FULL BLOOD MOON

Happy Friday from the desk of the Ashland Alliance! What a crazy week it has been! We have seen snow, red moons and felt the sun for what seems like the first time in ages. I guess it’s time to get to the week in the life of the Alliance and move on from all the ways this week has just seemed strange to my staff and me.

It is always exciting when the Lt. Governor comes to town. This week is no exception. Lt. Governor Hampton was in Ashland to celebrate Ashland Middle School winning the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. For the second year in a row, the AMS team has won the state competition. Last year’s team was the national champion and this year’s team is still in the running for the top spot.  This event and the tour of their STEM Program highlighted the work that is focusing on the preparation of skills needed today and tomorrow in the new economy. This program aligns well with our recent announcements of Veloxint and companies that will help build the new economy in Northeast Kentucky.

I also had the pleasure to meet and get to know one of the newest members of our community. I met with Tyler Wilcox, Executive Vice President of Peoples Bank. As the Vice President of the South Region of Peoples Bank, Tyler moved his family to Russell.  He has a J.D. from Ohio State and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. What is exciting for me is this area is starting to be a preferred location for young upward path professionals and their families.

The last update I wanted to share was our Alliance had the chance to host a site consultant group out of New Orleans this week. Many of you know that the majority of economic development projects come from site consultants. It makes sense to use a professional organization that knows how to best select and build a successful site for a new or expanding company. Building rapport with these consultants that control the process is of vital importance. The Ashland Alliance hosted a group this week with an eye toward this is who we are, this is what is happening, and you should know why and share the word with your clients to get on board.

We do all these things to support you and your business. As always please let us know how we can help you and make this region be what we expect today and in the future. Enjoy your weekend, your family, and we hope to see you soon!

—Ashland Alliance