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Gov. Matt Bevin joined four-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield last week to announce a championship boxing match to be held in Louisville on June 24 at Freedom Hall. The announcement was made in conjunction with the Louisville Sports Commission, the Muhammad Ali Center, Top Knotch Boxing (TKO), Kentucky Venues, and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.
The televised event will kick off a fight series entitled the “Real Deal Championship Boxing Series” that will be promoted by Holyfield’s company, Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. The Louisville event will feature a championship bout among contenders and an undercard that will include local amateur boxers.
The event is part of Louisville’s six-week celebration of Muhammad Ali’s legacy, entitled the “I Am Ali” festival. The festival runs June 3 to July 15, and focuses on Ali’s legacy and core values.
This is the second major combat sports announcement in Kentucky this year and comes on the heels of Gov. Bevin’s reorganization of the Kentucky Boxing & Wrestling Commission (KBWC). The reorganization streamlined KBWC as part of the Red Tape Reduction initiative and tasked the commission with cutting needless bureaucracy that stifled the combat sports industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome Evander Holyfield and Real Deal Sports & Entertainment to Kentucky for this exciting championship bout,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “Our state has a rich boxing heritage, and we have worked hard in recent months to cut red tape and remove unnecessary bureaucracy hampering the industry. As a result, Kentucky is able to once again host large-scale combat sports events. We anticipate that this will be the first of many to come and are grateful to Real Deal Sports & Entertainment for their vote of confidence.”
The boxing industry has experienced significant growth in Kentucky as a result of Red Tape Reduction efforts. In 2016 alone, there were 13 boxing shows, which was more than the prior three years combined. The number of scheduled shows in 2017 is already on track to exceed last year’s numbers. The state has also experienced approximately 30 percent growth in combat sports revenue during the last fiscal year.
Public Protection Cabinet Secretary David Dickerson stated that he is looking forward to additional economic development opportunities that will arise from Gov. Bevin’s charge to cut red tape in the industry. “It’s exciting to witness the explosive growth of combat sports in our state, and KBWC is constantly exploring new ways to grow the industry,” he said. “We believe that today’s exciting announcement is just the beginning.”
To date, Gov. Bevin’s Red Tape Reduction Initiative is responsible for repealing 151 regulations and targeting an additional 338 regulations for repeal. Over 1,900 of Kentucky’s 4,700 regulations have been reviewed as part of the initiative. Visit http://redtapereduction.com for full details.
The Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission oversees all professional boxing, wrestling, and full contact competitive bouts and exhibitions in Kentucky. Learn more about the commission at http://kbwa.ky.gov.
Louisville Metro Government is completing a planning study for the future route of the Louisville Loop route between the City of Prospect and the Big Four Bridge – the Ohio River Valley Northeast (ORVNE) master plan.
This section of the Loop is the last remaining section without a master plan.
Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation will be hosting a third and final public meeting for the project on Monday, May 22, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane, 40207.
The meeting will be an open house format with an overview presentation of the plan at 6:00 p.m. Residents are invited to view exhibits about the project and provide feedback on the plan’s recommendations.
For more information, you can view the project website at www.linkingtheloop.wordpress.com/.
By a vote of 15 to 6, the Louisville Metro Council has amended the Louisville Metro Smoking ban ordinance to include concerns about the use of electronic smoking devices and hookah bars in public areas.
“I want to thank my colleagues for their support in making these changes,” said Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), who is the primary sponsor of the ordinance. “Everyone agrees the smoking ban has gone a long way in protecting public health and as new products come on line we need to make sure they are included to maintain the protections we are now providing the public.”
The amended ordinance now includes electronic smoking devices and hookah bars in the banning of nicotine based products being used in public areas. The smoking ban ordinance was passed in its current form by the Metro Council in 2008.
“The ordinance passed tonight represents the bi-partisan work of a number of people on the council,” said Councilwoman Marilyn Parker (R-18). “The ordinance and the amendments we passed tonight protects job creators, their employees and the health of the people we represent.”
The Council’s Community Affairs, Housing, Health and Education Committee reviewed the changes for more than six months. The final version was approved with bipartisan support and input from business and the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.
“The Committee made sure that we listened to everyone who had an interest in this issue,” said Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin who chairs the Committee. “I want to thank Councilwoman Welch and Councilwoman Parker, who are both Registered Nurses, for working together to help us continue to protect the health of the people of Metro Louisville.”
This new version of the ordinance also modernizes and updates other parts of the original smoking ban with regard to language and related businesses, public areas and dwellings.
Highlights of the Amended Smoking Ban ordinance:
- Defines electronic smoking retail store as a business operation with at least 85% of sales dedicated to electronic smoking devices, and/or accessories or products; and defines electronic smoking device as any device containing or delivering nicotine that a person can use in any manner or form to inhale vapor or aerosol form of the product;
- Defines hookah as water pipe and associated products and devices used to produce fumes, smoke and/or vapor from burning or material including tobacco, herbal shisha; and defines hookah establishment as a business operation dedicated to the allowing on-site smoking through one or more hookah pipes, and must not allow minors in the building.
- There is an exemption for the consumption of any non-nicotine related products from an electronic smoking device at an electronic smoking retail store to allow tasting of various flavors.
- There is an exemption for any non-tobacco products through a hookah at a hookah lounge in operation as of March 1, 2017 shall not allow minors in the building, sell alcoholic beverages or be licensed as a food service establishment(LMCO Ch. 118)
- Smoking is not allowed 15 feet outside the entrance to any building, except for hookah establishments.
Tony Crawford says his life has “taken a big turn for the better” since landing a production job at Louisville’s Bigelow Tea, and he credits a training program offered by the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center.
“The training was pretty intense and not easy at all, but definitely worth it,” said Crawford, 31, who’d been laid off from a previous job. “Graduation day, when we got our training certificates, there were 12-15 companies lined up in the room wanting to hire us. The training and support the center provided are the reason I have this job today.”
Crawford was recognized today by Mayor Greg Fischer as the one thousandth person placed into a job by the center, a one-stop facility that provides training and resources to meet the rising demand for skilled workers in the Louisville region.
Crawford credits the training for preparing him well for his new job and for securing a slightly higher wage than he would have gotten without the course.
(Learn more about training at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center by calling (502) 276-9711, or at kentuckianaworks.org.)
The facility is located at 160 Rochester Dr., Building W, in the Airport Industrial Center in south Louisville.
The center, which opened in May 2013, also provides English as a Second Language classes, job fairs and other support for job seekers and employers. It’s operated by KentuckianaWorks, the Workforce Development Board for the Louisville area.
“Manufacturing is thriving in the Louisville region, and this center is vital in providing individuals the training and confidence they need to succeed – and connecting them with employers who need workers ready to hit the ground running, with the right skill set and motivation,” Mayor Fischer said.
The center’s career coaches help match job seekers with available manufacturing jobs and make sure they have the right training and skills for the work.
“As Louisville continues to serve as a shining example of the revitalization of our nation’s manufacturing sector, the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center has been an important part of that success, providing hard-working Kentuckians with the tools and know-how they’ll need to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow,” said Congressman John Yarmuth. “I’m incredibly proud to be part of today’s announcement of the 1,000th job placement, and look forward to thousands more as the center continues its important work.”
Several training courses are offered at the center, including Certified Production Technician (CPT) training. Individuals who complete the four-week course often have a competitive advantage over job applicants who lack the training. A more intensive, two-week course is also available.
Since 2013, individuals have earned more than 3,000 training certificates and credentials at the center, including the CPT.
GE Appliances is among the more than 100 area companies who have hired individuals trained or referred by the center. The company has employed 45 people referred by the center since it opened in 2013.
“As the labor market continues to be a challenge, training people for careers in manufacturing is critical for companies such as GE Appliances,” said Tom Quick, Vice President, Human Resources at GE Appliances. “We appreciate the partnership with the KMCC.”
In addition to referring workers, the center also offers employers a place to post job openings and to access basic manufacturing skills training for existing employees.
“We believe in the work of this industry-specific career center because it’s an effective way to help fulfill our mission of improving people’s lives through the dignity of work,” said Michael Gritton, executive director of KentuckianaWorks.
Partners in the center are the Louisville Redevelopment Authority, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Jefferson County Public Schools – Adult Education and Career and Technical Education, Kentucky Department of Workforce Investment, Preeminent Training Specialists, ResCare Workforce Services and Vision of Hope Ministries, Inc.
The Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center is funded by a mix of local foundation grants and federal dollars. Start-up funding from the National Fund for Workforce Solutions in 2013 was matched by local groups including: Community Foundation of Louisville, Gheens Foundation, James Graham Brown Foundation, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, and PNC Foundation. Funding is also currently provided by the Louisville Redevelopment Authority. Additional annual funding comes from the U.S. Dept. of Labor, through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act.
Gov. Matt Bevin has recently made the following appointments to Kentucky Boards and Commissions:
Andrea M. Tucker has been appointed to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Advisory Committee.
- Dr. Andrea M. Tucker, of Winchester, is an OB/GYN. Tucker will represent obstetrician/gynecologists. She shall serve for a term expiring May 9, 2020.
The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Advisory Committee consists of 12 gubernatorial appointees. The Committee advises the Governor, the Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Commissioner of the Department for Medicaid Services on development and administration of an outpatient drug formulary.
Terry Lewis Bunnell has been appointed to the Real Estate Appraisers Board.
- Terry Lewis Bunnell, of Glasgow, is the chairman and CEO of the Peoples Bank and Peoples-Marion Bancorp, Inc. in Crittenden and Barren counties. Bunnell will represent the lending industry. He shall serve for a term expiring May 9, 2020.
The Real Estate Appraisers Board is composed of five gubernatorial appointees. The Board is charged with regulating and controlling the licensing and conduct of real estate appraisers within the Commonwealth.
Samuel Clark Corbett has been appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 30th Judicial Circuit and District of Kentucky.
- Samuel Clark Corbett, of Louisville, is the executive director of the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation. He shall serve for a term expiring January 1, 2018.
The Judicial Nominating Commission for the 30th Judicial Circuit and District consists of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (serving as chair), two members from the Kentucky Bar Association, and four gubernatorial appointees who are not members of the Kentucky Bar Association (equally representing the two major political parties). Members cannot hold any other public office or any office in a political party or organization.
Councilman Rick Blackwell invites residents to the next District 12 Dialogue on Tuesday, May 16th to learn more about the Metro Council’s Budget Review for the coming fiscal year. MSD also will make a presentation about its 20-year Critical Repair and Reinvestment Plan.
“The Council is just beginning its review of the Mayor’s proposed 2017 -2018 Capital and Operating Budgets,” says Blackwell. “The budget review process is one of the most important responsibilities of the Metro Council and it also gives a thorough understanding of how all of the Metro agencies and departments work together.”
Representatives of MSD will also be on hand to give a presentation of their plan to repair and replace important infrastructure over the next two decades.
MSD’s 20-year Critical Repair and Reinvestment Plan covers critical risks in six areas:
- Ohio River flood protection system
- Stormwater drainage and inland flooding
- Viaducts
- Crumbling sewer infrastructure
- Wastewater treatment facilities
- Consent decree and support systems
The next District 12 Dialogue will be held at 6:00 pm at the Southwest Government Center Courtroom, 7219 Dixie Highway.
There will also be representatives from LMPD and Codes and Regulations to help constituents address specific concerns or problems.
For more information about the May District 12 Dialogue, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.
Attorney General Andy Beshear announced this week that his office is better protecting Kentuckians by holding several fitness centers in Kentucky accountable for failing to properly register with his office.
By law, fitness centers or gyms, spelled out in statute as “health spas,” are required to file an annual registration statement with the Office of the Attorney General, and post a bond, if they charge an initiation fee or have pre-paid memberships. Each bond amount is based on the number of memberships.
“Our regulatory oversight of fitness centers is important because they are located in almost every community across the state and often operate off of long-term membership fees,” Beshear said. “While the majority of fitness centers follow the law, there are those my office must seek civil penalties against for violating regulations.”
Beshear said the requirement for fitness centers to register with his office is critical to ensure that they do not just collect money for long-term memberships and then close shop.
In an effort to obtain better compliance with the majority of their Kentucky locations, Beshear said his office corresponds with all of the corporate headquarters of the fitness club franchises.
Beshear’s office has recently taken action against fitness center in the following cities:
- Frankfort: Beshear’s office filed a complaint in February 2016 against Active Fitness 24/7 for failure to register and post a bond for one year. Summary judgment was entered in Franklin Circuit Court (16-CI-221) for a $2,000 civil penalty and $2,281 in litigation costs. Beshear’s office is attempting to collect on the judgment.
- Hodgenville: Beshear’s office filed a complaint in February 2016 against Life Unlimited Investments d/b/a SNAP Fitness for failure to register and post a bond for registration for three years. A consent judgment has been entered for $3,000 in Franklin Circuit Court (16-CI-218).
- Louisville: Beshear’s office filed a complaint in November 2016 against No Limit Fitness for the failure to register for two years. Civil penalties are being sought in the case in Franklin Circuit Court (16-CI-1250).
- Versailles: Beshear’s office filed a complaint in July 2016 against SNAP Fitness for failure to register and post bond for three years. Civil penalties are being sought in the case in Franklin Circuit Court (16-CI-809).
The Office of the Attorney General anticipates taking legal action against five more fitness centers before July 1.
Kentuckians may call Beshear’s office at 502-696-5300 to inquire if their fitness center is registered, or complete a complaint form online if they are having problems with their fitness center.
Besides fitness centers, Beshear’s office oversees cemeteries, funeral homes, crematories, professional solicitors, debt adjusters, fundraising consultants and charitable organizations.