Kentucky Chamber

Kentucky Chamber President and CEO @AshliWatts moderated a panel discussion at the @CanopyKY Good Business Summit last week, featuring business leaders including our Immediate Past Chair Condrad Daniels of HJI Supply Chain Solutions, Chris Ratterman of @shadyrays, and Ellen McGeeney of @Ale8One. The conversation highlighted how Kentucky has contributed to the growth and success of these businesses and why they remain committed to investing in the Commonwealth. Panelists also discussed the importance of supporting their local communities and creating opportunities for the next generation of Kentuckians.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Polls in Kentucky are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Find your polling location and other Election Day information: kychamber.com/vote

The Kentucky Collaborative on Child Care met this week to discuss continued efforts to expand access to quality child care for Kentucky families. The Collaborative heard from House Families and Children Committee Chair Rep. Samara Heavrin, who sponsored House Bill 6 and House Joint Resolution 50 during the 2026 legislative session, advancing key recommendations from the Collaborative. Members also heard from Sheri Penney, a fellow with the @BPC_Bipartisan’s Working Families program, who shared her expertise in child care policy and solutions. Building on the progress made this year, the Collaborative continues working to strengthen Kentucky’s child care system, support working families and address one of the state’s most pressing workforce challenges.

Kentucky Chamber Public Affairs Manager Annie Santos joined business, community and policy leaders from across the Southeast at the @AtlantaFed earlier this month to discuss practical solutions to make child care more affordable and accessible for working families. During the discussion, Annie highlighted Kentucky’s work through the Kentucky Collaborative on Child Care and innovative policy solutions, including the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) and free child care for child care workers under state law. The conversation underscored the importance of collaboration among businesses, government and community partners to address child care challenges, strengthen the workforce and support economic growth.

The Kentucky Chamber joins Kentuckians across the Commonwealth in remembering Kentucky Educational Television (@KET) President and CEO Shae Hopkins and her remarkable legacy of leadership and public service. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and the entire KET team.

Child care is a workforce issue, and Kentucky employers have an important role to play in addressing it. Today, the Kentucky Chamber and @Thriveby5Lou, in partnership with the @NovakFamilyFndt, launched Kentucky Employers Leading on Child Care, a new statewide initiative to help businesses find practical child care solutions that support their employees and strengthen Kentucky's workforce. Through the initiative, the @KyChamberFdn will provide free, one-on-one assistance to employers across the Commonwealth to better understand their employees' child care needs, explore available programs, and put solutions into action. Building on years of collaboration and recent policy progress, this effort marks an important next step in helping more working families access affordable, reliable child care while supporting Kentucky businesses. Learn more about the initiative and how employers can get involved at kychildcare.com.

Kentucky Chamber President and CEO @AshliWatts joined @USDOL Secretary Keith Sonderling, Chamber Past Chair Joe Craft, and presidents of Kentucky universities for a discussion on how the Commonwealth can continue building its workforce and attracting businesses to the state.

No-excuse early voting in Kentucky is October 29–31. Voting locations and hours vary by county. Find voting information and resources for Kentucky’s 2026 General Election: kychamber.com/vote

Welcome to our new board members! The Kentucky Chamber looks forward to working together to grow Kentucky’s economy and strengthen the Commonwealth’s business community. See the full Chamber Board of Directors: kychamber.com/about-kentucky…

Kentucky Chamber President and CEO @AshliWatts and Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer @KateShanksKY joined Congressman @JamesComer yesterday for a business roundtable hosted by @KyChamberFdn Chair @jenyuebarber at FBT Gibbons to discuss issues impacting Kentucky businesses and opportunities to strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy.

The Kentucky Chamber welcomes Kim Halbauer, Regional President of @FifthThird, Kentucky, as its new Board Chair for 2026–2027! With more than 30 years of experience at Fifth Third Bank and a strong commitment to Kentucky's business community, Halbauer will help guide the Chamber's efforts to strengthen the Commonwealth's economy, support employers, and create new opportunities for growth. The Chamber appreciates outgoing Chair Condrad Daniels of HJI Supply Chain Solutions for his leadership and service to Kentucky's business community. Read more on The Bottom Line: kychamberbottomline.com/2026…

Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade was honored with the 2026 Kentucky Chamber MVP Award by Kentucky Chamber Public Affairs Director John Hughes and Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jenny Ralston-Maloney in October. “Speaker Pro Tempore Meade’s leadership has helped position Kentucky to pursue new opportunities in alternative aviation fuels, building on our strengths in agriculture and transportation,” said Kentucky Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer Kate Shanks. “His work to advance this legislation has opened the door for greater investment and economic growth for businesses and communities across the Commonwealth.” 🔗Read the full story: kychamberbottomline.com/2026…

Senator @JRAforKY says expanding housing opportunities is essential to helping Kentucky communities thrive. From young adults looking to purchase their first home to older Kentuckians seeking housing that meets their changing needs, having more options matters at every stage of life. Hear Senator Julie Raque Adams discuss how increasing Kentucky's housing supply can strengthen neighborhoods and help more Kentuckians achieve the American Dream. Learn about the priorities to address housing needs at kychamber.com/housing.

The cost of building a home directly affects the price Kentucky families pay for housing. State Representative Susan Witten, who co-chaired Kentucky's Housing Task Force, explains how construction barriers affect housing affordability and why addressing these challenges is critical to increasing housing supply across the Commonwealth. Learn about the priorities to address housing needs at kychamber.com/housing.

Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne (@reposborne) has been named a recipient of the Kentucky Chamber’s 2026 MVP Award in recognition of his leadership during the 2026 legislative session. He is among a select group of legislators honored for their work to advance policies that strengthen Kentucky’s economy, support employers, and improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness. “Speaker Osborne continues to provide steady leadership in advancing policies that support economic growth and job creation,” said Kentucky Chamber President and CEO @AshliWatts. “From child care to economic development, his leadership has been essential to delivering results for Kentucky employers and working families.” Read more: kychamberbottomline.com/2026…

Kentucky's economy grew faster than the national economy in 2025, and the state has gradually added jobs throughout 2026. However, elevated inflation, rising fuel prices, and declining consumer sentiment continue to impact the economic outlook. The Kentucky Chamber's October State of the Economy update examines the latest trends in economic growth, job creation, unemployment, inflation, and consumer confidence across Kentucky and the nation. Read the full update at kychamber.com/economy.

Senate Majority Caucus Chair @RobbyMillsforKY was honored with the 2026 Kentucky Chamber MVP Award by Kentucky Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer @KateShanksKY and Chamber Director of Public Affairs @jhughes_ky in October. “Kentucky’s ability to attract and retain workforce depends on access to housing,” said Kentucky Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer Kate Shanks. “Senator Mills has been a steady champion on this issue, and his leadership is helping move Kentucky toward real solutions for working families, employers, and communities.” Read more: kychamberbottomline.com/2026…

Senator Julie Raque Adams (@JRAforKY) was presented with the 2026 Kentucky Chamber MVP Award by Kentucky Chamber President and CEO @AshliWatts and Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer @KateShanksKY. Read more: kychamberbottomline.com/2026…