NEW DIRECTOR OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EUROPEAN OFFICE NAMED

Paul Pilkauskas Will Head Economic Development Efforts Abroad

Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher and Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Gene Strong have named Paul Pilkauskas as Director of the European Representative Office of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development in Brussels, Belgium. 

The Director of the European Office is responsible for contacting companies to determine their interest in locating operations in Kentucky, seeking export opportunities for Kentucky companies, and supporting existing industry.  In addition, the director provides information on Kentucky's resources, business climate and products to investment and trade prospects and pertinent third parties.

"As governor, my goal is to move Kentucky's economy forward, both here in the Commonwealth and abroad," stated Governor Fletcher.  "Paul's in-depth experience in numerous European business communities will help us cultivate new relationships and new business for Kentucky.  I am confident his role will allow us to strengthen the lines of communication between the Commonwealth and the European community."

For the past eight years Pilkauskas has worked as a Senior Commodity Specialist for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy.  In addition, he has held management roles with numerous international organizations including Corporate Location magazine, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico's Economic Development Administration, United States Department of State, the American Embassy in Bonn, Germany and the U.S. Embassy in London, England.  Pilkaukas previously served as Director of the Commonwealth's European Office in the mid 1990s.

"We're delighted to have Paul represent the Commonwealth in our European Office," stated Secretary Strong.  "His extensive knowledge of the international business community and experience with international business attraction will take Kentucky's high standard of professionalism in the European Office to the next level."

Currently, Kentucky is host to 160 European companies (representing 15 European countries) with over 28,000 employees.  For more information on the European Representative Office please visit their website at www.kentuckyeurope.com.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state. New business investment in Kentucky in 2003 totaled more than $1.56 billion with the creation of just over 13,800 new jobs. Information on available development sites, workforce training, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other resources is available at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/.