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Governor Beshear reiterated an "economic surge" at Lexington's regional business summit

Governor Beshear addressing participants at Commerce Lexington's Regional Business Summit
Stu Johnson
Governor Beshear addressing participants at Commerce Lexington's Regional Business Summit

Around 300 leaders in business and government areas gathered in downtown Lexington for the 2024 Regional Summit. Governor Beshear told them a surging economy has the rest of the country looking up to the Commonwealth instead of looking down on the state.

Governor Beshear said business activity and speed to market are fast but the pace of life in Kentucky is just right. And the governor said that’s creating a positive economic environment. And Beshear noted future opportunities don’t rely on the political scene nationally.

 

 

“You know we’ve just come through another contentious national election cycle. However you feel about the results, I think we can agree it’s good to put the focus where it belongs, closer to home,” said Beshear.

 

Since 2021, business, education, and government leaders across a nine-county central Kentucky area have been working together on a regional competitiveness plan. It’s aimed at making the region more economically attractive for jobs and talent over the next three years.

In making the point a second time, the governor said the November election results are not foremost in the minds of Kentuckians day to day.

“If I’m sure of one thing it’s that when most people wake up in the morning, they’re not thinking about an election. They’re thinking about their job and whether they make enough to support their family. They’re thinking about their next doctor’s appointment for themselves, their parents, or their kids. They’re thinking about the roads and bridges they drive on, are they safe?” asked Beshear.

Regional collaboration is of key emphasis in central Kentucky. Commerce Lexington is working with regional leaders to implement key action items across economic development, talent attraction, and policy advocacy. The goals include increasing jobs, median wages, and GDP within the region to at least the national average by 2027.

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Stu Johnson retired from WEKU in November, 2024 after reporting for the station for 40 years. Stu's primary beat was Lexington/Fayette government.
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