From the Executive Director's desk

We spent much of October on the road, first traveling to Morehead for the monthly Kentucky Association of District Director's (KADD) meeting hosted by the Gateway Area Development District (GADD). As part of the meeting, the 15 directors, myself, and my staff enjoyed a tour of the recently expanded Menifee County Senior Center/Gateway Regional Kitchen. The kitchen accommodates Menifee, Bath, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan counties and served 105,887 meals during the fiscal year 2022-23. The tour also included a look at GADD's Motor Meals, a food truck serving free, hot meals to anyone age 60 and up in the counties mentioned above. As we head into the winter months, it's a comfort to know that the 15 ADDs are going above and beyond to ensure the health and wellness of Kentucky's older adult population.

The topic on everyone's mind right now is House Bill 9, which led us back to Morehead Oct. 16-17—the first day focused on providing updates to ADD staff through the state and federal partners that will be crucial to the success of HB9. On the 17th, we welcomed 170 state, county, and city officials from across eastern Kentucky for another round of updates on state and federal programs that can be used to enhance their communities. The event mirrored the workshop held at Murray State University in July.

If you missed the event and would like to review the presentations, please email me at cellis@kcadd.org, and I'll be happy to pass them along.

If you follow KCADD on Facebook, you'll likely notice an increased presence there, as well as a new logo. The KCADD Facebook has lain dormant for the past three years. We're excited to begin sharing the incredible work of the ADDs with our followers, as well as more on what we're doing here in Frankfort. Give us a follow at facebook.com/KYCADD. We've also created an Instagram page. You can follow along here.

For the next two months, my staff and I will focus on collecting data from each of the 15 ADDs to share throughout the 2024 Legislative Session. Our goal is to effectively communicate our narrative, as well as arm ourselves with information on the incredible work our ADDs and local governments are doing.

If you would like to highlight a success in your community, please feel free to pass it along by emailing KCADD Executive Assistant/Public Information Officer Molly Haines at mhaines@kcadd.org. We'd love to hear from you.  

Thanks for reading,

Casey Ellis, Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

Kentucky Association of District Directors

The Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts (KCADD) is proud to announce the implementation of enhanced communication efforts to foster greater community engagement and collaboration among its member districts. As a leading organization that promotes regional development and cooperation, KCADD recognizes the importance of effective communication in driving positive change and empowering communities across Kentucky. 

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Green River Workforce Development Board awarded $1.5 million

The Green River Area Development District's Workforce Development Board has received $1.5 million through the Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy and Training (QUEST) Dislocated Worker Grant.

The funds will assist dislocated workers and long-term unemployed in finding a career with a sustaining wage, focusing on marginalized populations.

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

Northern Kentucky ADD completes regional housing study

The Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD) has undertaken a comprehensive study focusing on housing inventory, cost, and its intricate relationship with economic conditions and employment opportunities across the eight-county northern Kentucky region. The study, facilitated by NKADD, emerged following rigorous competitive procurement procedures, resulting in the selection of Stantec, a nationally recognized consulting firm with a presence in Kentucky, from a pool of highly qualified candidates.

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The Northern Kentucky Area Development District serves the following Kentucky counties: Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, and Pendleton

Petrie, Reed discuss HB9 at Barren River ADD board meeting

The Barren River Area Development District’s Oct. 30 board meeting included a packed house of regional leaders learning about the expansion of House Bill 9's footprint into the area. Rep. Jason Petrie and Rep. Brandon Reed shared insight on this state matching program. BRADD also recognized three staff anniversaries: Sharon Woods, one year; Katie White, one year; and Emily Hathcock, five years. 

The Barren River Area Development District serves the following Kentucky counties: Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren.

Green River ADD hosts Senior Games

The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) partnered with the Union County Senior Center Sept. 19 to host the 2023 Senior Games at the Moffit Lake Recreation Area in Union County. The event was a huge success and was enjoyed by many older adults in Union County. 

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

KCADD meeting to be held at Central Bank Center

The Kentucky Council for Area Development District's quarterly board meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at the Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507.