Gov. Beshear Celebrates Governor's Cup Award in Owensboro, Henderson Region

Press Release

Governor Steve Beshear hoisted Kentucky's historic Governor's Cup trophy in Owensboro today to highlight ongoing economic development and investment in the region by Daviess, Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster counties.

Gov. Beshear joined community officials from the region to celebrate Site Selection magazine naming Kentucky the top state for economic development projects per capita last year.

"It's an honor to receive the Governor's Cup, but it's the meaning behind the award that's so significant," said Gov. Beshear. "Think about where we were seven years ago when Kentucky's unemployment rate was 11 percent and business growth was at a near standstill. We've come so far. Our statewide unemployment rate is now 5.1 percent, and the Governor's Cup is further proof of the fruits of our labor. This success would not have been possible without this region's dedication to supporting businesses, creating jobs and making Kentucky a better place for all of us."

These counties have made huge strides in attracting and growing jobs, as well as in improving education, promoting workforce training and supporting healthy lifestyles.

Since 2008, Daviess County has announced 52 new and expansion projects, which are projected to create 2,800 jobs and $319 million in new investment.

Henderson County announced 45 new and expansion projects since 2008, which are projected to create 950 jobs and $157 million in new investment.

Union County announced 11 new and expansion projects, which are projected to create more than 200 jobs and $18 million in new investment.

Webster County announced six projects, which are projected to create more than 300 jobs and nearly $5 million in new investment.

The unemployment rates in these counties continue to decline.

In March 2014, the Daviess County rate was 6.8 percent. The rate for March 2015 is 4.7 percent. In Henderson County, the unemployment rate in March 2014 was 7.4 percent. It is currently 5 percent.

In McLean County, unemployment has fallen from 7.8 percent to 5.4 percent. In Webster County, unemployment has dropped from 6.6 percent to 5.2 percent. In Union County, the unemployment rate continues to fall. It was 7 percent in March 2014 and is currently 6.4 percent.

The region is also seeing an increase in tourism. A report released Monday showed that the economic impact of Kentucky's tourism industry Metalsa (2010): 240 jobs, $12.6 million investment
Unilever (2008): 89 jobs, $40 million investment
topped $13 billion in 2014, with growth in every tourism region of the state.

Daviess County's 2014 tourism economic impact was $281 million, which is largest in this region and a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year. The county's 2014 tourism employment was the equivalent of 2,006 jobs.

Henderson County's 2014 tourism economic impact was $88.9 million, a 6.7 percent increase from the previous year. The county's 2014 tourism employment was the equivalent of 1,046 jobs.

"In 2009, I was proud to work with Gov. Beshear and the Cabinet for Economic Development as I sponsored the law that modernized our state tax incentive programs," said Rep. Tommy Thompson, of Philpot. "That legislation has played a crucial role in helping grow Kentucky's economy and is a key reason why we won the Governor's Cup this year. Because of this type of cooperation and dedication, I am certain that this award will not be our last."

"I appreciate Gov. Beshear visiting our city of Owensboro as he tours Kentucky with this award," said Sen. Joe Bowen, of Owensboro. "Owensboro has taken great measures over the past several years to improve our infrastructure, increase our quality of life, and make the city a unique and attractive place for businesses to invest. This award is a result of many dedicated people across the state, and I am proud Owensboro is a contributor to this accomplishment."

Speaking at today's event were Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne; Henderson Mayor Steve Austin; Daviess County-Judge Executive Al Mattingly; and Henderson County Magistrate Butch Puttman.

The Governor's Cup is just one of the Commonwealth's recent economic development successes.

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