One East Kentucky Invited to the Invest in Rural America Opportunity with SelectUSA

One East Kentucky, an economic development organization representing nine rural counties, will attend the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit from May 3-6 in National Harbor, Maryland. This is the highest-profile event in the United States dedicated to supporting foreign direct investment (FDI). The three-day summit brings together companies, investors, and economic development professionals to foster open communication and facilitate deals.

Not only are representatives from One East Kentucky attending the event, but the organization was selected as part of the Invest in Rural and Tribal America contingent. This group comprises 25 communities that offer promising investment locations in rural and tribal areas. This contingent will have access to dedicated networking areas and opportunities to meet with foreign investors directly.  

“We are incredibly grateful to participate in the Invest in Rural and Tribal America program at the Investment Summit,” says Colby Kirk, President and CEO of One East Kentucky. “This program makes the conference accessible to our organization, opening doors for important meetings with potential investors.”

The Invest in Rural and Tribal America opportunity reviews applications and issues complimentary passes to selected economic development teams. One East Kentucky was accepted to the program in mid-February. 

One East Kentucky is in Good Company

The Investment Summit draws more than 5,500 attendees annually, pulling representatives from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. More than 2,700 business investors plan to attend, creating countless opportunities for economic development representatives to meet.

“I never stop talking about Eastern Kentucky at these events,” says Kirk. “This is a great way to highlight the advantages of our region through in-person discussions with key decision makers. When these investors and business owners fly home, I want them to still be thinking about Kentucky.”

One East Kentucky also partners with Research FDI to set up high-potential meetings and generate leads. Kirk can meet with businesses that are already considering moving or expanding from their current locations.  

The Investment Summit Also Offers Learning Opportunities

The Investment Summit agenda is packed with keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and networking events. There are more than 100 sessions throughout the three-day conference providing insight and resources to economic development teams. These sessions range from discussions on workforce development to understanding the financials of working with international companies.

The Investment Summit also has pitching sessions focused on specific industries. This allows One East Kentucky to showcase the region to companies that would be successful in the area. Kirk can develop tailored pitches to each sector, helping to build a diverse economy in the region. 

Find One East Kentucky at the SelectUSA Investment Summit

If you are planning to attend the Investment Summit, meet with Colby Kirk and learn why Eastern Kentucky is packed with potential. Multiple counties are actively developing sites and spec buildings to make it easier for companies to move here. The local workforce development partners are unparalleled and are upskilling a workforce that already has a strong foundation of problem-solving and hard work.

Contact us today and make plans to meet at the SelectUSA Investment Summit. The team at One East Kentucky can’t wait to impress you with this high-potential, cost-effective region.