Tuesday, December 21, 2010

EDC releases Dates for Inaugural Economic Development Citizen Academy

The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation has released the schedule for the inaugural Economic Development Citizen Academy. The schedule is as follows:

January 27, 2011 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Commerce Center- topics include an overview of the Owensboro economy and new business attraction

February 17, 2011 6:30 to 8:30 at the Advanced Technology Center at OCTC- topics include existing industry retention and workforce development

March 17, 2011 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Centre for Business and Research- topics include business startup and incubation and placemaking

The Academy is an effort to continue to encourage public involvement and understanding of economic development. EDC President/CEO Nick Brake said over 20 citizens have already signed up for the program, but spaces remain.

The program is modeled on the successful Citizen Academy programs used by the City of Owensboro and the Owensboro Police Department.

The sessions will offer comprehensive insight into the strategies and ideas of modern economic development. Participants will get a behind the scenes view of the economic development process, dialogue with leaders from local businesses about the regional economy and visit amenities such as the Centre for Business and Research.

The EDC anticipates offering the academy program annually. For more information or to sign up for the Economic Development Citizen’s Academy visit http://edc.owensboro.com/about/Citizen_Academy or call 926-4339.

Friday, December 10, 2010

OMHS "healthy" and growing contributor to the Owensboro economy

Owensboro Medical Health System is in stronger financial shape than it was a year ago, according to the consolidated financial statement released at its annual Report to the Community on Wednesday morning at the HealthPark.

OMHS showed a profit of $40.1 million in the fiscal year ending May 31, up $27 million from $13 million profit the previous fiscal year. Additionally, OMHS' investment portfolio showed an increase of $56 million as the market improved over the previous year.

Hospital officials also gave an update into the construction of their new facility on the east side of town. Concrete was recently poured on the second story and workers say they're on schedule to finish in early 2013.

Jeff Barber, the hospital's CEO says they have more than 3,200 employees, but that number should go up dramatically once the new facility is complete.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Kentucky United Meets with Site Selectors in Indianapolis

Kentucky United, a partnership of local economic development agencies and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, hosted a meeting of site selectors recently in Indianapolis.

Site selectors are consultants that assist companies in finding a competitive location of company relocations or expansions.

Larry Hayes, Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development spoke to the group at lunch. "Kentucky is open for business and willing to work hard to help meet the needs of new or growing companies."

Nick Brake, President of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation said the event was well attended. "We took the opportunity to promote many of the good things going on in Kentucky and our local communities to site consultants from several nationally respected firms."


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Location:E Maryland St,Indianapolis,United States

Farmers Market Moving Downtown

OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) - The farmers market in Owensboro may move to a new location that officials say will make it more convenient and provide a better shopping experience.

The same consultants conducting a feasibility study on the Bluegrass Museum will also make a site plan on moving the Farmer's Market Downtown.

City leaders say they are looking into having the market on the north end of the state office building property.

One idea is to build a long pavilion with a canopy. County officials discussed funding the project $25,000 to get electricity and water lines to the facility once built.

Other funding will come from the state and ag-extension agency. The industrial development authority believes moving the farmer's market downtown will draw big crowds and become an asset to downtown's environment.

Many shoppers say the market's current location on old Hartford road is too far away.

Owensboro resident Shawn McHenry says, "It's kind of far out and it's really not accessible to a lot of people here in town and I think downtown it's on more of a bus route and for people that can walk can get to it."

Owensboro resident John Storm says, "I live on third street so it's not that far from my house anyway so it would be a great location for me."


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Friday, December 3, 2010

Kentucky Export Initiative Designed to Increase Exports among Small and Medium Sized Businesses

Gov. Steve Beshear announced the launch of the Governor’s Kentucky Export Initiative, an initiative designed to increase exporting activity among small and medium-sized businesses. The statewide program, which is loosely modeled on the National Export Initiative announced earlier this year, will leverage the existing efforts of Kentucky’s leading international trade organizations, as well as create new opportunities for education and market exploration.

“For many small businesses, accessing markets outside the United States, which represents 95 percent of the world’s customers and two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power, is a key element to growth and prosperity,” said Gov. Beshear. “With the right assistance and guidance, many more Kentucky companies can grow and create jobs through beginning or expanded exporting activity. Our goal is to provide that needed assistance through the Kentucky Export Initiative.”

The Kentucky Export Initiative is composed of six alliance members, all engaged in providing international trade assistance and expertise to Kentucky businesses. They include: the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development; the Kentucky World Trade Center; the U.S. Department of Commerce; the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; the Northern Kentucky International Trade Association; and the U.S. Chamber’s TradeRoots program. Additionally, a growing list of strategic partners will work with the alliance members to further support the initiative.

Alliance members and strategic partners will join forces to educate qualified small and medium-sized businesses about the impact of exporting, as well as provide information on new markets; identify potential distributors, agents and end-users; and assist with compliance, logistics, legal issues and more.

“We are grateful for the support of the Appalachian Regional Commission and look forward to working together to make sure that Kentucky’s Appalachian companies have the opportunities they need to be successful in the global marketplace,” added Gov. Beshear.

Informational seminars will be held in various communities beginning in January 2011, followed by a series of in-depth training programs on the fundamentals of exporting. Additional information about the Governor’s Kentucky Export Initiative, including details on upcoming events can be found at www.kyexports.com.

AT&T Announces Service Enhancement and Investment in Region

Officials from AT&T AT&T will join officials from the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation and other community leaders to announce investments and service enhancements being made in the Greater Owensboro region.

The announcement will take place on Monday, December 6 at 8:30 a.m. at the Centre for Business and Research at 1010 Allen Street in Owensboro. The public is invited.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Greater-Owensboro-Economic-Development-Corp-.html?soid=1102418495173&aid=ZtIfzXQQNDs

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Building Demolition gives Owensboro a "Clean Site" on the Ohio River

The buildings on the Green River Steel site were recently demolished
The 91 acre Ohio River site in Owensboro that was once the Green River Steel Mill is now a clean site ready for development.

The Owensboro Riverport Authority, the owner of the property on the east side of Owensboro, recently had three massive buildings demolished and removed.

The Riverport also completed environmental remediation on the property to enhance the marketability of the location for industrial development.

The site offers river and rail access to the CSX main line. It is directly off of US Highway 60 and less than a mile from an interchange to the Interstate 65- Interstate 64 Connector, currently under construction.

More information about the site is available at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/edis/PDF/Site/AM059-005.pdf

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