Suzanne Shearer                 
502-564-4930, ext. 145
Suzanne.Shearer@ky.gov

FRANKFORT, KY. (August 26, 2004)  Taking its cue from Governor Ernie Fletcher’s plan to have a single “brand” for state government, the newly-formed Frankfort and Franklin County Strategic Planning Task Force has decided to adopt a similar plan designed to promote the
state’s capital city and its home county.

“What better place to start the partnership of branding than in the Capital City?” said Joy Jeffries, Executive Director of The Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist Commission.  “We have already developed our city’s brand ‘Destination Frankfort’ and incorporated it into our visitors’ maps.” 

The Task Force consists of state and community leaders dedicated to creating jobs, improving economic development, and promoting tourism in and around Frankfort, an area that often has been overshadowed by Lexington to the east and Louisville to the west.

At Fletcher’s request, Commerce Cabinet Secretary Jim Host asked Randy Fiveash, the Commissioner of Tourism, to lead the drive to recruit the members of the Task Force.  Each member represents entities crucial to Frankfort’s economic development and unique heritage. The Task Force consists of representatives from five action groups, many of which also have sub-committees.  The groups and the members who represent them are: Marketing (Joy Jeffries), River Development (Steve Reeder),
Historical Properties (Kent Whitworth), Convention Complex (Linda Morgan) and Genealogy (Tom Stephens).

Already, the Historical Properties Action Group has created a plan with a goal that enhances the visibility of and attendance to Frankfort/Franklin County historic attractions through tasks placed on a
quarterly timeline.  Three of the five goals have been finished or are in progress for the July-September quarter.

The Marketing Action Group also has achieved some of its goals, as noted by State- Journal staff writer Charles Pearl in a July story about a proposed Kentucky War Veterans Weekend Program.
 

Commissioner Fiveash gives the Task Force high marks.

“Branding is only one interest the Task Force shares with the State,” Fiveash said.  “Each action group has strong guidelines and goals they plan to carry out through this force in order to make Frankfort a
premier capital city.  The people of Frankfort and Franklin County are very proud of the culture, heritage and opportunity their community possesses and the Department of Tourism has the ability to help them in varied ways. Plus, it projects the entire Commonwealth’s sense of pride and unity.”

Soon “Destination Frankfort” will be pulling out all the stops.

“The brochures we use for our restaurant guides, walking/driving tours and calendar of events are ready to go to press,” said Jeffries, “and space has been left under our branding message to place the State’s new message when unveiled.” 
 
The Frankfort/Franklin County Task Force will hold its next monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at the Frankfort Convention Complex.  

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