Governor highlights six economic development projects totaling $65 million in investment

FRANKFORT, KY – On May 26th, Governor Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on economic development, access to the ACT exam, efforts to fight addiction and help tornado victims, COVID-19 and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. He also recognized Kentucky’s first “American Idol” winner, Noah Thompson, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.

Economic Development in the Commonwealth
On May 26th, Gov. Beshear highlighted six economic development projects from across the commonwealth, totaling $65.35 million in investment, which will create 285 jobs.

“We have several great economic development announcements as we continue to build on our momentum established in 2021,” Gov. Beshear said. “So far in 2022, we have announced more than 70 private sector new location and expansion projects totaling $3.5 billion. And we are really just getting started.”

Conveyor systems manufacturer Process Solutions and Services Inc., doing business as Rapid Industries, will expand its footprint in Jefferson County with a $6.8 million investment that will create 25 jobs for Kentucky residents.

Startup meat processor Green River Meats LLC shared plans to locate in Taylor County, creating 25 full-time jobs with a more than $2.3 million commitment. The company’s announcement adds to Kentucky’s momentum as the nation’s agritech capital.

On May 26th, Gov. Beshear announced Omnis Building Technologies (OBT) Ashland, a startup manufacturer of economical, sustainable and fire-resistant doors and cabinetry, will invest $45.5 million in the commonwealth and create 55 well-paying jobs with a new facility in Greenup County.

Greenup County Judge/Executive Robert “Bobby” Carpenter said, “I want to thank the Wright Brothers, Omnis, the Governor and Rocky Adkins. This is something that we really need, and I’m just thankful for it.”

Tim Gibbs, president and CEO of the Ashland Alliance, said, “It’s great. The technology OBT is bringing, and what they’re going to be offering for this community and the world, is all going to be based out of Greenup County, Kentucky.”

Jonathan Hodson, president of OBT, said major factors in choosing the location included the ability to serve a substantial portion of the U.S. population and the existing infrastructure, such as direct river and rail access.

“We are excited to expand our presence in Appalachia and to bring family-sustaining jobs to Kentucky by manufacturing revolutionary products to assist in solving the nation’s housing crisis,” Hodson said. “Our collaboration with successful local businesses like Wright Concrete is ensuring our mission will be achieved.”

Shannon Wright, president and CEO of Wrightway Building Solutions, a division of Wright Concrete, added that he anticipates a successful partnership with OBT.

“We look forward to working with Jonathan and the OBT team to provide superior products and services to Kentucky and throughout the rest of the country,” Wright said. “We are proud to be a partner in bringing innovative and long-term support to our local economy.”

The Governor also announced SITEX Corp., a family-owned uniform and linen rental business based in Henderson, will expand with a $4.5 million investment that will create 30 full-time jobs.

Yesterday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and representatives from Hollobus Technologies Inc., a new subsidiary of Canada-based engineering design technology company Superior Tray Systems (STS), to announce the company’s $2.25 million investment to locate in Murray and create 150 full-time jobs.

Finally, last month, Lexmark International Inc. announced its investment in sustainable energy, as the imaging and Internet of Things (IoT) technology company plans to invest $4 million to establish a solar panel array and educational greenspace area at its corporate headquarters in Lexington.

Lexmark CEO Allen Waugerman said, “Last year we announced that we plan to be carbon neutral by 2025. This renewable energy project is a first broad step to reach those global goals. By helping to protect the environment right here in Kentucky, this 2-megawatt will offset our use in Lexington.”

Gov. Beshear Announces Free ACT Retake Day for Kentucky Public School Students
Gov. Beshear on May 26th, announced that incoming Kentucky high school seniors who have previously taken the ACT will be eligible to take the test for free a second time during a statewide ACT retake day in the fall of 2022. The announcement follows national data showing students are more likely to increase their score by retaking the test a second time.

The date of the free retake day will be designated by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in the fall of 2022. More information on the date and locations will be provided to local school districts in the coming months.

“For so many Kentucky students, the cost of this test is significant. Now everybody is going to have the opportunity to take this thing at least twice to do their very best to set themselves up for the best future possible,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is an education-first administration, and when this was proposed to us, it was a no-brainer.”

Frankfort High School junior Ella Luking said, “As a student, I know that I was a lot more comfortable when I took the ACT for the second time. Because so much of your result is based on understanding how to take the test, and knowing what to expect, it’s reassuring to have two chances to do your best. By giving us another opportunity to take the test, Kentucky can both cut our stress in half, and double our chances for success.”

Gov. Beshear Announces More Than $39 Million in Federal Funds to Fight Addiction, Expand Mental Health Services to Tornado Victims
On May 26th, Gov. Beshear announced more than $39.3 million in federal funding for opioid response efforts and mental health services for Kentuckians. The opioid response program will receive a $35.9 million grant to combat addiction and support recovery statewide. The commonwealth will receive an additional $3.4 million for behavioral health services for victims of last December’s storms and tornadoes.

COVID-19 Update
The Governor said the state is experiencing a slight escalation of cases, with 8,127 cases announced May 16-22, and the positivity rate, which reached 10.52% the week of May 22. But nationally, the escalation of cases is appearing to slow down. Hospitalizations are increasing, but they are not rising proportionately to rising cases, which the Governor said is good news.

“There is more COVID going around right now. I think we all see it and we all know people who are getting it. It is not making people as sick, and that is a function of a couple of things,” the Governor said. “It doesn’t appear that this variant is as aggressive as the delta variant, and we have a whole lot of people who have gotten vaccinated, or boosted or who have had COVID, which boosts immune response.”

Gov. Beshear Honors Seven Peace Officers at Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony
On May 26th, Gov. Beshear, along with the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and the Department of Criminal Justice Training, honored the Kentucky law enforcement officers who lost their lives in 2021 in service to the commonwealth.

“It is truly a selfless sacrifice when one voluntarily chooses to wear the badge of honor that places them in dangerous and unpredictable situations,” Gov. Beshear said during the 22^nd annual memorial ceremony. “On May 26th, we show our appreciation for these officers’ heroism.”

Team Kentucky All-Star
Gov. Beshear congratulated Noah Thompson, a 20-year-old from Louisa, Kentucky, who recently became Kentucky’s first American Idol winner.

Gov. Beshear said, “It has been a joy for Noah’s community and all of Kentucky to watch one of our very own accomplish such a feat. We are proud to call you a Team Kentucky All-Star.”