Wednesday October 15, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
Gov. Matt Bevin today announced the creation of the Kentucky Work Matters Task Force at a press conference with federal and state officials and other special guests in the State Capitol Rotunda.
The new 23-member task force will bring together every department of state government that has a hand in workforce development with members of the private sector. Their mission is to address barriers to employment and promote workforce inclusion among people with disabilities, foster children, disabled veterans, and individuals burdened by substance abuse or criminal records.
“There is dignity that comes from work, and there is a sense of satisfaction and respect—for oneself and for others—that comes from being an engaged part of the community,” said Gov. Bevin. “And there’s nothing more integral than the dignity associated with being part of the fabric of that community through work.”
Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer Sheehy of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy commended Kentucky, which is the first state in the nation to initiate such a task force.
“We realize that the real change and the real work does not happen at the federal level,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Sheehy. “We need to look at what federal policies do work, but also what is happening in states that works—and then support that.”
Gov. Bevin and Deputy Assistant Secretary Sheehy were joined at the press conference by Council of State Governments director/CEO David Adkins, Kentucky Labor Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey, Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner, and Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development executive officer Vivek Sarin.
Also participating in today’s event were Little Caesars Pizza franchisee Mike Michalak, Cincinnati Reds batboy Teddy Kremer, and Spalding University men’s golf coaches Michael Carter and Grant Gupton, who underscored what can be achieved when individuals are given opportunities.
Current statistics show Kentucky’s labor participation rate at 54.7 percent, well below the national average of 62.9 percent. In addition, 15.7 percent of the Commonwealth’s population is classified as “disabled,” compared to only 10.4 percent nationally.
Gov. Bevin strongly believes that citizens with disabilities and Kentuckians facing other obstacles to employment have valuable and unique contributions to lend to our society and our labor force, yet in many cases are underutilized. Employment is the most direct and cost-effective means to empower these individuals to achieve independence, economic self-sufficiency, and a greater sense of dignity and self-worth.
The Kentucky Work Matters Task Force will work closely with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy and their State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED). SEED is a collaborative effort with state intermediary organizations, including the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and The Council of State Governments (CSG), to help state leaders effectively address policy barriers that may hinder the employment of people with disabilities.
Members of the task force include:
- Adam Meier, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Bevin
- Secretary Scott Brinkman, Executive Cabinet
- Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- Secretary John Tilley, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
- Secretary Derrick Ramsey, Labor Cabinet
- Secretary Hal Heiner, Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
- Secretary Tom Stephens, Personnel Cabinet
- Secretary Greg Thomas, Transportation Cabinet
- Vivek Sarin, Cabinet for Economic Development executive officer
- Deputy Commissioner Bryan Hubbard, Division of Income Support
- Buddy Hoskinson, Department for Aging and Independent Living
- Commissioner Beth Kuhn, Department of Workforce Investment
- Commissioner Stephen Pruitt, Department of Education
- President Bob King, Council on Postsecondary Education
- Senator John Schickel
- Senator Robin Webb
- Representative Jim DeCesare
- Representative Arnold Simpson
- Katie Shepherd, Kentucky Supreme Court designee
- Mike Michalak, citizen at-large (Shelbyville)
- Katie Wolf Whaley, citizen at-large (Lexington)
- Beth Davisson, citizen at-large (Louisville)
- Tim McGurk, citizen at-large (Prospect)
The group will present a final report that will include policy recommendations on improving workforce participation rates for individuals with disabilities, as well as other populations with impediments to employment, across the Commonwealth.
Today’s full press conference can be viewed on Gov. Bevin’s Facebook page, and an infographic detailing factors affecting Kentucky’s workforce can be downloaded here.
Photo: Actors Theatre of Louisville
Artistic Director Les Waters and Managing Director Kevin E. Moore are proud to introduce the 2017-2018 Professional Training Company. Each year, Actors Theatre of Louisville invites the most talented and highly motivated early-career theatre professionals in the nation to undertake a nine-month long training program that combines hands-on practical experience with educational seminars and professional guidance. Entering its 46th Season, Actors Theatre’s Professional Training Company is one of the oldest pre-professional training programs in the nation, and has built an incredible legacy of supporting the long-term vitality of American theatre through the mentorship and fostering of the best forthcoming talent in the field.
Waters shared, “I am thrilled to see this vital program continue to flourish and witness our alumni colleagues expand their leadership in arts communities across the country. Actors Theatre is honored to champion these talented young professionals as they become the next generation of theatre artists and leaders.”
Selected from more than 2,000 applicants from across the nation the 2017-2018 Professional Training Company consists of 42 college graduates—each of whom is extremely talented in their chosen field. Through their participation in the nine-month long program over the course of the 2017-2018 Season, they will receive practical training, the opportunity to work with celebrated artists, and a firsthand look at the inner workings of one of the nation’s leading regional theatres. The company will also mount a number of productions, including new work by nationally renowned playwrights, and original creations developed by the members of the company themselves.
The Professional Training Company has launched the careers of many burgeoning leaders in theatre, both at Actors Theatre and elsewhere nationwide. Timothy Busfield (Thirtysomething, The West Wing), Lila Neugebauer (Director The Wolves, Everybody, Signature Plays Off-Broadway), Jenny Robertson (Bull Durham, Role Models), Brendan Pelsue (Playwright of Wellesley Girl), Josh Hopkins (Cougar Town, Quantico), Sarah Lunnie (Literary Director, Playwrights Horizons), Jeff White (How to Get Away with Murder, House of Cards), Mirirai Sithole (Master of None, The Death of the Last Black Man…), Chris Boneau (Publicist and Co-Founder of Boneau/Bryan-Brown), Lisa McNulty (Producing Artistic Director at Women’s Project Theater), Anna Kull (Director of Community Relationships at Lark Play Development Center), Alex Hernandez (Mafia 3, Unreal), Neil Pepe (Artistic Director of the Atlantic Theater Company), Jason Butler Harner (Ray Donovan, Blacklist, Changeling), Kristen Jackson (Connectivity Director of Wooly Mammoth Theatre), Charles Haugland (Artistic Programs & Dramaturgy, Huntington Theatre Company), Erica Sartini-Combs (Associate Casting Director, Goodman Theatre), Stowe Nelson (New York Innovative Theatre Award winning and Drama Desk Award nominated Sound Designer), Jason Pacella (Production Assistant for The Wiz Live!), and Actors Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director Meredith McDonough. The Professional Training Company provides an avenue for future theatre leaders to network with alumni of the program across the country.
Actors Theatre’s Professional Training Company is generously supported by a significant grant from The Roy Cockrum Foundation. The $1.2 million award supports grants over a ten-year period for each apprentice during the nine-month program, and enables year-round employment for the program’s leadership. Founded by Roy Cockrum, the Foundation supports world-class performing arts projects in not-for-profit professional theatres throughout the United States. The Foundation considers grants by invitation only and is dedicated to helping nonprofit theaters reach beyond their normal scope of activities and undertake ambitious and creative productions.
Apprenticeships for the 2017-2018 Season have been awarded to:
- Andrea Abello | Acting | Bedminster, New Jersey
- Vivian Barnes | Dramaturgy/Literary Management | Stafford, Virginia
- Jordan Bean | Producing & Casting | Huntington, West Virginia
- Calum Bedborough | Acting | Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
- Bear Brummel | Acting | Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Sergio Caetano | Acting | Kearny, New Jersey
- Satya Chavez | Acting | San Diego, California
- Jelani Cornick | Directing | Brooklyn, New York
- Shannon Csorny | Production Management | Stonybrook, New York
- Gabriela De La Rosa | Festival & Events Management | Austin, Texas
- Nayib Felix | Acting | Manchester, Pennsylvania
- Brandon Fox | Acting | Wall, New Jersey
- Kevin Hanley | Stage Management | Seabrook, New Hampshire
- Rigel Harris | Acting | Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Laurel C. Henning | Communications | Louisville, Kentucky
- Nathan Hewitt | Development | Fishers, Indiana
- Kelly Jonske | Stage Management | Barrington, Illinois
- Alaina Kai | Acting | Cincinnati, Ohio
- Emily Kaplan | Acting | Media, Pennsylvania
- Jessica Kemp | Stage Management | Saranac Lake, New York
- Emily Kleypas | Acting | Temple, Texas
- Bridget Kojima | Company & Artistic Management | Clarkston, Michigan
- Emma Kravig | Costumes | Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin
- Jerardo Larios | Acting | Merced, California
- Meghan McLeroy | Dramaturgy/Literary Management | Cullman, Alabama
- Joseph Miller | Acting | Dayton, Ohio
- Abigail Miskowiec | Education/Teaching Artist | Charleston, West Virginia
- Connor O’Leary | Properties | Hanover, New Hampshire
- Tory Parker | Marketing | Charleston, West Virginia
- Tim Peters | Acting | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
- Dwaine Jihaad Potts | Sound | Wichita, Kansas
- Marika Proctor | Acting | Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Margaret Rial | Stage Management | Erie, Pennsylvania
- Zoe Rosenfeld | Education/Teaching Artist | San Francisco, California
- Omer Abbas Salem | Acting | Darien, Illinois
- Jonathan Schmitt | Acting | Cleveland, Ohio
- Joan Sergay | Directing | Bethesda, Maryland
- Jessie Lynn Smith | Lighting | Cresco, Pennsylvania
- Corey Umlauf | Scenic Painting | Bellingham, Massachusetts
- Suzy Weller | Acting | Lawrence, Kansas
- Karoline Xu | Acting | San Antonio, Texas
- Jenna Zhu | Acting | Dallas, Texas
For more information about the Professional Training Company contact Sara Durham, Public Relations Manager, at SDurham@actorstheatre.org.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation is seeking to fill open lifeguard positions at its four outdoor pools; Norton, Algonquin, Sun Valley and at Nelson Hornbeck Park in Fairdale.
In addition to current staff, the Metro Parks and Recreation aquatics division says there’s room for approximately 15 more lifeguards to be hired over the summer.
Metro Parks and Recreation lifeguards start out at $10 per hour. For more information or how to apply, visit here or call the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center at 502/897-9949.
Metro Parks and Recreation lifeguards must:
- Possess and maintain lifeguard certification, CPR and First Aid
- Able to observe swimmers for safety and sit for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations
- Able to exercise tact and diplomacy when interacting with the public
Lifeguards who do not meet those qualifications have the opportunity to attend a lifeguard training class from 4-9 p.m. at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center from Monday, May 22nd to Friday May 26. The cost of the class is $200 – but that fee is waived if upon completion the candidate pledges to work for Metro Parks and Recreation during the 2017 summer outdoor pool season.
For more information on the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, Metro Parks and Recreation’s outdoor pools and the city’s spraygrounds and playgrounds, please click here.
Last week, 
Gov. Matt Bevin announced Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products LLC (KAAP) will expand for a seventh time in Bowling Green, investing more than $51 million and creating 129 full-time jobs.
“This expansion by Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products is a shining example of growth among advanced manufacturers in Kentucky,” Gov. Bevin said. “Since establishing its Bowling Green plant in 2004, KAAP has proven itself an excellent corporate partner in the Commonwealth’s automotive industry. We are grateful for the company’s dedication to the state and are excited to see this remarkable success continue.”
KAAP will add more than 108,000 square feet to accommodate new production lines and equipment, including a melting furnace, forging presses and heat-treatment, casting and machining lines. The additional capacity will allow the company to meet increased sales goals. Company leaders expect the project to take approximately one year, with the start of production targeted for fall 2018.
“This is our 12th year producing aluminum automobile suspension parts in Kentucky. Two years ago we decided to make our sixth investment, and due to the increasing necessity of lighter vehicles, we have decided to make another investment,” said Toshihiro Katsura, KAAP president and CEO. “This will be our seventh additional investment, and we are truly grateful to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for all of the support and incentives we have received.”
The plant’s previous expansions total $293 million and it currently employs 500 Kentucky residents full-time. KAAP manufactures lightweight aluminum parts, including upper and lower control arms and steering knuckles. Lighter parts help reduce overall vehicle weight, which contributes to greater fuel economy and lower emission levels.
KAAP, based in Kobe, Japan, has served is home country’s aircraft and automotive industries since 1937, primarily manufacturing forged aluminum suspension products. The company is part of the Kobe Steel Group, known internationally as KOBELCO.
Kentucky’s automotive industry includes more than 500 facilities employing 100,000-plus residents full-time. The state ranks first nationally in light-vehicle production per-capita and is one of the top automotive production states overall.
The KAAP announcement brings the state’s 2017 automotive-sector total investment to more than $1.43 billion with nearly 280 new full-time jobs.
Sen. Mike Wilson, of Bowling Green, said the company has had an ongoing impact on the community.
“The expansion of Kobe Aluminum here in Bowling Green marks a great day for both our city and our Commonwealth,” Sen. Wilson said. “KAAP has successfully expanded in previous years, and this newest expansion will create more than a hundred new Kentucky jobs. I thank KAAP for its dedication to Kentucky’s workforce and look forward to the company’s continuous growth in our region.”
Rep. Jim DeCesare, of Bowling Green, noted KAAP’s importance to the local economic and workforce.
“Kobe Aluminum continues to invest in our region to the tune of nearly $52 million and 129 new jobs,” Rep. DeCesare said. “Since 2005, they have expanded six times for a total of $293 million pumped into our region. I commend them for this recent investment, and am proud to continue to support pro-business initiatives to encourage this exact type of growth.”
Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon welcomed the expansion and its economic impact.
“We are proud that KAAP continues to call Warren County home,” Judge-Executive Buchanon said. “Seven expansions in 12 years is a great testament to their success as a leader in an industry primed for growth. I extend our sincerest gratitude to KAAP for being such an important part of our local economy.”
Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson said the new jobs and investment build on the company’s long partnership with the city.
“KAAP continues to have a tremendous impact on the city and our local economy,” said Mayor Wilkerson. “Their growth and success since locating to Bowling Green in 2005 is astonishing and we are grateful for all KAAP does for our community.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in April preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $2 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
Additionally, KEDFA approved KAAP for up to $200,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.
In addition, KAAP can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2016, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for nearly 95,000 Kentuckians and 5,000 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on KAAP, visit www.kobeal.com.
Photo: KY Education and Workforce Development
Unemployment rates dropped in 55 Kentucky counties between March 2016 and March 2017, rose in 53 and stayed the same in 12 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 3.5 percent. It was followed by Oldham and Shelby counties, 3.7 percent each; Fayette County, 3.9 percent; Scott County, 4 percent; Spencer and Warren counties, 4.1 percent each; Jessamine County, 4.2 percent; and Allen, Boone, Campbell and Henry counties, 4.3 percent each.
Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 18.9 percent. It was followed by Elliott County, 11.6 percent; Leslie County, 11.5 percent; Knott and Harlan counties, 11 percent each; Letcher County, 10.9 percent; Menifee County, 10.7 percent; Carter County, 10.6 percent; Breathitt County, 10.4 percent; and Lawrence, Lewis and Wolfe counties, 10.3 percent each.
In contrast to the monthly national and state data, unemployment statistics for counties are not seasonally adjusted. The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 5.4 percent for March 2017, and 4.6 percent for the nation.
Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted because of the small sample size for each county. The data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.
Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at www.kylmi.ky.gov.
Gov. Matt Bevin and executives from Braidy Industries Inc. today announced the company will build a $1.3 billion aluminum mill and create 550 advanced manufacturing jobs in Greenup County to produce sheet and plate for the automotive and aerospace industries.
The announcement marks a turning point in bringing economic vitality to Eastern Kentucky, and comes just two days after the 53rd anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 declaration of the “War on Poverty” in Appalachia.
“Braidy Industries’ decision to locate in Eastern Kentucky has the potential to be as significant as any economic deal ever made in the history of Kentucky,” said Gov. Bevin. “This $1.3 billion investment will create enormous opportunity for people in the region, and would not have been possible without our recently passed right-to-work legislation. I look forward to the success of Braidy Industries as they leverage the incredible work ethic found in Eastern Kentucky. The ripple effect of this investment will be significant and will produce positive change in the region for generations to come.”
Braidy Industries will construct a 2.5 million-square-foot aluminum mill on more than 300 acres near South Shore in Greenup County. The company expects construction to begin in early 2018, with completion in 2020. Construction will create about 1,000 jobs.
Initially, the facility will produce about 370,000 tons of aluminum per year for the automotive and aerospace industries, with opportunities to expand over time.
The average wage of workers in the new facility will be about $70,000 per year. The company will also provide low-cost healthy meals, a day care, a fitness center and other amenities to create an employee-friendly workplace.
Craig Bouchard, Braidy Industries chairman and CEO, said the new plant will both revitalize the region and raise the bar for aluminum production globally.
“Our team recognizes an opportunity to make incredible impacts both in the global aluminum industry and in bringing well-paying jobs to Eastern Kentucky in the heart of Appalachia,” Bouchard said. “The state’s willingness to partner closely with private industry makes this a prime location to found and grow our world-class and cutting-edge rolling mill.”
Bouchard, a seasoned executive with a distinguished track record in banking, software development, and aluminum and steel manufacturing, founded Braidy Industries earlier this year. He chose Greenup County for its strengths as a location for metal production as well as to spearhead an economic revival in Eastern Kentucky. Bouchard’s team includes experts in the aluminum industry, metallurgical research, international business and a range of other disciplines.
Dr. Michael E. Porter, professor at Harvard Business School and a global expert on competitiveness and economic development, serves as a Braidy Industries board member. Porter assisted the company in assessing Kentucky’s competitive advantage versus other potential locations.
“Eastern Kentucky has significant competitive advantages, including its proximity to the leading automotive and aerospace customers, low energy costs and a skilled and available workforce for heavy manufacturing,” Porter said. “The decision to locate in Greenup County will provide an opportunity for Braidy Industries and the community to work together to transform the region’s business environment as well as attract related companies.”
Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Sec. Terry Gill said the project holds the promise of transforming the region.
“Both in the immediacy and over the coming decades, Braidy Industries’ investment – and the jobs its high-tech mill will create – promise to make a tremendous positive impact on Greenup County and Kentucky’s eastern region,” Sec. Gill said. “In bringing us to today’s announcement, major efforts by local, regional and state partners, including the Legislature’s actions to improve Kentucky’s business climate, proved key. In its entirety, this work helps us deliver the clear message that Kentucky is open for business.”
Matthew J. Satterwhite, president and COO of AEP Kentucky Power, said the company’s presence will set off an economic cascade.
“With this game-changing project in Greenup County, Braidy Industries will positively affect all of Eastern Kentucky, both directly and by attracting other automotive and aerospace-related manufacturers,” Satterwhite said. “I’m enthusiastic about the future of our region and will be working alongside Braidy Industries as an economic development partner to ensure its success. Get ready Eastern Kentucky, Braidy Industries is just the first company moving in for what is the best kept secret in the country – the skilled available workforce in our region.”
Sen. Robin Webb, of Grayson, said the project has been a group effort and comes as welcome news for the community.
“Northeast Kentucky welcomes Braidy Industries to our region where our world-class workforce is ready to contribute to economic progress,” she said. “We have seen decline in coal, river, rail and steel in recent history, but Braidy is poised to be a catalyst in our economic recovery. We appreciate the executive branch and our local partners working with the legislative branch in partnership to make this happen.”
Rep. Danny Bentley, of Russell, expressed gratitude for the company’s decision to locate in Greenup County.
“Kentucky’s business climate is resulting in more manufacturers moving to this Commonwealth,” Rep. Bentley said. “Braidy Industries’ $1.3 billion investment in Greenup County will bring 550 much-needed jobs to the area while also boosting Northeastern Kentucky’s economy as a whole. More manufacturing jobs will have a tremendous multiplier effect on our district, and we commend Craig Bouchard for having the foresight to recognize the great possibilities our great Commonwealth has to offer.”
Greenup County Judge-Executive Robert Carpenter said the project will bring new and long-range opportunities.
“In my 24 years of public services, this is the project I have waited for,” he said. “This project will change the entire region going forward.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in a special meeting today preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $10 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In addition, Braidy Industries can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2016, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for nearly 95,000 Kentuckians and 5,000 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on Braidy Industries, visit www.braidyindustries.com.
A detailed community profile for Greenup and Boyd counties can be viewed at http://bit.ly/BoydGreenup.
Passport Health Plan announced today that it has acquired a significant West Louisville property at 18th Street and Broadway. Passport’s plan for the 20-acre site is to create a state-of-the-art Health and Wellness Campus to serve the needs of the local community and house its 500-plus employees in its new corporate headquarters.
Plans for the campus would include health- and service-based retail sites adjacent to the newly announced YMCA facility. Together, the new developments will help transform this important section of West Louisville by providing much-needed services, jobs, and economic development opportunities. Before construction begins, Passport will engage the West Louisville community through a series of meetings and listening sessions to hear about residents’ needs and desires for the Health and Wellness Campus.
“Passport Health Plan is growing because of the great service we provide to our members, and we need to find a new home for our current and future employees,” CEO Mark B. Carter said at a news conference announcing the purchase. “After 20 years in the Louisville community, we realize that to truly meet our mission – to improve the health and quality of life of our members – we need to build a new model in healthcare. This new campus, and our initiative to integrate social determinants of health into our health plan, will ensure access to resources and services in our community and beyond to help our members flourish in all aspects of their lives.”
The corporate headquarters will initially be home to Passport’s current 500-plus employees, but will be designed with the extensive future growth in mind.
“With our community partners and local residents, we hope to add services to the community beyond clinical care, services that are person-centered,” Carter added. “We realize that access to housing, food, jobs, and other resources are key drivers to good health and wellness, and we look forward to facilitating a number of community conversations over the coming months as we strive to help transform and revitalize our community.”
According to the financial terms of the deal, Passport has acquired the parcels from New Bridge Development for $9.1 million. A letter of intent with Metro Louisville includes provisions subject to Metro Council approval, including the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan – the first TIF established west of 9th Street – estimated at $2.8-$4 million over 20 years.
“Passport is a great and growing company and its decision to relocate its headquarters to 18th and Broadway is a huge win for west Louisville – and for the city at large,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Passport and its employees are driven by the same core values that we embrace as a city – compassion, health, and lifelong learning. Metro Government is honored to help make this deal a reality.”
Moving to West Louisville will allow Passport to work more closely with members in a new model that addresses the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. By creating a new corporate home in West Louisville, Passport aims to improve the environment in which it works while also enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, placing a high priority on a working environment that encourages excellence and engagement on the part of all associates.
“For years, the University of Louisville has been collaborating with a large number of organizations through the Signature Partnership to enhance overall well-being on the West Side of Louisville,” said Dr. Greg C. Postel, interim president of the University of Louisville. “Having Passport, a company strictly focused on improving the health not only of individuals but also communities, establish its headquarters in the neighborhood will bring renewed energy to all of our efforts.”
Passport Health Plan is a provider-sponsored, non-profit managed care organization (MCO) that has been contracted with the Commonwealth of Kentucky to administer Medicaid benefits since 1997. It is sponsored by the University of Louisville Physicians, University Medical Center, Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence, Norton Healthcare, and the Louisville/Jefferson County Primary Care Association. It has been serving residents in all 120 counties of Kentucky since 2004, and currently counts more than 300,000 Kentuckians as members. There are also more than 25,000 providers in Passport’s provider network, including primary care physicians, hospitals, specialists, and more.
