WARSAW, Ky. — The Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance hosted 71 Aligned: 2026 Regional Spring Forum on Friday, May 15, at Waters Edge Event Center in Warsaw, bringing together more than 240 local, regional, state, and private-sector leaders for a focused conversation on the future of Kentucky’s I-71 Corridor.
The forum, presented by First National Bank of Kentucky, convened county officials, state leaders, developers, brokers, utilities, manufacturers, workforce and education partners, healthcare representatives, financial institutions, infrastructure professionals, tourism partners, and private-sector stakeholders from across the corridor and the Commonwealth.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the I-71 Corridor Regional Economic Development & Alignment Day proclamation by Rocky Adkins, Senior Advisor to Governor Andy Beshear, on behalf of the Governor’s Office. The proclamation recognized the importance of regional collaboration, economic development, infrastructure readiness, workforce alignment, and shared growth across Kentucky’s I-71 Corridor.
“71 Aligned was created to bring the right people into one room to talk honestly and strategically about the future of this corridor,” said Jessica Moore, Executive Director of the Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance. “What happened at Waters Edge was exactly what KIEDA was built to help convene — public leaders, private-sector partners, state agencies, industry, utilities, workforce, education, and community stakeholders sitting at the same table around the future of our six-county region.”
The program featured remarks from Warren Beeler, Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, focused on agriculture, land use, rural development, and long-term economic sustainability; and Jeff Noel, Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, who provided a statewide perspective on investment, business attraction, site readiness, and regional competitiveness.
The forum also included a market-driven panel discussion titled “What the Market is Telling Us: Site Selection, Investment, and the Future of the I-71 Corridor.” The panel was moderated by David Bizianes, President of Oldham Chamber & Economic Development, and featured Doug Butcher, Executive Vice President with CBRE; Mike DeHart, Principal Broker with Horizon Commercial Realty; and Stephen Edwards, Owner of GPAC Enterprises. Panelists discussed what companies, developers, and site selectors are looking for in competitive regions today, including infrastructure, utilities, workforce, housing, speed to market, and site readiness.
Throughout the forum, speakers emphasized that the issues shaping growth across the corridor do not stop at county lines. Workforce, housing, healthcare access, infrastructure, land use, and investment decisions increasingly require coordinated regional responses.
“KIEDA is not chasing growth at any cost,” Moore said. “Our work is about helping protect the future of rural communities by being intentional about where growth belongs — along the corridor, near infrastructure, near access, near utilities, and in places where long-term planning makes sense.”
KIEDA represents Oldham, Henry, Carroll, Gallatin, Owen, and Trimble Counties, working to strengthen alignment around workforce, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, business retention and expansion, site readiness, advocacy, private-sector engagement, and long-term regional growth.
During the event, KIEDA also introduced Leadership 71, a new regional leadership experience designed for leaders who want to better understand, connect with, invest in, serve, and help shape Kentucky’s I-71 Corridor. Applications for Leadership 71 will open June 1.
The day concluded with a bourbon tasting and networking experience on the deck overlooking the river, featuring regional bourbon partners and continued conversations among attendees, speakers, sponsors, and stakeholders.
KIEDA extended special thanks to First National Bank of Kentucky as presenting sponsor, Waters Edge Event Center for hosting the forum, and all speakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees who helped make the event a success.
About the Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance:
The Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance is a six-county regional partnership focused on strengthening economic growth across Kentucky’s I-71 Corridor. Representing Oldham, Henry, Carroll, Gallatin, Owen, and Trimble Counties, KIEDA works to convene public and private leaders, coordinate regional priorities, align resources, and accelerate long-term investment and opportunity across the corridor.
