Thursday October 16, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
SubscribeNewly created bond fund to modernize facilities, better equip Kentucky’s workforce
Gov. Matt Bevin and Education and Workforce Development Secretary Hal Heiner today announced the launch of the Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative. This new $100 million statewide bond program is aimed at developing a highly trained, modernized workforce in the Commonwealth to meet the needs of employers and promote sustainable incomes for Kentuckians.
“As I travel the state, I hear repeatedly from employers about the shortage of workers with the skills needed to get the job done,” said Gov. Bevin. “Making this problem worse, is the fact that Kentucky’s workforce as a percent of its population is currently one of the smallest in the nation.
“We must work diligently to be more economically competitive and create more jobs. We intend to make Kentucky the manufacturing and logistical center of excellence in America. This will start with having the most highly skilled and well trained workforce in the country. To accomplish this, we will better align our education systems and our workforce needs. This is exactly why we have created the Work Ready Skills Initiative.”
This bond fund infuses resources to expand career and technical education facilities and to upgrade equipment in those schools to current and future industry standards through local partnerships between private industry and educational institutions. The locally driven initiatives will train and educate workers to meet the workforce needs of Kentucky’s employers now and in the future.
“The Work Ready Skills Initiative will bring industry together in partnership with educational institutions like KCTCS (Kentucky Community and Technical College System) to propose workforce training projects that lead straight to jobs,” said Sec. Heiner. “Proposals will be detailed and require industry to come together with the regional community and provide a local source of funds to match the state’s investment.”
The initiative was passed and funded by the General Assembly in the recent biennial budget and will be administered by the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet with support from the Cabinet for Economic Development. Proposals will require at least 10 percent match by local partners. Applications will support locally developed projects that include the participation of a private employer, educational agency and other interested local and regional partners, so that the plan is tailored to the workforce and industry needs of the area. Continue reading
The Bloomberg Kentuckiana index showed signs of area businesses recovering from the beating that they took following the stock market shakeup on news of Britain’s exit from the European Union – dubbed Brexit.
Stocks fell sharply across the board last Friday as investors heard news that leave votes had outnumbered remain votes, spurring uncertainty about currency valuations and changes to trade deals. Businesses tied to the Kentuckiana area did not escape the plunge.
The Bloomberg Kentuckiana Index is a price-weighted index that tracks companies either headquartered in Kentucky or Indiana, or having a large presence in the area. Each company has a minimum market capitalization of $15 million. The index was developed with a base value of 100 as of December 29, 1995. Index members include Kindred Healthcare, Humana, Churchill Downs, Lexmark, Ford, GE, Yum! Brands, Papa Johns, and Brown Foreman, among others.
The index closed at its recent peak of $451.51 last Thursday but then dove sharply when the markets opened on Friday with Brexit news. The dive continued on Monday as the index bottomed out at $425.34, which was still higher than lows seen as recently as February of this year.
Investors seemed to have settled down Tuesday and Wednesday as the index rebounded, lead higher by gains by Kindred, Cummins, Churchill Downs, CSX, and Ashland. Although BKYIN:IND is not back to pre-Brexit levels, two straight gains of positive movement are promising as the index climbs into the $430s.
For more information on the Bloomberg Kentuckiana Index, track it here.
New tech, process improvements to raise product quality in Bowling Green
General Motors Corp. plans to invest $290 million to improve technology and processes at its Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Gov. Matt Bevin announced today.
“GM has a long tradition of commitment to southcentral Kentucky and to producing, in Warren County, the finest sports cars in America,” said Gov. Bevin. “This benefits our entire state, both as a source of pride and as a tremendous contributor to our economy.
“For 35 years, the Bowling Green Assembly Plant has provided jobs to thousands of Kentuckians and to hundreds of suppliers and vendors. We congratulate GM and offer our commitment to lending them support for this project and any others they may undertake in the future,” continued Gov. Bevin.
The $290 million includes a $153 million new project aimed at improving vehicle assembly line processes. Two ongoing projects at the Warren County plant – a $44 million, 36-job capacity expansion of the Performance Build Center and a $439 million investment in a new paint shop and other facility upgrades – increased by about $137 million.
“We are making technology investments that will continue to improve our manufacturing processes and ultimately the quality of our vehicles,” said North American Manufacturing Manager Arvin Jones. “We are putting Corvette customers first by building upon our world-class manufacturing process.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in Bowling Green, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in a special meeting in June preliminarily approved GM for up to $3 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) program. The incentives are based on eligible company investments of up to $153 million and creation of up to 270 jobs over 10 years.
KBI’s 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.
Sen. Mike Wilson, of Bowling Green, noted the impact the announcement will make on one of the state’s target industries. Continue reading
In an announcement at J.J. Family Auto Sales, Mayor Fischer announced that the city will be giving $128,000, in loans, to 13 local businesses. The announcement was made at J.J. Family Auto Sales as they finished an expansion project that was made possible through a similar loan last year. The loans are part of a development plan that is meant to help small, low to moderate income, businesses start-up and grow here in the county.
The businesses are considered micro-businesses, meaning that they employee less than five employees. The loans are to help these small business grow. Fischer stated that for every $1 that the city uses in this way, it helps businesses generate $5, which in turn helps the local economy.
The loans are funded from a federal grant, the Community Development Block Grant through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Businesses that received the loans this year are:
- $15,000 loan to Manhattan on Broadway, 716 East Broadway. The loan will allow the owner, Nachand Trabue, to purchase more inventory, sound and video equipment. This project will add two full-time positions.
- $15,000 loan to George Addison dba BeeNetworks Media Group, who specializes in marketing and media video productions. This will allow the owner to purchase supplies and inventory.
- $15,000 loan to Romanique Beauty Salon, 5201 Dixie Highway. The loan will allow the owner, Janisha Ditto, to purchase production equipment, signage and marketing materials.
- $15,000 loan to Future Pioneer Learning Center, 7731 St. Andrews Church Road. This will allow the owner, Roshunder Gordon, to purchase childcare equipment, insurance and signage for an expanded facility.
- $15,000 loan to Doaty Distribution, LLC to purchase box trucks. The loan will help the owner, James Doaty, expand routes to five other locations for deliveries of snacks.
- $15,000 loan to Wright Amount located in Chef Space, 1800 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. This will allow the owner, Tracy Wright, to purchase inventory, rental space and food trailer.
- $8,000 loan to All is Fair in Love and Fashion to purchase inventory and equipment. The loan will help the owner, RaeShanda Johnson, expand production services.
- $5,000 loan to Extreme Appetite, LLC. This will allow the owner, Damira Trabue, to provide mobile food catering services.
- $5,000 loan to The Black Italian, a food catering service. This loan will allow the owners, Paula and Anthony Hunter, to purchase inventory, space and a vehicle and support transportation for customers.
- $5,000 loan to Jace’s Childcare, 4107 Cane Run Road. This loan will assist owner, Keishonda Clark, in purchasing some new equipment, and rental assistance.
- $5,000 loan to Queens Crown Lunchbox and Catering. The loan will allow the owner, Katrina Dawson, to purchase a stove and inventory to operate business.
- $5,000 loan to Garry Sloan dba G.T. Transportation, LLC. The loan will help purchase office furniture, printing equipment and supplies.
- $5,000 loan to Rebecca Jones dba Genesis Tax Service, a start-up tax service. The loan will allow the owner to purchase tax software and equipment.
For more information about Community Services’ microbusiness trainings and loan opportunities, visit their website.
After a group of 2000 teenagers fighting caused Mall St. Matthews to shut down and wait for police, owners of Mall St. Matthews and Oxmoor Center have announced temporary policy changes.
Beginning January 2, 2016, on Fridays and Saturdays after 4:00 P.M., anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21. This new rule will include all common areas of the mall, fire exits, sidewalks, public transit boarding locations, loading zones, and the parking lot. This policy will not apply to the movie theater or to the individual stores. If a minor is in a store, shopping, after 4:00 P.M., they can remain in the store but will be required to leave once leaving the store. During these restricted hours, security officers will be at all the mall entrances and they will check the IDs of anyone appearing to be 17 or younger.
For adults accompanying minors, one adult may supervise up to four youths (defined as 10 -17 years old) as long as they remain with the teenagers at all times. Children under the age of 10 are included in this number.
The managers of the mall have stated that these measures are temporary, but have not indicated when they will be lifted.
Ordinance Will Take Effect June 1, 2016 After Signed By Mayor
By a vote of 20 to 6, The Louisville Metro Council has approved a new set of regulations to permit the growing online industry of short-term rentals within Metro Louisville. Hosting platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and FlipKey are used by a growing number of homeowners seeking to rent out anything from an extra room to an entire house.
The short-term rental ordinance passed after the work of the Council’s Public Safety Committee. Members began to review the need for regulation after Metro Codes and Regulations cited residents for renting their homes. At the time, there were no regulations to enforce.
The new ordinance will regulate this growing internet industry and offer a level playing field and fairness to other businesses that are established rental facilities and hotels in the city.
“As Chair of the Public Safety Committee I am proud we took our time and due diligence to ensure transparency and consideration of both the public’s and businesses’ views on this issue. We have a good piece of legislation that seeks to balance both interests while promoting safety and ensuring accountability,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25).
Council Members Bill Hollander (D-9), Tom Owen (D-8), and David James (D-6) sponsored the Ordinance
“The ordinance allows this growing industry to operate in Louisville, levels the playing field with hotels and motels on transient occupancy taxes and protects neighborhoods by limiting the number of occupants and other provisions,” said Hollander,
The new ordinance will not take effect until June 1, 2016 to allow those who participate in short-term rentals to register with the city and educate themselves on the responsibilities of both hosts and transient users. Another ordinance currently being drafted by the Planning Commission will address which zoning districts Short Term Rentals will be permitted to operate.
Both ordinances are required to permit Short Term Rental operation. The Planning Commission will forward their drafted ordinance to the Metro Council’s Ad Hoc Land Development Code Committee to be further discussed. The Metro Council is seeking action on the companion ordinance before theJune 1, 2016 enactment date.
“This ordinance represents a good first step in the right direction. Short term rentals are an industry that will only continue to grow and we need to embrace it as a mechanism to show off some of our fantastic neighborhoods,” says Councilman James Peden (R-23), Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee..
“We’ve passed a reasonable regulation of a brand new industry which until now was not recognized as a full participant in the hospitality industry,” said Owen.
“It is important that we understand the trends in this new internet economy and at the same time we have to maintain protection of those industries that have been a productive part of our local economy. I believe this ordinance is a step in the right direction,” said James
Here are highlights of the ordinance:
- $25 Annual Registration Fee.
- Online Registration will be made available by June 1, 2016.
- Enforcement of Ordinance will occur 90 days following June 1, 2016.
- Registered host or host’s “manager” must be located within 25 miles of the Short Term Rental.
- Clearly marked evacuation plan on all premises.
- No more than one contract on a short-term rental at the same time.
- No more transient users than 2x the amount of bedrooms plus 4 can reside in the short-term rental at one time.
- Penalties:
- 1st Offense = Warning
- 2nd Offense = $100-$500
- 3rd Offense = $500-$1,000
- Further action can be taken for subsequent offenses including a civil complaint or injunctive relief in Jefferson County, Kentucky Circuit Court.
Councilman Yates thanked fellow Public Safety Committee members and stated, “I am very proud of the many important topics we discussed this year on the Public Safety Committee, including: the Public Nuisance Ordinance, LMPD body cameras, Pop-Up Party Ordinance, the Short Term Rental Ordinance and the creation of the Syringe Exchange. I am looking forward to another successful year in 2016.”
The ordinance is on its way to Mayor Greg Fischer for his signature.
Citing sound fiscal policies, experienced management and strict budget adherence, Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that Louisville Metro Government ended fiscal year 2015 with a surplus of $18.9 million.
Results largely from efficiencies in government
The surplus represents $6.3 million in increased revenue and $12.6 million in expense savings, which reflect efficiencies in government, the mayor said.
“This is a good government — and an improving economy —at work,” Fischer said. “Department directors held the line on their budgets, working to ensure that every one of those dollar was well-spent. It illustrates our ability to run a lean, efficient operation – and it took a team effort.”
Mindful that “taxpayers are entrusting us with their money,” Fischer said his administration is taking just as much care to ensure the $18.9 million surplus is spent responsibly.
Pending a vote by Metro Council this Thursday, the surplus will be spent this way:
- $6.1 million to pay off debt owed to the Louisville Water Co.
- $3.6 million for the city’s rainy day fund, bringing the balance to $66 million.
- $2.5 million for the city’s risk management fund.
- $2.2 million to cover funding that was expected but not received from grants and other sources.
- $1.6 million for replacement of computer/technology servers.
- $500,000 set aside by the Metro Council budget committee for potential projects that it identifies in the future.
The remaining – about $2.4 million — will be set aside for various government accounting-related expenses, including potential legal costs, said Chief Financial Officer Daniel Frockt.
The surplus announcement comes a month after the top three national credit rating services gave high marks to Louisville’s credit worthiness, and as Metro government was, for the third year in a row, awarded a national Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for excellence in governmental budgeting.
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada made that award, saying it illustrates a commitment “to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.”
Frockt said the award recognizes the mayor’s charge for all departments to pursue continuous improvement in a transparent and inclusive process.
“It honors the city for producing a budget that serves as policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device,” he said.
Fischer said the award, the high bond ratings and the surplus together “reflect my administration’s commitment to being careful stewards of city tax dollars.”
