The Bluegrass State set a record for exports in 2023, exporting more than $40.2 billion in products, a 16.6% increase over the previous year. Some of the top experts included pharmaceuticals, medicines, motor vehicle parts and basic chemicals. Canada was the primary export destination, followed by the UK, France and China. Its also experiencing strong economic growth and an
impressive mix of large projects across many sectors. Auto manufacturing remains a top driver in the state. Toyota recently increased its investment to $1.3 billion for EV production in Georgetown, while Ford plans to introduce a new electric vehicle project at the Louisville Assembly Plant.
Kentucky Business Investment Program: Offers income tax credits and wage assessments to eligible companies that locate or expand operations in the state.
SBIR-STTR Matching Funds Program: Matches, on a competitive basis, up to $150,000 for Phase 1 and up to $500,000 for Phase 2 federal SBIR and STTR awards.
Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative (KSBCI): Offers credit enhancement programs to help lenders finance creditworthy small businesses that would typically fall just outside of normal lending guidelines.
Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Skills Training Investment Credit (STIC): Offers grants and tax credits to businesses that sponsor skills training programs for their employees.
Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit: Encourages small business growth and job creation by providing nonrefundable tax credits to eligible businesses increasing employment and investing at least $5,000 in qualifying equipment and technology.
Cabinet for Economic Development
ced.ky.gov
Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce
frankfortky.info/business-resources/start-a-business
Commerce Lexington
locateinlexington.com
Greater Louisville Inc.
greaterlouisville.com/economic-development
Louisville Economic Development Alliance
louisvilleky.gov
In 2024, the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation approved more than $19 million in funds and credits for 104 state facilities to train 42,600 workers, the most since 2016.
Types of operations that can quality for BSSC incentives include manufacturing, agribusiness, nonretail service and technology and headquarters operations.
Based on CEO Survey by ChiefExecutive.net
| Key Metrics |
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Taxation and Regulations
Workforce Quality
Quality of Life
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| Other Highlights |
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Sources:
TaxFoundation.org
Statemaster.com
Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
