kentucky stronger.

One Louisville is the newly unified economic development organization and regional chamber of commerce for the 10‑county...
06/12/2026

One Louisville is the newly unified economic development organization and regional chamber of commerce for the 10‑county Louisville region. Formed in 2026 through the merger of Greater Louisville Inc. and the Louisville Economic Development Alliance, One Louisville brings together the full strength of the region’s business community to accelerate economic growth through new investment, talent development, and expanded opportunity for all.

The Louisville region is home to more than one million residents, a diverse and highly skilled workforce, and a business environment that continues to gain national attention. With a competitive cost of doing business and a workforce participation rate above the national average, the region stands out as a top location for business expansion. Since 2023, Site Selection Magazine has named Louisville a Top U.S. Metro for Economic Development, a recognition driven by strong project activity and a climate that supports business success. The region’s key industry clusters, including automotive, defense and aerospace, food and beverage, life sciences, and logistics, position Louisville at the center of a network of globally competitive industries.

In 2025, One Louisville secured 41 project wins, resulting in more than 2,700 new jobs and $3 billion in direct investment across the Commonwealth. These wins reflect the region’s rising competitiveness and the depth of the city’s talent pipeline. Major companies like Ford and GE Appliances are deepening their long‑standing commitments to Louisville, reinforcing the region’s role as a national hub for innovation and production. As One Louisville works to make the region the best place in America to build a business, a career, and a fulfilling life, this progress underscores the impact of a unified strategy and clarity of its shared vision.

Thank you to the One Louisville team for your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to helping Kentucky pursue new opportunities and tackle challenges head on. We’re grateful to have you on the team!

The KAED Economic Forum and Annual Meeting will be held November 3–6 in Lexington, and we hope you’ll make plans to join...
06/11/2026

The KAED Economic Forum and Annual Meeting will be held November 3–6 in Lexington, and we hope you’ll make plans to join us.

This year’s forum will bring together economic development professionals from across Kentucky for several days of timely conversations, practical insights, and valuable networking focused on the issues shaping our work today.

Attendees can expect engaging sessions on key topics impacting communities across the Commonwealth, along with opportunities to connect with peers, partners, and industry leaders.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Terri Bradshaw at [email protected] before sponsorships are sold out.

Registration information will be available soon—watch for details and plan to be part of this important statewide gathering in Lexington.

View Lexington's invitation: https://kaed.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/WebsiteFiles/IQDYhoIkzqF3T64GT3Su8DT9ASIqweuDFjKz6D6HZ4OCFHI?e=D7IJ2y

Calling all economic development professionals, elected officials, chamber leaders, workforce partners, planners, utilit...
06/10/2026

Calling all economic development professionals, elected officials, chamber leaders, workforce partners, planners, utilities representatives, and community volunteers!

Join us August 3-6 in Lexington for the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED), a four-day course designed to provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed in economic development and help communities grow and thrive.

KIED has served as the starting point for thousands of economic developers across Kentucky and beyond, offering valuable networking opportunities and practical insights into the fundamentals and emerging trends shaping the industry today. The course is taught by local and national experts in partnership with the University of Kentucky and Murray State University and fulfills part of the coursework requirement for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council.

We are also excited to welcome Dr. Michael Ramage, Director of the Cyber Education and Research Center at Murray State University, who will lead discussions on technology and broadband. Under his leadership, the Center has earned national recognition for excellence in cyber education and research.

Whether you are new to economic development or looking to strengthen your expertise, KIED is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

We hope to see you in Lexington this August!

Agenda:https://kaedonline.org/.../2026/05/KIED-Agenda-2026.pdf

Registration: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

More information, including our scholarship application, can be found here: https://kaedonline.org/kied

Next Round of KPDI Kick-off Webinar Scheduled for June 29 at 10:00 AM ETThe next round of the Kentucky Product Developme...
06/09/2026

Next Round of KPDI Kick-off Webinar Scheduled for June 29 at 10:00 AM ET

The next round of the Kentucky Product Development initiative (KPDI) will officially launch on July 6, with informational materials and guidance resources available at that time. To help communities prepare, KAED will host a kick-off webinar on June 29 at 10:00 AM. No registration required.

New this year, we will also offer an additional webinar that walks applicants through the application and RFI process line-by-line to ensure communities clearly understand what information and documentation should be included. That opportunity is scheduled for July 13 at 3:00 PM ET. Registration required.

KPDI Kick-Off Webinar link and RFI Training Webinar registration are both available here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

06/08/2026

KAED Peer-to-Peer Conversations

Great ideas don’t just come from presentations—they come from conversations.

That’s what makes KAED’s Peer-to-Peer sessions so valuable—real discussions, real strategies, and real ideas you can use in your community.

On June 18 at 11:00 AM ET we’re diving into Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) where we will discuss effective tools; spotting business risk early; supporting expansions and using BRE visits to guide strategy. Plus, you’ll have access to our new resource hub with tools and ideas from each session.

The conversation is virtual and free for KAED members. Just register here to participate: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

Come ready to share what’s working in your community—we’ll see you there.

Save the Date! KAED Women in Economic Development's fall Her Town Our Tour event will be in Berea - September 9, 2026Joi...
06/05/2026

Save the Date! KAED Women in Economic Development's fall
Her Town Our Tour event will be in Berea - September 9, 2026

Join us for a special gathering of women in economic development from across the region for a day focused on connection, collaboration, and shared learning.

Hosted by the City of Berea, KY Government and the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED), this event will bring together professionals and partners working to strengthen communities across Kentucky.

The day begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Berea Gallery & Event Center with coffee and networking, followed by a program featuring Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and other regional women leaders who will share their experiences and insights in economic development and public service.

In the afternoon, attendees will explore Olde Town Berea—highlighting local artisans, shops, and the unique character of the community.

This gathering is designed to build meaningful relationships, strengthen professional networks, and support women shaping the future of economic development in Kentucky.

Please plan to join us! Register here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

06/04/2026

Looking for your next opportunity in economic development?

The KAED Job Board is packed with openings from across Kentucky, featuring positions as Executive Director, President and Vice President.

Whether you're ready for a new challenge, looking to advance your career, or simply exploring what's available in the profession, now is a great time to see what's out there.

Browse current openings and find your next opportunity today here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/JobListingMainSearch.aspx

Know someone looking for a career in economic development? Share this post and help connect them with opportunities across the industry.

Join us in Lexington August 3-6 for the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED)!KIED is designed to provide e...
06/04/2026

Join us in Lexington August 3-6 for the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED)!

KIED is designed to provide economic development professionals with the tools, knowledge, and practical insights needed to help communities grow and thrive. Delivered in partnership with the University of Kentucky and Murray State University, this four-day course features instruction from local and national experts on key economic development topics and trends.

Accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), KIED also fulfills an important prerequisite for individuals pursuing the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.

This year, we are excited to welcome back Dr. Alison Davis of the University of Kentucky and Blueprint Kentucky, who will lead discussions on workforce development, small business, and innovation. Dr. Davis has been a valued member of the KIED team for several years, and we are thrilled to have her expertise as part of this year’s program.

Whether you are new to economic development or looking to strengthen your skills, KIED is a valuable professional development opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Agenda:https://kaedonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/KIED-Agenda-2026.pdf

Registration: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

More information, including our scholarship application, can be found here: https://kaedonline.org/kied

Next Round of KPDI Kick-off Webinar Scheduled for June 29 at 10:00 AM ET.The next round of the Kentucky Product Developm...
06/03/2026

Next Round of KPDI Kick-off Webinar Scheduled for June 29 at 10:00 AM ET.

The next round of the Kentucky Product Development initiative (KPDI) will officially launch on July 6, with informational materials and guidance resources available at that time. To help communities prepare, KAED will host a kick-off webinar on June 29 at 10:00 AM ET. No registration required.

New this year, we will also offer an additional webinar that walks applicants through the application and RFI process line-by-line to ensure communities clearly understand what information and documentation should be included. That opportunity is scheduled for July 13 at 3:00 PM ET. Registration required.

KPDI Kick-Off Webinar link and RFI Training Webinar registration are both available here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

06/02/2026

KAED Members — Join the Conversation!

Our next Peer-to-Peer Session is coming up June 18 at 11:00 AM, and we’re diving into Business Retention & Expansion.

We’ll talk through:
⭐️Effective BR&E programs & tools
⭐️Spotting early warning signs of business risk
⭐️Supporting expansions
⭐️Using BRE visits to guide strategy

This is your chance to share what’s working in your community and learn from others across Kentucky. The virtual meeting is FREE for KAED members.

You must register here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

Address

101 Burch Court
Frankfort, KY
40601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15022279653

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