Governor Announces Expansion at Owensboro Sazerac North America

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2009) – Gov. Steve Beshear and Sazerac North America today announced the expansion of two Kentucky distilling operations, located in Frankfort and Owensboro. The expansions represent a combined investment of nearly $28 million and will result in approximately 89 new full-time jobs in the Commonwealth.

“I’m delighted Sazerac North America has chosen two Kentucky locations for additional investment and job creation as part of their corporate growth strategy,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Sazerac’s long history and tradition in the distilled spirits industry is a perfect match for Kentucky.  The Commonwealth looks forward to continuing our partnership with Sazerac as they evaluate Kentucky for additional investments.”

Sazerac, which recently purchased a significant portion of Constellation Spirits, Inc., will also add 300,000 square feet to its Owensboro facility at an estimated cost of $10.5 million.  Additionally, the expansion will require the purchase of $8.25 million in new machinery and equipment. Approximately 50 new jobs will result from the project. Current employment at the facility totals 188.

“We are very pleased and grateful for the interest and support demonstrated by Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development as Sazerac works to develop and grow its operations in Kentucky,” said Sazerac President and CEO Mark Brown. “This is the first in a series of steps where we are working with the Governor and the Legislature to become more competitive nationally and globally while promoting one of Kentucky’s signature products, bourbon.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Inc. in Frankfort and Sazerac North America in Owensboro were approved for tax benefits under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act for up to $3.28 million today by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA). 

“We are pleased a company of Sazerac’s caliber and quality will expand its operations in our community,” said Nick Brake, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. “Sazerac’s investment in Owensboro and resulting job growth can only enhance what has been an exceptional industry in the Daviess County area for many years. The project will provide additional opportunity for an excellent workforce in these tough economic times. We look forward to working with Sazerac as it makes this much anticipated transition.”

EDC and Downtown Updates on YouTube

Nick Brake and Fred Reeves were recent guests on the Green River Area Development District Dialogue Show.  To view please go to the following links.  

Part I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qdg0xgPqJk

Part II

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZX_WOZv_i0

Society of Owensboro Events this Summer in Four Cities

This summer, the Society of Owensboro will be hosting events in Louisville, Atlanta, Nashville and Lexington to reconnect with Owensboro-alumni living in those cities. 

The first event is in Louisville on May 15th at O'Shea's Irish Pub. For event information, click on the "events" link on the Society of Owensboro Group page on Facebook at this link.   A printable invitation is also available for you to distribute to your other non-facebook friends. 

The Society of Owensboro is dedicated to displaced Owensboroans with a keen interest in the progress of their former community.  The Society of Owensboro claims well over 500 members, including people from Seattle, Birmingham, Louisville and Nashville. The goal is for there to be regular  Society events keeping people engaged in what is going on in Owensboro will lead to some positive results in retention of our young people.

If you or someone you know would like to join The Society of Owensboro, first sign up for a free Facebook account, then click hereto join.

Dalisha's Desserts Wins Emerging Ventures Challenge

Dalisha's Desserts, a start up cake bakery specializing in providing quality artistic desserts, was selected as the winner of the first annual Emerging Ventures Challenge business plan competition.

Dalisha's will receive a $15,000 investment award and a six month lease at the Centre for Business and Research, a business accelerator located at ninth and Allen St.  The company, a sole proprietorship, is currently searching for a location in downtown Owensboro.  

Emerging Ventures Executive Director Madison Silvert, Dalisha's could utilize the space being built into the Centre for Business and Research for a cafe or small restaurant. 

"We live in a very fast-paced, convenience-driven society," said Alisha Hardinson, the principal of Alisha's.  "Our specialty is our artistic flair, with unique desserts that can't be found anywhere in the region." 

The Emerging Ventures Challenge is funded from the Emerging Ventures Seed Capital Fund, created last year by the Owensboro City Commission.  Emerging Ventures is a division of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. designed to assist entrepreneurs and start up companies in the Owensboro region.