From the Executive Director's desk

As we approach the end of an eventful year, we have much to celebrate and reflect upon within our communities. This month's edition of the KCADD newsletter is particularly special as we highlight the extraordinary achievements of five Area Development Districts honored with the prestigious National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Impact Awards.

These awards recognize regional development strategies, partnerships, and projects that have significantly impacted our communities. The recipients—Barren River, Gateway, Green River, Lake Cumberland, and Purchase Area Development Districts—demonstrated exceptional work in areas such as economic development, community health initiatives, and infrastructure improvement.

Each of these districts has contributed to their region's prosperity and is an inspiring example for others across the state and nation. I know you'll join me in extending the heartiest congratulations to Kentucky's 2023 NADO Impact Award winners!

We traveled to Lexington for the 49th KACo Conference and Exposition, held Nov. 15-17. Hosted at the Central Bank Center, the event provided a fantastic opportunity for networking, learning, and sharing ideas. We were especially proud to conduct our quarterly KCADD Board of Directors meeting in conjunction with the conference.

A standout moment at the KACo Conference was Menifee County Judge/Executive and KCADD board member Rick Stiltner's heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem. His performance was not only a display of his talent but also a reflection of his passion and dedication to his leadership role. We are fortunate to have such inspiring individuals among us.

In another highlight of the conference, I had the pleasure of discussing House Bill 9 (Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation or "GRANT") with the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association. Babbage Cofounder's Senior Policy Director Rebecca Hartsough joined me in this discussion. Our collaboration and joint efforts in navigating the complexities of this crucial legislation have been instrumental in shaping strategies that will benefit our communities immensely.

As we conclude this year, let's also mark our calendars for the Inauguration Open House at the KCADD Office (501 Capital Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601) on Tuesday, Dec. 12. This event, organized in partnership with the Kentucky Magistrates & Commissioners Association, the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association, the Kentucky Association of Counties, and the Kentucky League of Cities, promises to be a memorable day full of fun and fellowship. We invite you to join us at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and stay for lunch featuring grilled pork chops, chicken, and more.

We look forward to your participation and to closing this year on a high note, filled with optimism and excitement for the future. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you.

Thanks for reading,

Casey Ellis, Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

Kentucky Association of District Directors

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) has recognized the exceptional contributions of five Kentucky Area Development Districts (ADDs) by awarding them with the prestigious NADO Impact Award. These awards highlight the innovative and impactful work of regional development organizations across the country.

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KRADD announces arrival of Senior Meals Food Truck

The Kentucky River Area Development District recently announced the arrival of its brand-new Senior Meals Food Truck, made possible by funding received from the Department for Aging and Independent Living! The addition allows KRADD to deliver hot, healthy meals directly to its seniors in the most remote areas of the region. The Senior Meals Food Truck will begin operating on a regular schedule in December! Read more here.

GADD hosts second annual Fall Carnival and Resource Fair

The Gateway Area Development District (GADD) recently hosted a Fall Carnival and Resource Fair for the Gateway region's senior citizens at the Morgan County Wellness Center. The event drew a crowd of more than 150 senior citizens from all five of the Gateway region's counties, resource fair attendees, local elected officials, and GADD personnel. The regional event featured carnival-themed games, bowling, food prepared by GADD's Regional Kitchen, resource fair giveaways, and door prizes sponsored by vendors.

The event, made possible in part by the Morgan County Fiscal Court and numerous donations from the region's local governments and citizens, helped provide food, games, prizes, and transportation funding. 

"The second annual Fall Carnival turned out to be another huge success," said GADD Executive Director Joshua Farrow. "Seniors representing all five Gateway counties were in attendance to test their luck at carnival games and bowling while learning about various regional programs and services. We are extremely grateful to our local governments, community partners, and citizen members for their willingness to donate and participate in our events. Without them, these functions would not be possible." 

The Gateway Area Development District serves the Kentucky counties of Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan

New Albany, Indiana receives KIPDA's Kentucky Indiana Transportation Excellence Award

The ninth annual KIPDA Kentucky Indiana Transportation Excellence Award (KITE) went to the City of New Albany, Indiana, for the East Main Street Project. A road revitalization in the heart of downtown New Albany, this project encapsulates the complete streets concept with safety, accessibility, and socioeconomic considerations.

East Main Street now boasts bump outs for traffic calming measures and reduced width of crosswalks, further minimizing the time pedestrians spend on the road. Additionally, reverse-angle parking facilities allow safer vehicle movement. The project also focuses on inclusivity, ensuring it caters to all residents with ADA-compliant curb ramps at intersections and crosswalks.

Employees of New Albany and Clark Dietz Inc., the contracting firm on the project, accepted the award at KIPDA’s annual meeting in November in Shelbyville, Kentucky. 

KIPDA serves the Kentucky counties of Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble and the Indiana counties of Clark and Floyd.

Kentucky Power donates to Big Sandy senior meal program

Kentucky Power recently donated $5,000 to the Big Sandy Senior Center Meal program to assist with purchasing shelf meals for use during inclement weather/natural disasters, ensuring senior meal clients' needs are met during emergencies. 

The Big Sandy Area Development District serves the Kentucky counties of Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike 

GRADD receives Chamber Excellence Award

The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) received the fourth quarter Ohio County Chamber of Commerce Excellence Award on Nov. 21 at the Chamber's November membership meeting. GRADD Executive Director Joanna Shake was on hand to accept the award. 

The Green River Area Development District serves the Kentucky counties of Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster.