Electric co-ops grow Kentucky jobs
EACH MONTH, THIS PAGE in Kentucky Living spotlights a business success story, underscoring how Kentucky’s electric cooperatives are integral partners with the businesses they serve.
“The rural communities of Kentucky have a lot to offer in terms of a trained workforce, a welcoming can-do culture and shovel-ready sites with plenty of transportation options,” says Rodney Hitch, economic development director for Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. “Our cooperatives understand those communities, and we work to connect them with prospective businesses whose needs and cultures are a good match.”
Each of Kentucky’s 24 distribution electric cooperatives works with its respective power provider to foster economic development:
- 16 co-ops are member-owners of East Kentucky Power Cooperative.
- 3 co-ops are member-owners of Big Rivers Electric Corp.
- 5 co-ops are served by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
“Economic development is a key part of TVA’s mission, and we are proud to partner with the Kentucky electric cooperatives we serve,” says Justin Maierhofer, TVA regional vice president. “Together we promote a successful environment for attracting further opportunity to this region, which only serves to make life better for the people of Kentucky.”
Co-ops attract prospective businesses not only with competitively priced and reliable energy, but also by being able to provide other crucial information about potential sites and communities.
“Along with our three distribution member-owners, we provide a variety of technical support services to help expanding and new companies grow their business,” says Leslye Krampe, manager of economic development for Big Rivers Electric Corporation.
