Mt. Sterlingmtsterlingeconomicdevelopment.com

montgomery County eConomiC Development guiDe

in good Company

Location attracts new businesses

backing business

Local leaders help companies grow

Diverse manufacturing powers region

geared for growth

SponSoreD by the mt. Sterling-montgomery County Chamber of CommerCe & inDuStrial authority | 2011-12

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Mt. Sterlingmtsterlingeconomicdevelopment.com

montgomery County eConomiC Development guiDe

in good Company

Location attracts new businesses

backing business

Local leaders help companies grow

Diverse manufacturing powers region

geared for growth

lifestyleFind out what its like to live here and what makes the community such a special place to be.

SponSoreD by the mt. Sterling-montgomery County Chamber of CommerCe & inDuStrial authority | 2011-12

read the magazine on your computer, zoom in on articles and link to advertiser websites. Site guiDe >> Find available commercial and industrial properties with our searchable database. SuCCeSS breeDS SuCCeSS >> meet the people who set the pace for business innovation. Dig Deeper >> plug into the community with links to local websites and resources to give you a big picture of the region. DemographiCS >> a wealth of demographic and statistical information puts the community at your fingertips.

Workstylea spotlight on the regions innovative companies

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Workstylegeared for growthdiverse manufacturing powers region

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backing businesslocal leaders help companies grow

in good Companylocation attracts new businesses

inside Connectionentrepreneur brings broadband to region

insightoverview almanac transportation 5 6 20 22 24 26 31 32

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education health livability economic profile through the lens

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on the Cover precision resource Kentucky Division, which makes metal stampings for the automotive industry, is one of 32 manufacturers in the mt. Sterling-montgomery County region. Photo by Jeff Adkins

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m t S t e r l i n g e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t. C o m

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Overview

mt. Sterling: the best Small town in KentuckyIncentIves, qualIty of lIfe are among the top 10 reasons to locate In the regIonlocated between the foothills of the appalachians and the central kentucky Bluegrass area, mt. sterling is the economic engine of the region. Here are 10 things about the community that could benefit your company. displays, art showings and lots of drama, musical and other cultural experiences for young and old alike. it is only a 30-minute drive to lexington where concerts, sporting events, and other major arts and cultural opportunities abound. systems just opened a brand new state-of-the-art hospital in June. windsor care center, a skilled nursing facility located in montgomery county, is second to none. twentyeight doctors serve our region, and other specialists from lexington have satellite offices here as well. in montgomery county range from the starter home to the executives dream home. Home prices are affordable, with more than 450 listings of homes, commercial properties and farms on the market. the market inventory includes new and mature neighborhoods and developments that are nicely maintained and kid-friendly. there is also a supply of rural homes with acreage that make a nice setting. montgomery county schools has a total population of about 5,000 students. there are three elementary schools with a new one under construction, set to open in fall 2012. the middle school and high school have facilities that set them apart from other schools in kentucky. morehead state university has its newest and largest extended campus located in the clay community center, right next door to the high school, which makes offering dual credits and college courses to high school seniors easy. maysville community college serves the needs for technical training to the local industry.

9. education and training.

1. location. mt. sterling-

montgomery county is located on i-64, just 29 miles east of lexington and the i-64/i-75 interchange. the area is within one days drive of two-thirds of the u.s. population.

7. health Care. st. Joseph Health

county is the employment, shopping and dining hub for a region of more than 100,000 people. unique stores and restaurants fill the area.

2. economic engine. montgomery

8. housing. Housing availabilities

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manufacturing jobs in the county, more people commute into the region than out for employment. world-class industries such as nestle, cooper standard, masco, kyosan denso and summit polymers, among others, have chosen to call mt. sterling home, and have been successful and continue to grow. For more, visit mtsterlingchamber.com/industry.asp.

3. employment. with 5,000

10. incentives. montgomery county is eligible for kentucky Business incentives as an enhanced county that gives manufacturers tax credits for buildings, land and equipment. local incentives may be available, based on the project.Montgomery County

4. topography and Climate.

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the area is serene and beautiful with rolling hills and lots of green space. in a 30-minute drive or less, you can see beautiful horse farms or go boating on an 8,300-acre lake with 166 miles of shoreline surrounded by breathtaking mountainous terrain.

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18-hole golf courses, one private and one public. the public course, old silo, has been rated the no. 1 public course by Golf Digest for several years. there is also a 72-acre public park, and agritourism is a vibrant part of the county.

5. recreation. mt. sterling has two

MONTGOMERY64 60

Mt. SterlingCamargo Jeffersonville402

Winchester460

6. arts and Culture. downtown

mt. sterling is home to the gateway regional arts center, which has artm t S t e r l i n g e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t. C o m

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Almanac

Shop anD Dine on the SquareFrom specialty shops to locally owned restaurants, mt. sterling's historic downtown offers a quaint collection of shopping and dining options. stores range from the musical stylings of Bob's music world to the kid-friendly children's vine. eclectic gift shops like etc-etc and dede's gift shop are filled with one-of-a-kind finds. local cuisine ranges from Berryman's tastytreat, famous for its hot dogs, chili dogs and ice cream treats, to the sit-down southern- style dining at terry & kathy's on main, which is known for its regional delicacies like the fried green tomato Blt, as well as its legendary cream pies.

pHoto courtesy oF BramBle ridge orcHard

piCK your oWn proDuCecraving fresh produce from the field? several working farms in montgomery county offer the opportunity to pick your own. at Bramble ridge orchard, visitors can pick apples from 13 varieties, or stop by the orchard Barn for jams, jellies, cider, donuts and more. the orchard also gives visitors a chance to tour the farm by wagon, observe a beehive or take a turn at kentucky's largest apple slingshot. looking for the perfect pumpkin? two sisters pumpkin patch invites visitors to pick from their harvest. love seafood? Bring a cooler and some cash to indulge in fresh shrimp sold every september at g & r Freshwater shrimp.

a hot CommoDityHandy little Hot pockets are a college kid's best friend, and 162 varieties of the microwaveable wonder are produced in the nestle prepared Foods plant in mt. sterling. though invented in the 1970s, Hot pockets weren't available to the public until 1983. in 2002, the company merged with nestle, and has since found a permanent residence in mt. sterling. today, Hot pockets are sold all over the world in France, germany, spain and the united kingdom.

olDeSt operating Drive-inenjoy a night at the movies? catch two feature flicks for the price of one under the stars at Judy drive-in off of i-64. one of the oldest operating drive-in theaters in the country, Judy drive-in has been drawing movie buffs from all over kentucky since July 4, 1952, with its affordable admission and classic drive-in food. tickets cost $7 to see the two shows that rotate every weekend from april through october; children 5-11 years old pay $2 and children under 5 are admitted free. all food is home-cooked to order. some of the more popular items from the concession stand include the Judy Burger, chili-cheese fries, hot dogs and funnel cakes.

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if theSe briCKS CoulD talKwith more than 100 structures listed on the national register of Historic places, mt. sterling has deep historical roots. lining a few choice streets are homes dating as far back as the late 1700s, including the Bell House, a former jail and the general John Bell Hood Home. another can't-miss building is the keas tabernacle cme, a fire-engine-red church built in 1787. other local historic spots include the pretty-in-pink Farmer's Bank Building, the montgomery county courthouse and ascension episcopal church. the gaitskill indian mound is a legacy of the adena people, who occupied the region between 800 B.c. and 700 a.d.

appalaChian WonDerSFor campers, hikers, fishers and hunters, natural wonders are just a short drive away from montgomery county. located along the cumberland plateau in the appalachian foothills, the daniel Boone national Forest has more than than 600 miles of trails and hundreds of miles of winding rivers and streams. Hike over to natural Bridge state park to see its trademark 65-foot sandstone arch, explore the red river gorge or simply enjoy the scenic beauty and abundant wildlife the forest has to offer.

a SWeet proSpeCtruth Hunt, mt. sterling's resident candy maker, made quite a reputation for herself with the confectionery business she started in her kitchen in 1921. today, ruth Hunt candy company remains a big name, thanks to its reputation as the official candy maker of the kentucky derby and the success of its most famous product, the Blue monday Bar. the bar got its name more than 60 years ago, when a traveling minister said, every monday i have to have a little sweet to help me through my Blue monday. it's no wonder he picked this one; the bars pulled cream center and dark chocolate coating are sure to sweeten up any gloomy day.m t S t e r l i n g e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t. C o m

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Business Climate

geared for growthstory by Dan Hieb photography by Jeff Adkins

Diverse manufacturing powers region

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f youve ever eaten a Hot Pocket or Lean Pocket, you already have some experience with products produced in Mt. Sterling. Nestle Prepared Foods Company makes millions of the frozen meals at its plant in Mt. Sterling before shipping them nationwide. The operation employs more than 1,200 people about one in 10 workers

in Montgomery County. But its not the only international company with a major footprint. Japan-based Kyosan Denso Manufacturing employs 320 at its plant in Mt. Sterling, where it makes components for automotive fuel systems. Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandy Romenesko

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says the companies investments are proof of the confidence manufacturers have in the community. Attracting more manufacturing is a focus of the chambers efforts because we believe that a good-paying manufacturing job will lead to spillover jobs in service and retail, she says.ContinueD SuCCeSS Manufacturers employ about a third of Montgomery Countys workforce. The local industry weathered the recession pretty well, Romenesko says. Nestle picked up because more people were eating in. We have food, we have automotives, we have cabinetry, we have foam (manufacturing). I think the diversity has helped us. There are new signs of growth. Cooper Standard Automotive invested $4 million in an expansion, adding 120 jobs to its Mt. Sterling facility in February. Cleveland, Ohio-based Olympic Steel chose Mt. Sterling as the location for a metal fabrication center, buying a 100,000-square-foot warehouse for $1.4 million, with plans to invest a total of $11.2 million. The facility, which employs 20 people, opened in late 2010 and started shipping products in January.

loW CoStS, great loCation Dan Hawk, Olympic Steels regional comptroller for Chicago and Cleveland, says price and location were two big factors in selecting Mt. Sterling. (The) cost of real estate is less than in major cities, yet it is still in close proximity to Cincinnati and Lexington, he says. We also have found the pool of employees to be honest, hard-working and very welcoming to us in locating there. The low cost of living keeps operating costs down, too. Average wages in Montgomery County in 2009 were 32 percent below the national average, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors put the median home price at $96,250, compared to $173,200 nationwide at the end of 2010, according to the National Association of Realtors. WorKforCe Development aDvantageS The Chamber of Commerce and the Mt. SterlingMontgomery County Industrial Authority work with businesses to make sure that strong job candidates find their way to companies. Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky, both nearby, ensure a stream of college graduates. The workforce is almost completely non-union. Romenesko invites companies considering Mt. Sterling to send their human resources managers to talk to other HR professionals in the area. Mary Grider, the human resources manager for Kyosan Denso Manufacturing Kentucky, says the Chamber and the Industrial Authority have been helpful in delivering manpower. The business climate here is good, and there is support for companies coming in, Grider says. The city is eager to help. Well help make sure the trash gets picked up; well help get training funds and incentives, says Romenesko, who has been in her position for 12 years. Everybody knows they can call me for anything. In a small community, its easier to get things done, because we all know each other. You dont have to go through a lot of bureaucracy.

Manufacturing Powerhouselocated between the foothills of the appalachians and the central kentucky Bluegrass region, mt. sterling has been recognized as a top 10 micropolitan community by Site Selection magazine for its history of growth and capital investment. known as the economic engine of montgomery county, the community is home to 32 industries employing approximately 4,200. its thriving manufacturing sector offers more jobs per capita than any community its size in the state.

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backing businesslocal leaders help companies grow10m t. S t e r l i n g - m o n t g o m e r y C o u n t y e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t g u i D e

story by Katie Kuehner-Hebert photography by Jeff Adkins

rom abundant, affordable property to a large, skilled labor force with a strong work ethic, Montgomery County offers key advantages to keep companies competitive. Best of all, local leaders share a pro-business perspective that helps new and existing companies grow and thrive. Case in point: Cooper Standard Automotive was considering expanding its automotive hose manufacturing plant in Mt. Sterling, but the 15-year time limit on its $18 million tax credit was fast approaching. Though the company had taken just $8 million of its credit and had $10 million remaining, its credits were part of the expiring Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act (KREDA) incentive program. Rather than look to move elsewhere, the company turned to a group of local power brokers Mt. Sterlings Mayor, County Judge Executive and the Mt. SterlingMontgomery County Chamber of Commerce/Industrial Authority who convinced state lawmakers in the region to back legislation that would extend tax credits to any company that had used less than half its credits and was planning to expand its business in the state and hire more people. Coopers plant draws employees from 10 counties, so we told every state legislator in those counties, Theyre employing your people, so we need you to work with us,right: cooper standard automotives plant draws employees from 10 counties, with more jobs on the way. left: local leaders provide workforce training and other incentives to precision resource kentucky division.

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says Sandy Romenesko, Executive Director of the Mt. SterlingMontgomery County Chamber of Commerce/Industrial Authority. The state bill passed, and now Cooper is utilizing its remaining tax credits to add another 18,000 square feet to its Mt. Sterling

manufacturing facility. When completed, the expansion is expected to add 120 jobs to Coopers existing 400-employee base there. Everybody here was extremely supportive and got in contact with the right folks, says Coopers Plant

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Manager Joel Hauck. Montgomery County is a great place to do business. If we have an issue with a traffic light that is making it difficult for employees to get out of the plant, officials always work with industry to get it resolved.a pipeline to loCal leaDerS Horst Griesbaum, manager of Precision Resource Kentucky Division, agrees that local government leaders have been supportive. The Shelton, Conn.-based company, which runs a facility in Mt. Sterlings Woodlands Industrial Park that

makes precision metal stampings for the automobile heavy-duty off-road industry, is expanding its 50,000-square-foot building by another 25,000 square feet. The facility, upon completion, will add another 30 people to its existing 75 employees. They (local leaders) are very responsive to our needs, whether it be training offered through the college or whether it is ensuring that Mt. Sterling is a pleasant place to live, Griesbaum says. You have free access to decisionmakers, and they are usually only a call away if you have any issues. Moreover, local residents also

back the business community, Griesbaum says. Its a very small town, so of course we all know each other by first name, he says. Romenesko says its critical for the Chamber and elected officials to support area businesses, including Mt. Sterlings largest employer, Nestle Corp., which makes its popular Hot Pockets product in its plant. We pride ourselves on service after the sale, she says. We take care of our existing employers we want to keep them happy, so we do everything we can to make them successful here.

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the bigger, the betterstate-specIfIc IncentIve encourages growthgood news for businesses looking to expand in montgomery county: the region has been chosen to participate in the 2011 kentucky Business incentives program, a tax credit that helps kentucky counties grow stronger economically by encouraging existing businesses to expand and create jobs. companies in montgomery county eligible for the kBi tax credit must be involved in manufacturing, agribusiness or any kind of regional or national headquarters in any industry, or be part of nonretail service or technology that is designed to serve a multistate, national or international market. the kBi was put in place to grow sectors of the economy that can truly be successful in kentucky, both now and in the future, says sandy romenesko, executive director of the mt. sterlingmontgomery county chamber of commerce/industrial authority. kBi allows an expanding business to receive a 100 percent tax credit against its kentucky income tax liability generated by the expansion project. it also permits the business to utilize a 5 percent job development assessment fee for tax credit. one of the minimum requirements for an eligible project is that it must create at least 10 new, full-time jobs for kentucky residents, romenesko says. i hope to see several montgomery county companies take advantage of all the positives associated with this economic development effort. montgomery county also offers plentiful opportunities for local financing, as well as incentives for companies employing local residents. Kevin Litwin

www.hopehill.org

(859) 497-0628

Serving Kentuckys Families Since 1960

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in good Companylocation attracts new businesses to mt. sterlingstory by Kevin Litwin

rom entrepreneurial start-ups to national retailers, business is booming in Mt. Sterling. The city has a population of 7,000, but serves 30,000 to 40,000 people in surrounding counties throughout eastern Kentucky. This city has a long history of being a crossroads and a trade center, so our population is deceptive because there are many unincorporated areas around us whose residents drive here specifically to shop and eat at restaurants, Mt. Sterling Mayor Gary Williamson says. Those folks drive here for groceries, furniture, automotive needs, to shop at our Walmart it has been that way since I can remember, and Ive been around here for a long time. Workforce statistics show that people travel to Mt. Sterling to work from 19 different counties. In fact, more than 50 percent of

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the entire Mt. Sterling workforce lives outside Montgomery County. All of those people add to our tax base, with many of them frequenting our restaurants and stores before heading back to their homes outside of Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County, Williamson says. People visiting and working in Mt. Sterling are key reasons why weve had a dramatic increase in companies choosing to locate here in the past few years. Within the county itself, the availability of jobs has been one of the biggest drivers of growth. The countys population has increased by 17.5 percent over the last decade, making it one of the top 10 fastest-growing counties in Kentucky.perfeCt Spot on the map Tractor Supply Company and Bevins Motor Company have both

set up shop recently in the city. Bevins sells several kinds of farm and heavy-duty equipment, and is now the John Deere distributor in Mt. Sterling. Our company was looking for an additional dealership for John Deere products, so we began a search in early 2010 for a perfect spot on the map, says Jim Bevins, owner of Bevins Motor Company. Honestly, I must give a lot of credit to Sandy Romenesko with the Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Chamber, who researched the availability of lots and prices, and drove with me to several potential sites. Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County officials are very business-friendly, and once the stars ultimately aligned, I wound up with an ideal John Deere dealership location off Interstate 64 at exit 113. Other recent ribbon-cutting ceremonies in Mt. Sterling include

Bevins motor company, which sells farm and heavy-duty equipment, recently opened a John deere store in mt. sterling. p H o t o B y J e F F a d k i n s

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Sterling Academy of Dance, Northview Pharmacy, Alliance Physical Therapy and Key Assets foster parent training center. Every new business obviously brings more jobs into our community, which still has small-town ideals, Williamson says. If I was a business owner looking for a place to locate, I would seriously consider Mt. Sterling.Sign of the timeS In addition to investing in businesses, Williamson says, the city is taking a deeper sense of pride in its aesthetic surroundings. One example is new welcome signs recently erected at I-64 exits in Mt. Sterling and Jeffersonville. We have a history here of working together, plus there is a good school system and plenty of recreation spots such as Easy Walker Park and Walker Park 2, he says. Also, there are several programs for young people. I can say a lot of good things about Mt. Sterling. Thats the easiest part of my job.

from top: Jim Bevins, owner of Bevins motor company; employees fill prescriptions at the new northview pharmacy in mt. sterling.

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JeFF adkins

riding a Sugar highruth hunt canDIes classIc confectIons keep customers comIng backmaking old-fashioned treats since 1921, ruth Hunt candies is a sweet staple to many dessert-seekers throughout kentucky. two locations a factory outlet in mt. sterling and a shop in lexington both offer a variety of the candy makers popular goodies, including cream candy, Bourbon Balls and Blue monday candy bars. For years, ruth Hunt candies has been known as the official candy maker of churchill downs and the kentucky derby. the core products really havent changed since early on, and i think its just a testament to the products themselves, says tobby moore, manager of ruth Hunt candies. weve been making cream candy since the 20s and 30s, and there continues to be a demand and a market for it. in addition to specialty items, ruth Hunt candies also provides an array of traditional treats that customers may not be able to find anywhere else. another thing customers may have trouble finding elsewhere? Fresh candy made with fresh ingredients. i think what separates us is the fact that weve stayed true to whats been a success from the beginning, which is using the best ingredients and making the best candies, moore says. we dont freeze anything, and we dont add waxes to the chocolate. while the business stays busy year-round, its busiest time of year is the holidays. there are times we just have to work seven days a week, moore says. it gets difficult, but its worth the effort. with many customers coming back for seconds, thirds and fourths, ruth Hunt candies continues to thrive. its main location off of interstate 64 attracts passersby from around the country who stop by for a sweet treat on their way to the east coast. in addition to in-store traffic, the company ships candy to kentuckians who have moved to other states and is the exclusive manufacturer of woodford reserve Bourbon chocolate products. we must be doing something right, moore says. otherwise, folks wouldnt support us like they do. Jessica Walker

from left: a ruth Hunt employee mixes filling for Blue monday candy bars; cutomer Haley purdy picks out her candy of choice.

pHotos By JeFF adkins

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Energy/Technology

inside Connectionmt. sterling entrepreneur brings high-speed broadband to montgomery countystory by Erin Edgemon photography by Jeff Adkins

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ntrepreneur Rick Gunderson has made it his mission to provide reliable and affordable high-speed Internet service to businesses and homes in Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County. It is clear that the area needed high-speed Internet in order to move forward, he says. Without KyWifi, many people here would still be on dial-up access or satellite Internet.

faSter aCCeSS for homeS, buSineSSeS KyWifi launched in 2004 in response to the lack of DSL and affordable telephone service in Montgomery County. The company grew slowly during its first three years until Gunderson and his wife, Carol, purchased the company in 2007. Computers and networking have made up Gundersons professional career for more than 30 years. Ive been blessed with being involved with large-scale computer networking, dial-up Internet access, cable television,

cellular telephone and broadband Internet including satellite, DSL and wireless, he says. KyWifi now provides broadband Internet service and satellite television to residents and businesses in Montgomery County and to parts of Bath, Bourbon and Clark counties. The company is the only fixed wireless broadband service in the area, and it is faster than any other local provider. KyWifi compares its speeds to cable and DSL Internet service.Keeping CompanieS WireD Before KyWifi, high-speed Internet access was scarce because of the countys low population density. Our county is so big, and people so far and wide apart that it is very expensive to get everyone wired, Gunderson says, adding that big providers are too busy fighting it out in the big cities and have no reason to go to rural areas. Having high-speed Internet access is critical to many businesses in the area. KyWifi

provides Gateway Manufacturing Inc. with access to multiple T1 lines so the company will not lose Internet service if there is an issue with one line. This is critical because we do a lot of sales directly from our website, says Doug Gessford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gateway. Uptime must be high to receive such items as purchase orders, advance shipping notices and invoices from large customers. Gunderson says he is committed to utilizing the newest technology as it becomes available. In the four years under his helm, he has made many improvements to KYWifi; the greatest was moving the network operations center to the newest tower in the area, where fiber access is available. The second-best improvement was connecting nearly all of our broadcast points directly to the fiber via high-speed links, which enabled us to provide the capacity to keep up with the demand, he says.

rick gunderson founded kywifi to bring high-speed internet service to businesses and homes in montgomery county.m t S t e r l i n g e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t. C o m

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Transportation

easy in, easy outInterstates, airport make region a prime spot for shippingstory by Dan Hieb photography by Jeff Adkins

or a small city with a low cost of living, Mt. Sterling offers companies a lot of bang for their buck especially when it comes to shipping products to customers nationwide. Two interstates provide fast shipping, allowing items produced in Mt. Sterling to reach customers quickly nationwide. And the Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Airport also helps companies move people quickly, bringing executives and customers to town on charter flights.

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roaD netWorK iS golDen Interstate access is one reason Nestle Prepared Foods Company is able to distribute its products to 48 states from its Mt. Sterling facility. Ryder operates a 300,000square-foot distribution facility connected to Nestles manufacturing plant. Frozen foods roll off the manufacturing line and into a subzero refrigerator to await shipment. Pete Poldo, who manages the distribution center, says Interstate

64 provides a fast east-west corridor, while Interstate 75 30 miles west in Lexington provides a north-south distribution route. Wide roads, he says, make it easy for trucks to serve Mt. Sterling, and the Pilot Travel Center makes the city an attractive destination for drivers. New hotels, he says, including Marriott, Days Inn and Ramada, have sprung up to accommodate travelers. Interstates were also key in attracting Lion Uniform Group

i-64 in mt. sterling makes it easy for companies to distribute products quickly.

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Montgomery County Public LibraryThe Montgomery County Public Library strives to provide a safe, friendly, and pleasant environment for obtaining recreational reading and informational materials or services. This opportunity is offered freely to all residents, employees, and students of Montgomery County through the Mt. Sterling Main Branch Library, the Camargo Branch Library, the Bookmobile and Library Outreach On-site Services.

to Montgomery County, says Ron Thornton, the companys director of distribution. Mt. SterlingMontgomery County Industrial Authority helped Lion Uniform find a location that suited its needs and future expansion plans. They have always been great communicators, informing us about upcoming events, job fairs, labor issues, Thornton says. Just about anything that we have felt a need for help on, they were there. Lion ships about 2 million units a year to customers, relying largely on third-party carriers to deliver its products. Access to large trucking firms in Lexington, as well as a dozen smaller local firms, has been a boon for the distributor as has Louisvilles UPS hub.airport offerS quiCK ConneCtionS Montgomery Countys airport, the fifth busiest in the state, is another distribution asset. Thornton says that Lion Uniform has used the Mount SterlingMontgomery County Airport to bring visitors, prospective customers and management officials into Mt. Sterling. The airports charter flights complement the services of Blue Grass Airport in Lexington. Kentucky Airmotive operates Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Airport, which handles about 3,500 flights a year, including about 100 charter flights, owner Danny Hill says. The airport offers maintenance and other aeronautic services, as well as flight instruction. Hill says the airport can accommodate medium-size business aircraft on its 5,002-foot runway.

Services Offered: Large Print Books Magazines

Mt. Sterling Main Branch 241 W. Locust St. (859) 498-2404

Childrens Educational Programs Computers Wi-Fi Hot Spot Access to Online Full Text Periodicals Educational & New Release Movies Notary & Fax Service Genealogy & Local History Information Bookmobile Home Delivery E-Book Downloads Coming Soon Camargo Branch City Hall Building 4406 Camargo Rd. (859) 499-4244

Come Smile With UsDr. Alisha Tackitt, DMD PLLCCosmetic & Family Dentistry1107 C Colony Shoppes Indian Mound Dr. Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 (859) 498-2356

www.alishasmiles.com21

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Education

pHoto By JeFF adkins

exceeding expectationsregional college campus grows in programs, popularitystory by Kevin Litwin photography by Jeff Adkins

t. Sterling deserves extra credit for having the foresight in 2003 to ask for a college campus. Today, the Clay Community Center has grown to become home to Morehead State University at Mt. Sterling, the fastest-growing regional campus of five under the Morehead State umbrella. The Mt. Sterling campus, with 550-600 students

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enrolled each semester, has the largest enrollment of any of the colleges satellite locations. Most of our students are considered adult, with the federal definition for adult students being 25 years old and above, says Janet Kenney, Director of Morehead State University at Mt. Sterling. A smaller but growing sector of our students are younger, and most of them will eventually

transition to Morehead States main campus 35 miles away. A lot of those students take their first semester or first year of college in Mt. Sterling so that they can live at home and save money on dorm room fees and gasoline for commuting.many DegreeS The Clay Community Center campus currently offers six degree

morehead state university at mt. sterling is the schools fastest-growing regional campus.

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mt. Sterling is a hub for industry, so many people from surrounding areas come here to work and then several of them also enroll in classes at our campus since theyre already in town. Janet Kenney, director of Morehead State UniverSity at Mt. Sterling

programs, including an associate degree in nursing, and bachelors degrees in social work and communications. We also oversee a bachelors degree in business administration that features most of the more advanced classes being offered online, but our campus has some of the basic introductory courses in classroom settings, Kenney says. Mt. Sterling offers associate and bachelors degrees in university studies and a masters in higher education. Students can also take a number of individual undergraduate courses and graduate distance-learning programs.

WorKerS WelCome Morehead State University at Mt. Sterling also provides educational and training opportunities for people already in the workforce, enrolling students from Montgomery County as well Bath, Bourbon, Clark, Menifee, Nicholas and Powell counties. Mt. Sterling is a hub for industry, so many people from surrounding areas come here to work and then several of them also enroll in classes at our campus since theyre already in town, Kenney says. As for our faculty, there are no faculty members permanently assigned in Mt. Sterling. Teachers and

professors arrive here from Morehead States main campus where they are adjunct professors. Many actually live in Lexington, so its an easy commute to Mt. Sterling.more CurriCulum Coming As for the future, Kenney says the campus is planning to eventually offer an industrial engineering curriculum, and is considering a culinary arts program. A computer information systems program has recently been added to the curriculum. Theres a lot going on around here, and things are only going to keep getting bigger and better, Kenney says.

room for growthmontgomery county buIlDs new elementary schoolelementary students in montgomery county will soon have a new school to call their own. with record attendance at two of its schools, mapleton and mt. sterling elementary, montgomery county public schools is building a fourth elementary school, scheduled to open in fall 2012. mapletons enrollment is currently at around 850 students and was constructed to accommodate 700 comfortably, and mt. sterlings current enrollment is hovering around 750, says phil rison, assistant superintendent for operations with montgomery county public schools. rison says no students will be moved from camargo elementary school, which is at ideal enrollment numbers. when the new school opens, all four elementary schools will feature pre-k through grade 5, he says. the new one-story elementary building under construction will be leed certified and will feature numerous energy-management advancements, including geothermal heating and cooling and light-saving measures. the kentucky transportation cabinet has approved construction of a route 11 extension in the northern portion of the county across interstate 64, which will make it much easier to eventually access the school, rison says. the road will stretch all the way out to Fairfield and will have five lanes. that should keep traffic moving with no problem during the morning hours when students arrive, and in the afternoon when school lets out. Kevin Litwinm t S t e r l i n g e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t. C o m

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whats onlinefor more about health care in mt. Sterling and montgomery County, visit mtsterlingeconomicdevelopment.com.

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Health

raising the barnew state-of-the-art hospital offers more specialty carestory by Kevin Litwin photography by Jeff Adkins

ealth care has always been plentiful in the Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County region, but residents can now expect a higher level of care in a state-of-the-art setting. A $600 million, 114,000-square-foot replacement facility for Saint Joseph-Mount Sterling Hospital opened in June, allowing the hospital to provide new and expanded services, from emergency care to surgical procedures. The two-story building is located along 30 acres on Falcon Drive, just off Interstate 64. Saint Joseph-Mount Sterling began in 1875 as Mary Chiles Hospital, and then in 2007 became part of the Saint Joseph Health System. A corporate decision was made at that time to construct a new replacement hospital. The hospital draws patients from Montgomery County as well as other eastern Kentucky communities in Bath, Menifee and Powell counties.more SpeCialty Care The new facility includes Heart Institute services, a catheterization lab, maternity center, healing garden, intensive care unit, operating rooms, 40 private patient rooms, 14 private

h

emergency treatment rooms and a helipad. Specialty units at Saint Joseph-Mount Sterling include womens care and a joint care center, while 24-hour services include a clinical lab, pathology, emergency care, pharmacy and radiology. The radiology department has the most advanced equipment for CT angiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, MRIs, nuclear medicine and a picture archiving communication system. The hospital also offers minimally invasive surgery and a sleep wellness center.eConomiC impaCt Officials point out the hospitals economic importance to the community. Saint Joseph-Mount Sterling spends about $15 million annually on employee wages and salaries, along with the purchase of supplies and services. It provides nearly 300 jobs and pays nearly $2 million a year in state and local taxes. Saint Joseph-Mount Sterling treats more than 50,000 outpatients and 25,000 emergency room patients each year, and welcomes more than 250 babies into the world annually.

windsor care center/ sterling PlaceFor older residents who cannot live independently, assisted living care is provided at Windsor Care Center/Sterling Place. Features include: 98 beds with full-time nursing care 22 personal-care beds for residents who need occasional supervision Four assisted-living apartments Medicare and Medicaid programs An adult day-care program where people can spend the day receiving physical therapy if needed and taking part in planned activities. The participants then return to their homes at night.

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Livability

a Sterling reputationmt. sterlings attractions draw families, professionalsstory by Karen Schwartzman photography by Jeff Adkins

ith its friendly neighbors, quaint downtown and focus on families, no small town is more charming than Mt. Sterling.fun for the family The people are probably the towns greatest asset, says Tracy Pearce, Director of the Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Tourist and Convention Commission. Theyll welcome you right in. That friendly atmosphere lends itself well to families looking for a quiet place to settle down. From excellent amenities including a progressive school system and a new hospital Mt. Sterling caters to the family crowd. Everything we have is really

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centered around families, Pearce says. Were a very G-rated city.range of attraCtionS That doesnt mean residents dont know how to have fun. Mt. Sterling is home to the No. 1 golf course in the state, Old Silo Golf Course. Rated Kentuckys Best Golf Course for more than 10 years by Golf Digest, the 18-hole course, designed by Champions Tour player Graham Marsh, invites golfers from far and wide to take a swing on its famous slopes. Its certainly one of the citys biggest attractions, Pearce says. It draws a lot of tourists because its a destination course. Also high on the citys list of tourist attractions is the annual October Court Days, Kentuckys

oldest festival. Spanning four days and selling everything from guns to socks, the festival draws more than 130,000 people each year, Pearce says. October Court Days is essentially a celebration of the citys history, but those who cant make it to the extravaganza will find no lack of history in the citys streets. Dating back to 1792, the citys story is well-preserved in the many historic buildings that line downtown. Walking tours are available and recommended to anyone interested in digging into Mt. Sterlings roots. Families looking for recreation can find walking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and a fishing pond stocked with catfish

faMily friendlyFor several years, mt. sterling has been chosen as one of the countrys 100 Best communities for young people by americas promise alliance for youth. the award is given to communities that demonstrate a commitment to providing a safe, caring environment for children. mt. sterlings reputation for family-friendly events and activities is well earned, and the city goes out of its way to ensure that its younger residents are taken care of. Festivals for all ages, abundant sports activities, dedication to the arts and a top-notch school system all contribute to making mt. sterling a top community for families.

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Old Silo Golf Course is considered one of Kentuckys best courses.m t S t e r l i n g e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t. C o m

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everything we have is really centered around families. Were a very g-rated city. tracy Pearce, director ofthe MoUnt Sterling-MontgoMery coUnty toUriSt and convention coMMiSSion

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at Easy Walker Park. On the outskirts of Montgomery County, working farms offer agritourism tours for kids.aCtive artS SCene Mt. Sterlings modern side comes through strongly in its dedication to the arts. The city and county governments understand the need for the arts to create a well-balanced quality of life in a community, and the arts make an economic impact by bringing visitors into our community, says Cay Lane, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Council for the Arts. New on the citys art scene is the impressive Gateway Regional Arts Center, ranked second-best local performing arts center in Kentucky by Kentucky Living. The cultural scene in Montgomery County is definitely on the move, Lane says. Ideally, we will eventually have several galleries and arts-related businesses on Main Street. For now, the city continues to build its reputation as a great place for families. And with its prime location right next to the interstate, a trip to big-city Lexington is only about 20 minutes away. You dont have to leave town to shop, but you have all of the benefits that come with small-town living, Pearce says. I couldnt imagine a better community to live in. Mt. Sterling offers a good mix of amenities in a tightly knit community, says Ron Thornton, who moved to the town 28 years ago to work for Lion Uniform Group. Its a very good community, and it has a tremendous amount of beauty and history, Thornton says. I have the best neighbors in the world. They are there when you need them. What more can a person ask for?

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Clockwise from top: painting classes at the gateway regional arts center; old silo golf course; gateway regional arts center ranked as the second-best arts center in kentucky.m t S t e r l i n g e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t. C o m

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201 1-1 2 Edition , volum E 9 ProjEct managEr emily mcmackin ProofrEading managEr raven petty audiEncE dEvEloPmEnt dirEctor deanna nelson contEnt coordinator Jessica walker Staff WritEr kevin litwin coPy Editor Jill wyatt contributing WritErS erin edgemon, dan HieB, katie kueHner-HeBert, karen scHwartzman mEdia tEchnology dirEctor cHristina carden SEnior graPhic dESignErS laura gallagHer, Jessica manner, Janine maryland, kris sexton, vikki williams graPhic dESignEr racHael gerringer, taylor nunley mEdia tEchnology analyStS cHandra BradsHaw, lance conzett PhotograPhy dirEctor JeFFrey s. otto SEnior PhotograPhErS JeFF adkins, Brian mccord Staff PhotograPhErS todd Bennett, antony BosHier WEb contEnt managEr JoHn Hood WEb ProjEct managEr noy Fongnaly WEb dESign dirEctor Franco scaramuzza WEb dESignEr ii ricHard stevens WEb dEvEloPEr i yamel Hall WEb account managEr lauren euBank ad Production managEr katie middendorF ad traffic aSSiStantS krystin lemmon, patricia moisan i.t. dirEctor yancey Bond SEnior accountant lisa owens accountS PayablE coordinator maria mcFarland accountS rEcEivablE coordinator diana guzman officE managEr/accountS rEcEivablE coordinator sHelly miller SalES SuPPort coordinator alex marks color imaging tEchnician alison Hunter chairman greg tHurman PrESidEnt/PubliShEr BoB scHwartzman ExEcutivE vicE PrESidEnt ray langen SEnior v.P./SalES todd potter, carla tHurman SEnior v.P./oPErationS casey Hester SEnior v.P./cliEnt dEvEloPmEnt JeFF HeeFner SEnior v.P./buSinESS dEvEloPmEnt scott templeton v.P./ExtErnal communicationS teree carutHers v.P./cuStom PubliShing kim HolmBerg v.P./viSual contEnt mark Forester v.P./contEnt oPErationS natasHa lorens v.P./SalES cHarles FitzgiBBon, HerB Harper, Jarek swekosky controllEr cHris dudley contEnt dirEctor/travEl PublicationS susan cHappell contEnt dirEctor/buSinESS PublicationS Bill mcmeekin contEnt dirEctor/livability.com lisa Battles markEting crEativE dirEctor keitH Harris diStribution dirEctor gary smitH ExEcutivE SEcrEtary kristy duncan human rESourcES managEr peggy Blake rEcEPtioniSt linda BisHop

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advertisersCaswell Prewitt Realty Inc. www.caswellprewittrealty.com Chef Doug Johannes www.chefdougjohannes.com Dr. Alisha Tackitt PLLC www.alishasmiles.com Family Connection Inc. www.familyconnectioninc.com Gateway Radio Works Inc. www.gatewayradio.net Hampton Inn Morehead www.hamptoninn.com/morehead Montgomery County Public Library www.mtsterlinglibrary.com Morehead State University www.moreheadstate.edu Peoples Exchange Bank www.pebank.com Saint Joseph Health System www.saintjosephmountsterling.org Sheryls Hallmark Traditional Bank www.traditionalbank.com Whitaker Bank www.whitakerbank.com

visit our

3/22/10 11:40:09 AMis distributed through the mt. sterling-montgomery county

Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Economic Development Guide is published annually by Journal communications inc. and

Montgomery County School District www.montgomery.kyschools.us

chamber of commerce & industrial authority. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. mt. sterling-montgomery county chamber of commerce & industrial authority 126 w. main st. mt. sterling, ky 40353 phone: (859) 498-5400 Fax: (859) 498-3947 www.mtsterlingchamber.com

for more information, ContaCt:

viSit mt. sterling-montgomery county economic development guide onlinE at mtStErlingEconomicdEvEloPmEnt.comcopyright 2011 Journal communications inc., 725 cool springs Blvd., suite 400, Franklin, tn 37067, (615) 771-0080. all rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. member member the association of magazine media custom content council

member mount sterling-montgomery county chamber of commerce & industrial authority

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eConomiC profilepopulationmt. sterling: 7,051 montgomery county: 26,114

buSineSS Climatemt. sterling, the county seat of montgomery county, is home to 32 industries that employ 4,200 people. the economic engine of the central kentucky Bluegrass region, the region boasts robust sectors in manufacturing, trade and transportation, and services. pentair technical products, 283 employees summit polymers, 225 employees Bucyrus international inc., 130 employees rogers Foam products, 125 employees lion uniform group, 85 employees Financial activities: 3.3% information: 0.9%

meDian houSeholD inComemontgomery county: $32,964

tranSportationhighWaySi-64, u.s. highways 60 and 460, and kentucky routes 11 and 686

major employerSnestle prepared Foods, 1,175 employees kyosan denso manufacturing of kentucky (kdmk), llc 464 employees masco cabinetry, 371 employees cooper standard automotive, 366 employees a. o. smith electrical products co., 287 employees

major employment SeCtorSmanufacturing: 32.4% trade, transportation and utilities: 18.7% services: 14.8% public administration: 3.5%

airportmount sterling-montgomery county airport www.kentuckyairmotive.com (859) 498-1000Sources: www.census.gov www.thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/ www.mtsterlingchamber.com

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through the lens

get the Story behind the photonow that youve experienced mt. Sterling-montgomery County through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit mtsterlingeconomicdevelopment.com to view our exclusive photographers blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.from our photo blog: mt. Sterling-montgomery County eConomiC Development guiDesometimes on photo shoots the best shots are in the details. rather than photographing the entire scene, which can sometimes be hectic, cluttered or proprietary, I prefer to shoot the visually repetitive patterns in raw materials or finished products. on a recent trip to mt. sterling, I had fun playing with detail photos from a variety of manufacturing plants and local businesses, including everything from chocolate bars to automotive parts to prescription pill bottles.

poSteD by jeff aDKinS

more online

see more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at mtsterlingeconomicdevelopment.com.

Kyosan Denso new pill bottles at manufacturing Kentucky northview pharmacy 32m t. S t e r l i n g - m o n t g o m e r y C o u n t y e C o n o m i C D e v e l o p m e n t g u i D e

Ad Index c4 caswellPrewitt realtyinc. 1 montgomerycounty schoolDistrict

29 chefDougJohannes

c3 moreheaDstateuniversity

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2 PeoPlesexchangebank

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c1a saintJosePh healthsystem

31 gatewayraDioworksinc. 31 sherylshallmark

29 hamPtoninnmoreheaD 4 traDitionalbank

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31 whitakerbank

Real Estate in Mt. SterlingMeeT The CASWeLL PReWITT ReALTy TeAM

A LOOK AT

CASWELL PREWITT REALTY INC.Quality Service Since 1965!We hope that you are excited about your move to Mt. Sterling. As a lifelong resident, I know youll receive a warm welcome and enjoy being a part of this growing community. Since 1965, Caswell Prewitt Realty Inc. has established a reputation for honesty and integrity that has made us one of the top real estate companies in the area.

Omar R. PrewittPrincipal Broker/ Auctioneer (859) 585-2024

Broker/Manager (859) 585-1859

Al Blevins

Harold WilsonREALTOR (859) 585-0309

REALTOR (859) 585-9813

Verl Ingram

REALTOR (859) 585-4178

Lucile Hardin

REALTOR (859) 585-8868

Betty Daniel

Associate Broker/ Auctioneer (606) 776-3362

Howard Stone

Associate Broker/ Auctioneer (859) 585-5961

Leonard Guy

Our growth and success reflect our associates dedication to the highest standards of real estate practice, and the loyal support of our friends, neighbors and clients in the Mt. Sterling area. Once again, we look forward to meeting you and your families and hope you will feel comfortable to call on us for any reason, no matter how big or small. Sincerely,

REALTOR (859) 274-7526

Dave Evans

REALTOR (859) 585-2104

Kevin Daniel

Michael JehlikREALTOR (859) 556-0014

REALTOR (859) 497-1142

Linda Gay

Omar R. Prewitt, Principal Broker Auctioneer

Caswell Prewitt Realty Inc.101 N. Maysville St. Mt. Sterling, Ky 40353 (859) 498-0208 (859) 498-8638 Fax caswellprewitt@bellsouth.net

Kathy MontgomeryREALTOR (859) 749-8334

Pam SimmonsREALTOR (859) 585-5238

Melissa RedmonREALTOR (859) 749-9021

REALTOR (859) 585-9463

Kathy Smith

www.caswellprewittrealty.comLBAR.com

Member of the Lexington Bluegrass Association of Realtors REALTOR (859) 585-1298

Kristi Norris

Altha M. BlackREALTOR (859) 749-0725

Administrative Assistant (859) 585-6520

Terri Swartz