One East Kentucky Takes the Region’s Wood Products Opportunity to IWF Atlanta

One East Kentucky President and CEO Colby Kirk recently took Eastern Kentucky’s wood products story directly to industry leaders at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta, GA. This event was held August 25-28, 2026, and brought together companies representing woodworking machinery, forest products, furniture manufacturing, engineered wood, cabinetry, automation, and other segments of the industry. 

For One East Kentucky, attending events like the IWF is part of a targeted approach to business recruitment. Wood products are among the industries this organization has identified as a strong fit for Eastern Kentucky based on the region’s assets and opportunities.

Why does Eastern Kentucky target the wood products industry?

Wood products are a targeted industry because of the region’s substantial forest resources. This resource creates opportunities for both primary and secondary wood manufacturing. Across the nine counties served by One East Kentucky, there is approximately 1.764 million acres of forested land, which translates into 3.75 billion cubic feet of standing live-tree volume.

Oak, Yellow Poplar, Maple, and Hickory are among the varieties of hardwood available in the region. Together, these resources can support opportunities in sawmilling, flooring, furniture, veneer, engineered wood, and other types of wood products.

Kirk has previously pointed to the opportunity to capture more of the economic value generated by these resources.

“We have a lot of timber in Eastern Kentucky that’s shipped before it’s turned into products, and that is a big opportunity for us,” Kirk shared in a recent interview.

Why was IWF Atlanta an important recruitment opportunity?

The IWF event gave One East Kentucky access to companies throughout the wood products supply chain, making it a natural venue for introducing industry decision-makers to Eastern Kentucky.  

Kirk’s attendance also reflects One East Kentucky’s broader approach to business attraction. Rather than waiting for companies to discover the region, the organization identifies industries that align with Eastern Kentucky’s assets and takes that message to the businesses and industry leaders.

“We’re not just sitting around waiting for the phone to ring,” Kirk said of their recruitment strategy. “We’re being strategic in who we approach and how we promote Eastern Kentucky,” Kirk explained.

What could wood products investment mean for Eastern Kentucky?

Attracting additional wood products companies could help the region turn more of its natural resources into finished, higher-value products closer to home. It also offers opportunities to strengthen an existing industry cluster and create additional manufacturing activity throughout the region.

One East Kentucky’s forest resources are distributed across all nine counties, which provides a foundation for companies considering product operations in this area.

Is Eastern Kentucky the right location for your next investment?

One East Kentucky is actively working with companies exploring new locations, expansions, and investment opportunities. From site selection and workforce resources to incentives and connections with local and state partners, the organization can help businesses evaluate what Eastern Kentucky offers.

If your company is looking for its next location in the wood products industry, please connect with One East Kentucky today to discover how the region’s resources, workforce, and business advantages can support your next investment.