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The Bluegrass Means Business
Kentucky is a Pro-Business Powerhouse
Wonder why Kentucky has quietly become one of the top states to do business? We have worked hard to create a climate that not only supports business, but allows it to thrive.
Business Climate
#1
In vehicle production per capita
#1
in FDI jobs by percentage
#1
In whiskey exports
Kentucky is within one day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population
Kentucky's logistical advantage is unmatched. Click the cities below to measure distance.
DISTANCE: 738 miles
- Louisville
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Owensboro
- Covington
- New York
- Charlotte
- Washington DC
- Chicago
- Atlanta
Get in touch with people that can help
These are the faces of our cabinet and your gateway to growing your business in Kentucky. While our project managers specialize in various industries and regions, they are all driven to make Kentucky the most business-friendly state in America. Meet them here, and don’t hesitate to reach out!
Andy Luttner
Metals & Chemicals
Andy Luttner and his wife reside in Louisville and moved to Kentucky in the summer of 2017 from New York City. Andy primarily covers the metals and chemical sectors and works attraction projects.
(502) 782-1957
(502) 782-1957
Annie Franklin
Food & Beverage, Agribusiness & Consumer Products
Annie Franklin is a native of Winchester, Ky., and a graduate of Morehead State University. She has a background in sales and marketing, and she’s lived in Hong Kong as well as Orlando, Fla. She focuses on attracting new business to the state of Kentucky in the food and beverage, agribusiness, and consumer goods industries.
(502) 782-1992
(502) 782-1992
Brittany Cox
Northern KY & BG
Brittany Cox primarily focuses on supporting existing industry and workforce needs in both Central and Northern Kentucky. She is also a proud University of Kentucky alumna and currently dserves as a mentor in the College of Communications and Information Mentor/Mentee program.
(502) 782-1995
(502) 782-1995
Corky Peek
West KY, South Central &
Green River
Green River
Corky Peek is the cabinet’s director of business development. He has more than 20 years’ experience with KCED, and primarily focuses on new and expanding companies in Western and South Central Kentucky.
(270) 210-0033
(270) 210-0033
Craig McKinney
Director of International Affairs and Business Development
Craig McKinney joined the staff of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development in August 2019 as Director of International Affairs and Business Development. In this role, Craig oversees the Cabinet’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment and find new business opportunities for the commonwealth outside the United States.
(502) 782-1942
(502) 782-1942
Elizabeth Bishop
Northern KY & BG
Born and raised in Lexington, Ky., Elizabeth attended the University of Kentucky for both her bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Elizabeth aides existing and new industry with job creation and potential investments into facilities and land development projects in Northern and Central KY.
(502) 782-1924
(502) 782-1924
Evelyn Simmler
European Business Development (Hamburg, Germany)
Evelyn Simmler is a Business Development Manager in our European Office. She supports Kentucky’s lead generation and business development efforts in Europe via foreign direct investment promotion and attraction and assistance for existing industry clients.
+49 (0) 40 35004440
+49 (0) 40 35004440
Joshua Seeberg
Director, European Office (Hamburg, Germany)
As director of the European Office for the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Joshua Seeberg oversees both daily and strategic operations aimed at growing the presence and impact of Europe-based businesses in Kentucky’s economy.
+49 (0) 40 35004440
+49 (0) 40 35004440
Jeffrey Taylor
Commissioner, Business Development
Jeff Taylor is a native Kentuckian with 35 years’ experience in economic development. As commissioner for business development, Jeff leads the cabinet's efforts to create and retain jobs and generate investment throughout the commonwealth.
(502) 782-7670
(502) 782-7670
Kristina Slattery
Executive Director, Business Development
Responsible for providing business services to companies and communities, including talent and workforce attraction, community preparedness and other existing industry needs. Also responsible for providing direction and oversight of the Cabinet’s Research function.
(502) 782-1946
(502) 782-1946
Martin David-Jacobs
Healthcare, KentuckianaWorks & Lincoln Trail
Martin David-Jacobs is a project manager specializing in health care statewide, along with a focus on business retention, recruitment and expansion for 15 counties within the KentuckianaWorks and Lincoln Trail region.
(502) 782-1968
(502) 782-1968
Mike Takahashi
Executive Director, Asia Office (Tokyo, Japan)
Mike Takahashi is stationed in Tokyo to bring investment from Japan to Kentucky. He previously worked for Itochu Corporation and worked in US for 17 years in total. His relationship with Kentucky began in 1985, and he has is proud to serve the state’s nearly 200 facilities owned by Japanese companies.
(502) 782-1968
(502) 782-1968
What They Say
Every time we've invested here, the community and state have reaffirmed this is the right location for future growth.
Luke Durudogan
President, Meggit Aircraft Braking Systems
Luke Durudogan
President, Meggit Aircraft Braking Systems
For 50 years, Dow has been an employer, neighbor and corporate partner in the region. We are proud of how far the Carrollton site has come and excited to recommit to the site with the groundbreaking of the new Cabot plant.
Howard Ungerleider
CFO, DowDuPont
Howard Ungerleider
CFO, DowDuPont
Kentucky's state resources and strong local workforce have provided us with a significant leg up in getting this project off the ground.
Stephen Croskey
CEO, Danimer Scientific
Stephen Croskey
CEO, Danimer Scientific
Available Sites & Buildings
View available assets ready for relocation
Kentucky is proud to promote
The Company We Keep
