One East Kentucky Celebrates 10 Years of Regional Economic Growth

For 10 years, One East Kentucky (OEK) has worked to create jobs and attract investment across Eastern Kentucky. The organization recently celebrated its 10th anniversary during its annual investor luncheon at the Kentucky Country Music Highway Museum in Paintsville.

“When I look back at the work One East Kentucky has led over the last 10 years, it makes me proud to be a part of this organization,” said One East Kentucky President/CEO Colby Kirk. “One East Kentucky has made a meaningful impact on the region. It makes me excited for what we can accomplish in the years ahead.”

Why was One East Kentucky created?

One East Kentucky was created within the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce as a regional marketing and business recruitment initiative during a challenging period for the region. The downturn of the coal industry was eliminating thousands of jobs and creating a need for new employment opportunities and investment.

OEK responded by bringing communities together to market the region and recruit new industry. That collaborative approach remains at the heart of the organization.

“We could not lead the work we do or make the impact we make without the support of our cities, counties, and the business community throughout southeastern Kentucky,” Kirk said. “Elected leaders and business leaders both realize that when a company invests in one community and creates jobs, that the benefits from that investment ripple well beyond the city limits or the county lines.”

What has One East Kentucky accomplished in 10 years?

During its first decade, OEK’s recruitment and expansion efforts have helped create more than 900 jobs and generate $53.7 million in new investment.

The organization led the EKY Works workforce study, providing meaningful data about the region’s labor force that could be used to support business recruitment. OEK’s efforts have also helped recruit companies including Dajcor Aluminum, Appalachian Tank, and Infinity Design while also supporting expansion at existing industries including Logan Corporation and R/S Goodwin.

The organization also helped communities navigate significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating flooding in 2022. OEK continued working with regional partners through those challenges on efforts including downtown revitalization strategies and community development initiatives.

What did OEK celebrate at its anniversary luncheon?

The Kentucky Country Music Highway Museum provided a fitting location to recognize both the organization and the region it represents.

“It reminds me that we’ve always been more than just coal mining, and that we have mountains full of strong people with unmatched talent,” Kirk said.

The event brought together OEK investors representing utilities, financial institutions, telecommunications, engineering, education, and other sectors. OEK also recognized Christi Brown, who stepped down in August after more than five years with the organization, where she led its business retention and expansion program.

What comes next for Eastern Kentucky?

Kirk believes the changing economic development landscape could create new opportunities for rural communities, particularly as competition for industrial real estate increases across the country.

One East Kentucky will continue promoting the region’s skilled workforce, available industrial properties, and strategic access to markets while working with communities and businesses to attract investment.

“The biggest lessons we’ve learned are to be flexible and steady in the face of challenges,” Kirk said. “Our model works, and we intend to keep our heads down and work diligently toward the goal of recruiting more new jobs and investment to this region.”

As One East Kentucky begins its second decade, the organization invites businesses, investors, and site selectors to discover the opportunities available across Eastern Kentucky. Learn more about the region and One East Kentucky’s economic development efforts by contacting us today.