Eastern Kentucky Has a Bright Future for 2026 and Beyond

Economic development is a long-term process, and the team at One East Kentucky worked hard through 2025 to lay the foundation for increased business investment and growth in the coming years. A lot has happened in the past 12 months, but each meeting, planning session, and ribbon-cutting ceremony paved the way to more opportunities for Eastern Kentucky residents and employers.  

“We control our own destiny,” says Colby Kirk, president and CEO of One East Kentucky. “The investments we make and the policies we advocate for help us build our own future. I’m excited to come to work every day because there is movement in the right direction.”

The end of the year presents a wonderful opportunity to reflect on past successes while looking ahead to the coming months. Here are a few notable accomplishments of One East Kentucky this year, along with a glimpse into the region’s future. 

Eastern Kentucky is Getting Noticed

One of the biggest trends of 2025 is that Eastern Kentucky is gaining recognition at the state, national, and even international levels. At the state level, Kirk was invited to speak at the capitol building in Frankfort to discuss economic development opportunities and policies. He addressed an audience of state senators and representatives, many of whom have followed up with him throughout the year.

“I am proud to bring my voice to Frankfort and speak on behalf of Eastern Kentucky,” says Kirk. “It’s exciting that our region is getting noticed and our elected officials care what we have to say.”

Along with traveling to Frankfort, Kirk carried out five different recruiting missions, representing Eastern Kentucky at various national trade shows. These conferences focused on the aviation, wood products, and manufacturing sectors, with thousands of attendees from hundreds of companies. Nearly 90 countries alone were represented at Verticon this year in Dallas, Texas.

Kirk met with 60 companies in 2025, all of which are developing plans to expand or relocate their operations. These meetings allow him to showcase the value of Eastern Kentucky and its location advantages, guiding businesses to move here.    

“Our pipeline is in a good spot,” says Kirk. “I expect more companies to notice Eastern Kentucky in the coming years.”  

Eastern Kentucky is Developing Industrial Assets

The nine counties that comprise Eastern Kentucky are taking control of their destiny by creating viable industrial sites that make it easier and faster for companies to move there. One East Kentucky communities have received more than $9 million through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) since the program was created in 2022. The organization also uses Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) funds to improve land parcels for prospective businesses.

“We have available sites that have already been vetted by engineers,” says Kirk. “Our goal for 2026 is to develop spec buildings to make it faster and easier for companies to move in.”

These land development efforts make it easier for Kirk to sell companies on the region when he travels to various recruiting missions. When he attends an aerospace trade show in Germany in 2026, he can directly recommend available parcels and spec buildings to companies interested in expanding to the United States. 

Local Communities Are Ready to Welcome New Investment

One East Kentucky isn’t alone in its economic development efforts. The organization would not be nearly as effective without support from local communities. Each county in the region is taking steps to develop industrial sites and upskill residents for the modern economy.

“We have a great workforce story,” says Kirk. “There are a lot of transferable skills between our existing workforce and the aerospace industry. Our education partners and workforce organizations are helping residents prepare for incoming roles.”

Not only are local community leaders creating buildings for future investment, but they are also ensuring that these structures will be filled with trained, dedicated workers.

“It’s hard to campaign on bringing jobs to the community if you aren’t actively doing that,” says Kirk. “It’s exciting to see local governments working together toward a shared vision.”

Not only do new companies in the region create jobs, but they also support the local tax base, funding new services available to residents. The efforts of One East Kentucky and local communities to attract businesses can support long-term career development, growth, and financial stability in the region.

The state is also investing heavily in talent attraction, including the launch of the My New Kentucky Home campaign this year. There are positive changes to bring new residents, jobs, and housing opportunities to Kentucky, and the Eastern region in particular.  

Eastern Kentucky Will Be Competitive in 2026

The past year was spent laying the groundwork that will make the region attractive to new business investment. While communities in Eastern Kentucky are improving industrial sites and land parcels, Kirk and his team are working to make the area (and state) competitive when attracting businesses. This involves a mixture of direct company recruitment and policy discussions to showcase opportunities that benefit all of Kentucky.

Now is a great time to invest in Eastern Kentucky. See how much momentum is found in its communities and how eager residents are for growth. The coming year has the potential to be unforgettable in the region.