You Win By Being Proactive

You Win By Being Proactive Main Photo

9 Nov 2020


News

Economic development is competitive. If you want to win companies to your community you have to be proactive. At least, that’s the approach being taken by One East Kentucky. While some communities are content to wait for site selectors and businesses to request information, One East Kentucky is identifying potential business prospects and actively soliciting them. “We know that Eastern Kentucky has the workforce to support industry. Our infrastructure is strong and our cost of doing business is lower than in other areas. We have a strong case to make for why businesses should locate here,” said Chuck Sexton, President and CEO of One East Kentucky. 

Still, the only way to make that business case is to have conversations with executives. That’s why One East Kentucky is working to expand their outreach to connect with more businesses than ever before. In addition to making physical trips and phone calls, they have invested in virtual reality video technology that makes it possible for site selectors and executives to view the region and available sites from thousands of miles away. “This new technology is a game changer and will allow us to increase our business recruitment efforts,” said Sexton. 

Leveraging technology will allow the organization to be even more proactive, something that’s important to board members like Paul Patton, Kentucky’s 59thGovernor and Chancellor for the University of Pikeville. He said, “One East Kentucky’s proactive approach is crucial to recruiting businesses and growing our economy. Businesses won’t just walk in. You have to be proactive and that’s what One East Kentucky is.”

This approach is what led to Dajcor choosing Eastern Kentucky for their U.S. location. One East Kentucky flew to meet with them and presented the business case for locating here. “One East Kentucky has been excellent at responding to our questions and concerns. They definitely have a ‘can do’ attitude when it comes to removing bureaucratic red tape and getting things done,” said Mike Kilby, President and CEO of Dajcor.

Dajcor coming to Eastern Kentucky has proven that the strategy works and now it’s time to double down on it. Business leaders are asked to support One East Kentucky today so that more jobs can be created here tomorrow. Click to see how you can get involved.