Hazard is Building a Diverse Economy & Community With a High Quality of Life

The communities of Eastern Kentucky have plans for the future. Each of the counties and cities represented by One East Kentucky is working to attract residents, increase job opportunities, and modernize local economies. The City of Hazard is leading the way, and its business development efforts are paying off.

“We keep the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Alliance, Downtown Events Department, and Community Development Team all in one building, which we call The Hub,” says Zach Lawrence, Executive Director of the Hazard-Perry County Economic Development Alliance (EDA). “We talk to each other daily and collaborate to support local businesses while attracting new ones.”

Modern economic development requires a multi-faceted approach. While Lawrence is focused on business attraction and retention, he doesn’t lose sight of what makes Hazard a wonderful place to raise a family. Here is how Hazard is changing. 

Hazard is Attracting Companies from Core Industries 

The primary goal of the Hazard-Perry County EDA is to bring in new industries to the region. Eastern Kentucky relied on the coal industry for decades, and it’s time to strengthen the economy through diversification.

“We were a one-trick pony for a long time,” says Lawrence. “We want to create new jobs in Perry County and are prepared to invest significant resources to make that happen.”

Lawrence says the coal industry still has an important role in Eastern Kentucky, but new companies create stability. If something happens to the energy sector, there will be other contributors to the economy.

The Hazard-Perry County EDA is taking a strategic approach to industry attraction. Its efforts are focused on metals manufacturing, wood products, and automotive production. In 2019, Dajcor Aluminum expanded from Canada into the United States by opening a 100-employee facility in Perry County. Since then, other metal manufacturers have expanded to the Eastern Kentucky region.  

The Local Workforce is Ready and Qualified

Talent attraction has become one of the biggest factors for business retention and expansion. The Site Selectors Guild recently highlighted common challenges with workforce readiness, saying it has “become a defining factor in regional competitiveness and corporate success.” Companies need to know they can hire skilled workers for their facilities, otherwise, their manufacturing plants and offices will sit empty. This is where Eastern Kentucky shines.

“We have one of the most adaptable workforces in the world,” says Lawrence. “When something goes wrong in a coal mine miles underground, you have to figure out how to solve it. Our workforce has decades of experience problem-solving, adapting, and learning on the job.”  

Lawrence says Dajcor Aluminum had nothing but positive things to say about the local workforce when it started hiring in Perry County. Even though many candidates did not have a manufacturing background, they were just as competitive as when the company was hiring for its Ontario facility.

Lawrence adds that the local workforce is also loyal. Many people in Perry County are used to starting their careers and retiring from the same company. Residents will stay in quality roles and invest in their employers. 

Perry County Isn’t Neglecting Quality of Life Investments 

It takes more than ample job opportunities to keep residents in communities. People want to enjoy where they live, whether they spend their free time shopping or hiking. Kentucky is packed with natural beauty, from rolling mountains to bubbling creeks. In recent years, the Hazard-Perry County EDA has worked closely with local community leaders to actively invest in quality of life improvements, like trail improvements and downtown business attraction.  

“Hazard has seen a renaissance downtown,” says Lawrence. “There have been a lot of boutiques and restaurants opening, making it a destination for visitors and residents alike.”

This community feeling attracts people like Lawrence and his family to Eastern Kentucky. He jokes that it’s not uncommon to stop into Hazard Coffee Company and lose 30 minutes because he runs into friends or neighbors. His weekends are spent driving his three kids to Little League sporting events, with cross-country in the morning and softball in the afternoon. Small moments in Perry County drive Lawrence to keep investing in economic development in the region. He sees the potential in these neighborhoods.  

“I like that we can be a part of something that will have an impact for generations,” he says. “We see opportunities for people and get to have a small part in creating them.”

This, in part, was the premise behind the My New Kentucky Home campaign. The goal is to welcome people to this beautiful land and invite them to make it even better. 

Discover Other Communities in Eastern Kentucky 

Eastern Kentucky is a high-potential region with one of the best locations in the country. Not only does it provide easy access to the East Coast, Midwest, Canada, and the American South, but it also offers beautiful communities and picturesque small towns. Get to know the workforce that has lived here for generations. Meet the people with exceptional problem-solving skills and adaptability. Your business can thrive here with a team of employees that is dedicated and passionate about what they do and where they live.