FRANKFORT, KY - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development; Small Business Week; the groundbreaking for a new recycling center in Paris; and Mental Health Awareness Month. He also named everyone involved in making the 150th Kentucky Derby possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear recapped his recent travel to Germany and Switzerland to meet with leaders at existing Kentucky companies and businesses considering future investment in the United States. During his trip, the Governor talked with leaders from more than 100 companies that employ more than 15,000 Kentuckians across 80 facilities in the commonwealth. Gov. Beshear also visited more than 25 companies that employ tens of thousands of Kentuckians. Germany is one of the largest European investors in Kentucky, with over 90 companies operating in the state. He met with leaders from Mubea, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, Henkel, Eberspächer Group and BFW Envirotec. Of the companies visited, 10 have their North American headquarters in Kentucky.

“Not only is it important to say thank you to these companies for employing Kentuckians, but I also want to thank the German and Swiss governments and people for being wonderful hosts during this trip,” said Gov. Beshear. “The commonwealth’s ties are strong, and I look forward to even more exciting economic and jobs investments in the years ahead.”

The Governor congratulated a vital Kentucky automotive manufacturer, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK), on the company receiving a 2024 Corporate Investment & Community Impact (CiCi) Award from Trade & Industry Development magazine.

Gov. Beshear announced continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing sector as leaders at EPC-Columbia Inc., an industry-leading plastic injection molding company, will be expanding the company’s manufacturing operation in Lebanon with a $3.6 million investment creating 21 full-time, Kentucky jobs.

The Governor congratulated Epic Flight Academy on cutting the ribbon for its new FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic school at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

Gov. Beshear highlighted new growth in Kentucky’s booming manufacturing sector as KOI Superior Walls announced plans to locate a new manufacturing facility in Boone County, a project that is creating 73 new full-time jobs.

The Governor announced further site and building development across the state as three Kentucky Product Development Initiative projects were approved for nearly $2.6 million in state funding.

Since the beginning the Beshear administration, more than 1,000 private-sector new-location projects have been announced, totaling over $30.6 billion and creating more than 52,700 jobs for Kentuckians.

Small Business Week
For National Small Business Week, Gov. Beshear emphasized the importance of small businesses in the commonwealth. Kentucky is home to more than 363,000 small businesses which employ over 700,000 Kentuckians.

“This week, we are recognizing all of the small businesses across our state, which are truly the backbone of our economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “We simply could not have achieved the incredible record of economic success we’ve had over the past few years without the support of these companies.”

The Governor highlighted several programs that support these businesses, including the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit, the State Trade Expansion Program and the Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative. To learn more about how Team Kentucky can help your small business, visit kyinnovation.com.

Paris Recycling Center Groundbreaking
The Governor joined community members in Paris Monday to break ground on a new recycling convenience center. The new recycling center will replace the current waste transfer station located in the West Side neighborhood. The new center will be away from residential areas. The project received $2 million in funding from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly approved an additional $1.5 million for the project.

Mental Health Awareness Month
For Mental Health Awareness Month, the Governor highlighted the steps Team Kentucky is making to ensure Kentuckians can get the help they need and deserve. Since its launch in July 2022, the 988 lifeline, connecting those facing a risk of suicide, mental health distress or an addiction crisis to counselors who can help, has received more than 67,500 calls, 18,500 text messages and 13,000 online chats from Kentuckians. Calls are currently being answered within an average of 24 seconds, which is 8 seconds faster than the national average.

“In Kentucky, we recognize that it’s okay to not be okay,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thankfully, now we have more tools to help people when they need it. It is our job, based on our faith and values, to do everything we can to help our fellow human beings, and that’s exactly what the people who are answering the 988 hotline, and so many more, are doing.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear recapped events that have been held leading up to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Yesterday, the Governor joined leaders of Churchill Downs and the Ed Brown Society to sign a proclamation naming April 29–May 3 Ansel Williamson Week in the commonwealth and recognized the contributions of Black horsemen to Thoroughbred racing ahead of the Kentucky Derby.

Gov. Beshear also named everyone involved in making the Derby possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“As record crowds come to Churchill on this historic event, I want to thank everyone across Kentucky for helping to make Derby so special,” said Gov. Beshear. “To everyone who is in any part of the hospitality that is the Kentucky Derby, from anybody taking bets at Churchill Downs to anybody trying to keep it clean to those working our hotels that are welcoming so many people to the servers in our restaurant workers: Thank you. Thank you for making this one of the most sought-after destinations and events in the world and helping us do it year after year.”