WATCH: Xtreme Bait Tanks are proudly made for all baits of all sizes right here in Pulaski County. This Made in the USA product was coined the "Outdoor Aquarium" by Duck Dynasty's John Godwin. Check out their story as part of SPEDA's Entrepreneur Series. vimeo.com/1045132241

There are seven weeks left to prepare your SPEDA mini-grant applications. Have you started yours? If you have ideas for a start-up or growth plans for your business, these $2,500 mini-grants can help you make them a reality. Learn more and apply here >> somersetkyleads.com/opportunities/

SPEDA President & CEO Chris Girdler has been named to a blue-ribbon commission formed by Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to develop recommendations on how Kentucky can more directly contribute to America’s industrial growth in critical economic sectors. somersetkyleads.com/speda-presiden…

We surprised former State Rep. Tommy Turner this afternoon with the news that the Ky. 461 overpass bridge at Valley Oak Commerce Complex will be named in his honor. Read more: somersetkyleads.com/overpass-bridg…

.Lexington Herald-Leader is tracking 25 individuals it expects will be making news in 2025, and we’re excited to share that there’s a familiar face on the list: SPEDA President & CEO Chris Girdler. kentucky.com/news/state/ken…

WATCH: One of the most significant announcements for Somerset-Pulaski Co. in 2024 was that Life Learning Center would bring its transformational program to our community. We took several community members on a tour last year to witness what's happening there. vimeo.com/1053855886

Sarah Burnett, vice principal at Hopkins Elementary and co-owner of Burnett Farms Produce with her husband, began her four-year term on SPEDA’s board of directors Thursday at its February meeting. somersetkyleads.com/somerset-educa…

FAME USA National Director Tony Davis spoke to industrial leaders Monday about the importance of workforce development and the need for skilled technicians as manufacturing investments increase. Read more: somersetkyleads.com/national-direc…

Always great to catch up with Auditor Allison Ball Allison Ball when she's visiting Somerset-Pulaski County. We are grateful to her for taking the time to come by SPEDA's office and talk about all the great things happening in the Lake Cumberland region and across the Commonwealth!

It was an honor to present Toyotetsu America Inc. President Kazusei Miwa with a bottle of HorseSoldierBourbon during his recent visit to the Somerset facility from Japan. We are grateful for TTAI's investment + engagement and its tremendous impact on our workforce + economy.

The SPEDA mini-grant application deadline is approaching quickly! SPEDA awards four $2,500 mini-grants each year to the best proposals for innovation and growth. Applications must be received no later than 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28. Learn more and apply: somersetkyleads.com/opportunities/

We were honored to host and participate in a media roundtable in Somerset last week for Dependable Power First Kentucky. DPF Kentucky is doing vital work to raise awareness about the need for dependable power across the Commonwealth and SPEDA is a proud coalition member.

New year, new installments of our SPEDA Entrepreneur Series! Stay tuned for two new videos that tell the stories of a young and thriving business dedicated to shining a light in our community, Somerset Candle, and a mainstay in the local restaurant scene, Frisch’s Big Boy.

Our doors are always open to military recruiters. SPEDA supports their efforts, as serving in the U.S. military is an excellent educational and workforce opportunity for our people. 📸: SPEDA President/CEO Chris Girdler, Somerset Recruiters SSG Tyler Stone & SSG Cody Deese. 🇺🇸

Great to see our friend & Brown-Forman VP lesfugate last week before his presentation at the Somerset Chamber luncheon. We shared many of the great things happening here and presented him with a bottle of Somerset's own HorseSoldierBourbon to add to his collection.

Continuing a long-term commitment to healthy communities for central and southeastern Kentucky homeowners, Bluegrass Realtors® recently presented SPEDA with a $2,000 investment to support Somerset Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Somerset. bluegrassrealtors.com/news/2025/03/2…

We enjoyed visiting with KET icon Tim Farmer and his wife, Nicki, during their recent trip to The Capital of Lake Cumberland. The couple's popular cooking show, "Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen," is seeing incredible success in KY and nationwide, reaching 80 million households!

Lake Cumberland in Russell County will host the 17th Annual High School Fishing World Finals & National Championship in 2026, the largest EVER tournament in our region. Congrats on this significant announcement! wbko.com/2025/03/27/hig…

SPEDA President & CEO Chris Girdler presented the game ball last week during an evening session of the KHSAA Main Boys Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena. The honor was bestowed upon him as part of his service to the KCTCS Board of Regents.

SPEDA’s board extended its sincere appreciation last week to Pulaski County Jailer Anthony McCollum for his servant leadership and innovative thinking. He has led several projects that have made a difference, including local cleanups and pioneering a jail reentry program.