Grimes Discusses Future of Eastern Kentucky at Annual East Kentucky Leadership Summit

MOREHEAD, Ky. (April 28, 2016) – Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes today attended the East Kentucky Leadership Conference, the annual summit organized to formulate strategies for future economic, workforce, and educational development in the region.

Grimes introduced members of the ‘Eastern Kentucky Strong – Women are IT’ panel. She commended the female panelists for their dedication to ensuring the future is a bright for all eastern Kentucky women and their families.

“You are an integral part of the transformation in education and leadership that is taking place right here in eastern Kentucky which is long overdue – a transformation in the way young girls view themselves and the way the rest of the world, in turn, views them.”

Grimes also addressed conference attendees and discussed education and workforce issues facing the region.

“I believe firmly that eastern Kentucky’s future depends on all of us. Together, we must look for and work towards ways to lift up this region – both educationally and economically,” said Grimes. “The ability to invest in this region depends on engaging its people, educating its workforce, strengthening its physical infrastructure, and providing access to modern day technology,” said Grimes.

Grimes pushed the opportunities Kentucky’s largest export – aerospace – could bring to eastern Kentucky to help to revitalize the region’s economy. Morehead is home to Morehead State University’s Space Science Center, where Kentucky Space, a non-profit group and approved partner for the International Space Station, is located.

“Eastern Kentucky is a natural place for us to expand our aerospace industry. This region’s people are highly skilled, able, and ready to work. Let’s bring them the jobs and this industry,” said Grimes.