PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) – The Southeastern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a lunch and learn event Tuesday dedicated to regional economic development.
Colby Kirk, president and CEO of ONE East Kentucky, addressed attendees and shared the organization’s mission and hopes for growth.
“I think eastern Kentucky is poised as an opportunity ready for industrial development,” Kirk said.
Kirk said it’s hard to find local leaders who don’t understand the importance of economic development in the region, and most places have talent dedicated to bringing in new businesses and industry. But not everyone in these communities understands why people would invest in spaces like industrial parks, he said.
“I hope more local communities realize the importance of having skin in the game,” he said. “Companies don’t just come knocking on your door.”
For counties and cities that lack dedicated human resources, Kirk said his team is always willing to step in to fill the gap with research, information and connections.
“We’re kind of a think tank for economic development in this region,” Kirk said.
He said the infrastructure is there, the interest is there and the ideas are there, but in some cases the incentives provided by the state are not enough to get someone to pursue a project in the region. . And while much development has taken place over the years, more work is needed for the area to thrive.
“Unemployment remains high and poverty persists in this region,” Kirk said. “But I think both of those numbers will go down if a concentrated effort is made to encourage jobs and investment in the region.”
Kirk said this change will come about by working together to better market the area as buildable and business-ready.
Learn more about ONE East Kentucky here.
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