41st Annual Governor’s Local Issues Conference Held at Louisville’s Galt House

Over 800 local elected officials and community leaders attended conference August 24-26

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2016) - The 41st Annual Governor’s Local Issues Conference ended today at the Galt House in Louisville, with 830 local elected officials and community leaders and advocates in attendance. The conference offered a series of general sessions, workshops and networking opportunities to educate local officials.

This year’s theme was “Building a Better Kentucky.” Gov. Matt Bevin gave the keynote address at the Governor’s Luncheon on Thursday, August 25, where he and Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton presented the Spirit of Kentucky Award to the Todd County Career Path Institute.

“We enjoyed assembling our county and city officials this week for an extraordinary lineup of speakers and workshops,” said Commissioner Sandy Dunahoo. “Every attendee, whether new to local government or a seasoned veteran, had the opportunity to network and learn best practices to improve their community.”

The conference sessions and concurrent workshops were led by constitutional officers, cabinet secretaries, state agencies and experts in their respective fields. They covered topics such as fiscal transparency, grants and funding availability, economic development opportunities, legal issues, active aggressor shooting training, broadband, emergency management, new and beginning farmer initiatives, tourism, and auditing, among others.

Other featured speakers in the general sessions included Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Don Parkinson, Actor Branscombe Richmond and film industry executive Tony Wenson of MBS-3. “Papa” John Schnatter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Papa John’s Pizza, closed the conference at today’s breakfast, sponsored by LG&E and KU Energy.

Networking opportunities included Wednesday’s Opening Session, Thursday’s Governor’s Luncheon and Commissioner’s Reception sponsored by HDR, and hospitality suites throughout the conference sponsored by Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association, Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association, DLZ and Ross, Sinclaire & Associates.

Governor’s Local Issues Conference

The annual Governor’s Local Issues Conference brings together over 800 county and city local government officials and community advocates from across the Commonwealth for education and networking through a variety of workshops and general sessions. For a detailed agenda and program, please visit www.kydlgweb.ky.gov/localissues.