Finance and Administration Cabinet
Governor Beshear says Time for Change is Now

Governor Beshear says Time for Change is Now as he addresses
Hundreds at Economic Summit

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says it’s important that the state create and retain thousands of jobs by strengthening Kentucky’s attractiveness in a climate of intense competition. He says one way of doing that is by improving the state’s image when it comes to luring businesses to the commonwealth.

That is just one of several topics being discussed during today’s Economic Success through Minority Empowerment Summit being held at the Lexington Convention Center. The summit evolved from grassroots meetings with individuals from both the public and private sectors. More than 250 people are attending today’s event including government officials, civil rights activists, clergy, and leaders of the business and educational communities.

The spotlight of the event is a luncheon featuring Governor Steve Beshear and keynote speaker Kevin Powell, an activist and writer who is considered one of America’s most important voices of the early 21st century. Powell will provide the audience with powerful insight into multiculturalism, civil rights and the need for political action in order to bring about social change.

“We’ve got to position Kentucky for growth when the economy rebounds,” said Gov. Beshear. “The only way to do that is for both the public and private sector workforces to share ideas and make a renewed commitment to ensure equal opportunities for all Kentuckians.”

The day-long summit will conclude with a panel discussion hosted by Kentucky Educational Television.

”The theme of this event is action, not talk,” said Finance and Administration Secretary Jonathan Miller. “The attendees will not simply listen to the seminars, but ultimately will come together to prepare an action plan for the Governor and the General Assembly to hopefully implement into something that will help move Kentucky forward.”

The summit is sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Minority Empowerment, along with the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center.
For more information you can go to http://kltprc.net/events/2009_summit/2009_summit.htm.

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