ABB 2006/7 | State Profiles | Mid West region | Kentucky | Governor

It’s the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and world-famous bourbon and it’s known as the horse capital of the world. It’s a place where the sun shines bright and the people have an unbridled spirit. The Commonwealth of Kentucky, with its diverse landscape, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the lakes and river-studded peninsulas in the west, can claim many superlatives.

While the grass may be blue, Kentucky businesses are seeing green. Called the new “Auto Alley” for its strong vehicle manufacturing presence, the commonwealth now also offers a burgeoning service sector and a rash of high-tech opportunities. It’s earned national and international recognition for its hospitable business climate and profitable investment opportunities, including several benchmark citings by Site Selection magazine. Kentucky has consistently ranked in the top seven, most recently scoring the fourth-place position in the magazine’s annual Competitiveness Award, based on 10 quantifiable criteria for measuring business expansion activity, and seventh among the states for overall favorable business climate.

These accolades have not gone unnoticed by industry leaders, both on a national level and on a global scale: 21 of the top 25 combined largest global and US corporations have operations in Kentucky. Foreign enterprises currently have nearly 350 facilities located throughout the state, resulting in more than 71,100 jobs, while the state has established economic development offices in Japan, Belgium, Chile, Mexico, and China.

Some of the largest national and international corporations – UPS, GE, Amazon.com, Ford, GM, Toyota and Webasto – have established deep roots in the Commonwealth, while a bevy of homegrown companies – Humana, Lexmark, Papa John’s, KFC, Ashland Inc and Louisville Slugger among them – have become household names around the world. We also put a heavy emphasis on our very own exciting cadre of small businesses – the household names of tomorrow.

Whatever your size, wherever you’re based, no matter your product or service, Kentucky makes it easy to do business. I invite you to explore the many advantages Kentucky offers new and expanding businesses. If you want to join what’s happening in Kentucky, give us a call. We want to help you “get down to business” in Kentucky.

Sincerely

Governor Ernie Fletcher

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