Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts Successful Lunch & Learn with Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel

PIKEVILLE, KY (October 15, 2024) – On October 8, 2024, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch & Learn event featuring Jeff Noel, Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. Noel provided valuable insights into the importance of job creation and fostering partnerships between businesses to attract investment to Kentucky.

The Lunch & Learn was well-attended by over 30 business and community leaders representing EKCEP, Kentucky Career Center, One East Kentucky, Appalachian Wireless, Eastern Telephone & Technologies, and more.

During his presentation, Noel emphasized the significance of international outreach in securing foreign investment for the state. He highlighted his recent travels to Asia and Europe, where he was joined by Governor Andy Beshear to promote Kentucky as a destination for business expansion. These efforts reflect the state's ongoing commitment to building a robust economy through international collaboration and partnerships.

Sec. Noel shared highlights from a recent trip to Germany, where state representatives connected with over 100 companies and influencers. This included 17 individual meetings with key industry players, many of whom are already significant employers in Kentucky. Companies such as BOSK, LOTTE Aluminum, Mitsubishi, and Hitachi—who together employ more than 15,000 Kentuckians—were part of the outreach efforts.

The Secretary also discussed Kentucky’s innovative initiatives. Through partnerships with KY Innovation, KSTC, and private nonprofits, the state has developed six regional KY Innovation Hubs. This initiative, launched through a competitive RFP process, is designed to spur entrepreneurial growth and support startups across the state.

"In just two years, Kentucky has launched 260 startups, created 2,100 startup jobs, and raised $550 million in capital," Noel noted. "With $200 million appropriated for grant funds, we are committed to empowering economic development and innovation across all regions."

“The Lunch & Learn provided our members with insights into Kentucky's future economic strategies, reaffirming the importance of partnerships to drive regional and state-wide economic growth,” said Chamber President & CEO, Jordan Gibson. “We’re grateful to Sec. Noel for his time and expertise in discussing Kentucky’s economic initiatives and international outreach efforts.”

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 500 businesses in eight Eastern Kentucky Counties: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. The Chamber’s mission is to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through a commitment to networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration as we partner together to enhance the business climate in our region.

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