Area Development magazine has recognized Kentucky as one of the most successful states in creating jobs and economic development in 2013.
The publication’s Silver Shovel Award is based on a state’s top 10 job creation and investment projects which began to materialize in the previous year. Kentucky's Silver Shovel was awarded out of the 3-5 million population category.
“This is a tremendous honor for Kentucky, one that represents our success in making the commonwealth attractive to companies of all industries,” Gov. Steve Beshear said in a statement released by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. “Kentucky has many factors that help us attract new jobs and investment, such as our logistical advantages and our pro-business culture, but the most important factor of all is the people. We’re proud of the quality of our workforce.”
Kentucky’s top 10 projects resulted in more than 4,000 jobs and nearly $1 billion in investments. At the top was the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Georgetown, bringing 750 jobs and a more than $530 million investment. The second largest was Hopkinsville’s PTC Seamless Tube Corp., which created 283 jobs and an investment of over $102 million.
Kentucky has received the same award five out of the last nine years, including last year for its economic development throughout 2012.
