SPEDA

06/01/2026

SPEDA has officially launched its search for the organization’s next President & Chief Executive Officer.

Applications will be accepted beginning today, June 1, and continuing through 4 p.m. ET on July 31. The SPEDA Board of Directors will conduct a comprehensive search process and review all applications before scheduling interviews. A selection is expected in fall 2026.

Read more: https://somersetkyleads.com/speda-launches-search-for-next-president-ceo/

05/28/2026

We’re grateful to SMPS Kentucky for inviting SPEDA President & CEO Chris Girdler to participate in this week’s Economic Development Panel in Frankfort alongside leaders from across Kentucky and the region.

The conversation focused on the future of economic development — including workforce growth, infrastructure and funding strategies, public-private partnerships, and the evolving role of the architecture/engineering and construction industry in helping communities and businesses move projects forward.

Events like this create valuable opportunities to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen the relationships that continue driving progress in the Commonwealth. We appreciate the thoughtful discussion and collaboration from everyone involved.

05/22/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy deserves to be honored not only on Memorial Day, but every day.

At Somerset Veterans Memorial Park, we preserve the stories and memories of local heroes who served our nation across generations. The park stands as a place of reflection, gratitude and remembrance for our community.

As Memorial Day approaches, we invite you to honor a loved one at Somerset Veterans Memorial Park. Your contribution helps ensure this sacred space continues to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for future generations.

There are multiple ways to give:
Wall of Honor: $100
Bricks: $500
Trees with placard: $5,000
Benches with placard: $10,000

Learn more at Learn more and donate 🇺🇸 https://somersetkyleads.com/speda-community-foundation/

📸: John Alexander

05/21/2026

SPEDA President and CEO Chris Girdler was honored to attend and support this monumental project that will power our region. This project complements upgrades happening at Cooper Power Station in Somerset-Pulaski County, which will make this coal-fired plant a dual-purpose facility that will strengthen the region’s power supply. We are grateful to East Kentucky Power Cooperative for its continued investment in our people and our future.

05/11/2026

Thanks to Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation for this excellent profile of Limestone Manufacturing, a start-up business in Pulaski County that began as a leap of faith by young entrepreneur Winston Crawford. Through the help of SKED’s SEED Symposium, Winston’s business has gained momentum and is now producing parts for the aerospace industry.

Winston is a graduate of the Kentucky FAME - Cumberlands Chapter, which SPEDA administers. We are incredibly proud of his hard work and dedication to chasing his dream!

SOMERSET, KY – What began as a leap of faith has grown into a thriving advanced manufacturing business for a young Somerset entrepreneur. Winston Crawford entered the automation industry in Read More

05/08/2026

Only one word can sum up the visuals in this video. Progress.

Take a look at the public and private development projects currently underway or recently completed in Somerset-Pulaski County:

📍 Horse Soldier Bourbon
📍 Burnside Elementary School
📍 Cooper Power Plant / East Kentucky Power Cooperative
📍 Five Star at Ky. 1247/914
📍 Cumberland Commons at Ky. 80/914
📍 Valley Oak Apartments
📍 Toyotetsu America Inc. expansion
📍 Midland Farms Convenience Stores at Ky. 461
📍 Hendrickson Trailer Somerset expansion
📍 PJ's Childcare Center at Valley Oak
📍 SPEDA Commerce Park
📍 Publix
📍 Home2 Suites by Hilton Somerset, KY
📍 7 Brew Coffee
📍 Camtech Manufacturing Solutions LLC
📍 McDonald's Science Hill (McTribe McDonald's)
📍 Somersport Park

05/08/2026

To say we were honored to recognize Donna Baker McClure at our monthly board meeting would be a significant understatement. Her remarkable service as field representative for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has been a steady force for good in Somerset-Pulaski County for nearly a quarter of a century.

Donna has been a constant presence in our community — showing up, listening, encouraging and helping move important projects forward. As SPEDA President & CEO Chris Girdler shared, “There is, and I can say this without a moment’s hesitation, not a harder-working congressional liaison or field representative than Donna McClure. She is everywhere at all times. She lives and breathes it.”

Donna has been an incredible asset to Somerset-Pulaski County and to SPEDA, including her instrumental work in securing funding for the bridge at SPEDA Commerce Park and for many other projects across the region.

To thank her for her years of friendship, service and advocacy, SPEDA presented Donna with a commemorative Capital of Lake Cumberland bourbon barrel lid — a small token of appreciation for an impact that has been anything but small.

As Sen. McConnell and his team begin their transition, please join us in congratulating Donna and thanking her for all she has done for our community.

04/21/2026

Festival season in downtown Somerset is officially underway! Fountain Square was alive with vendors and festivalgoers for See Somerset's Foodstock this weekend, and will be lined with classic cars and enthusiasts on Saturday, April 25, for the first Somernites Cruise of 2026.

Just a reminder that you can check out the crowds and all the action on our SPEDA Live Cams 🎥 https://somersetkyleads.com/speda-live-cams/

04/17/2026

Congrats to our seventh round of SPEDA mini-grant recipients — Pivot KY and The Somerset Big Band!

These organizations will each receive $2,500 to invest in projects that foster growth and innovation. The mini-grant program was established to support local for-profits in expanding or creating new programs.

To date, the SPEDA mini-grant program has invested $65,000 back into the local economy.

Read more about this year's recipients and their projects: https://somersetkyleads.com/speda-awards-mini-grants-supporting-entrepreneurship-and-arts-in-somerset-pulaski-county/

04/16/2026

REMINDER ‼️ SPEDA, in partnership with the Somerset Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, See Somerset and Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB, will host a FREE hospitality training for local businesses.

Designed for businesses of all types, the session will cover the elements of effective hospitality, including customer service fundamentals, communication and telephone etiquette, handling challenging situations, and ways to go above and beyond for guests. Participants will also learn how to better connect customers with local events, attractions and experiences throughout the community.

📅 Tuesday, April 28
📍The Virginia, 214 E. Mt. Vernon St., Somerset
📧 [email protected] to register

Don't miss this opportunity to receive free training for your team! Call 606.425.5409 with questions.