STATE TRAINING PROGRAMS RATED FIFTH BEST IN NATION

Frankfort, Ky. - Expansion Management magazine, a leading international economic development publication, has given Kentucky’s industrial workforce training programs high honors once again, ranking Kentucky fifth in the nation in its annual survey of industrial site selection consultants. This year's fifth place position ties Kentucky's 2001 ranking as the highest showing since the publication began issuing their annual survey, jumping from eighth last year.

The Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC) is the primary agency, within the Cabinet for Economic Development, whose mission is to stimulate economic development through programs of skills training to meet the needs of business and industry. The BSSC, in cooperation and coordination with other state employment and training organizations, has the capability to customize a comprehensive program of skills training services for new, expanding and existing industries.

"Our high ranking in this survey clearly shows the Commonwealth of Kentucky cares about its workforce," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. "Strong work skills lead to stronger employees, and as we move forward in improving the economy, the need for high quality workforce training will only continue to grow."

"Kentucky's success is primarily due to the dedicated team of professionals at BSSC, the persistent customer-driven focus of the Cabinet for Economic Development, and a strong working relationship with our workforce partners in the Education Cabinet," stated Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Gene Strong.

"Having a ready supply of educated and trainable workers is still the Number One priority for any business executive who is considering opening up a new facility," said Ken Krizner, managing editor of Expansion Management magazine. "Given the enormous capital expense incurred in expanding or relocating a manufacturing facility, any assistance a company can receive from state and local governments to meet its initial training needs may play a decisive role when that company is down to its shortlist of two or three competing locations and must make its final decision."

In the survey, consultants were asked to identify states where they found the best workforce training programs while investigating potential sites for their clients. Southeastern states dominated the rankings, with Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina and Kentucky making up the top five. The annual survey will appear in their August edition. The magazine is published by Penton Media and is distributed to business executives involved in expanding or relocating their businesses.

For more information about the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, visit http://www.thinkkentucky.com/bssc/ or call 502-564-2021.

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/.