PARTING CLOUDS

Good afternoon from the desk of the Alliance. My title of today’s update for you represents where I think we are today. Just as the weather may blow in rain and darkness, light and sun come soon afterwards. The same thing is happening here. And it’s about time.

Tomorrow there will be a nice announcement of a company joining our community. Some of you have heard about it and everyone will be happy to learn more about what is coming and the reasons why they have chosen here. It is because we have something to offer. It is because this community still has people that want to work and talent to offer their employer. We have people that want a career not just a job. This is who we are and what we have to offer. There will additional announcements coming soon from our partners as well. Things are moving in the right direction.

This week we also have developed a partnership with the Kentucky Association for Economic Development. I am the Chairman of the statewide organization this year. The tool which you will hear more about is a business intelligence tool. It allows each one of you to see how much business there is in your specific category in the state and how much there is in areas such as the City of Ashland or Boyd & Greenup Counties. Tools such as this are powerful to show how you are preforming and what leakages exist in our economy. All and all a great tool to roll out to Alliance members along with the support that you need to use it.

This has been a good week. Now, lets make the next one even better and build our way back to what we want and expect. Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference. This week we have, and we will continue for each one of you.

— Tim Gibbs
Ashland Allinace