Kentucky Business Likes What It Sees for 2017

The

® LaneKENTUCKY’S BUSINESS NEWS SOURCE Report FOR 32 YEARS JANUARY 2017 $4.50

KENTUCKY BUSINESS LIKES WHAT IT SEES FOR 2017 Manufacturing and construction upswing, automotive sector’s second record year, and a new, positive political environment are raising expectations

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TLR_C1-C4.indd 1 1/6/17 1:42 PM IN 2015, TOURISTS SPENT MORE THAN JUST TIME IN KENTUCKY. THEY SPENT $13.7 BILLION.

Tourism is the third largest revenue generator in our state, making it a vital part of Kentucky’s economy, culture and quality of life. Tourism also supports 186,204 jobs in Kentucky – up 6,241 good-paying jobs since 2014.

It’s clear – tourism works for Kentucky. kentuckytourism.com

94696_KDTT_EcoImpact_8_125x10_875c.inddTLR_C1-C4.indd 2 1 12/14/161/6/17 11:33 1:42 PMAM Our energies go to: p owering businesses and empowering growth.

Producing safe, reliable power for the companies that depend on us is only part of our job at LG&E and KU. We also power Kentucky with some of the lowest rates in the nation to attract new business and help existing ones expand. Our energies go to serving you. lge-ku.com

January89981_LGEku_Crp_EcoDvBB_8_125x10_875.indd Lane 1-17.indd 1 1 1/6/179/6/16 2:125:47 PMPM JANUARY LThe ane Report 2017 Kentucky’s Business News Source For 32 Years Volume 32 Number 1

18 COVER STORY KENTUCKY BUSINESS LIKES WHAT IT SEES FOR 2017 Manufacturing and construction upswing, automotive sector’s second record year, and a new, positive political environment are raising expectations

27 EARTHQUAKE AND AFTERSHOCK Democrats sift the rubble as Republicans stand ready to take up big issues

30 STEVE POE’S PARTNER: FINANCIAL PRACTICALITY Louisville hotel and apartment developer’s winning vision always focused by the market condition prism

Departments 4 Perspective 35 Viewpoint 6 Fast Lane 36 Emerging Lane 14 Interstate Lane 38 Lane List 15 Kentucky Intelligencer 39 Spotlight on the Arts 16 Corporate Moves 40 Exploring Kentucky 17 On the Boards 42 Passing Lane 34 Opinion 44 Kentucky People

lanereport.com Kentucky Business News Online Read up-to-the-minute Kentucky business news stories, current and archived copies of The Lane Report, On the Cover Market Review, BG – A way of life, Next – Your Future After Kentucky business leaders are distinctly optimis- High School in Kentucky, Health Kentucky, Research Kentucky tic about economic prospects for 2017. Agribusi- special reports, white papers and community profiles. ness and coal country especially will face challenges but construction, logistics and manufacturing like what they see. Unified Republican Faster Lane Email news bulletin control of political policymaking in Frankfort and Washington is viewed very positively. Three or more times a week, the editors of The Lane Report Photo illustration by Paul Blodgett. publish Faster Lane – email bulletins of fast breaking and important Kentucky business and economic news. Visit lanereport.com to sign-up for this free, must-have, at-your-fingertips news service.

January Lane 1-17.indd 2 1/6/17 2:12 PM Wealth Management Financial Planning Trust Services Insurance Services Investment Banking Lending

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January Lane 1-17.indd 3 1/6/17 2:12 PM LThe ane Report PERSPECTIVE Kentucky’s Business News Source for 32 Years EXECUTIVE EDITOR/VICE PRESIDENT back. In addition, spending on higher- Mark Green MOVING KENTUCKY cost public works projects means less ASSOCIATE EDITOR FORWARD money to shore up Kentucky’s ailing Karen Baird pension system – a problem that DIGITAL EDITOR Changing political landscape national credit agencies are watching Jonathan Miller creates new opportunities closely – and less money for education CREATIVE DIRECTOR and economic development programs. Jessica Merriman BY DAVE ADKISSON Charter Schools. On the educa- CREATIVE SERVICES tion front, Kentucky is one of only Stone Advisory seven states that do not allow charter Paul Blodgett schools, which the Chamber has long CORRESPONDENTS new chapter in Kentucky’s his- advocated. Charter schools are help- Katherine Tandy Brown; Chris Clair; tory is being written this year in ing other states close achievements Shannon Clinton; Anne Charles Doolin; gaps, empower parents, and discover Kevin Gibson; Frank Goad; Robert Hadley; Frankfort as the Republican AParty holds the governor’s office and a innovative ways to help students and Lorie Hailey; Debra Gibson Isaacs; Kara Keeton; Meredith Lane; Abby Laub; Tim Mandell; majority in both chambers of the Gen- teachers succeed in the classroom. Esther Marr; Greg Paeth; Robin Roenker; eral Assembly. This changing political They should be included in Kentucky’s Josh Shepherd; Sean Slone; Katheran Wasson; landscape offers new opportunities, education toolbox. Gary Wollenhaupt; Dawn Yankeelov and the Kentucky Chamber of Com- Legal Reform. Finally, the increas- PUBLISHER/CEO merce is optimistic that the 2017 ses- ing cost of civil litigation, whether Dick Kelly sion will bring passage of some through legal fees, higher liability ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER common-sense legislation Donna Hodsdon that will create jobs across Melissa McGarry the commonwealth. BUSINESS DIRECTOR There are, of course, a Nicole Conyers couple of headline issues MARKETING CONSULTANT – pensions and tax reform Curtiss Smith – that deserve serious con- CIRCULATION/IT sideration and will require Josiah White more time to address than that allowed in a short ses- FOUNDER Ed Lane sion. Those are perhaps best left to a special session later this year, an SYNDICATED COLUMNS approach that many of Creators Syndicate Kentucky’s elected leaders PRINTING & CIRCULATION SERVICES seem to favor. Publishers Printing Co. But significant prog- WEB MARKETING & PUBLISHING ress is possible in a so- Software Masters called short session – 30 IT SERVICES days of legislative meet- NetGain Technologies ings instead of 60. Here are the Ken- Gov. Matt Bevin congratulates House Speaker INTERNET SERVICES tucky Chamber’s four key priorities: Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, on the floor of the House QX.net Right to Work. It’s time to make on Jan. 3. Lane Communications Group Kentucky a right-to work state and allow is a member of employees to make a personal decision insurance premiums, defensive busi- on whether to pay dues to a union. ness practices or simply reduced invest- States with right-to-work laws report ment opportunities, is a significant The Lane Report is published monthly by: faster per capita income growth, faster burden for Kentucky’s employers. Lane Communications Group growth in manufacturing and non-agri- These costs are hurting businesses, 201 East Main Street 14th Floor Lexington, KY 40507-2003 cultural jobs, greater capital expendi- their employees and consumers as they [email protected] tures, lower unemployment and fewer are passed on in the form of higher For more information and prices and fewer choices. Because of advertising rates contact: work stoppages. As Kentucky has strug- PHONE: 859-244-3500 gled to recruit and retain business, not this the Chamber has long advocated The annual subscription rate is $29. being a right-to-work state has cost us for legal liability reforms. (Kentucky residents add $1.74 sales tax.) jobs. Kentucky is the only Southern Progress on these four items will Newsstand price is $4.50. state not to have enacted right-to-work make the 2017 legislative session a Send check or money order to: legislation. With Indiana, Michigan and great success. We hope you will join the Circulation Manager Kentucky Chamber in encouraging our The Lane Report West Virginia’s new right-to-work laws, 201 East Main Street 14th Floor our state is a conspicuous outlier in this state representatives and senators to Lexington, Kentucky 40507-2003 much-needed area of reform. support these measures to move Ken- or go to lanereport.com/subscribe Prevailing Wage. It is time for Ken- tucky forward. ■ The Lane Report corrects all significant errors that tucky to repeal its prevailing wage law. are brought to the editors’ attention. An independent study determined that © 2017 Lane Communications Group prevailing wage inflates construction Dave Adkisson is president and CEO All editorial material is fully protected and must not be of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce reproduced in any manner without prior permission. costs by 10 to 16 percent, and that means public construction projects like schools and libraries have to be scaled

4 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

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JanuaryPowering_Kentucky_ad.indd Lane 1-17.indd 5 1 1/5/20171/6/17 11:40:26 2:12 AM PM FAST LANE A compilation of economic news from across Kentucky

LOUISVILLE: FINAL PIECE OF $2.3B LOUISVILLE–SOUTHERN STATE: LABOR CABINET INDIANA OHIO RIVER BRIDGES PROJECT OPEN TO TRAFFIC FORMS NEW DIVISION FOR APPRENTICESHIPS FTER more than three years of construction, the long-awaited Ohio River bridge HE Kentucky Labor Cabinet has connecting Louisville and Southern formed a new Division of Appren- AIndiana opened to traffic on Dec. 18. , designed to provide techni- ticeship The East End crossing – newly named the Tcal and marketing expertise toward Lewis and Clark Bridge – is the final major growing the role that registered appren- piece of the $2.3 billion Louisville–South- ticeships play in Kentucky’s economic ern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project to landscape. open to traffic. The project also includes the There are currently about 1,100 The newly opened Lewis and Clark Bridge new six-lane, I-65 North Abraham Lincoln employers across Kentucky with regis- connects the eastern edge of suburban Louisville and an improved six-lane, I-65 South tered apprenticeship programs that and an area just east of Jeffersonville, Ind. Bridge Kennedy Bridge in downtown Louisville. employ nearly 3,000 apprentices in vari- “Southern Indiana and the Louisville area have needed this new bridge for ous industries. In addition to addressing years,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator David Kim. “By reducing conges- a skills and age gap facing many busi- tion, the East End Crossing and its massive partner downtown will improve traffic nesses, state leaders hope the new divi- safety, reduce traffic congestion and dramatically increase the region’s role in the sion will become a key tool for recruiting nation’s freight economy.” new employers to the commonwealth. All three bridges are tolled via RiverLink, an all-electronic tolling system that “In speaking with busi- promises no stopping, no slowing, no lines and no coin machines. The bridges are ness owners across Ken- equipped with sensors and video cameras that recognize a transponder placed on tucky, they all need a the vehicle’s windshield. Drivers can either obtain a free sticker that works on the pipeline of employees Lincoln, Kennedy and Lewis and Clark bridges or purchase a RiverLink E-ZPass who are trained with transponder that costs $15 and will work in other states that use the E-ZPass system. industry-specific skills,” (More information on the transponders is available at riverlink.com or by calling said Josh Benton, execu- 855-RIV-LINK.) If a transponder is not in place, cameras take a picture of the vehi- tive director of workforce Josh Benton, cle license plate. If a pre-paid account has been established, the toll will be deducted development at the Ken- Kentucky Cabinet for automatically; otherwise, a bill for the toll will be sent in the mail. tucky Cabinet for Eco- Tolls for passenger vehicles range from $2 to $4; medium vehicles (three to four . Economic nomic Development Development axles and more than 7.5 feet high) are $5 to $7; and large vehicles (five axles or “They see – as do we – the more) are $10 to $12 per trip. connection between workforce skill and The Sherman Minton Bridge (I-64) and the Clark Memorial Bridge between business success.” downtown Louisville and Jeffersonville, Ind., will not be tolled. The Division of Apprenticeship fea- Construction of the East End Crossing began in June 2013. A study commissioned by tures coordinators who work closely with the Indiana Finance Authority estimated the Ohio River Bridges project – which also businesses from across the state on all included construction of the Lincoln Bridge – would support 15,000 new jobs over the things related to registered apprentice- next 30 years and generate an additional $87 billion for the regional economy. ships, from consulting with businesses looking to begin a registered apprenticeship to helping existing participant- PAINTSVILLE: AMERICAN METAL WORKS MANUFACTURING companies administer and market their SITE PLANNED AT BIG SANDY COMMUNITY COLLEGE program. It will also manage a $896,000 grant from the U.S. Department of MERICAN Metal Works has Labor that will help increase the num- announced plans to open a manufac- ber of registered apprentices in Ken- turing site at an incubator space on tucky by 1,300 by diversifying the Athe Mayo campus of occupational sectors currently being Big Sandy Commu- nity and Technical College (BSCTC). served and providing greater outreach The company will use state-of-the-art to underserved populations in Kentucky. computer numerical control (CNC) machining to provide services to industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical Officials with American Metal Works signed an device and general manufacturing. agreement with Big Sandy Community and Technical We want to know what’s going on College to utilize space on the Mayo campus. Pictured at your company! If you have news Pikeville natives James Glass and Dennis here, left to right, are: (front) Dennis Rohrer, Rohrer established American Metal Works managing member of American Metal Works; Devin to share with Kentucky’s business in 2016 after suffering the same economic Stephenson, BSCTC president; James Glass, community, please forward your downturn in the oil and gas industry that the managing member of American Metal Works; and press releases and photos/logos/ coal industry suffered. Kelli Hall, dean of career education and workforce graphics to editorial@lanereport. “Our goal is to try and keep the tal- development. (Back) Mark Smith, quality manager com. In order to reproduce well, ented, well trained, hardworking people for American Metal Works; John William, plant images must be large enough to manager for American Metal Works; and Danny from leaving eastern Kentucky,” Rohrer publish in high resolution (300 dpi). said. “We have seen too many families Tonkin, BSCTC director of business and industry. reluctantly leave because of the lack of good paying jobs.”

6 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

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BUSINESS BRIEFS DAWSON SPRINGS: WINK EQUIPMENT TO HIRE 50 FOR MANUFACTURING PLANT Performance Feeds photo BOWLING GREEN is invest- ■ Performance Feeds LLC, a Tennessee- INK Equipment based manufacturer of nutritional feed ing more than $1.5 mil- products for cattle, has announced plans to lion to locate an move its primary production facility from Waluminum trailer manufacturing Tennessee to Bowling Green. Company plant in Dawson Springs that will owner and founder Tony Ferguson said his create 50 full-time positions. decision to expand operations into south- The company is setting up opera- ern Kentucky was based on “the diverse workforce, infrastructure and vast cattle numbers in the region.” The tions in a 69,000-s.f. building, where company is investing nearly $2.3 million to open a state-of-the-art feed it plans to construct 400 to 600 alu- and mineral production facility, grain elevator and storage facility that minum side-dump trailers per year. Wink Equipment’s new plant in will create 30 full-time jobs. Side-dump trailers are in high Dawson Springs will produce demand in a variety of industries, aluminum side-dump trailers. ■ Despite efforts to adjust flight frequency to better meet demand, especially for use in regions where commercial air service between Bowling Green and Atlanta ended narrow mountain roads and high winds threaten the usability of effective Jan. 8, just over four months after launching the service. Bowl- traditional 50-foot frameless dump trailers. By manufacturing in ing Green-Warren County Regional Airport Manager Rob Barnett told The (Bowling Green) Daily News that feedback regarding the car- high-strength aluminum, Wink claims its trailers weigh up to 2 rier – Tennessee-based Contour Airlines – had been 99 percent posi- tons less than their steel counterparts, offering truckers better tive, but that demand had simply not materialized to the level that had fuel economy. been projected. Barnett said the airport and city would continue to Production is expected to begin later this year. look at other routes and opportunities.

CAVE CITY EASTERN KY: BROADBAND PLAN MOVES ■ Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, a popular RV/campground in Cave FORWARD; HAZARD NOW A ‘GIG CITY’ City, is undergoing a $10.7 million expansion that will include the addition of 200 campsites, 31 rental cabins, water slides and a 2.3-acre splash he Southeastern Kentucky Final Mile (SKY FM) broadband beach that will include a floating sports park designed to accommodate fiber planning project has released its broadband action up to 100 people. The expansion will also include five additional play- ground areas, five more bathhouses, a pedal cart track and day-use pet plan, the first step in expanding high-speed broadband Tacross Clay, Knott, Leslie, Letcher and Perry counties. A goal of kennel. Jellystone Park co-owner Bill Pott said the park – which last year was named by US News and World Report as one of “The 8 coolest Camp- the SKY FM project is to enable public-private partnerships that grounds for Families – has been at near-capacity in recent years due to expand high-speed fiber broadband access to homes, schools, its proximity to a number of popular tourist sites such as Mammoth hospitals, businesses, public buildings, industrial parks and other Cave, Lincoln’s birthplace and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The critical structures in rural southeastern Kentucky. expansion is expected to add 26 new jobs to the existing 55-member The plan, authored by Kentucky-based workforce during peak summer camping seasons. Connected Nation Exchange (CNX), was presented in Hazard before a ERLANGER diverse group of interested public and private-sector repre- ■ Southwest Airlines has announced plans to begin flight service sentatives from across the five-county area. out of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport “I want to commend the (CVG), beginning June 4. The discount carrier will offer eight daily leaders of southeastern Ken- flights out of CVG, five of which will go to Chicago’s Midway Airport tucky for this insightful and with the remaining three going to Baltimore. Southwest has been fly- important plan to expand ing out of the nearby Dayton International Airport, but will discon- tinue service there as it shifts flights to CVG. Landing Southwest is a high–speed and high-capacity major coup for CVG, which a decade ago had the unfavorable distinc- broadband to the mountains,” tion of having some of the nation’s highest airline fares. In recent said U.S. Congressman Hal years, however, CVG management has been aggressive – and success- Rogers. “We have lost more ful – in bringing in more low-cost carriers such as Frontier and Alle- than 11,000 coal mining jobs giant to create a better balance. in our region since 2009, so this broadband network is key to diversifying our economy and revitalizing our communities.” FORT WRIGHT ■ In connection with the new plan, Thacker-Grigsby Com- VonLehman & , announced that Hazard is now con- Co., one of the larg- munications/TVS Cable est accounting firms sidered a “gig city,” meaning it has gigabit fiber connectivity in the Greater Cin- available to all locations in Hazard. David Thacker, technical cinnati/Northern operations manager for Thacker-Grigsby, said the company has Kentucky area, has made network upgrades that have allowed it to increase down- moved its headquar- load speeds to 50 meg for many Perry County customers. ters from Fort Mitch- ell to new office space in Fort Wright. Founded in 1946, the firm has Participants in the SKY FM project say these steps will lead offices in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, and is growing its business. The to the expansion and construction of additional fiber net- company recently moved up 20 positions – from 156 to 176 – in Inside works across the five-county area and serve as a working Public Accounting’s sixth annual ranking of the nation’s top 200 account- model for use across the commonwealth. ing firms list -- the “IPA 200” -- which is regarded as the benchmarking CNX CEO Brian Mefford said Kentucky’s investment in a gold standard within the industry. high-capacity fiber backbone that will provide connection points in all 120 Kentucky counties “means broadband can FRANKFORT expand in places that previously were too costly for a private- ■ Central Kentucky Ag Credit has opened a new branch office in Frankfort. Ag Credit provides financial services in 17 central Kentucky sector business case. In true public-private partnership fash- counties and operates offices in Richmond, Lexington, Paris, Danville, ion, KentuckyWired is creating a better business case for Stanford and Lebanon. broadband investment statewide.”

8 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 1-17.indd 8 1/6/17 2:12 PM STATE: KENTUCKY LOOKS TO PRIVATIZE BUSINESS BRIEFS SEVERAL STATE PARK GOLF COURSES

Ky. Department of Parks photo GRAVES COUNTY HE Ken- ■ Precision Tooling Products has completed a $450,000 expansion tucky of its Graves County machine shop that includes new equipment to State increase production of suppressors for pistols and rifles. The expan- T system is sion, which will create 10 full-time jobs, will enable the company to Park soliciting move from one shift of six employees to two to three shifts with 16 or requests for more employees. Precision Tooling opened in 2006 as a contract proposals machine shop offering CNC machining, grinding, honing and assembly services. In 2013, the company shifted to production of their own prod- (RFP) for uct, developing five lines of silencers/suppressors and establishing the three of its PTP Tactical line in 2014. The company’s Chief .30-caliber suppressor nine-hole golf recently received a U.S. patent. Precision Tooling Products now sup- courses as the plies more than 200 gun dealers in 25-plus states. state seeks to find ways of improving efficiencies and reducing costs. LEXINGTON ■ The state park system is looking for a private concession- The Lexington Center Corp. and the University of Kentucky have aire to operate the courses at Carter Caves State Resort agreed to a new 15-year lease that will Park in Olive Hill and Kincaid Lake State Park near Fal- keep UK’s men’s basketball team play- mouth. A request for information (RFI) is being issued for ing at Rupp Arena through the 2033 the course at General Butler State Resort Park in Carroll- season. The current lease expires at ton as part of the state’s efforts to gather ideas for other uses the end of the 2018 season. The letter of that course. of intent calls for LCC to make Citing decreasing attendance and rising maintenance approximately $15 million in improvements at the arena such as costs, state officials say the park system is no longer able to more chair-back seats and new hospi- maintain the courses at the three parks. tality areas. Recent improvements that have already been completed “We hope that these requests will generate proposals and include a new center-hung scoreboard, technology improvements and ideas that better serve the needs of Kentuckians and our a ribbon board. guests,” said Don Parkinson, secretary of the Cabinet of Tour- ism, Arts and Heritage. ■ Linda Van Eldik, director of the University of Kentucky Sanders- The state park system currently operates 12 18-hole Brown Center on Aging, has been awarded a $1 million translational research grant from the Alzheimer’s Association. The two-year grant courses and four nine-hole courses across the state. A state- will fund early clinical trials for a promising new treatment for Alzheim- ment announcing the RFP/RFI said a decision would not er’s, a disease that currently affects more than 5 million Americans and affect employment at the parks. is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

■ Lexington’s Cork & Barrel Wine & Bourbon Bar has announced plans to open a retail bourbon store at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport MILLERSBURG: COMMUNITY VENTURES this spring. Located beyond the security checkpoint, the location will ACQUIRES FORMER MILITARY INSTITUTE allow travelers to purchase bourbon products – one of EXINGTON-based Community Ventures has pur- Kentucky’s signature prod- chased the former Millersburg Military Institute in ucts – to take with them in northeast Bourbon County with the goal of turning the their carry-on bags. The Lsite into a destination that will help generate jobs, create new exterior of the store will include an actual barrel rick (a wood structure used to hold bourbon businesses and drive tourism into Millersburg. barrels during the aging process), built using timbers from a historic Until it closed in 2006, the military institute was a constant distillery in Frankfort. It will also include more than a dozen full-size in Millersburg for more than 100 years, in spite of an ever- bourbon barrels from various Kentucky distilleries, providing the ideal changing economic landscape. After MMI closed, the com- background for travelers’ photos. munity took another hit when its largest employer, Stamler Corp., closed its operations there in 2013. ■ Lexington-based mattress company Tempur Sealy International has announced plans move its Los Angeles operations to a new site that will Community Ventures President/CEO Kevin Smith said the include a larger manufacturing facility as well as a new distribution center. organization is currently in the process of organizing meet- The company has also announced the purchase of additional land adjacent ings to gather feedback from area residents “for what this site to its existing Sealy manufacturing plant in Toluca, Mexico, for an expan- (MMI) could potentially become.” sion that will allow for increased capacity and improved productivity. The MMI campus features five multi-use buildings, including the historic Allen House as well as a gym, dormitory, mess hall LOUISVILLE and classroom building. Recognizing the historical significance ■ Louisville-based 21c Museum Hotels has announced that its next of the site, Community Ventures is looking to retain and restore project will be located in Miami. The hotel/contemporary art museum will serve as a focal point for HELM Miami, a mixed-used development prod- the original structures. Current plans call for the organization to uct in the city’s Design District that will include a sculpture garden and move administrative offices to the campus and transform the more than 325,000-s.f. of shops, restaurants and collaborative workspace Allen House into a community event space. The campus also for those working in the art, fashion, design and other creative industries. offers 14 acres of land that could provide green space for festivals, concerts and other large-scale events. ■ EnterpriseCorp, the entrepreneurial arm of Greater Louisville “Our goal is not solely focused on restoring and preserving Inc. – the Metro Chamber of Commerce, has launched a mentoring program that will match first-time entrepreneurs with successful busi- this historical site,” said Smith, “but to develop this campus ness leaders in the community. The Mentor Louisville program will into a tool that can be used and supported by the people of match entrepreneurs with a personally selected mentor, subject-matter Millersburg while helping to provide the community with expert, or service provider offering experience launching, growing, financial stability, jobs and a sense of place.” scaling and/or investing in a business.

THE LANE REPORT • LANEREPORT.COM JANUARY 2017 9

January Lane 1-17.indd 9 1/6/17 2:12 PM FAST LANE

BUSINESS BRIEFS STATE: BEVIN REORGANIZES KY BOARDS TO CUT COSTS, IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES LOUISVILLE S part of his , Gov. ■ Spalding Univer- Red Tape Reduction Initiative sity has launched a Matt Bevin has reorganized eight boards under the major capital cam- Department of Housing, Buildings and Construc- paign, the largest in Ainto a single advisory committee representing all sec- tion the school’s history. tors of the industry. The campaign will The committee will be comprised of 17 raise $30 million to Spalding University photo members and mandates the appointment of revitalize the Spald- ing campus by build- seven citizen members with experience in the ing a new athletic diverse cross-sections of the building industry. complex, expanding campus green space and renovating the universi- Those members will include at least one ty’s historic first property, the Tompkins-Buchanan-Rankin Mansion. architect, one engineer, one mobile or manu- factured home retailer or certified installer, ■ Amteck of Kentucky Inc., an electrical design-build-service con- Gov. Matt and one expert from each of the heating, tracting firm, has relocated their Louisville office to the former Bevin ventilation and air conditioning; plumbing; Donan Engineering site in the Bluegrass Industrial Park, a building that gives the company six times more square footage than its previous elevator; and electrical trades. The commissioner of the location. The expansion could allow the company to add more jobs to Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction will its Louisville staff, which currently consists of 15 office staff members serve as the chairman of the board, and the state fire mar- and more than 80 field technicians. Amteck has recently completed shal and the director of building code enforcement will also major projects at Amazon, Humana, Jim Beam, Brown-Forman, be members. Angel’s Envy, Diageo Bulleit Distillery, Eurofins headquarters and The reorganization is expected to generate approximately Challenger Lifts. $114,600 in administrative savings, including staff time and department resources. That figure is in addition to the ■ The Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville has formed a new Estate Planning and Elder Law Program. The pro- $15,000 in expected savings generated in board member per gram is expected to be a significant resource for legal professionals, diems and reimbursement expenses. Combined, the former community members and law students. boards had 81 members. Bevin has also altered the Office of Occupations and ■ The Louisville International Airport has completed a three-year Professions to form the Department of Professional terminal improvement project that includes more than $9.5 million in and establish the aesthetic improvements aimed at enhancing travelers’ experiences. Licensing Kentucky Real Estate Enhancements include new flooring/carpeting, four new escalators Authority. The order modifies the structure of the Real connecting baggage claim to ticketing, a meditation room, a new light- Estate Commission, the Real Estate Appraisers Board, the ing system and new wall treatments. Board of Auctioneers and the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors. The newly formed Kentucky Real Estate Author- ■ Where Opportunity Knox, a ity will be comprised of five members, including one mem- regional initiative to connect transi- ber each from the four reorganized boards and the tioning veterans and/or military executive director of the authority. spouses to jobs in the Greater Louisville region, has added office hours at the The reorganization cuts the number of members for each University of Louisville and office board to three and will centralize board resources, including space at GLI – Greater Louisville Inc. space and staff functions. The new structure is expected to to better serve transitioning veterans result in cost savings by reducing board member salaries and and their families in the Louisville area. consolidating resources. The organization will work with more than 900 veteran students in the university’s career development center. ROBARDS: TYSON EXPANSION TO BRING ■ The University of Louisville’s Conn Center for Renewable Energy 66 MORE JOBS TO HENDERSON COUNTY Research is studying the use of Kentucky-grown industrial hemp for developing chemicals and fuels, working in conjunction with farmers and proces- YSON Chicken Inc. is investing $13.5 million to expand sors to understand the challenges of large-scale implementation of hemp as its operations in Henderson County, a project that will a crop within Kentucky. The center is undertaking research on the plant for create 66 new jobs. its potential applications, including solid and liquid fuels; a sustainable TThe company plans to double its thigh-deboning capacity and resource for chemicals; and as construction material for transportation and will add 24 trimming stations, creating the need for new employ- buildings. Conn Center board member and benefactor Hank Conn said, “This research will give these farmers and processors a fighting chance in ees. Company executives say the posi- the marketplace once industrial hemp is legalized.” tions will include packers, mechanics, supervisors and quality assurance tech- ■ Almost Family Inc., a nicians, among others. Louisville company that is a The project will also involve replac- leading provider of home ing a freezer on the production line. health nursing services, has The investment follows an $8.2 million, 91-job project acquired a controlling interest in the home health and hospice assets of Tennessee-based announced in June 2015 that also addressed processing stations and freezer space. Tyson Chicken has been part of the Community Health Systems Inc. CHS Home Health currently operates 74 home health and 15 hospice branch locations in 22 states. With Robards community since 1995 and produces quick-frozen the completion of the $128 million transaction, Almost Family now chicken products. The facility currently employs 1,200. operates 340 branches across 26 states and its annual net revenue run The company is part of Arkansas-based Tyson Foods, one rate is expected to exceed the $800 million mark. The acquisition adds of the world’s largest processors and marketers of chicken, 2,800 employees to the Almost Family workforce and creates the largest beef and pork. public hospital-home health joint venture in the country.

10 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 1-17.indd 10 1/6/17 2:12 PM Ashland KENTUCKY

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January Lane 1-17.indd 11 1/6/17 2:12 PM FAST LANE

BUSINESS BRIEFS CENTRAL KY: LOUISVILLE AND LEXINGTON MAYORS UNVEIL GLOBAL TRADE PLAN LOUISVILLE ■ Under the terms of a recently announcement agreement, OUISVILLE Mayor Greg Fischer and Lexington Mayor Jim KentuckyOne Health will no longer manage the University of Louis- Gray have unveiled the Bluegrass Economic Advance- ville Hospital and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, end- ment Movement (BEAM) region’s Global Trade and ing a joint operating agreement that has been in place since 2012. LInvestment Plan, outlining key findings on for- Effective July 1, 2017, University Medical Center will assume manage- eign direct investment (FDI) in the region. ment of the two entities. UofL and KentuckyOne Health will continue The plan proposes strategies and actions to their academic affiliation, which includes decades-long agreements further cultivate foreign investment, which can in with and . Jewish Hospital Frazier Rehab Institute turn foster industry clusters and high-quality jobs. ■ Louisville-based Porter Bancorp Inc. implemented a one-for-five The plan notes that Kentucky has had five reverse stock split of the company’s issued and outstanding common straight years of record-breaking export shares and non-voting common shares, effective Dec. 16, 2016. A state- growth, with 2015 exports totaling more than Louisville ment released by the company said the split is intended to increase the $28 billion. Foreign firms employ about 5 per- Mayor Greg Fischer trading price per share, make the common shares a more attractive and cent of the private sector in large metropolitan cost-effective investment and enhance liquidity for shareholders. Fol- areas. Yet, they account for 7 percent of com- lowing the split, there are now 4,631,400 common shares of stock and 1,591,600 non-voting common shares. pensation, 12 percent of productivity growth, nearly 19 percent of corporate research and ■ MainSource Financial Group, a Greensburg, Ind.-based company development and over 20 percent of exports that operates 90 banking branches throughout Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky International companies are part of the BEAM and Ohio, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Louisville- region’s most important sectors: automotive, based in a transaction valued at $56.9 million. FCB is FCB Bancorp Inc. chemicals, business services, life sciences and Lexington the holding company for The First Capital Bank of Kentucky, which oper- bourbon. Companies like Clariant (Swiss), Flex Mayor ates seven full-service branches in the Louisville area. As of Sept. 30, 2016, FCB had approximately $523.6 million in assets, $428.9 million in Films (Indian), Hogan Lovells (United King- Jim Gray loans, $390.1 million in deposits and $30.7 million of total equity. Following dom), Midea (China) and Linak (Denmark) rep- the merger, it is anticipated that First Capital Bank will operate as a separate resent just a part of the FDI in Louisville and surrounding subsidiary of MainSource for a short period of time, after which it will counties, with Lexington and its surrounding counties being merge with and into MainSource Bank. home to companies like Toyota (Japan), Birtley (China), Sumi- tomo (Japan) and Coldstream Laboratories (India). PADUCAH The BEAM Global Trade and Investment Plan is the sec- ■ Dippin’ Dots, the Paducah- based company that produces ond plan released in collaboration with the Brookings Global flash-frozen ice cream treats, Cities Initiative. BEAM was selected to develop these plans to is continuing to see increased increase the region’s international engagement in support of interest in its co-branded loca- its broad economic development goals. The BEAM Regional tions with sister company Doc Export Plan was released in 2013. Popcorn and plans to move In addition to announcing the release of the plan, Fischer forward with that strategy in and Gray accepted a $220,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase, 2017, Dippin’ Dots President and CEO Scott Fischer said at the companies’ first-ever co-branded Brookings’ partner in the Global Cities Initiative, which will annual franchisee conference. There are currently 16 co-branded loca- support the region’s global engagement efforts. Funds will be tions in the U.S. and the companies plan to open 10 to 15 new co- used to provide export grants to businesses, assist metropoli- branded locations in 2017. tan-level efforts to build relationships in and recruit FDI from best prospect markets, and bring thought leadership on inter- SOMERSET national trade and investment to the BEAM region. ■ Somerset Community College has been named as a recipient of a $2.4 million competitive federal grant to assist farm workers in attaining a high school education. SCC’s Project BEAM, which stands for Bringing ERLANGER: TOYOTA MOVES FORWARD Education and Achievement to Migrants, is housed in Somerset, but is focused on residents in several counties, including Pulaski, Casey, Russell, ON PLAN TO CLOSE ERLANGER FACILITY Clinton, Wayne and Fayette, with additional outreach in McCreary and Adair counties. To qualify for the grant, enrollees must have worked 75 days OYOTA’s plan to close its North American headquarters on a farm that they did not own in the past two years. facility in Erlanger and open a consolidated headquarters facility in Texas – originally announced in April ■ A new Courtyard by Marriott hotel has opened adjacent to the Center T2014 – took another step forward as the company formally for Rural Development in Somerset. The hotel features 105 guest rooms filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification as well as a restaurant and lounge, indoor pool and fitness center, and a (WARN) with the state on Dec. 12, 2016, indicating that it business center. The hotel’s grand opening coincided with the 20th anniversary celebration for the Center for Rural Development. would permanently cease operations in Erlanger. Toyota’s workforce reduction in Erlanger officially began WESTERN KENTUCKY Jan. 3, 2017, and will continue through the end of 2018, ■ The Delta Regional Authority has announced $13 million in new affecting some 648 employees. When the company initially investments aimed at strengthening Kentucky’s infrastructure, work- announced its plans, the automaker expected approximately force and economy. The resources will be used to rehab a riverport 1,000 jobs to be moved, with around 300 of those positions crane in Henderson, strengthen water infrastructure in Cadiz and relocated to Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Georgetown. Paducah, purchase a facility in Fulton for use as a medical clinic, and renovate the Merryman House in Paducah to accommodate a new To ease the impact of its departure, Toyota has pledged 36-bed domestic crisis center. The Delta Regional Authority is a federal- to provide continued funding for local nonprofits and com- state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to help create jobs, build munity organizations in the Northern Kentucky region for communities and improve lives through strategic investments in eco- five years, beginning this year, over and above its existing nomic development in eight states. commitments.

12 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 1-17.indd 12 1/6/17 2:12 PM HENDERSON: BIG RIVERS ELECTRIC GETS BUSINESS BRIEFS APPROVAL TO EXPAND CUSTOMER BASE WINCHESTER HE Kentucky Public Service Commission has approved a ■ Citing the changing landscape of the light- contract under which Henderson-based Big Rivers Elec- ing industry, Osram Sylvania has tric Corp. potentially will provide wholesale electric power announced plans to close its LEDVANCE Tto as many as nine Kentucky cities – good news for a company plant in Winchester by September 2017. In a that lost two of its major customers several years ago. statement announcing the closing, company officials noted the “greater The new agreement is with the Kentucky Municipal demand for LED products and diminished demand for the halogen Energy Agency, which represents Barbourville, Bardwell, Ben- capsules made at the Winchester facility.” The closure will eliminate approximately 95 positions, while 10 nonmanufacturing employees will ham, Corbin, Falmouth, Frankfort, Madisonville, Paris and be relocated to Versailles. Providence. The PSC said selling power to third parties will benefit both Big Rivers and its current customers. STATE In 2013 and 2014, Century Aluminum smelters in Hawes- ■ The World Trade Center Kentucky has launched an online ville and Sebree – which at one time accounted for about two- resource guide for entrepreneurs and start-ups looking to sell in for- thirds of Big Rivers’ load and revenue – stopped purchasing eign markets or source component products from abroad. The center’s power from the company, leaving Big Rivers with excess gen- Trade Academy offers free, online training guides specific to importing, exporting and government regulations, as well as resources specific to erating capacity. That, in turn, necessitated rate increases in agriculture. For information, visit wtcky.org. order for the utility to maintain financial stability and resulted in one power plant being shuttered. ■ The board of regents of the Kentucky Community and Technical Big Rivers is owned by three distribution cooperatives – College System has approved three new programs. Hopkinsville Jackson Purchase Energy Corp., Kenergy Corp. and Meade Community College has received approval to offer a surgical technol- County Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. – and serves about ogy program, while Bluegrass Community and Technical College 112,000 customers in 26 western Kentucky counties. has been granted approval for an emergency medical services program and a supply chain management program. In addition, Big Rivers is one of three companies selected by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc. to imple- ■ Nine colleges in the Kentucky Community and Technical College ment, own and operate the Duff-Coleman EHV 345 kV Competi- System are among 50 U.S. institutions selected to participate in a loan tive Transmission Project, which will be located in Indiana and counseling experiment program through the U.S. Department of Edu- Kentucky. The project, which will also involve LS Power and cation. The colleges participating the program include Big Sandy (Pre- Hoosier Energy, is designed to improve the reliability and effi- stonsburg), Elizabethtown, Gateway (Florence), Hopkinsville, Jefferson ciency of the area’s power grid. (Louisville), Madisonville, Somerset, Southcentral Kentucky (Bowling Green) and Southeast Kentucky (Cumberland).

January Lane 1-17.indd 13 1/6/17 2:12 PM INTERSTATE LANE Business news from Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia

BUSINESS BRIEFS OHIO: PAYCOR TO ADD MORE THAN 1,000 JOBS IN GREATER CINCINNATI INDIANA ■ ELSA Corp. is investing AYCOR, a Cincinnati- $111 million and adding 114 based company that new jobs to increase produc-

Subaru photo provides human tion of automotive parts at its Presources and payroll solu- Elwood, Ind., plant. The tions to small and medium- expansion will support growth sized businesses, has of Subaru of Indiana Auto- announced plans for further expansion in the Cincinnati area. motive, Subaru’s only U.S. manufacturing facility. SIA produces the Legacy and Outback models In early December, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority and just last year began manufacturing the Impreza model, which was approved state incentives for Paycor that will support the previously built in Japan. ELSA’s multiphase expansion will take place company’s plan to make a capital investment of $8 million, over three years and will add two production lines to produce fuel retain 731 jobs in Ohio and add an additional 1,064 jobs. tanks, exhaust systems, air cleaners and air ducts. Paycor estimates that the new jobs will have an average salary of $72,000. ■ McKesson Specialty Health is opening a new office in Evansville, Ind., to house its expanded revenue cycle services operations. McKes- Founded in 1990, Paycor now has more than 31,000 cus- son’s reimbursement and revenue cycle management group provides tomers across all 50 states. The last few years, in particular, practice management solutions to help medical groups and physician have brought tremendous growth. In December 2015, the offices improve financial performance and efficiency. The Evansville company acquired San Francisco-based Newton Software to office will ultimately employ more than 100 people. complement its HR solutions business. In July 2016, the company announced that it was in the process of hiring nearly 250 OHIO employees in Cincinnati and by the end of 2016 was having to ■ Morgan Stanley, a leading global financial services firm, is expanding its operations in Columbus, Ohio, with as many as 300 new jobs lease additional office space, having already outgrown its anticipated over the next five years. The expansion will bring the com- 136,000-s.f. headquarters in Norwood, Ohio, that is just over pany’s Columbus workforce to more than 800 people. two years old. “I think Paycor is part of the story of Cincinnati becoming ■ The national accounting and consulting firm of BDO USA is open- more of a technology hub,” said Paycor President Stacey ing new business service center in Columbus that will perform transac- Browning. “There is a lot of entrepreneurial and startup activ- tion services for BDO’s assurance, tax and business services and ity here. We’re proud to be a great success story for Ohio.” outsourcing practices. The company plans to have more than 400 spe- cialists and supervisory personnel in place by the end of 2021. TENNESSEE: GROWTH OF HEALTHCARE OHIO/TENNESSEE ■ Parker Hannifin Corp. has announced an agreement to acquire Clar- TECH COMPANY CREATES 260 JOBS cor Inc. in a $4.3 billion cash transaction. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Parker Hannifin is a diversified manufacturer of motion and control EALTHCARE information technology company technologies, with operations in 50 countries around the world. Clarcor, myNEXUS is investing $1 million to expand its opera- based in Franklin, Tenn., is a marketer and manufacturer of filtration prod- tions in Brentwood, Tenn., just outside of Nashville, ucts. Once the transaction is complete, Clarcor will be combined with Hcreating some 260 new jobs. Parker’s Filtration Group to form a diverse global filtration business. MyNEXUS, which specializes in post-acute technology and TENNESSEE home-based services, partners with insurer clients to reduce the ■ Huber Engineered Woods has announced risks and costs associated with home-based healthcare services, plans to reopen its manufacturing facility in ensuring members get the Spring City, Tenn., near Chattanooga. The right care at the right time. plant, which originally opened in 1997 but Founded in 2014, the com- halted production during the housing market downturn in 2011, is currently undergoing pany uses a clinical model upgrades in preparation of manufacturing spe- to help patients recuperate at home and avoid costly readmis- cialty panel lines that include AdvanTech sub- sions to healthcare facilities. Recognized by The Brookings flooring and ZIP System sheathing products. Institution in 2015 for transforming healthcare through inno- Production is expected to begin in April 2018. vative care delivery models, the company now manages care for nearly 600,000 individuals. ■ Memphis-based Fred’s Inc. has signed an agreement with MyNEXUS’ expansion is being driven by both new con- Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and Rite Aid Corp. to purchase 865 Rite Aid stores for $950 million in cash. Walgreens Boots Alliance signed a deal tracts and expanding business with current clients. As part of in 2015 to acquire Rite Aid for $9.4 billion, but before the transaction can the expansion, myNEXUS will hire additional staff for the be completed, federal regulations require that the companies must sell or company’s corporate office, including IT support, clinical divest up to 1,000 stores. If Fred’s acquisition of the Rite Aid stores is operations and quality control. The majority of hires will be approved by the Federal Trade Commission, it will position Fred’s Phar- administrative support staff that will manage service delivery macy as the third-largest drugstore chain in the U.S. to members across the country. “The Nashville region is a hub for healthcare companies WEST VIRGINIA ■ , a subsidiary of , and in Middle Tennessee the healthcare industry supports NBV Investments Inc. Pernod Ricard North America more than 250,000 jobs and generates nearly $39 billion in has signed an agreement to take a majority stake in Smooth Ambler Spir- its Co., a West Virginia distiller and producer of Smooth Ambler Con- economic activity,” said Tennessee Economic and Commu- tradiction Bourbon, Old Scout Single Barrel Bourbon and other nity Development Commissioner Randy Boyd. “As the high-end spirits. Pernod Ricard Chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard said healthcare industry evolves, innovation from companies the investment illustrates the company’s “strategy of partnering with rising such as myNEXUS will be important for the continued entrepreneurs sharing the same passion for authentic, high-quality brands.” growth of this vital sector for Tennessee’s economy.”

14 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 1-17.indd 14 1/6/17 2:12 PM KENTUCKY INTELLIGENCER® A sampling of business and economic data

THE LANE REPORT • LANEREPORT.COM JANUARY 2017 15

January Lane 1-17.indd 15 1/6/17 2:12 PM CORPORATE MOVES New leadership for Kentucky businesses

ARCHITECTURE/ ■ Denise Tempco has been named area ENGINEERING director of operations for Covington-based DEPARTURES ■ ■ Joel L. Wallace has rejoined Commonwealth Hotels. Neville G. Pinto, who has served as the TEG Architects as a principal. acting president at the University of Louis- GOVERNMENT ville since July 2016, has been named pres- BANKING ■ Lydia Bailey Brown has been named exec- ident of the University of Cincinnati, ■ First Southern National utive director of the Kentucky Arts Council. effective February 2017. Bank has promoted Tyler Joel ■ Cain to community president Wallace Kenneth W. Warden has been appointed in Richmond. Cain succeeds executive director of the newly created Ken- TECHNOLOGY Bob Alford, who is now vice tucky Real Estate Authority. ■ Jim Webb has been named president and president, credit services at chief executive officer of Corrisoft, a Lexing- the bank’s headquarters in ■ Dr. Gil Liu has been ton-based technology company that serves the Stanford. appointed as the new medi- corrections industry. Webb succeeds Bill cal director for the Kentucky Johnson, who has served as president and CONSTRUCTION Department of Medicaid CEO since January 2014. ■ Josh Branscum has been Services. named executive vice presi- Tyler UTILITIES dent of Russell Springs-based Cain ■ Terry R. Gill Jr. has been ■ Matthew J. Satterwhite Branscum appointed secretary of the has been named president Gil Construction Kentucky Cabinet for Eco- and chief operating officer Liu Co. Jonathan nomic Development. of Kentucky Power. Jacob Smith has Colley has been named been pro- ■ John W. McCauley has been named direc- external affairs manager for moted to vice tor of agriculture policy for the Kentucky the company. Matthew president of Department of Agriculture. Satterwhite operations for ■ Josh Jonathan David the company. ■ L. Christopher Hunt has Freibert has Branscum Smith been named general counsel been pro- ■ James Davis has been for the Kentucky auditor of moted to vice named president of Denham- public accounts. Hunt suc- president of Blythe Co., a Lexington-based ceeds Sara Beth Gregory, external affairs construction and design firm. who has been promoted to for LG&E and chief of staff for the auditor’s KU Energy. ECONOMIC office. Freibert suc- Angie Laura Christopher Evans Douglas DEVELOPMENT ceeds George ■ Hunt Iris Wilbur has joined James LEGAL Siemens, who ■ is retiring on Greater Louisville Inc. as Davis Leila G. O’Carra has joined the Lexington director of government office of Littler as special counsel. Jan. 20, 2017, affairs and public policy. after 35 years MANUFACTURING with the com- EDUCATION ■ Melissa Burgess-Taylor pany. Angie ■ Sean Fay has been named has been named as the new Evans has system director of operations chairman and chief executive been pro- Scott John and emergency services for officer of Bowling Green-based moted to Straight Voyles the Kentucky Community Fruit of the Loom Inc. Burgess- director of and Technical College Sys- Taylor succeeds Rick Medlin, corporate responsibility and community affairs tem. Fay comes to KCTCS who passed away unexpectedly Melissa for the company. Evans succeeds Laura Doug- from the University of Miami, Sean in late November. Burgess-Taylor las, who is retiring on Jan. 20. Scott Straight where he served as emer- Fay has been named vice president of project engi- gency management coordina- NONPROFIT neering. John Voyles has announced plans to tor for training and exercises. ■ Michael J. Halligan has been named chief retire as vice president of transmission and gen- executive officer of God’s Pantry Food Bank in eration services in March 2017. ■ Gabe Harris has been named executive Lexington. Halligan, who previously served as director of the University of Kentucky Center senior director at ConAgra Foods, succeeds OTHER for Clinical and Translational Science. Marian F. Guinn, who has launched her own ■ Chad Buecker has been consulting company after 19 years of leader- named president of Seed ■ Todd Mooradian has been ship at God’s Pantry. Strategy, a Crestview Hills- named dean of the University based strategy and new prod- of Louisville College of REAL ESTATE uct innovation agency. Business. ■ Claire Alagia has been named general manager of Wakefield Reutlinger Realtors in ■ Ashlee Foltz has been pro- Chad EQUINE Louisville. moted to chief compliance Buecker ■ Holly Short has joined the officer for Cintas Corp. National Thoroughbred Rac- Todd RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ■ ■ ing Association as digital mar- Mooradian Kyle Keeney has been named as the first Jimmy D. Staton has been keting manager. executive director for Lexington-based Exomedi- appointed president and cine Institute. Keeney will work with national and chief executive officer of FOOD/SPIRITS/ global healthcare leaders to explore new oppor- Owensboro-based Southern HOSPITALITY tunities for creating new patient treatment Star Central Gas Pipeline Inc. ■ Ali Edelstein has been options and medical products. Staton succeeds Jerry L. named director of social Morris, who is retiring in Ashlee responsibility for The Ken- early 2017. Foltz tucky Distillers Association. Ali Edelstein

16 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 1-17.indd 16 1/6/17 2:12 PM ON THE BOARDS Kentuckians named to organizational leadership roles

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION FOR KENTUCKY LEAGUE OF CITIES ■ Paul Hornback, of Hodgenville, has been A HEALTHY KENTUCKY ■ The Kentucky League of elected to the national board of directors of ■ The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky has Cities has elected its 2016- The Alzheimer’s Association. announced the following officers, board mem- 2017 officers and board: Pres- bers and committee members: Chair – ident – Mayor Claude AMERICAN SOCIETY Charles Ross; Vice Chair – Mark Carter; Christensen, City of Sadi- OF NEPHROLOGY Secretary – Allen Montgomery; and Trea- eville; First Vice President – ■ Eleanor D. Lederer has surer – Brent Wright. New board members Mayor Jim Barnes, City of been elected president of the include and Richmond; Second Vice Pres- Clifford T. Maesaka Jr. Janice Claude American Society of Nephrol- Burdette Blythe. Officers for the founda- ident – Mayor Teresa Christensen ogy. Lederer is the chief of the tion’s community action committee for the Rochetti-Cantrell, City of division of nephrology and coming year include: Chair – Robert Slaton; Mayfield; Immediate Past President – Mayor hypertension, associate train- Eleanor Vice Chair – LeChrista Finn; and Secretary – Roddy Harrison, City of Williamsburg; Board ing program director and asso- . , members: KLC Executive Director/CEO Lederer Tim Marcum Angela Carman Roger Crit- Jon- ciate ombudsman for the tenden, Keith Knapp and Charity Fuson athan Steiner; Mayor Steve Austin, City of University of Louisville School of Medicine. She have been named to serve on the community Henderson; Mayor Daniel Bell, City of Taylor also serves as director of the UofL Physicians advisory committee for the foundation. Mill; Mayor Chuck Charles, City of Ashland; Metabolic Stone Clinic as well as the associate City Attorney William Crabtree, City of Frank- chief of staff for research and development at HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION lin; Mayor Bill Dieruf, City of Jeffersontown; the Robley Rex VA Medical Center. OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY Councilmember Marty Fulkerson, City of ■ The Home Builders Association of North- Elizabethtown; Mayor Edward Girdler, City of ASSOCIATION OF ern Kentucky has announced its leadership for Somerset; Mayor David Jackson, City of Mad- ONCOLOGY SOCIAL WORK 2017: President – Bill Cullen, Cullen Brothers; isonville; Mayor Bill Kelley, City of Middles- ■ Tara Schapmire has been elected president- Immediate Past President – Tom Spille, Spille boro; Mayor Troy Rudder, City of elect of the Association of Oncology Social Work. Builders and Developers; Vice President – London; Commissioner Pamela Smith- Schapmire is an assistant professor at the Univer- John Curtin, Paul Hemmer Co.; Secretary/ Wright, City of Owensboro; Mayor Brian sity of Louisville School of Medicine in the divi- Treasurer – Tom Withorn, Craftsmen by Traugott, City of Versailles; and City Adminis- sion of general internal medicine, palliative care Design; Associate President – Pat Parshall, trator Tim Williams, City of Crestview Hills. and medical education of the Department of Northwest Tile; and Associate Vice President Medicine. She also is on the faculty of the Kent – Watson Jones, C. K. Ash Insurance. KENTUCKY LOTTERY CORP. School of Social Work. ■ Ray Anthony Barker, of Louisville, and Cynthia Doyle Rogers, of Somerset, have ASSOCIATION been appointed to the board of directors of OF PROFESSORS the Kentucky Lottery Corp. OF DERMATOLOGY ■ Jeffrey P. Callen has been KENTUCKY REGISTRY elected president of the Asso- OF ELECTION FINANCE ciation of Professors of Der- ■ Thomas O’Brien III has been appointed to matology. Callen is chief of Bill Tom John the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. Cullen Spille Curtin the Division of Dermatology Jeffrey O’Brien, of Louisville, is an attorney with Frost at the University of Louisville Callen Brown Todd. School of Medicine. KENTUCKY PERSONNEL BOARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS ■ William Joseph Byrley has been OF KENTUCKIANA appointed to the Kentucky Personnel Board. ■ Rhonda Petr and Maria L. Bouvette have Byrley, of Louisville, is a retired human been elected to the board of directors of Boys resources manager for UPS. & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana. Petr is director of marketing for Medicaid for Anthem Blue Tom Pat Watson LOCAL INITIATIVES Cross and Blue Shield. Bouvette is chief finan- Withorn Parshall Jones SUPPORT CORP. cial officer of the Louisville and Jefferson ■ Jerry Rickett, president County Riverport International Authority. INSTITUTE OF and chief executive officer of REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT Kentucky Highlands Invest- BRESCIA UNIVERSITY ■ Anne Kilcoyne, senior property manager ment Corp., has been elected ■ Richard Brown, Rod Kuegel and John with NAI Isaac Commercial Properties in Lex- to the board of directors of have been elected to the board of ington, has been installed as vice president of the Local Initiatives Support Moore Jerry directors of Brescia University in Owensboro. the Kentucky-West Virginia Chapter #104 of Corp., a national organiza- the Institute of Real Estate Management. tion that supports community Rickett FOUNDATION FOR revitalization projects. AFFORDABLE HOUSING INC. KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION ■ Ted Tudor OF COUNTIES SOUTHERN REGIONAL has been ■ The Kentucky Association of Counties has EDUCATION BOARD appointed announced its new leadership for 2017: Presi- ■ Mardi Montgomery and Alesa G. John- chairman of dent – Henderson County Magistrate Bruce son have been appointed to the Southern the board of Todd; President-Elect – Union County Judge- Regional Education Board. Montgomery, of directors for Executive Jody Jenkins; First Vice President Somerset, is the director of policy and legisla- Foundation – Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk David tion at the Education and Workforce Develop- for Afford- ; Second Vice President – Caldwell ment Cabinet. Johnson, of Somerset, is the Ted Bill Nicholson able Housing County Magistrate Elbert Bennett; and Imme- associate dean at Somerset Community and Inc., a Lex- Tudor Burke diate Past President – Simpson County Judge- Technical College. ington nonprofit organization. Bill Burke Executive Jim Henderson. has been appointed to the organization’s board of directors.

THE LANE REPORT • LANEREPORT.COM JANUARY 2017 17

January Lane 1-17.indd 17 1/6/17 2:13 PM COVER STORY

2016, Kentucky has the first Republican legislature in place since 1920. Its focus on significant pro-business legislation together with meaningful tax reform, pension reform, labor reform, education and tort reform heralds a new, brighter day for Kentucky. Buckle up!”

“CVG experienced a record year in 2016, and we expect the trends in increased passenger and cargo growth to continue into 2017. Since 2013, local passenger volume Candace has grown more than 38 S. McGraw CEO, percent, making CVG Cincinnati/ the third-fastest growing Northern airport in the United Kentucky States – and our 2017 International projections see even Airport greater improvement. In 2016, cargo volume hit an all-time high, making CVG the eighth-largest cargo airport in North America – and this was prior to the completion of DHL’s recent $108 million ramp expansion. CVG’s economic impact increased more than 22 percent over the past 36 months, accounting for Kentucky Business Likes more than 8,500 direct jobs and supporting more than 31,000 jobs. Land development at CVG is very strong, with four deals completed in 2016 and sev- What It Sees for 2017 eral currently in negotiation for final- ization in 2017. We feel very positive Manufacturing and construction upswing, about the outlook for 2017.” automotive sector’s second record year, and a new, “At Louisville Gas and Electric Co. and Ken- positive political environment are raising expectations tucky Utilities Co., we’re committed to advancing technologies and meet- ENTUCKY business lead- “My vision for Kentucky ing customers’ needs. ers have their highest has always been that we Our dedicated team expectations in nearly a become the engineering Victor works with state and local Staffieri decade as 2017 opens. and manufacturing hub Chairman/ economic development They liked a lot of what of excellence in North CEO/President, personnel, attracting new Kthey saw in 2016, especially in manufac- America. The seeds of LG&E–KU and expanding busi- turing growth, construction and contin- economic progress are nesses to Kentucky. Our ued strong performance in the U.S. Matt Bevin being planted and in economic development rate, coupled automotive sector, where Kentucky is Kentucky 2017 will take root and with our sustainable offerings, incentiv- the No. 3 producer. Logistics remains a Governor begin to flourish like ize business growth and development. cornerstone. The commonwealth’s air- never before seen in the history of our This includes helping businesses install ports are seeing more action, especially commonwealth. Kentucky already has solar at their facilities, offering a sub- in Northern Kentucky where Southwest the geography, temperate seasons, cost scription-based Solar Share Program, Airlines is about to join a growing of living advantages, quality of life, logis- and energizing state roadways with new lineup of carriers. Agribusiness and tical experience, natural resources, publicly accessible and customer-hosted healthcare do face challenges from highways, railroads and river ways to electric-vehicle charging stations. LG&E cyclical and ongoing structural change, make this vision a reality. In addition, and KU have been named seven times but change in the political landscape in Kentucky is making major advances in as one of the top 10 utilities in the coun- Frankfort and in Washington, D.C., is workforce development. Through pri- try for economic development by inter- viewed as a significant boost to business vate/public partnerships, some already national economic development prospects. And should plans to reform underway and others now being devel- magazine Site Selection. We anticipate federal and state tax structures be suc- oped, we are ensuring that Kentuckians these programs, along with our contin- cessful, the outlook would have to be will be trained in the skills manufactur- ued low rates, will help advance Ken- considered absolutely bright. ers need. After the historic election in tucky’s economy.”

18 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 18-44.indd 18 1/6/17 3:19 PM “The auto industry expe- “I expect 2017 to be a like Taxiway Alpha and our significant rienced another record year of improved activity Terminal Enhancement Project, Louis- year in 2016 while con- for the commercial real ville International is positioned to sumers established the estate businesses, with aggressively compete for new and Toyota Camry as the No. the profits to be mani- improved air service. As the world’s 1 selling sedan for the fested beginning in 2018. seventh-busiest cargo airport, SDF will 15th consecutive year. Both the USA and the continue to play a significant role in Wil James Coming off our 30th Bill Butler Commonwealth of Ken- national and global economic activity. President, President/CEO, Toyota Motor anniversary in Kentucky, Corporex tucky have a huge oppor- The future for air cargo and logistics in Manufacturing we are now investing in tunity to take a giant step the region is bright, and we expect con- Kentucky new technology at our toward sustainable growth as a result of tinued success in this segment of our Georgetown plant, which their new leadership at the CEO level as business.” has us poised to bring even better cars well as the legislative segments. One to the market and optimistic for a need only review the first six years of the “It’s ‘full speed ahead’ healthy 2017.” Reagan administration to glimpse the for Northern Kentucky economic future.” in 2017. Southwest Air- “Kentucky is setting a lines will begin flying blistering pace in auto- “The University of Ken- from CVG in mid-2017, motive production and tucky continues to make adding to an already- support, charging ahead progress on its priorities thriving business climate as the third-highest pro- as the commonwealth’s Dan in Northern Ken- Tobergte ducer of cars and light indispensable institu- President/CEO, tucky. We have dedicated trucks in the country. tion, providing a more significant resources to Dave Northern Tatman Given continued low gas than 12-fold economic Kentucky business retention, work- prices and fairly stable Dr. Eli return on the taxpayers’ force development, Executive Capilouto Tri-ED Director, economic growth, we President, investment in their flag- entrepreneurship, attrac- Kentucky anticipate another very University ship university. We con- tion and land development. We will Automotive strong year for our auto- of Kentucky tinue to confer a record build upon our successes in 2016, led Industry motive industry, particu- number of degrees annu- by Safran Landing Systems, Nexigen, Association larly in trucks, SUVs and ally to students who leave our campus and CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting crossover vehicles. But to ready to contribute to Kentucky’s econ- Services. We are expecting a legislative keep our pedal to the floor, our indus- omy. Our success is undergirded by the session that accomplishes important, try needs more skilled workers. In state’s investment in us, which is criti- positive changes for Kentucky – such as 2017, KAIA will support efforts across cally important to our teaching, right-to-work – that will give our state the state to enhance workforce devel- research and healthcare missions. After and region an even greater edge as a opment, particularly for advanced receiving our second $19.8 million global business location of choice.” manufacturing. Our industry employs Clinical and Translational Science about 90,000 in Kentucky, and we have Award from the National Institutes of “2017 is going to be plenty of room to grow. We’re mindful Health, the recent passage of the 21st growth-focused for not of proposed fuel efficiency standards Century Cures Act and the construc- just our organization but that could strangle the industry’s tion of a $265 million research build- our region as well. Doz- growth – we will continue to advocate ing, UK is positioned to compete for ens of projects are for fair and thoughtful approaches to top external grants and contracts as a underway with comple- federal regulations.” leading national research university.” tion dates in the next Kent Oyler couple of years, and we “Healthcare has experi- “2017 will be a year of President/CEO, expect more now that Greater enced tremendous opportunity for Louis- Louisville Inc. the new Ohio River change the past decade ville’s airports. The avia- bridges are complete. It and is poised for even tion industry has is a time to focus on the future and more transformation. stabilized from years of drive the workforce and economic With the new administra- turmoil, and airlines are growth we want. There are opportuni- tion in Washington, D.C., looking to invest in prod- ties to pass business-friendly legislation Ruth W. we can expect further Charles ucts and services. They in Frankfort that have not existed for a Brinkley “Skip” evolution of the structure will remain very conser- generation; opportunities to increase President/CEO, Miller KentuckyOne of payments, reimburse- Executive vative when considering the net migration of skilled workers Health ment and insurance, Director, service to new markets, into our region; opportunities to start, which will impact Louisville particularly between expand and attract business and jobs. patients, providers and payers across the Regional those previously Growth and prosperity in Louisville country. Here in Kentucky, the ongoing Airport unserved. However, they benefits the entire state. GLI remains evolution of Medicaid programs will Authority express interest in seiz- focused on making Greater Louisville play a role in the economics of our ing opportunities when the best place to work, live and do busi- industry. As the largest health system in presented if they know they have the ness in the country. 2017 will be a good the commonwealth, KentuckyOne support of the business community. year for growing Greater Louisville and Health remains committed to helping Airlines expect communities pursuing Kentucky.” patients and physicians navigate new flights to clearly demonstrate the changes and ensure access to care regional demand for service. With the for all.” completion of major airfield projects

THE LANE REPORT • LANEREPORT.COM JANUARY 2017 19

January Lane 18-44.indd 19 1/6/17 3:19 PM COVER STORY

The opening of the Lewis and Clark Bridge in Prospect, Ky., marked the end of the three-year $2.3 billion Ohio River Bridges Project. It generated thousands of construction jobs and is now expected to lead to creation of thousands more jobs in the region.

“Louisville’s economy is booming with $9 billion in capital investments and 23 hotels either announced, completed or under construction. Unemployment remains Greg low, at 3.9 percent, and Fischer Mayor, we’re seeing record num- Louisville bers of tourists, drawn by Metro Bourbonism – the mar- riage of bourbon tourism and our world-renowned local restaurant scene. Our 2017 focus is to build on our prosperity and ensure everyone “Kentucky farmers with honor that we are headquartered is along for the ride – a mission greatly reached a record $6.5 in Lexington, and we appreciate all of enhanced by a $29.5 million federal billion in cash receipts in the support of our local communities grant to redevelop a public housing 2014. Since then, in Kentucky. Without this support we complex and historic neighborhood receipts have declined 17 would be just another brand.” adjacent to downtown. We continue to percent, leading to chal- attract global companies, including a lenges in 2017 as farmers “With major construction $32 million investment from Australia’s Ryan look for commodity projects throughout the Quarles Computershare to create 1,100 new Commissioner prices to rebound. But, state in healthcare, distill- jobs, and 250 new jobs at Hogan Lovells’ of Agriculture, in most cases, with new ing, industrial and hospi- (Great Britain) $8.9 million global sup- Commonwealth challenges come new tality sectors – a shortlist of port center. We’re investing in our for- of Kentucky opportunities. We have a the businesses booming in eign-born population with the Global great deal of growth Kentucky – Messer predicts Louisville Action Plan, which identifies potential in international markets, and Mark another robust year in Gillming strategies to jumpstart immigrant entre- the Kentucky Department of Agricul- Senior Vice 2017. Significant construc- preneurship, assist job-seekers and cele- ture is ramping up efforts to boost President, tion is underway in every brate cultures.” trade for Kentucky farm products. Ken- Messer corner of the state. Financ- tucky has a strong local food move- Construction ing is readily available and “For 2017, hospitality ment, and Kentucky Proud helps Co. markets appear stable, so industry forecasts con- provide fresh local foods while support- clients are moving forward tinue to be moderate for ing farm families. In an effort to reduce with ambitious and exciting projects. our region as additional Kentucky’s chronic hunger problem, Because of plentiful private-sector financ- supply is added in Cin- the KDA launched the Kentucky Hun- ing and a drop in government funding for cinnati/Northern Ken- ger Initiative in June 2016, and it will infrastructure, we expect more public enti- tucky. With the opening continue its work in 2017.” ties to explore public-private partnerships Eric of three new properties, for needed public projects. The counter- Summe Northern Kentucky will “Fazoli’s continues to be weight to the good news is that skilled President/CEO, meetNKY offer 6,700 hotel rooms extremely, if not ‘over- labor is at a premium, so the construction daily. With this added the-top’ optimistic about business will have to be nimble and inno- supply, we project a 2.2 percent the economy of Lexing- vative to maintain quality – we predict off- increase in Northern Kentucky occu- ton and the overall busi- site prefabrication will become more pancy to 69.17 percent. Planning ness environment in the common to improve efficiency.” efforts continue for a Northern Ken- state. In my brief 10 years tucky Convention Center expansion, Carl in the Bluegrass state, I “2017 promises to be a Howard and the announcement that the IRS CEO, Fazoli’s have never seen eco- year of exciting tourism facility in Covington will close in 2019 nomic development so projects and growth. We presents additional avenues to explore. robust. I believe that with eagerly anticipate the Several development initiatives will continued low unemployment and a opening of the James E. begin along the riverfront this year, significant change in our presidential Pepper Distillery in the including the Covington Riverfront leadership, we will only see Kentucky’s historic Lexington Distill- Mary revitalization and continued expansion economic environment continue to Quinn ery District; in addition, of Newport on the Levee. The opening thrive in 2017. Fazoli’s has enjoyed Ramer Castle & Key (formerly of the Ark Encounter in neighboring record success with over 14 quarters of President, Old Taylor) will open in Grant County along with the planned consecutive same-store sales growth, VisitLEX early summer in neigh- expansion of the Creation Museum in and we are again growing locations boring Woodford Petersburg will continue to increase nationally and hiring more team mem- County. The Summit at Fritz Farm our market for faith-based groups.” bers to join our growing brand. It is debuts in the spring with new shopping

20 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

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January Lane 18-44.indd 21 1/6/17 3:19 PM COVER STORY

and dining opportunities as well as a tive place to live, work and play. Fayette “The pace in which tech- boutique hotel. The anticipated expan- County’s unemployment rate was the nology is being consumed sion of the Lexington Convention Cen- third-lowest in Kentucky, while its popu- in the business world will ter, with work commencing in earnest in lation grew a steady 1.2 percent in 2016. have a pronounced impact late 2017, will allow future growth in the These positive trends will continue on executive teams. I don’t convention market. The average daily throughout 2017, with national sources believe there has been a rate at area hotels held steady through- recognizing Lexington as a great place time in the past when the Steve Sigg out 2016 at $101, and we expect a simi- for business. Commerce Lexington’s eco- C-level executives of a com- President/CEO, lar trend for 2017. We expect a solid nomic development partnership with the SIS pany needed to be more occupancy rate of 65 percent.” City of Lexington and University of Ken- engaged in the adoption of tucky is a national model that will keep technology and its impact on their com- “Businesses are hopeful paying dividends for central Kentucky.” pany’s future. The enablement of informa- that with a new environ- tion technology, from the data captured ment in Washington and in “The 2017 economic out- through sensors on the edge to the analyt- Frankfort, our elected lead- look is positive, particu- ics that are understood at a deeper level to ers will be especially deter- larly for western Kentucky. improve business outcomes, has never mined to create a strong Murray State University is been more relevant than it is today. The pro-growth agenda in 2017. an economic catalyst for impact of this phenomenon on product Dave Adkisson We are very optimistic that our region, providing management to provide differentiated key economic development career opportunities, eco- solutions to the market is creating a very President/CEO, Bob Davies Kentucky legislation will be enacted nomic development and exciting opportunity in 2017 to set our by the 2017 Kentucky Gen- President, professional development Chamber of Murray State companies apart in the markets we serve.” Commerce eral Assembly and that it University opportunities. Part of our will fuel additional growth strategic plan is to con- “I expect our leisure busi- in the commonwealth. Kentucky has the tinue focusing on experiential opportuni- ness continue to increase opportunity to hang an “Open for Busi- ties that provide students real-world in 2017. Visits to Louisville ness” sign on its front door during the learning that both contributes to their rose 4 percent to 24.2 mil- opening months of the new year.” personal educational experience and lion person trips, accord- assists our regional industry partners with ing to our latest research. “Investments made in the solving problems. We’re proud to be one These are among the find- state’s agriculture industry of the state’s educational leaders, commit- Karen ings of a newly released Williams over the past several years ted to increasing the college-going rate impact study by Long- President/CEO, by the Kentucky Agricul- and educational attainment of our com- Greater woods International of tural Development Fund munities. As Murray State continues to Louisville Louisville’s domestic tour- have diversified and advance, so does our region and the com- Convention and ism business in 2015. strengthened the ag sector, monwealth. It is a symbiotic relationship.” Visitors Bureau 2016’s impact will be David enabling it to weather a released in 2017. The Beck Executive couple of years of market “Lexington continues to report provides an overview of what Louis- Director, volatility. While net farm enjoy a strong economy, ville travelers look like and how they differ Kentucky Farm income has declined, Ken- fueled by public and pri- from the average U.S. traveler. This report Bureau tucky farm cash receipts vate investment, and job validates that Louisville is increasingly Federation remain over the $5 billion growth. Our quality of becoming the hot spot for travel. With its mark, solidifying agribusi- life and highly educated unique mix of attractions, events, bourbon ness as a major economic engine in the workforce are attracting and food, and its accessibility and afford- commonwealth. One thing that could Jim Gray top employers and good ability, the city is the perfect meetings and Mayor, help stabilize net farm income in 2017 is a Lexington jobs.” getaway destination.” vibrant export market. Kentucky is one of the most ag trade-dependent states, and “Kentucky American “Economic developers exports have more than doubled since Water is the largest inves- are bullish on Kentucky 2000. Continued progress on trade agree- tor-owned water utility in in 2017. Long pent-up ments is a key component in keeping Ken- the commonwealth, pro- policy reforms that site tucky’s agriculture industry moving viding quality water and/ selectors have been clam- forward and growing.” or wastewater services to oring for, like right-to- customers in portions of work and repeal of Nick Rowe Hal B. “While the national econ- President, 12 counties, and investing prevailing wage, look to omy could experience in water system infrastruc- Goode happen soon with the Kentucky President/CEO, uncertainty with a change American ture remains a priority. It’s Kentucky change of control in in presidential administra- Water estimated over the coming Association for Frankfort. These reforms tion, central Kentucky decades that more than $1 Economic will sharpen our competi- and specifically Fayette trillion in capital will be needed to Development tive edge against sur- County have seen positive upgrade U.S. water infrastructure. We rounding states and Bob Quick economic trends through- invested nearly $400 million in Kentucky could immediately bring new jobs to President/CEO, in the past decade, and plan to invest Commerce out 2016. Because of its the commonwealth. The governor and Lexington Inc. diverse economy, edu- more than $25 million in 2017 to con- General Assembly have a real opportu- cated workforce, expand- tinue providing quality service to our cus- nity to tackle tax reform in a special ing labor force, strong job market, tomers. We will also remain focused on session. A shift toward taxing consump- entrepreneurial culture and exceptional controlling operational expenses and tion instead of productivity would be a quality of life, the Bluegrass is an attrac- providing a fair return to investors.” plus for everyone from the “solopre-

22 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 18-44.indd 22 1/6/17 3:19 PM 28th Annual

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lexington Convention Center What’s Next for Kentucky in the Global Economy? The 2017 Economic Outlook Conference

Come learn about the future of Kentucky businesses with more than 250 experts who Featuring a talk from attend each year to address the outlook for the Ben Chandler local, state, and national economies. former U.S. Congressman, Ky 6th District Hear from expert sources including: President and CEO, Foundation for a » Mark E. Schweitzer, Senior Vice President of External Outreach Healthy Kentucky and Regional Analytics, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland » Christopher R. Bollinger, Director of the Center for Business “Kentucky Health: and Economic Research and Endowed Professor of Economics, Moving the Needle” Gatton College of Business and Economics » Ana María Herrera, Professor of Economics, Gatton College of Business and Economics

Presenting Sponsors » Commerce Lexington, Inc. » The Lane Report For more information about the » Center for Business & Economic Research event, call 859.257.8746 or » Don and Cathy Jacobs Executive Education Center 1.800.284.6407 or register online at Partner Sponsor Gatton.uky.edu/economic-outlook » Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS

January Lane 18-44.indd 23 1/6/17 3:19 PM COVER STORY

neur” to the Fortune 500. With so many need to reduce costs while continuing apparent, but don’t expect quick com- different types of communities in Ken- to provide the highest quality of care plete agreement on many issues. The tucky, offering more local autonomy for our patients. As a system, we are deteriorating infrastructure of our high- also makes sense.” also taking steps to be prepared for any ways, bridges and ports will hopefully be changes to the Affordable Care Act and addressed and improved. Trade deals “After a record-breaking Medicaid expansion. The objectives of with other world economies will be scru- 2015, Bowling Green our strategic plan address these issues tinized with an attempt to leverage in again announced the while maintaining the financial disci- our favor. With these big, ambitious largest capital investment pline to continue to reinvest in the agendas, I am optimistic and hopeful project in the state in healthcare needs of our community that those changes will stabilize and 2016 and was recognized and our patients.” grow the economy.” No. 1 in the common- Ron Bunch wealth for inward invest- “Domestic natural gas “Kentucky continued President/CEO, Bowling Green ment. We have the 10th consumption is expected growing the manufactur- Area Chamber largest job-creation proj- to increase slightly in ing sector in 2016 and we of Commerce ect in the state. With 2017, particularly for expect more in 2017. repeatedly strong eco- electricity production. The automotive industry nomic development results in southcen- With increased liquefied has been a huge catalyst, tral Kentucky, we continue to generate natural gas exports, dating back to when Toy- best practice initiatives to ensure our Matt higher exports to Mexico Greg ota opened its George- Sawyers Higdon companies have the talent they need. and only a modest town facility. With Executive President/CEO, We look forward to the passage of land- Director, increase in production, Kentucky expansion of the Ken- mark legislation including right-to-work Kentucky Oil & most forecasters project a Association of tucky Truck Plant and and the repeal of prevailing wage dur- Gas Association small increase in price in Manufacturers continued growth of the ing the 2017 legislative session. We are 2017. Oil prices have Louisville Assembly fortunate to have outstanding collabora- been on an uptick with decreased Plant, Ford Motor Co. should inch tion and support from state and local domestic production and a strengthen- above 12,000 employees in Jefferson officials and look forward to another ing global economy. Unless the para- County alone in 2017. Kentucky is No. 3 prosperous year in 2017.” digm shifts for an unforeseen reason, in the nation in automotive production, that trend is likely to remain stable. with 500 companies employing over “In an era of reduced state With overall prices still relatively low, we 95,000 workers in automotive-related appropriations and soon- are unlikely to see a substantial increase jobs. Our geographic location has to-come performance- in new wells drilled in Kentucky. We will always been an economic development based funding for higher focus on advocating for rollback of tool and with the opening of the Louis- education, Eastern Ken- increasingly onerous and overreaching ville bridges, we look for Kentucky to be tucky University will con- federal regulation, educating govern- a stronger magnet for manufacturers tinue to prosper because of ment officials, business leaders and the and distributors. Our state administra- Dr. Michael how it anticipated and public on the industry’s importance, tion is bullish on manufacturing jobs Benson President, responded to the chal- and strengthening partnerships for and focused on improving workforce Eastern lenges of this new financial future opportunities.” development and training and invest- Kentucky reality. Ever mindful that ing in needed infrastructure.” University “business as usual” is no “2017 presents a brand longer an option and of new approach to the “2017 promises signifi- the need to be responsible stewards of economy at the state and cant positive change to both the public trust and our own high federal government levels Kentucky economic with standards of performance, Eastern has with specific emphasis the executive and legisla- positioned itself well for continued growth on job creation. Fewer tive arms of both state and success because it has tightened its and more relaxed regula- and federal government budget without sacrificing academic qual- Jack tions should help the working together. Reve- Moreland ity. We also have kept our focus on a bold, coal industry. Right-to- Gary A. nue-generating tax President, Ransdell long-range vision that includes an aggres- work and prevailing wage reform in Kentucky has Southbank President, sive campus revitalization totaling over Partners laws will emerge from the Western great potential if the $220 million in capital projects.” new Kentucky General Kentucky incremental revenue is Assembly and quickly be signed by Gov. University used to address pension “Like many healthcare Bevin. Since those rules are prevalent in pressures and pressing systems, St. Elizabeth surrounding states, it will help level the needs in public and higher education. Healthcare faces chal- playing field for courting new business For the first time ever, higher educa- lenges in 2017 related to to Kentucky. If tax reform is accom- tion and the governor are in sync in payment reform, imple- plished in a special legislature session performance funding model for the menting new technolo- later this year, without question Ken- distribution of higher-ed appropria- gies and data analytics, tucky will become a much more busi- tions. That model needs authorization Garren Colvin and finding innovative ness-friendly state. At the national level, from the 2017 General Assembly, and a CEO, ways to meet the needs of laws like Dodd-Frank for the banking path to enhanced funding in the next St. Elizabeth our patients and commu- industry will become more friendly with biennium. If that happens, then higher Healthcare nity. We need to make the understanding that more regulation ed in Kentucky can provide solutions investments in these makes reporting difficult for large banks to many of the economic, health and areas while in an environment where and nearly impossible for small ones. social challenges our commonwealth reimbursement is decreasing and we The stalemate in Congress will be less faces.”

24 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 18-44.indd 24 1/6/17 3:19 PM Faster Lane

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TLRJanuary FP SmartphoneLane 18-44.indd Chamber.indd 25 1 1/6/17 2:393:19 PM COVER STORY

“Some regions of Ken- innovative approaches our partners and growing business investment. The lat- tucky, particularly the communities are taking to help accom- ter – along with the recent facilities Golden Triangle, are see- plish our regional goals and build on expansion and investment in the coming healthy economic our momentum to create Appalachian monwealth by UPS, FedEx and DHL, growth. Others, notably Kentucky’s vibrant future.” three of world’s largest package deliv- Eastern Kentucky and ery companies and leading global pro- some more rural areas, “2016 was a great year for viders of specialized transportation and Anthony “Tony” continue to struggle. Led the construction industry logistics services – indicate support of Campbell by our 16 owner-member and architectural firms. the Center’s forecast.” President/CEO, cooperatives, EKPC is Our firm grew to its largest East Kentucky focused on keeping size in our history, opening “2017 should be a great Power energy affordable and a Lexington office to sup- year for Northern Ken- Cooperative reliable to help the econ- port growth in the area. tucky and our friends omy. Our co-ops serve 87 Steve One leading economic across the river in Cincin- Eggers Kentucky counties and we are working Managing indicator of construction nati. Our airport is on a hard to assist the Kentucky Economic Principal, K. activity is the American roll with more carriers to Development Cabinet in marketing Norman Berry Institute of Architects’ more destinations with those communities to site selectors to monthly Architects Billing Trey more affordable Associates Grayson draw new jobs and investment, Architects Index survey. The ABI President/CEO, fares; Southwest’s plans strengthening our commonwealth’s reflects the approximate Northern to begin service will accel- economic engine.” nine- to 12-month lead-time between Kentucky erate that trend. Our architecture billings and construction Chamber of advanced manufacturers “Louisville Water Co. will spending. The most recent results show Commerce are taking the lead in expand its regional foot- our area of the country flashing a positive addressing our talent print in 2017 with new outlook for 2017. Architects are among pipeline shortage, which should help wholesale customers in the first to encounter new construction them find the employees to meet their Hardin County and prog- projects, so with the positive trend our firm growth plans. Our urban core should ress towards a water line is hopeful growth will continue this year.” see continued growth as CTI moves its extension to Shelbyville. 500 employees into RiverCenter, Inno- Spencer With national attention on “The future is bright for vation Alley becomes a destination for Bruce infrastructure needs, Lou- Kentucky’s public postsec- the region’s start-up community, Hotel President/CEO, Louisville Water isville Water will spend ondary institutions. We Covington completes its first year of Co. over $40 million in 2017 to expect Gov. Bevin and the operation, and more residential units maintain a 4,200-mile General Assembly to adopt are brought online in Covington and water-main network. Louisville’s economy an outcomes-based fund- Newport. Tourism continues to be a is strong, and we see an increase in the ing model for appropriat- strong regional draw, bolstered by last number of service applications. A high- Geoffrey ing nearly $1 billion our year’s addition of the Ark Encounter in Mearns commonwealth invests in quality and affordable supply of water is President, Williamstown and the FC Cincinnati critical to economic growth. Louisville Northern higher education each soccer team.” Water rates are among the lowest in the Kentucky year, joining nearly 40 region with drinking water costing less University other states who have rec- “Humana is committed than a penny a gallon.” ognized the need for a to help improve the rational, strategic funding method. For health of the communi- “In 2017, Appalachia Kentucky’s economy this means state dol- ties we serve 20 percent Kentucky will continue its lars will be tied to universities’ and col- by 2020 because we historic economic turn- leges’ abilities to meet the demands of the believe good health is around through strategic workforce. Institutions will be rewarded good for everyone. Our and proactive collabora- for their ability to produce in key areas Jennifer nation is in a health cri- tion with hundreds of such as healthcare, technology, advanced Willis sis, which is why we are Kentucky organizations that care manufacturing and other metrics. This Market Vice working with local Jared about the future of the funding model will position our common- government, business Arnett President, region. With adoption of and community leaders Executive wealth to be a national leader in attract- Humana Inc. Director, SOAR’s regional blue- ing, creating and retaining jobs.” to find solutions to Shaping Our print, we will see the most chronic conditions and improve indi- Appalachian widespread, connected “World Trade Center vidual mental and physical healthy Region Inc. and cohesive action to Kentucky forecasts con- days. In Louisville, we are focused on address this economic cri- tinued positive growth in increasing people’s awareness of the sis in the history of the coalfields. Kentucky exports in health resources available to them and Increasing broadband connectivity 2017. Data provided by decreasing the number of deaths throughout the region will capitalize on the Kentucky Cabinet for caused by suicide. We hope by remov- the economic opportunities this con- Economic Development ing these barriers to health, we’ll Edwin nectivity brings – including further Webb reports that as of Decem- see the rates of diabetes decline and development of training in skill sets for CEO, World ber 2016 export activity improvements in both mental and the digital economy, specific sectors for Trade Center was $29.1 billion, up over lung health. In 2017, we’ll continue industrial development, small business Kentucky the previous year. Total o rely on the 40-plus partnerships expansion through e-commerce and U.S exports fell 5 per- we’ve forged because only through export, telemedicine and more. The cent during the same period. WTCKY cooperation and collaboration will we 2017 SOAR summit will showcase the has noted from its clients a shift toward succeed.” ■

26 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 18-44.indd 26 1/6/17 3:19 PM 2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

House Minority Leader Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, speaks on the floor of the Kentucky House.

Speaker Jeff Hoover of Russell County heads up the House, well prepared by years of study from the minority leader’s seat. A veteran in the Sen- ate front chair, President Jeff Hoover Robert Stivers of Clay County carefully con- ducts the upper chamber. The rural flavor is clear. The combined population of the home counties of Hoover and Stivers is just shy of Robert 39,000 according to the Stivers U.S. Census. Both majority leaders also have con- trasting roots in their political geography. Sen. Damon Thayer Earthquake directs action on the floor of the Senate with a strong voice and pinpoint preci- Damon sion. His district covers I-75 Thayer territory from Scott to Ken- ton counties. and Aftershock Rep. Jonathan Shell, the new House majority Democrats sift the rubble as Republicans floor leader, brings a unique combination of stand ready to take up big issues youth and experience. He Jonathan turns 30 this year. This Shell time last year, Shell was BY BOB BABBAGE & JULIE BABBAGE shrewdly recruiting a cadre of candidates to topple the 95-year reign of Demo- RONY or premonition? Workers Democratic hotspots. crats. Lancaster is home making repairs placed scaffolding Then Matt Bevin caused for him. on the front of the State Capitol just tremors when he won The quake shook Dem- prior to the Nov. 8 election. Did the governor’s seat in ocrats, notably Rep. Rocky Rocky they sense something coming? 2015. The walls shook Adkins, who joined the Adkins IMany predictions indicated major and some law books fell House the year Shell was movement in the works for Frankfort’s off the shelves. Sen. Mitch born in 1987. political structure. Cracks in the Demo- And in 2016, Trump McConnell Adkins worked hand- crat’s hold on state government were jammed the Richter Scale, in-hand with the now exposed when the Republicans took the the entire state reeled and absent Greg Stumbo for majority in the Kentucky Senate in 2000 the GOP erupted into a most of those years in his and in 2003 when Ernie Fletcher took 91-47 overall GOP edge in post as floor leader, now Greg the governor’s seat. the legislature. heading the new Demo- Stumbo But Gov. Fletcher got caught in his Tremors are obvious cratic caucus, which faces own rock slide. Democrats nailed down under the Frankfort dome extensive rebuilding. the House. as Republicans have Gov. Matt How important is all this? Leader Like the New Madrid Fault Line in supermajorities in both Bevin McConnell often explains his role as western Kentucky, any breaks lay dor- chambers of the state legis- offensive coordinator, looking for scor- mant, largely ignored. lature. Democrats are sorting through the ing, while the minority leadership runs But U. S. Senate Leader Mitch rubble as Republicans stand ready to take the defensive side. McConnell beat the margin predic- up big issues, often vetted, but never Leaders in the House will be ably tions in 2014, winning some traditional voted. assisted by a fresh roster including

THE LANE REPORT • LANEREPORT.COM JANUARY 2017 27

January Lane 18-44.indd 27 1/6/17 3:46 PM 2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sen. Julie Raque Adams has a steady hand on the Senate health agenda, known for her calm presiding style. The Judiciary Commit- tee fosters strong discus- David David Kevin Dennis Wilson Jody sion, producing recent Julie Raque Osborne Meade Bratcher Keene Stone Richards Adams significant reforms for pris- House Speaker Pro-Tem David Dennis Keene of Campbell County and ons and criminal jus- Osborne, Majority Caucus Chair David Rep. Wilson Stone, an Allen County tice. Additionally, Meade and Majority Whip Kevin farmer, took top roles to lead the Demo- right-to-life and pro-choice Bratcher. Bratcher, from Jefferson crats. Keene chairs the caucus while Stone advocates square off here. County, will bring an urban perspective is the whip. A former Speaker, well-known The Senate chair is to the otherwise decidedly rural flavor. Jody Richards, did not seek a top role Whitney Westerfield, The united Republican front looks to this time. who lost the 2015 attorney Whitney move economic issues over social con- Rep. Sannie Overly general race by a razor thin Westerfield cerns, passing right-to-work, repealing the made history as a woman margin. Westerfield hails prevailing wage law, in leadership. She chose from Hopkinsville. His old approving charter schools, not to run again, but con- neighbor John Tilley and allowing medical tinues as chair of the Ken- teamed with Westerfield to review panels as a step tucky Democratic Party. In get consensus for change toward tort reform. all of Senate and House when Tilley was in the Sannie House. Tilley now serves in Count on a vigorous leadership, there are no Overly shake and quake from women or minorities. the Bevin Administration John Tilley those not in favor. Labor Bill Mac Brown, a lynchpin as Justice secretary, so the leaders flooded the Londrigan in the takeover, was re- seasoned team members rotunda with a roar when elected to head the Repub- remain tied together – and right-to-work came up lican Party of Kentucky. prominent. over a decade ago. AFL- Both party chairs must Rep. Joe Fischer of CIO President Bill Lond- give frequent consider- Northern Kentucky heads rigan will lead the ation to the 2018 House Mac the House Judiciary Com- push-back. campaign line-up. Point Brown mittee for the first time. He Joe Sen. Ray Jones, of note: About four of has often pushed major Fischer another Eastern Kentuck- Ray every five states have more women topics to the forefront. ian, again guides the 11 Jones elected to legislatures than Kentucky. Perhaps nowhere will Senate Democrats. Join- Even though the two-year state budget is the new terrain be more ing Jones in leadership is former Gov. a 2018 priority, the Appropriations chairs, noticeable than in House Julian Carroll. Sen. Dorsey Ridley was Sen. Chris McDaniel and Rep. Steven Committee rooms, where added, taking the post by defeating Sen. Rudy, play a continuously active role. Republicans will gavel the Gerald Neal. Sen. McDaniel, a mem- agenda for all meetings. ber since 2013, got his first A teacher will chair John “Bam” budget on the books last House Education, Rep. Carney winter. He is keenly John “Bam” Carney. focused on the pension Sen. Mike Wilson, now debt, a cavernous problem in his second term, con- for the state budget. venes the same commit- Rep. Rudy, the new Chris tee for the Senate. Julian Dorsey Gerald House chair, will pay McDaniel Licensing and Occupa- Carroll Ridley Neal close attention to the bal- tions often lands fascinat- ing subjects concerning Mike The Senate GOP man- ance sheet. He served on Wilson agement team also the group that reviews various pro- includes highly experi- school and college bud- fessions. A enced members. Sen. gets in previous years. new House David Givens fills the Health issues are chair, Rep. president’s seat when Sti- always prominent as are Steven Adam vers himself takes to the David the two women who chair Rudy Koenig, is floor or related business. Givens these panels. joined with Sen. Dan Seum chairs New to the House Sen. John Adam John the 27-member majority role is Rep. Addia Schickel, Koenig Schickel when they meet before Wuchner of Northern who has afternoon sessions. Sen. Kentucky. She has been a made a mark in the main seat for Senate Jimmy Higdon keeps a highly active member of L&O. Both are Northern Kentuckians. close count on the con- the Health Committee, Labels matter. The House dropped sensus in his role as whip. drawing on her profes- Addia Labor and Industry from its lexicon, In the minority for the Dan sional experience in Wuchner naming the committee Small Business first time since 1921, Rep. Seum healthcare. and Information Technology, putting

28 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 18-44.indd 28 1/6/17 3:46 PM Rep. Diane Upchurch, Lynn Bechler, Daniel Elliott, bly to reform the stale, aged tax code, St. Onge in Tim Couch, Matt Castlen, Danny Bent- plus dealing decisively with the state the chair. ley, John Blanton and Brandon Reed. pension mega-debt. Lt. Gov. Four leaders on the landscape will also With another dash of irony, these hot Jenean bring ideas to reform and improve. These considerations could come shortly after Hampton are Attorney General Andy Beshear, the total eclipse of the sun, all of this giving also gives Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quar- a whole new meaning to climate change. ■ special atten- Diane Jenean , Secretary of State St. Onge Hampton les Alison Lundergan tion to small- and State Auditor . Grimes Mike Harmon Bob Babbage and Julie Babbage business growth. More rumbles will be felt as the 2017 are with Babbage Cofounder, The old L&I panel was dominated by short session unfolds. a leading government relations labor and labor issues. These topics now Top leaders speculate on a special firm. come under the economic development autumn meeting of the General Assem- and workforce framework. Rep. Jim DeCesare, who recently was the minority whip, will chair these twin sub- Jim Alice jects. Five- DeCesare Forgy Kerr term Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr continues to chair the Senate counterpart. Banking Bart Tom New Faces, Great Spaces. . . and insur- Rowland Buford ance matters always loom large, like federal and all of Paducah’s Creative Places! health programs undergoing redesign with major aftershocks to the Bluegrass. Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center Rep. Bart Rowland is the new House chair, while Sen. heads the Tom Buford With over 90,000 square feet of flexible meeting sister committee. Back on top for the Energy Committee space under one roof and a globally celebrated is Rep. Jim Gooch. Rep. Kim Moser, an creative culture, Paducah’s amenities make it a entering member, heads Medicaid Review. memorable destination for meetings and your On the major subject of Kentucky’s ailing next convention or trade show. pensions, look for Rep. Brian Linder as a key voice, heading two committees that Become one of our coming attractions. focus on retirement system problems. Book Paducah today!

Chuck Tate, Director of Operations Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center [email protected] 270.559.7385 Jim Kim Brian Gooch Moser Linder Michelle Campbell, Director of Sales & Marketing Other GOP House members who are Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center first-time chairs include Reps. [email protected] Bart Row- 270.519.9458 land, Kenny Imes, Michael Lee Mere- dith, Jerry T. Miller, Richard Health, Marie Rader and Donna Mayfield. Becky Straley, Director of Convention Sales Budget subcommittees actively review Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau state spending, shaping priorities for the [email protected] next budget. New House Republicans in 217.553.4568 chairing roles are Reps. Jill York, Suzanne Miles, Tommy Turner, Jason Nemes, Regina Bunch, James Tipton, Sal Santoro, Russell Webber, Phil Mof- www.paducah.travel/meetings fett, Myron Dossett, Stan Lee, Ken

THE LANE REPORT • LANEREPORT.COM JANUARY 2017 29 PaducahCONV-LR09-16.indd 1 9/1/16 9:57 AM

January Lane 18-44.indd 29 1/6/17 3:19 PM REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

The eight-story 175-room $23 million Aloft Hotel at First and Main in downtown Louisville opened in 2015. It is one of more than a dozen successful hotel projects by longtime Louisville developer Steve Poe.

Although Poe has succeeded by adding nearly 800 hotel rooms to the downtown corridor, he hasn’t confined his efforts to hotels. As a developer noted for his canny sense of what should go where, he has backed the famed RiverPark Place along Louisville’s Waterfront. The multi- use complex offers 2,500 luxury apartments, eight restaurants and some 250,000 s.f. of office space. Large apartment developments are a major component of the Poe Cos. portfolio, including The Woods at Lex- ington Road, Blankenbaker Crossings and Fenwick Place, all in Louisville, the Reserves of Thomas Glen in Shep- herdsville, and Fairway Knoll in Round Rock, Texas. Poe foresees major trends among baby boomers and millennials ensuring ongoing demand for apartment living. Steve Poe’s Partner: Aging baby boomers and millennials alike prefer a low-maintenance, almost nomadic lifestyle, for different reasons. For millennials, the threat of mortgage problems and foreclosures has instilled Financial Practicality a fear of homeownership. Baby boomers have a different set of circumstances. Louisville hotel and apartment developer’s winning vision “We’re also seeing that same thing in the 55-plus crowd that says, ‘I don’t always focused by the market condition prism need this big home anymore, and I may want to live in Louisville nine months a year and be in Florida three months a BY ROBERT HADLEY year,’ ” Poe said. They ask, “ ‘Why don’t I sell my house and invest that and live off the proceeds and rent?’ There’s just a lot of different things going on demo- TEVE Poe, developer of two of Poe lauds efforts by the Louisville Con- graphically that I think are driving more downtown Louisville’s top hotels vention & Visitors Bureau to rebrand the people towards the upscale rental. Job – the new 175-room Aloft Hotel city as a convention and tourist attraction creation always drives that, and we’ve at First and Main and the busi- – with an emphasis on bourbon. got strong job creation now.” ness community’s go-to event According to Mayor Greg Fischer, Ssite, the 17-story 591-room Marriott Lou- who likes to tout the success of “bour- isville Downtown on Jefferson Street – is bonism,” Louisville is booming with 23 noted for his vision, which hotels either announced, completed or includes the ability to see under construction among a total of $9 what will maximize the billion in recent capital investment. return on investment on a “I think (CVB CEO) Karen Williams is specific piece of land. very aggressive and up to date,” Poe said. Besides sizing up job- “I think she and the CVB are very excited growth projections as a about having new hotel rooms and the harbinger of a property’s Steve Poe new convention center (an $180 million success, he lists two addi- renovation is underway), and certainly tional secret ingredients. having a real, authentic local food scene “With hotels, you’re specifically look- – and a real, authentic local Urban Bour- ing at what brands are available,” he bon Trail with investment from all the The front desk of the Aloft Hotel Louisville is said. “Brand is super important, and, distilleries. I think they’ve got a lot of stylish, but Steve Poe requires that his project more importantly, you’ve got to have good things to sell here, and I feel confi- designs above all fit the financial parameters that the right location with the right brand.” dent that they’ll do a good job with that.” make it buildable.

30 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 18-44.indd 30 1/6/17 3:19 PM Success was not overnight Poe Companies is building a 31-story Aloft-Element Today he certainly must be considered Hotel with 422 rooms in Austin, Texas, in one of the top developers in Kentucky’s partnership with REI Real Estate Services. top economic center, but Poe got there methodically, step by step, in a process that included some bumps. diversified real estate, development, Nearly 40 years ago, fresh from Purdue management and investment firm that University where he was still a few hours has helped to spark a renaissance in the short of a pair of degrees, Poe went to Louisville commercial construction work in an entry-level position at his father market. The company is behind a dozen Robert’s construction company. But soon hotels in Louisville – a $23 million came a dismaying conclusion: He was not Homewood Suites extended-stay hotel cut out for the construction business – a later this year will join Aloft and the role he’d been preparing for from age 10 Louisville Marriott Downtown in the when he’d started shadowing his dad on business district – plus others in cities building sites. such as Austin and Denver. “I looked around at some of the peo- Poe Cos. has developed and man- ple I was working for; I was driving a ages more than two dozen Louisville- pickup truck and they were driving a lot area office buildings and apartment nicer vehicle than that,” Poe recalls from complexes. his one-story office building on River Poe’s property development and Road, a half mile from his RiverPark Place management expertise prompted him apartment complex. “I had a college edu- to launch a real estate syndicate in 2012. cation, and I thought there’s something Syndicates allow investors to put their wrong with this picture. I need to be on money into a group of commercial the other side of this equation.” properties that Poe and his team ensure The other side turned out to be are well managed, minimizing risk while launching Poe Cos., which today is a sharing rewards among investors. Success in the business world has earned Poe seats on several Louisville- “When my wife and I got married, we area boards, such as chairman of the had no money,” Poe said. “We both Home of the Innocents Capital Cam- worked. (It wasn’t) an overnight success. paign, Louisville Collegiate School and To get where I am today took a bunch of the Louisville Free Public Library. As a small individual steps; I learned you just member of Leadership Louisville’s keep your head down and keep moving.” Bingham Fellows 2014 class, he along with more than 40 other community Education continued after college leaders started OneWest, an organiza- Poe’s change of heart from construction tion billed as an incubator for prosper- to development early on in his career ity in West Louisville. wasn’t the first dilemma he faced in It is a lengthy record of achievement, The Woods at Lexington Road in Louisville charting his professional course. With was an 4.5-acre urban infill project with but the 30-year journey had modest input from his father, owner of Poe 72 apartment units by Poe Companies. beginnings. Do you find your intelligence shrinking? Get your daily boost at WUKY, 91.3 FM. Listen to WUKY and be enlightened, inspired and entertained!

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January Lane 18-44.indd 31 1/6/17 3:19 PM REAL ESTATE

The 17-story Marriott Louisville Downtown has become a one of the most popular sites in the city for major business gatherings since it opened in 2002.

Lumber Co. in Marengo, Ind., Poe had both degrees seemed redundant. As a Steve Poe Career Timeline dreamed of studying either engineering result, he never finished either the engi- at Purdue or architecture at Ball State. neering or business degrees. 1977 “My dad wanted his son to be an archi- “I wish I had done it,” he confessed. Poe leaves Purdue University six hours short of a degree and joins family lumber tect or an engineer, because that’s always Poe’s busy schedule in his father’s business what he had worked with,” Poe said. company left him little time to lament Initially leaning toward engineering, the decision, at least initially. But dur- 1985 Poe completed his freshman and sopho- ing those early years, the seeds were Poe launches his own company, builds more years at Purdue before having to planted for the next direction of his first residential subdivision formally declare a major. The freshman career. Since the family firm was han- and sophomore classes allow the school dling subcontracting work on several 1990 Branches out to develop commercial and to weed out students who didn’t meet apartment buildings, Poe decided to multifamily properties the engineering major’s demanding launch his development firm in resi- academic requirements. But another dential real estate. 1998 change of heart took hold, prompting No animosity or conflict resulted Co-develops his first Louisville hotel with Poe to opt for a major in business and from his decision to part ways with his White Lodging minor in civil engineering. father’s business, as might have ensued “I remember coming home and tell- in similar situations with some families. 1999 Co-develops first Austin, Texas, hotels ing my dad, ‘I’ve got good news and I’ve In fact, Poe refers to his father fre- with White Lodging got bad news,’ ” Poe recalled. “The quently as an astute advisor and good news is I made the cut (for engi- observer of his son’s career. 2002 neering school). The bad news is I can’t For example, his father surmised that Co-develops Downtown Louisville Marri- walk around with a slide rule in my his son “… had made all the money in ott Hotel with White Lodging and REI pocket for the rest of my life.’ ” apartments as he could afford to make” In those days, engineering was when Poe tried in the early 1990s to boost 2004 Is awarded development rights to River- largely a hand-drawn, pencil-and-paper his residential homebuilding from 10 to 15 Park Place from Waterfront Development enterprise. units a year to 70 to 80 and found it opera- “You did your calculations by slide rule tionally too difficult to pursue. He shifted 2007 and I just didn’t see myself in that role, so I then to developing commercial property. Develops projects in Phoenix, Salt Lake, switched to the business school.” Poe’s own rearview-mirror assess- Austin and Louisville There was only one catch, which ment today of the reasoning behind his became obvious around the time Poe switch from residential to commercial 2011 Builds Marina at RiverPark Place left Purdue in 1977. Although he had real estate is less cryptic. switched majors from engineering to “I’ve been doing this for 30 years,” business, not all of the credits trans- he observed, “but you can’t take on 2014 ferred. By the time advisors caught the more than your capital allows you to do, Co-developing $250 million in hotel proj- discrepancy, Poe had already completed no matter how good the idea is.” ects in Louisville, Denver and Austin with upper-level calculus and other advanced Ironically, it was car-envy that White Lodging and REI. Developing mul- coursework. To have to fulfill courses in inspired him initially to change tiple apartment projects in Louisville freshman English and math to earn careers. Once he hit his first big suc-

32 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 18-44.indd 32 1/6/17 3:19 PM cess, a new vehicle for himself was not being an iPhone what he indulged on. user. Otherwise, “We built some apartments and sold he claims not to them,” Poe recalled, “and actually I be a tech junkie. splurged and bought my wife a new He may be Jaguar.” selling himself short. His pur- Vision derived from the bottom line chase of an Though he may now regret the deci- early-model sions to forgo degrees or change Texas Instru- majors, it all makes sense nearly 40 years ments personal later. The combined disciplines of busi- computer after ness and engineering may be responsi- college qualifies ble for helping him blend dreams with him at least as an an awareness of the bottom line. early adopter. “I tell architects all the time, ‘We can “I’m an Excel either design a building that’s a very (and) Microsoft guy,” Poe said. “I was WaterSide at RiverPark Place, one of many pretty picture that we can all sign and at the first wave of those who used Poe Companies residential developments, say we designed a pretty picture, or we spreadsheets, and they’ve been helpful. is slated to eventually include more than 2,500 apartments and condominiums and can design a building that we can really But as with many things in technology, exceed $1 billion in investment. build,” Poe said. I think it probably moves a lot faster Even more than practicality, though, than people.” is the ability to sense what is good or An avowed lover of travel, both interna- appropriate. It’s the “vision” promi- tional and domestic, Poe spends more nently mentioned on Poe Cos.’ website time seeing the world for recreation than it as a steady environment where he has as a competitive advantage. accumulating technological toys. never lost money, but he laments the “I think the fact that I grew up on His journeys have taken him as far as lack of a local-option sales tax that com- the construction side and was totally the Arctic Circle by way of Barrow, Alaska, munities elsewhere have used to fund involved in that my entire life gives me and he counts Brisbane, Australia; New expansion. the ability to sort of see the big picture,” York City; and Paris among his favorites. Whether LOST will be on the ballot Poe said. “My wife says I can take a look “I loved Paris because of the great- one day, or whether it could be used to at a piece of dirt and sort of visualize ness of the city and the architecture of help fund the beleaguered Yum! Cen- what should go there, and yet at the Europe,” he said. “As for Brisbane, I ter, Poe refused to predict. same time I understand the constraints loved the people. The Aussies are great. “I’ll leave that to the politicians,” he of what really can go there.” “I love New York City just because said. “People would have to vote to Now, sitting in a brass, glass and I’m always in awe and marvel at how the increase their own taxes for a building wood-themed office decorated with city works – just how it runs. It’s just so that’s already been built. In most of the family photos (he and his wife Merry- big and so much going on and yet it all cities where local option (sales tax) has Kay have adopted two girls and a boy), just seems to hum right along.” worked, such as Oklahoma City, they’re Poe presides over a desk refreshingly With an eye seasoned by interna- proposing new projects the public free of multiple computer monitors and tional travel and hotels going up in wants.” ■ the other expected high-tech trappings other U.S. cities, the native of northern of a real estate mogul. He has a large Indiana is ideally positioned to judge Robert Hadley is a correspondent for The Lane Report. JBL Bluetooth speaker and admits to the Louisville market. Poe characterizes He can be reached at [email protected].

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January Lane 18-44.indd 33 1/6/17 3:19 PM OPINION

Britain is probably the best bench- mark. HM Treasury has issued 40- to 50-year bonds seven times. The latest auction occurred in Oct. 2015, with the issuance of 50-year debt with a coupon of 2.5 percent. Dequadros says the Congressional Budget Office estimates that interest costs over the next 10 years will total $4.8 trillion, and the debt will rise from the current $14 trillion to $23.1 trillion by 2026. Additionally, it expects the 10-year Treasury rate to average 3.3 percent and the rate on all debt to average 2.6 percent. Now, with some very rough back-of- the-envelope calculations, under Trump’s growth program, suppose 10-year Treasury rates rise to average 5 percent over the next 10 years, rather than the CBO’s 3.3 percent guess. The average interest rate for all debt would increase to 4 percent over that period, rather than CBO’s estimated 2.6 percent. The total interest rate expense would be around $7 trillion, rather than 100-YEAR U.S. TREASURY BONDS? the CBO’s $5 trillion baseline. However, if the U.S. issued 50-year There could be $1 trillion savings on budget-interest expense debt with the same rate as Britain’s 2.5 percent, by front-loading some longer- BY LAWRENCE KUDLOW term issuance to hold the average interest rate to 3.5 percent, there would be a $1 trillion savings on budget-interest f President-elect Donald Trump’s eco- Treasuries held in public hands have expense over the 10-year horizon. nomic growth plan – slashing business moved up from 32 percent of gross That’s not chump change. and personal marginal tax rates, and domestic product back in 2008 to nearly Skeptics will ask who would buy Irolling back costly business regulations 77 percent today. Interest expense for 50-year U.S. paper. It’s a good question. – is achieved next year, the economy the 2016 fiscal year is nearly $250 bil- But remember, insurance companies and could break out with 4 to 5 percent lion. So if Treasury debt managers had pension funds need long-dated liabilities growth. And that means much higher significantly lengthened their bond to match long-duration assets. And for- interest rates. maturities, they would have saved tax- eign institutions might also be interested This rate rise will be growth-induced – payers a bundle. in ultralong U.S. Treasuries, provided the a good thing. Higher real capital returns Now, with new economic growth U.S. dollar is reliably stable. will drive up real interest rates. And infla- policies poised to drive up average This is entirely new ground for U.S. tion will likely remain minimal, around 2 Treasury rates to, perhaps, 6 percent, debt management. But since a lot of percent, with more money chasing even the Treasury folks better get moving foreign countries have successfully sold more goods alongside a reliably stable dol- fast to capture today’s historically low 50-year paper, we know it can be done. lar exchange rate. yields. Up until now they’ve been sleep- And for the U.S. it must be done. We’re already seeing some of this ing at the switch. If we sell out a bunch of 50-year with the big post-election Trump stock The key point is to start issuing lon- offerings, why not try a 100-year paper? rally occurring alongside a largely real- ger bond maturities – much longer. If The budget savings would be incalcula- interest-rate increase in bonds. possible, the U.S. should experiment ble. And under new policies, if the U.S. However, looking ahead, 4 percent with 50-year debt issuance, and maybe returns to its long-term annual growth real growth plus 2 percent inflation as long as a 100-year issuance. trend of 3.5 percent – which prevailed could imply 6 percent bond yields in the And this better happen fast. in the prior century – America’s debt-to- coming years. That’s a big jump from According to economist Conrad GDP ratio could plunge to 30 or 40 per- the 2 percent average of most of the Dequadros, other countries have been cent, instead of skyrocketing to 150 past 10 years. smarter than us. Ireland and Belgium percent or more. And what that says is, the time to act issued 100-year debt. Austria issued Stronger growth and much longer is now. 70-year debt. Italy, France and Spain bond-maturity issuance will snatch fiscal The average duration of marketable issued 50-year debt. Japan pushed out a victory from the jaws of defeat. ■ Treasury bonds held by the public has 40-year maturity, and there are rumors been five years for quite some time. that it’s considering 50 years. Almost incredibly, Treasury Department And Mexico, incredibly enough, has debt managers have not substantially done three 100-year issues since 2010. Lawrence Kudlow is CEO of Kudlow lengthened the duration of bonds to The sizes were small, and the bonds & Co., an economic and investment take advantage of generationally low were sold in foreign currencies. But it research firm in New York City. interest rates. It’s hard to figure. can be done.

34 JANUARY 2017 LANEREPORT.COM • THE LANE REPORT

January Lane 18-44.indd 34 1/6/17 3:19 PM VIEWPOINT

To reduce costs in healthcare, or, for that matter, in any commodity, is to unleash the free market. Healthcare is particularly shackled by restrictions and regulations too numerous to men- tion. Here is just one example. In the biographical movie “Hacksaw Ridge,” a World War II medic, Private Desmond Doss, a pacifist, refused to carry a rifle. In the midst of the carnage, during the Battle of Okinawa, Doss car- ried wounded soldiers and rappelled them down a cliff face to safety then treated them alongside the medics. He was awarded a Medal of Honor for sav- ing scores of lives. If, however, after the war, Pvt. Doss had opened an office with a shingle say- ing “Doss’ trauma unit,” authorities would have thrown him in jail for practic- ing medicine without a license. His skills were good enough for the soldiers on the battlefield, but not good enough for civil- ians when Doss returned stateside. On a question-and-answer website, this question was recently posed: How do Marines feel about Navy corpsmen? ‘REPEAL AND REPLACE’ OBAMACARE Here are some of the responses: “Personal experience – I had my mid- Free market can unshackle healthcare, reduce costs for everyone dle finger sewn back on by an E-5 corpsman. When a real doctor first saw BY LARRY ELDER it, he shouted, ‘Who did this?!’ I asked why and the Doc said that it was the best he had ever seen. I have full use NE of President-elect Donald “replace” Obamacare. How can they do and feeling in that finger and that was Trump’s major campaign prom- this – and replace it with what? 40 years ago.” ises is to “repeal and replace” Republicans, despite their unanimous “Personal experience – I was shot in OObamacare. opposition against Obamacare, bought the leg. An E-4 corpsman, assisted by an Vice President Joe Biden recently into at least two premises that its propo- E-5, treated me. No doctor could have dared him to do so. Biden knows that 20 nents argued. The first is that health care done any better than they did.” million Americans have health insurance is a right – or, if not a right, at least some- “History: Beginning in WWII, most that didn’t before Obamacare, and they thing whose costs the federal government ships the size of destroyers and smaller represent 20 million stories on CNN, should reduce. The second is that, having had enlisted men – corpsmen – as their MSNBC and The New York Times – in the made the decision to intervene in health only medical expert. Usually it was a entire “healthcare is a right” crowd – care, the federal government possesses the Chief Petty Officer, but often was an E-6 when and if Trump follows through. knowledge, wisdom and judgment to and some had only an E-5. Sure, despite President Barack reduce its costs to make it “affordable.” “Then, as now, they did everything Obama’s promises to the contrary, some The feds, promised Obamacare advocates, – surgery included. In WWII and every people lost their healthcare coverage can even make healthcare affordable with- war since then, U.S. soldiers have had a and some people lost their doctors. And out reducing quality. higher survival rate than any other no, the average family did not save For Obamacare to “work,” it is par- country’s military (enemy or allies) $2,500 per year as Obama insisted ticularly important for young people to and most of that medical triage and would be the case. And yes, health “buy in,” because while they are forced vital systems treatment was by enlisted insurance premiums, copays and to spend on health care insurance they corpsmen. deductibles are going up even though are unlikely to consume health care ser- “Outside the service, enlisted corps- Obama promised that his plan would vices. Obamacare transfers money from men are by far the preferable hire for “bend the cost curve” down. the pockets of young people (with a net civilian EMT and rescue jobs.” All that matters to the anti-Trump worth smaller than that of seniors, by If congressional Republicans were seri- media is that there is now an entire class of the way) into the pockets of older, ous about making healthcare affordable, people to exert pressure against the repeal health care consuming Americans. they should sell the voters on the free mar- of Obamacare. Many Republicans say they If the goal were truly to make health ket. Where’s the slogan for that? ■ want to keep “the good parts of Obam- care more affordable, Obamacare would acare,” specifically the prohibition against be as laughably wrongheaded as other denying insurance based on a pre-existing Obama boondoggles like “cash for caulk- condition and forcing insurance carriers ers” or “cash for clunkers.” No, the real Larry Elder is a best-selling author to keep a “child” on his or her parents’ goal is taxpayer-paid healthcare. Both ex- and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. policy until the child is 26. Republicans DNC chair Howard Dean and ex-Senate promised to not only repeal but to leader Harry Reid said so.

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January Lane 18-44.indd 35 1/6/17 3:19 PM EMERGING LANE Kentucky’s young professionals and creatives

sands of hydrographic patterns available that can be changed even more by paint- Andrew Fore is the owner ing an object in another color as a base of a unique hydrodipping coat under the hydrographic film. concept in Nicholasville. “Most film patterns have a transpar- ent component to them, which is where the base coat color comes in,” he said. The film can also be custom-printed with a design brought in by an individual or company. The dipping tank at Deluge Con- cepts is 10 feet by 4 feet and can hold multiple items at the same time being submerged through the film liquid, with no two coming out identical. From tumblers to golf clubs, car wheels to firearms, commercial orders to one-off custom pieces, Fore can dip pretty much any solid object (no clothing at this point yet). After the design is ready to go, the next step is an intensive prep of the item, followed by “activating” the hydro film to liquefy it properly in the tank, then dipping the item, rinsing and drying it. The final step is applying a durable clear coat in either a high gloss or matte finish. “The options for how the item can look are literally limitless and everything that comes out of our tank is a unique, unable to be exactly duplicated item,” Fore said. Born in Louisville, Fore has lived in Nicholasville Artist Central Kentucky since childhood. He Launches New Concept earned a degree in integrated strategic communication from University of Ken- tucky, with a double minor in market- Hydrodipping facility utilizes water transfer ing and psychology. printing to create endless products “I am fortunate to have ATER and color for art might which he started in 2006. He also is a pho- been brought make you think of watercolor tographer and Arctic ambassador for up in a house- painting, but Andrew Fore of Polar Bears International. hold that WDeluge Concepts in Nicholasville uti- Having the freedom to build a new encouraged me lizes the artistic mediums in a new way. business is “worth the risks, long hours, to dream big At his production shop in Nicholas- stressful times, great times and everything and then go ville, Fore uses his creative abilities and else that goes along with starting some- after those mechanical skills to decorate items with thing brand new,” he said. “But the most dreams,” he a film of liquid in a big tank. The pro- important thing I lean on is to make sure said. “That cess is called hydrodipping, or water that at the end of the day things are kept mindset, along transfer printing. He added the Deluge in perspective and everyone around the with my faith, Concepts venture to his versatile busi- business is having fun.” has brought me through several per- ness portfolio in June last year. The hydrographics industry itself is sonal challenges and has taught me Fore is still employed at Adcolor, the fairly new. Fore was intrigued by the con- persistence, patience, discernment, joy commercial printing company in Lexing- cept enough to start his own business and and not to give up.” ton he joined in 2003, and he continues have the opportunity to serve just about For more information, visit deluge- to operate Andrew Fore Photography, any industry imaginable. He has thou- concepts.com.— Kathie Stamps

UK Expands Online Master’s Degree Offerings

In December 2016, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food already working in the industry who want to take that next step with their and Environment announced it will launch its first online master’s degree careers but can’t quit their jobs and come to campus.” program in retailing and tourism management in the fall of this year. Each online class will have an identical platform to keep classes “In many cases, in order to advance in these fields you need an advanced within one course consistent and create a familiarity for students. Stu- degree,” Scarlett Wesley, director of graduate studies for the department, dents in the online program will have an opportunity to complete an said in a news release. “This is an opportunity to reach those professionals internship instead of a thesis to graduate.

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January Lane 18-44.indd 36 1/6/17 3:19 PM 3rd Turn Brewing to Open New Location and Farm OME breweries buy bigger brewing equipment or open new facilities to The Cryo House owner Tami Breitner increase production. The four own- takes a “dip” in the cryo tank. Sers of 3rd Turn Brewing in Louisville decided to open a farm. Well, actually, it will be a farm and Get Yourself Frozen another small brewery. But the farm Opening in late 2016, The Cryo House in aspect will be used to grow ingredients for Lexington lets you willingly chill out. The brewing, while the rest of the space will health spa utilizes Whole Body Cryotherapy, include a taproom, event space, beer gar- which was first used in Japan in the early den and more. And 3rd Turn part two – 1970s by doctors to treat rheumatoid arthritis. the original location opened in Studies have established the frozen method as Jeffersontown in September 2015 – will a powerful source for treatment of inflamma- also be Oldham County’s first-ever craft tory disorders and injuries. During WBC, the body is exposed to ultra- brewery. low temperatures – as low as -150 degrees celsius “When we were looking at opening a sec- – cooling the skin’s surface temporarily and trig- The 3rd Turn Brewing in Louisville recently ond location,” co-owner Greg Hayden said, gering a systemic anti-inflammatory response decided to open a farm. “Oldham County was at the very top of our that activates organs, muscles, joints and skin to list. We cannot wait to have more outdoor naturally heal and repair themselves. space for beer gardens, grow some of our own ingredients for beer and introduce the Cryotherapy is popular among athletes county to our locally and on-premise-brewed ales.” who use it to decrease recovery times, increase athletic performance and boost the The 4,000-s.f. facility is situated on a 4-acre plot at 6300 Old LaGrange Road, next body’s metabolic rate. door to Kentucky Artisan Distillery, which is a stop on the increasingly popular Bour- bon Trail. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is just down the street, and the addition of the brewery is expected to help create a destination spot for Oldham County. The 3rd Turn ownership team – comprising Hayden, brothers Ben and Dale Shinkle, Danville’s Stylish and Brian Minrath – announced the project on Dec. 19. The brewhouse will be a three- to New Health Center seven-barrel system, and brewing will focus on locally sourced ingredients, with a barrel- aging program. The taproom will have 20 taps. Since opening in June 2016, Plank on Main Citing an initial $500,000 continues to deliver quality food, classes and apparel in Danville. Wendy White, who owns investment, 3rd Turn will Plank on Main with her husband, Chris, said drastically renovate the exist- the business has taken off and is growing ing structures using quickly. Plank on Main is a healthy social cen- reclaimed products, with an ter for nourishing the body and enriching the emphasis on bringing out mind through phenomenal fitness, fun the natural beauty already events, and fabulous food and drink associated with the space. A The fitness studio offers hot yoga, barre and pilates. Plank also recently opened a state-of-the- greenhouse area behind the art cycling studio. The studio’s menu started out main structure will become a focused on making fresh-pressed, nutrient dense beer garden with an outdoor juices, smoothies and nutritious snacks, and it’s bar. Behind this area will be recently added other items like soups and salads. the brewery’s “farm.” The 4,000-s.f. facility is situated on a 4-acre plot at 6300 Old It focuses on natural, local, nutritious and fair 3rd Turn follows Lexing- LaGrange Road, next door to Kentucky Artisan Distillery, which is trade offerings. ton’s West Sixth in opening a stop on the increasingly popular Bourbon Trail. In the spirit of supporting other local businesses, Plank on Main also sells Kentucky- a Kentucky farm to source for beer ingredients; West Sixth announced in October it inspired T-shirts and locally roasted coffee in had purchased a 120-acre farm in Franklin County where it plans to grow hops and addition to premium yoga and athleisure barley for brewing, apples for making cider, and other crops. apparel, and other health and fitness accessories. For the 3rd Turn owners, the thinking was a bit different. They knew they wanted to The Whites, who have two daughters, expand but decided statewide distribution wasn’t how they wanted to do it. Rather, they opened the serene, welcoming and stylish chose to focus on serving a specific community, and Oldham County was the choice. space with decor including reclaimed cork “Serving beer in-house is going to be our focus,” Hayden said. The primary flooring, continuous aromatherapy and custom acoustics. emphasis, he added, will be “educating people on craft beer and investing in the community there.” Hayden said 3rd Turn will hire two or three employees to assist with the start-up and to staff the brewhouse and taproom; more jobs will be added as necessary. The announcement came at the end of a year of growth for brewing in Kentucky, with 11 new breweries either opening or being near opening to help punctuate a five-year growth rate of more than 600 percent, according to Kentucky Guild of Brewers figures. “3rd Turn Brewing is adding another dimension to Kentucky’s craft beer scene,” Derek Selznick, executive director of the Kentucky Guild of Brewers, said, “by growing and incorporating their own ingredients for the beer. Adding a brewery to Oldham county demonstrates how Kentucky craft beer is growing and maturing.”— Kevin Gibson

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January Lane 18-44.indd 37 1/6/17 3:19 PM THE LANE LIST

KENTUCKY AGRICULTURE CASH RECEIPTS ENTUCKY farm receipts declined 10 percent in 2015 from the record $6.5 billion Klevel achieved in 2014, due mostly to shifts in national and international markets. However, the $5.83 billion that commonwealth farming operations collected in 2015 was still more than 21 percent above 2012’s total of $4.8 billion and is up 44 percent from 2010. Broiler chickens remain Ken- tucky’s top agriculture product, generating $960 million for farmers, followed closely by the $927 million that cattle and calves produced. All categories declined from 2014 to 2015 after high returns spurred increased production and a strengthening U.S. dollar decreased export demand. Values by $1,000s in current dollars

Animals and Products KENTUCKY 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total animals and products 2,138,811 2,229,095 2,365,124 3,357,384 3,654,312 3,339,376 Meat animals 722,595 751,048 761,267 947,826 1,163,318 1,035,301 Cattle and calves 615,317 630,324 649,038 825,432 1,031,164 927,210 Hogs 107,278 120,724 112,229 122,394 132,154 108,091 Dairy products, Milk 204,239 233,496 219,582 227,900 256,194 200,596 Poultry and eggs 931,329 923,904 1,011,408 1,170,461 1,279,488 1,179,061 Broilers 806,338 782,595 866,600 1,014,479 1,098,698 960,169 Miscellaneous animals and products 280,648 320,647 372,866 1,011,197 955,312 924,418

Crops KENTUCKY 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total crops 1,901,351 2,159,563 2,432,544 2,818,183 2,840,720 2,489,828 Food grains 83,191 154,052 207,738 252,386 239,237 163,441 Wheat 83,191 154,052 207,738 252,386 239,237 163,441 Feed crops 722,607 949,942 982,829 944,058 1,071,713 997,810 Corn 600,035 820,465 838,463 751,986 889,888 782,176 Tobacco 340,221 323,176 376,858 406,024 429,884 371,981 Oil crops 601,135 576,433 706,579 1,047,940 932,109 788,808 All other crops 154,197 155,959 158,540 167,775 167,777 167,788

All Commodities KENTUCKY 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 All commodities $4,040,162 $4,388,658 $4,797,668 $6,175,567 $6,495,031 $5,829,204

Source: USDA Economic Research Service

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January Lane 18-44.indd 38 1/6/17 3:46 PM SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS

New Kentucky Arts Council Executive Director Lydia Bailey Brown.

in the operation of the state that we aren’t simply sustained, but that we grow in importance and impact. Specifically, we need to find ways to increase arts education programming, accessibility to diverse audiences and efficient and relevant professional development opportunities for working artists. We also need to increase cultural tourism and better the quality of life for Kentuckians. To do this, I recognize we need to be creative business developers in our agency, and we’ll have to find new revenue streams alongside our state and federal support. Also, we need to move forward collaboratively with other state agencies to better utilize our resources and talents. I’m thrilled to be working with such a committed, seasoned staff of arts professionals at the arts council. As we explore what new strategies will be required of us, we are working to determine the best way to utilize the team’s gifts. A New Director for the Ky. Arts Scene TM: What role can business leaders have in the arts? New arts council director hopes to intertwine business and the arts LBB: The arts community is more than just artists. It’s made up of advocates, patrons, audience members and Kentuck- YDIA Bailey Brown was appointed ater.” I knew those were the things that ians whose lives are enriched daily by the executive director of the Kentucky were home inside me, but I didn’t know arts. Employers benefit from attracting LArts Council on Dec. 5. She comes they had the commonality of being “the creative thinkers and can increase the to the agency with more than three arts.” I looked at my skills and interests in creative culture of their communities by decades of experience as an arts adminis- high school and then college, and recog- encouraging employees to participate in trator and business leader, including posi- nized I was both left- and right-brained. I the arts. It is imperative to have engaged tions as executive director of The Cultural had talents in business and a passion for corporations, municipal leaders and orga- Alliance in Norfolk, Va.; director of sales both making and managing art, so it made nizations as strong partners in the place- and marketing for Chicago Scenic Stu- sense to me when I learned there was such ment of public art, encouraging arts dios; director of education for the York- a thing as a career in arts administration. education in school budgets and helping town Arts Foundation & Galleries in define the creative cultures of their Yorktown, Va.; assistant officer at The Mar- TM: How does that connection as an regions. Business leaders must serve on iners’ Museum in Newport News, Va.; and artist help you as an administrator? arts organization boards, commission director of marketing and public relations LBB: I think that I first experience a Kentucky artwork for their workplaces, for the Williamsburg Symphonia in Wil- show or view a piece with the mindset of sponsor arts festivals, performances or liamsburg, Va. Bailey Brown also held the a peer rather than a manager in the events to invigorate the cultural climate of development director role of New York- arts. I still identify as an artist too. I feel their neighborhoods. Conversely, artists based global business and economic think- a kinship to artists and personally are valuable to business leaders and tank, The Conference Board. understand their concerns and passions should be included in service on corpo- Bailey Brown discussed her back- for what’s happening in our communi- rate boards, lending their creative insight ground in the arts and her plans for the ties, state and country, as well as in their to the business environment. Creativity state arts agency with Tom Musgrave, careers. Some of their challenges have training within the workplace has proven arts council communications director. been some of my challenges. to help companies innovate. In healthy business environments, there’s a synergis- Tom Musgrave: What motivated you to TM: What goals do you have for the tic relationship between the arts and busi- be an arts administrator? Kentucky Arts Council? ness communities. When both are Lydia Bailey Brown: From a very early age, LBB: I am an idealist. I do not apologize collaborating, all succeed with greater I planned for my career in the arts. Walk- for having huge goals. I am driven by a outcome and enjoy the journey more. ■ ing home from ballet class at age 4, I sincere passion for the arts in Kentucky, found myself wondering “how am I going and in that light my overarching goal is Tom Musgrave is communications director to work in dance, visual art, music, the- that we as an agency become so integral of the Kentucky Arts Council.

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January Lane 18-44.indd 39 1/6/17 3:19 PM EXPLORING KENTUCKY

If you’re planning a trip to Western Kentucky for the eclipse, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs offers numerous activities.

The Great American Eclipse 101 eclipseville.com Hopkinsville’s eclipse-specific website, with local scheduled events, attractions, accommodations, public viewing areas, scientific info, and eclipse merchandise, such as $5 solar viewing glasses, plus tips on photo- graphing the eclipse and on throwing an eclipse party.

visithopkinsville.com Everything else you want to know about Hoptown. (800) 842-9959

kentuckytourism.com/eclipse Kentucky Travel and Tourism’s terrific website includes links to communities in the path, related events, overnights, eating spots and maps of the eclipse path.

Nearby Kelly, a tiny western Kentucky village, became famous in 1955 when reports emerged of an extraterrestrial sighting. The town continues to celebrate the eerie story with the annual Kelly Little Green Men Days Festival, a four-day event that is now in its sixth year. If you go, expect to ogle a 38-foot Here Comes the Sun replica of a flying saucer, listen to live music and decide for yourself what Hopkinsville will offer the world’s longest viewing of upcoming eclipse really happened on Aug. 21, 62 years ago – the same day as the eclipse. Coin- BY KATHERINE TANDY BROWN cidence? What do you think? Cook quips, “We like to say they were looking for their eclipse-viewing seats N August, a number of my child- Christian County Convention and Visitors early.” hood friends and I will travel from Bureau. “It’s one of those phenomena that Hopkinsville’s annual Little River Festi- Iwherever life has led us through the we’ll probably never have another chance val has been rebranded this year into years back to our hometown of Hop- to see in our lifetime.” Summer Salute, three days of downtown kinsville to witness “the most exciting 2 During the brief period that the sun fun to coincide with the eclipse, complete minutes, 41 seconds in astronomy.” disappears there at 1:24:41 p.m. on Aug. with headliner musicians. “We’ll have We’ve been planning this rendezvous 21, day will become night and the sun’s what will probably be the world’s largest since the news broke that majestic corona (its ethereal food court,” Cook says with a laugh. “It’s our little town – current outer atmosphere) will going to take a lot of food to feed 50,000- population, around 33,000 become visible when the to-100,000 extra people.” – would provide the longest moon comes between the To coincide with the celestial event, opportunity of anywhere in earth and the sun, casting its on Aug. 19-20 the city will host a Comic the world to view the 2017 moon shadow, or umbra, on Con, a comic-book-themed event with total solar eclipse. the earth. In the common- nods to sci-fi and pop culture icons, To give you an idea of the wealth, folks from the far west aptly named EclipseCon 2017. Not-yet- magnitude of this event, a in Paducah (2 minutes, 19 named guest stars will include comic total eclipse of the sun has not graced this seconds), southeast through Princeton, book authors and super heroes, such as nation with such widespread visibility Madisonville, Bowling Green (1 minute, 2 Batman. from sea to shining sea since 1918, when seconds), Russellville, Franklin, Fort “Nerds,” says Cook, “are in.” my mother – who grew up on Hoptown’s Campbell and Western Kentucky’s lakes As is bourbon. And local craft distill- Main Street and left this earth before the area and lands in between will get a great eries have planned crowd-drawing events. last millennium – was 5 years old. On aver- view, but none for as long as Hopkinsville. In nearby Pembroke, MB Roland will age, a total eclipse appears somewhere on Brief is the operative word here, as the sun host a Kentucky Bourbon Masharee, a our planet around every year-and-a-half will enter Kentucky at 1:21 p.m. CDT and toast to Kentucky’s officially-sanctioned but never cuts such a wide swath across exit at 1:30 p.m. CDT. So be sure to make American Spirit and its distillers. With the U.S. your sighting plans ahead of time. at least 14 other distilleries participat- “Because of its path from the Pacific to To help with that process, Hoptown ing, the Aug. 18-19 festivities include Atlantic oceans, they’re calling it the Great has plenty to keep visitors busy during live music, food, libations and a ticketed American Eclipse,” says Cheryl Cook, their stay. The following is but a partial VIP dinner and meet-and-greet with the executive director of the Hopkinsville/ array of things to do. distillers. Casey Jones Distillery, a Hop-

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January Lane 18-44.indd 40 1/6/17 3:20 PM kinsville craft distillery named for a leg- The Trail of Tears Commemorative Park in endary Kentucky still-builder, will offer Hopkinsville is one of the few documented sites of a special-edition 100-proof Total Eclipse actual trail camps used during the forced removal Moonshine, which the business has of Cherokees to “Indian Territory” in the 1800s. named the “Official Spirit of the 2017 Eclipse.” Check online for related events. Cayce, a.k.a. “The Sleeping Prophet”; Other Hoptown happenings include and Hopkinsville’s downtown history a festival at Jefferson Davis State His- museums. toric Site in Fairview, a western-themed Although a few members of the sci- eclipse-watching party at Copper Can- entific community and “eclipse chas- yon Ranch, live gospel music at Chris- ers” began booking rooms here at the tian Way Farm, and a Bluegrass music epicenter a few years ago, overnight “bash” with Kentucky Proud vendors accommodations in the area are still and food trucks at Burdoc Farms. available, including hotel and motel One public viewing site, 34-acre Trail rooms, corporate getaways, rooms in of Tears Commemorative Park, is on a private houses, and camping and RV portion of the campgrounds Cherokee parking. Cook advises reserving hotel Indians used on their infamous trek rooms directly with local properties west, and you can learn their poignant and not on corporate websites, where history at its heritage center. you’re likely to get a “sorry, we’re full.” While in town, be sure Find info on Hopkinsville’s eclipse-spe- to visit the Don F. Pratt cific website. Memorial Museum at Many West Kentucky businesses are Fort Campbell, which customizing solar viewing glasses for their tells the story of the 101st customers, so be sure to snap up a pair to Airborne Division’s protect your eyes. Happy eclipsing! ■ “Screaming Eagles”; the gravesite of America’s Edgar Cayce, Katherine Tandy Brown is a correspondent greatest 20th-century psy- “The Sleeping for The Lane Report. She can be reached chic, native son Edgar Prophet” at [email protected].

Stay on top The Lane Report, Kentucky’s monthly business news magazine, serves people across the commonwealth who are passionate about leading our economic resurgence. People with a single-minded focus on winning strategy and flawless execution. The Lane Report can help you “stay on top” in a dynamic new economy. Visit lanereport.com/subscribe to sign up. The Lane Report ® Where the news is made by the readers. lanereport.com

JanuaryTLR-12100 Lane HalfPageAd.indd 18-44.indd 41 1 11/1/121/6/17 3:201:21 PMPM PASSING LANE Commentary on Kentucky

Waterstep’s Portable Bleach Maker Wins 2016 New Product of Year CCORDING to a study by the a request from organization Project bleach maker uses a process called elec- World Health Organization and Hope during the Ebola outbreak in trolysis to create sodium hypochlorite, AUNICEF, one in 10 people on 2014. The concept was further devel- more commonly known as chlorine the planet do not have access to safe oped at Hack2o 2014, a hack-a-thon bleach. Bleach is used to sanitize hospi- water. To put it in perspective, that hosted by WaterStep and FirstBuild to tals and medical clinics and to disinfect equates to 748 million people – more create solutions to the world water cri- cooking areas, cooking equipment and than twice the population of the sis. WaterStep volunteers Frank clothing. The device was field-tested in United States. Diebold, David Mekus and Joe Jacobi numerous countries, including Kenya, WaterStep, a Louisville-based com- Nigeria, Costa Rica, Uganda and in pany, has made it their mission to Ecuador following a devastating earth- address the problem by training people quake last April. Most recently, the in developing countries to use safe bleach makers were used in Haitian water solutions like water purification, medical clinics and hospitals to treat health education and well repair to displaced refugees following Hurricane keep their communities healthy. Matthew. Since its founding in 1995, WaterStep’s efforts were recently rec- WaterStep has worked in more than 33 ognized when Environmental Protec- led a group of others from UofL, Louis- countries to bring safe water to areas in tion, an online resource for ville Water Co. and General Electric’s desperate need. environmental professionals, First Build Innovation Center, who “The team at WaterStep couldn’t be announced that WaterStep was the win- worked together to develop a powerful more thankful to end 2016 by being ner of its New Product of the Year con- disinfectant tool. recognized by Environmental Protec- test in the Health and Safety/Cleanup It ended up taking two years to tion,” said Mark Hogg, founder and category for its portable bleach maker. develop the portable bleach maker, a CEO of WaterStep. “We do not take this The critical need for a simple and handheld device that can generate pow- honor lightly, and it inspires our hope portable bleach maker became increas- erful disinfectant on demand. Using to see the day no child suffers from ingly apparent when WaterStep received water, salt and a 12-volt car battery, the waterborne illness.”

Kentucky State Police: IRS Mileage Rates Tips for Winter Driving Safety Drop for Business, ENTUCKY has already seen its first taste of win- Medical and Moving tery weather for 2017 and the Kentucky State K Police say that the best way drivers can deal with HE standard mileage rates used winter weather is by being prepared. to calculate deductible costs of KSP spokesman Josh Brashears said the agency does Toperating a vehicle for business its best to get information out to travelers about road will be lower in 2017, according to a conditions when precipitous weather is affecting the statement issued by the Internal Reve- Bluegrass State and relies heavily on social media plat- nue Service. forms to spread the word. Effective Jan. 1, 2017, the standard “We have had great success using Twitter, Face- mileage rates for the use of a car, van, book and the KSP Mobile App to share winter pickup or panel truck dropped to 53.5 weather updates,” notes Brashears. “We encourage cents per business mile driven, down drivers to download the app so they will have real from the 2016 rate of 54 cents. time traffic updates when planning winter travel.” The rates have also been lowered to Travelers can also check road and weather conditions by visiting goky.ky.gov, an online 17 cents per mile driven for medical or traffic, roadway information and weather portal operated by the Kentucky Transportation moving purposes, down from 19 cents Cabinet. The user-friendly site offers real-time information and is updated every two min- in 2016. utes. Travelers should refrain from calling KSP posts or 911 for road or weather condi- The 14 cents per mile driven allowed tions, due to high call volume. for travel for charitable organizations In addition to common-sense measures such as reducing speed and increasing dis- remains unchanged for 2017. tance between vehicles, other tips include using an anti-ice solution in your windshield The standard mileage rate for busi- washer fluid; avoiding the use of cruise control, which can cause a vehicle’s wheels to con- ness is based on an annual study of the tinue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased; ensuring your fixed and variable costs of operating an vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded for an extended time; and keep- automobile. The rate for medical and ing your cell phone charged. Always dress warmly and keep a blanket in the car as well. moving purposes is based on the vari- Consider putting together a winter survival kit that includes items such as a first-aid kit, able costs. a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water), windshield scraper, booster cables, The IRS reminds, however, that tax- road maps, tool kit, bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction), payers always have the option of calcu- collapsible shovel, flashlight and extra batteries. lating the actual costs of using their The state police encourage travelers to look out for each other and contact them by vehicle rather than using the standard calling (800) 222-5555 if you observe a stranded motorist. mileage rates.

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January Lane 18-44.indd 42 1/6/17 3:20 PM State Launches Tool to Help Citizens Locate Lost Life Insurance Policies

HE Kentucky Department of Insurance has announced a national service that provides consumers with the capability to search online for lost life insurance Tpolicies and annuities. The National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s (NAIC) life insurance Cantrell Becomes 1st policy locator tool provides a search capability for individuals looking to find lost policies. The tool is now available to Kentuckians on the DOI website, insurance. Kentuckian to Create ky.gov. “As a part of our continued efforts to respond to the needs of consumers, we were Official Derby Art in the early stages of developing an online search feature for Kentuckians,” said Brian Maynard, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Insurance. “We were fortu- HURCHILL Downs has released nate that the NAIC also saw the need and stepped forward with plans for a nation- the 2017 “Official Art of the Ken- wide policy locator system. Having them take the lead represents a real savings to the Ctucky Derby,” a watercolor paint- commonwealth in staff time and expenses, both for the initial design and to maintain ing by award-winning Kentucky artist the system going forward.” Jim Cantrell. An estimated $1 billion in benefits from life insurance policies are unclaimed Cantrell is the first Kentucky artist to nationwide, according to Consumer Reports. The new locator will give Kentuckians the create the Derby’s officially licensed art- tools they need to search for and claim benefits from a lost policy or annuity. work since the tradition began in 1997. “Many family members don’t know where to turn when they are searching for a “The one sporting event I remember relative’s lost life insurance policy or annuity,” said Matt Lockett, director of the my father enjoying took place every year Health and Life Division at the Kentucky Department of Insurance. “We receive calls on the first Saturday of May, the Ken- from people all across Kentucky who are searching for a lost or misplaced life insur- tucky Derby horse race,” said Cantrell. ance policy and this new service, located on the department’s website, simplifies the “Living in Nebraska he could only listen search for the consumer and the insurance company.” to it on the radio. His love for horses Search requests received through the online tool are encrypted and secured to meant owning one and thus riding a maintain confidentiality. The requests are then forwarded to hundreds of participat- horse was a part of my life growing up. ing insurers nationwide to compare the information with available policyholder data. Now, after living and working in Ken- All matches are then reported to DOI through the locator tool, and insurance com- tucky for the past 46 years, I feel a real panies will contact beneficiaries or their authorized representative if a match is sense of honor in being selected for this found. prestigious commission, and I know my According to the NAIC, insurance companies paid more than $74 billion in insur- father would be proud as well.” ance policy benefits to consumers nationwide in 2015. Beginning in 2010, state insur- Known for his ability to paint the fig- ance regulators across the country have investigated unclaimed life insurance ure, Cantrell was Berea College’s first benefits. To date, nearly 23 regulatory actions have resulted in returning more than potter-in-residence in 1970. Since then $6.75 billion life insurance proceeds to U.S. consumers. the former high school art teacher and associate professor of art in Nebraska has enjoyed a successful career as an independent studio artist. His paintings are in the permanent collections of 14 Kentucky Artisan Center Accepting art museums in the U.S., including Ken- Submissions for New Exhibit tucky’s Speed Museum and the Owens- HE Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is accepting submissions for its new boro Museum of Fine Art. His work is in exhibit, “225: Artists Celebrate Kentucky’s History.” The exhibit will be held numerous private collections around from March 25 to Sept. 23 in the center’s main gallery and will feature two and the world and has been exhibited in the T U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia, as part of three-dimensional works that record, capture, embrace and celebrate a facet or subject from Kentucky’s 225-year history. The entry deadline is March 1. the Art in Embassies program. Cantrell Kentucky history should be an inte- is the recipient of two Al Smith Fellow- gral part of each creation as conveyed ships from the Kentucky Arts Council by choice of subject or it may connect and one from the Southern Arts Federa- style-wise to a historic Kentucky cre- tion. He has been awarded Alumni of ative tradition such as the Shakers. the Year for Creative Achievement from Works submitted can be functional or the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, non-functional with no dimension where he received his BFA in Fine Art exceeding 4 feet. Education, and from the University of As part of the exhibit, artists will be Northern Colorado, where he received asked to write about the particular Ken- his Masters of Art degree. tucky history that inspired their work The Official Art of the Kentucky and give some background and insight Derby is featured on posters for the into their creative processes. Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks as Information about the exhibit and an entry form are available by contacting the well as on tickets, souvenir racing pro- center. Entry forms also are available by mail: Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, Attn: grams, ornaments, t-shirts, bags, post “225”, 200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403 or by calling (859) 985-5448. cards and invitations in select retail out- lets and at KentuckyDerbyStore.com.

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January Lane 18-44.indd 43 1/6/17 3:20 PM KENTUCKY PEOPLE

LEXINGTON: CENTRAL KENTUCKY BUSINESSES HONORED EDGEWOOD: NORTHERN FOR ROLE IN WORKING TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY KY HOMEBUILDERS GROUP PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARDS

The Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky presented its annual awards on Dec. 1 at Summit Hills Country Club in Edgewood. Pictured here (top photo) is 2017 Association President Bill Cullen (right) presenting Brian Jones, of C.K. Ash Insurance, with the Donald M. Wiedeman Lifetime Achievement Award. In the middle picture, 2016 Association President Tom Spille (left) presents Tim Burks with the 2016 Builder of the Year Award. In the bottom photo, 2016 Associate Home Builders President Jim Frey presents the 2016 Associate of the Year Award to Nick Smith, of Keller Williams Realty.

Bullhorn Creative, Good Foods Co-op, Habitat for Humanity, Lexmark, RossTarrant Architects and Trane were recently recognized for their role in piloting Lexington’s new Green Check program. The Green Check business certification, which is a city program managed by Bluegrass GreenSource, promotes businesses’ efforts to increase sustainable practices within their facilities and operations. Example initiatives from the pilot businesses include parking lot renovations with permeable pavers, installation of rain gardens, upgrades to energy-efficient lighting, office compost programs and promotion of alternative transportation. Pictured here are (front row, left to right) John Gagel, Lexmark; Rachel Childress, Habitat for Humanity; Suzette Exum, Trane; Amy Sohner, Bluegrass GreenSource; and Rob Gates, Bluegrass GreenSource. Back row, left to right: Bridget Abernathy, Bluegrass GreenSource; Sheryl Gray, Good Foods Co-Op; Dowell Hoskins-Squier, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government commissioner of Environmental Quality and Public Works; Lexington Vice Mayor Steve Kay; Brad Flowers, Bullhorn Creative; and Brian Buckner, Ross Tarrant Architects. MURRAY: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW SCIENCE RESOURCE FACILITY FOR FORMER DEAN Murray State University has named its new science resource center after respected scholar and administrator Gary Boggess. Boggess joined the MSU faculty in 1966 as a member of the chemistry department and worked his way up through the ranks to become dean of the College of Science. During his 20 years at the helm, Boggess actively sought supplemental funding for the college and raised over $3.1 million in grant money. Pictured here is Boggess (right) with his lifelong friend and fellow alumnus Jesse D. Jones, who made a generous donation in Boggess’ honor to the MSU Foundation. LEXINGTON: 3 KY NONPROFIT LEADERS RECOGNIZED WITH AWARDS FOR LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

The Kentucky Nonprofit Network, the state association for nonprofit organizations, honored the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and two of the state’s nonprofit leaders – all from Lexington – at the 13th annual Kentucky Nonprofit Leadership Forum in November. Pictured here, from left to right, are Kentucky Nonprofit Network Board Chair Marian Guinn; recipients Neil Chethik, executive director of the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning; Kathy Plomin, active community member and former nonprofit executive; and Richard Seckel, executive director of the Kentucky Equal Justice Center; with Kentucky Nonprofit Network Executive Director and CEO Danielle Clore.

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January Lane 18-44.indd 44 1/6/17 3:20 PM LIVE CHAMBER SESSIONS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS KET KY, the Kentucky Channel (statewide broadcast) Frankfort Plant Board Cable System Capitol In-House TV System

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Nightly report with host Renee Shaw (@ReneeKET) KET Weeknights • 11/10 pm

KENTUCKY TONIGHT Legislators and guests discuss policy KET Mondays • 8/7 pm

COMMENT ON KENTUCKY Host Bill Bryant and journalists explore the week’s top stories KET Fridays • 8/7 pm

LIVE AND ARCHIVED KET.org/legislature KET Legislative Coverage App

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