Latest / Kentucky Business News / 2.19.26

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2.19.26 · Kentucky Business News

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Speaker 1: Hello. Today, I'll be reading from business sources in Lexington
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and Louisville, including The Lane Report and others from around
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the Commonwealth. Your reader today is Julia Shane. As a reminder,
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RADIOI is a reading service intended for people who are
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blind or who have other disabilities that make it difficult
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to read printed material. Our first article comes from the
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February sixteenth, twenty twenty sixth edition of The Lane Report
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and is titled Long John Silvers commits to six dollar
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baskets through twenty twenty six. As dine out prices continue
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to rise, Long John Silvers is holding the line with
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the return of the six dollars shrimp basket for Lent,
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now available with a sweet chili flavor. The limited time
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offer underscores Long John Silver's broader commitment to delivering full,
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flavorful meals at a six dollar price point through rotating
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basket options planned for twenty twenty six. Even as someone
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who's still fairly new to the brand, I've been a
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made that how committed our team is to holding the
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six dollars price point, said Laura Ellis, chief marketing officer
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at Long John Silver's. It's not easy in today's environment,
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but we know how important value is to our guests.
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I'm proud of the work that has gone into protecting
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that and excited to help carry it forward into twenty
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twenty six. Long John Silver's six dollars shrimp baskets are
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packed with flavor and designed to satisfy whether you prefer
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shrimp that's golden and hand battered, juicy and grilled, or
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crispy popcorn style. There's a basket for every taste. For
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a limited time at participating locations nationwide, guests can take
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their basket up a notch with sweet Chili Sauce, a
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blend of red chili's and garlic that adds the perfect
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sweet heat kick. Six piece battered dip shrimp hand battered
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and served with your choice of one side and two hushpuppies.
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Six piece grilled shrimp seasoned, grilled and served on a
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bed of savory rice with one's crispy breaded popcorn shrimp
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Golden popcorn shrimp, served with your choice of one side
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and two hushpuppies. Mac and Cheese with a crunch. Guests
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can level up their basket with a limited thyme mac
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and cheese crumblies Kevatappy noodles are tossed in a rich,
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creamy white cheese sauce and finished with our signature crumblies
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for a satisfying crunch a dessert worth saving room for.
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Complete your visit with a slice of Oreo Cookies and
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cream Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory Bakery. Our rich and
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creamy cheesecake is blended with Oreo Cookie crumbles and topped
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with Oreo Cookie Moose. Guests can try these new offers
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by visiting their local Long John Silvers, order a head
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online at Ljsilvers dot com, or use the Long John
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Silver's mobile app. Long John Silvers was founded in nineteen
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sixty nine and is on a mission to create treasured
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moments through high quality food and bell ringing service with
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restaurants from Sea to Mouth Watering Sea, Long John Silvers
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continues building on a belief that the unique seafood experience
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from the coast should be accessible to all. The next
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article from the Lane Report is titled twenty million dollars
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in nursing scholarships to be given away. Scholarship increase to
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help educate nurse midwives and advance practice nurses amid nationwide
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healthcare shortages. The Frontier Nursing University FNU Board of Directors
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has approved a proposal to utilize twenty million dollars of
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the university's unrestricted endowment funds for scholarships. The designation of
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these funds demonstrates the board and university's commitment to providing
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a high quality education that prepares nurses to become competent, entrepreneurial, ethical,
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and compassionate nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, with an emphasis
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on rural and underserved communities. This is a significant investment
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in support of our students and one we are proud
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to champion, said Marcus Osborne, chair of the FNU Board
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of Directors. On behalf of the board, I want to
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express my gratitude for the work of our Chief Financial Officer,
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Kylie Waters and her team, as well as our finance committee,
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led by board member Michael Steinmitz. This was a comprehensive
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project to identify the best way to support our goal
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to provide accessible education. In keeping with the university's spending policy,
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the university will fund the scholarships by spending the annual
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yield from the twenty million dollar unrestricted endowment funds. The
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yield is projected to be approximately eight hundred thousand dollars annually.
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This commitment to more scholarship opportunities is a direct reflection
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of the Board of directors enduring support for our students
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and our mission. FNU President Doctor Flinders said FNU maintains
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an average enrollment of twenty eight hundred students from across
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the country. Fnu's programs lead to a Master of Science
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and Nursing MSN, a postgraduate certificate, or a Doctor of
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Nursing Practice DNP. FNU also offers a Postmaster's DNP for
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certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners who already hold a
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national certification and want to pursue a DNP. Our students
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are already professional healthcare providers when they come to US.
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Doctor Flinders said their dedication to advance their knowledge and
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expertise to better serve their communities is impactful and inspirational.
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These scholarships support their goals by making advanced nursing education accessible.
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A December twenty twenty five report released by the Health
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Resources and Service Administration projected an eight percent shortage of
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registered nurses in the United States by twenty twenty eight. Additionally,
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the American College of Nurse Midwives estimates the US has
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a shortage of more than eight thousand nurse midwives based
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on the World Health Organization's recommendation of no less than
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six nurse midwives per one thousand live births. There is
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a growing demand for financial assistance. Waters said, our existing
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scholarship program is substantial, and with this responsible use of
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our unrestricted endowment funds, we continue to demonstrate commitment to
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supporting our students. Frontier Nursing University is uniquely positioned to
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address the nursing shortage through our community based and distance
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education format. This investment will provide critical support to fn
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US students as they prepare to address healthcare challenges in
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their home communities across the country. The next article from
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the Lane Report is titled Louisville Becoming an Attraction on
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new Viking Mississippi and Ohio Voyages for twenty two twenty seven.
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Kentucky destinations and embarkation points are part of River Crew
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Specialist Vikings New Itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers
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for twenty twenty seven. Sailing on board the Viking Mississippi
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Guests can choose the new fifteen day Bayous Blues and
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Bluegrass Itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, with
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ports of call along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. A
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shorter option, the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer Itinerary,
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offers a journey between Memphis and Louisville wherever they are
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in the world. Our guests are interested in the history, culture,
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and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit, said Torsteinhgen,
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Chairman and CEO of Viking. The towns and cities along
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the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are close to home for
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quite a few of our guests and are fantastic destinations
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that many have yet to discover. The new itineraries expand
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the company's destination focused offerings on the Mississippi River and
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include one new for twenty twenty seven, Bayous Blues and
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Bluegrass fifteen days New Orleans to Louisville, explore the rich
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heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the
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country's most beloved culinary and musical traditions. Along the Mississippi River,
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Grand homes preserve the South's past. Step into Civil War
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history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues
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in Greenville. Further north, sample Smokey Barbecue and Tennessee, and
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discover Kentucky's legacy of craftsmanship and the powerful Louisville Slugger
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to smooth Bourbon. Two new for twenty twenty seven. Mississippi
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and Ohio River Explorer eight days, Memphis to Louisville. Sail
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on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as they wind past
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scenic wetlands, quaint towns, and storied cities. Classic American musical
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genres the blues, rock and roll, and bluegrass arose along
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these waterways. Discover the legacies of icons such as B. B.
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King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee in Kentucky. Louisville's
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Baseball Museum preserves the spirit of America's favorite pastime, while
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its bourbon distilleries honour generations of craftsmanship. Three. Mississippi River
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Odyssey twenty two days, New Orleans to Saint Paul. Revel
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in the charm of America's great river as you set
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sail along the Mississippi, admire the historic mansions and grand
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homes atop its bluffs and delve into America's Civil War history.
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Delight in the region's famed Southern cuisine, and sample memphis
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renowned barbecue alongside artisan bears. Birthplace of American music, blues, jazz,
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and soul, The Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the
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towns and cities that line its legendary shores. Mississippi Delta
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Explorer eight days, New Orleans to Memphis. Discover Darrow, the
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gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi, and
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explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi
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that preserve the memory of the American South's early history.
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Learn about Natchez's French and Acadian heritage, and pay your
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respects at the Vicksburg Battlefield. Savor delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine,
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as well as Memphis's famous barbecue as you celebrate musical
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legends in the birthplace of rock and roll. Five Heartland
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of America eight days. Saint Louis to Saint Paul. Journey
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along the Upper Mississippi while you hear stories of intrepid
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pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Walk in the
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footsteps of famed writer Mark Twain and learn about the
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Norwegian migration to the Midwest. Enjoy the view as your
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ship navigates through the river's intricate lock system, and experience
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the region's many cultural treasures, from ragtime, polka and Norwegian
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folk music to Wisconsin cheese, craft beer, and hardy stews.
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Six New Orleans and Southern charms eight days New Orleans
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round trip. The Lower Mississippi is rich with charm, history,
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and hospitality. Explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites.
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Sample the bustling, French flavored port cities of New Orleans
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and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland, jazz,
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gospel and blues. Savor gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine, as
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well as traditional Southern fair Join us and see why
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local Cajuns say lais le bon temp rule. Let the
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good times roll. The Viking Mississippi hosting three hundred eighty
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six guests in one hundred ninety three all outside state rooms.
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The state of the art Viking Mississippi is inspired by
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Vikings Award winning river and ocean ships and features elegant
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Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar
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to guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. The ship's
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cutting edge design, expansive windows, and comfortable amenities make the
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Viking Mississippi the first truly modern ship in the region.
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From now through February twenty eighth, twenty twenty six, the
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Viking Savings Event offers North American travelers up to thirty
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five percent off all inclusive voyages, up to free international
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airfare and a twenty five dollars deposit for all itineraries,
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plus additional savings for returning guests on select twenty twenty
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six through twenty twenty eight River, Ocean and expedition itineraries.
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The next article from the Lane Report is titled one
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million dollars Center Gift will endow Carlson Professorship in Business,
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Economic and Finance. Jenny Peacelack Carlson class of eighty two,
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knows firsthand how a center college education can change a
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student's life. With a generous gift to the college, she
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and her husband, Richard, will ensure future generations can reap
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the same rewards through a one million dollar gift. The
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Carlsons are endowing the Jenny Peacelack Carlson eighty two Endowed
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Professorship in Business Economics and Finance, honoring her appreciation for
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Center's faculty and the role they played in her successful
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banking career. Center College owes a debt of gratitude to
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generous donors like Jenny and Richard Carlson, said President Milton Mooreland.
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There is no better testament to what we do here
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than when those who experience the transformational power of a
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Center education give their time and money to ensure others
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have the same opportunity. The educationation and experiences Jenny enjoyed
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at Center set her on a path to personal and
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professional success, including a law degree from Vanderbilt University and
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a stellar banking career spanning more than twenty five years.
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I love Center College. It changed my life, said Jenny Carlson,
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who now serves on the college's board of Trustees. I
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was a first generation college student, and my parents believed
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that a college degree was a golden ticket to a
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brighter future. But they didn't know how to give me
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that golden ticket. Jenny saw firsthand the personal approach Center
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used to support students. Hal Smith class of sixty four,
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then an admissions counselor, paid her family a visit in
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northern Kentucky to ensure her financial aid application was in order.
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The paperwork was intimidating for my dad, who was a printer,
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and my mom, who worked in a call center. Jenny
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remembers I would not have gotten to Center without Hal Smith.
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Once she arrived on campus, she quickly flourished under the
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guidance of Center professors. When I got to Center, I
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was very shy, but I loved it and felt right
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at home. She said. What I loved was that I
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felt listened to, and the faculty were wonderful. They taught
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me to think critically and made me want to think critically.
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They made me intellectually curious and a lifelong learner. All
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those things were important in my career and still are
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important to make my life what it is today and
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what I wanted to be going forward. So I owe
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Center a lot. That lasting sense of appreciation ultimately shaped
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how Jenny and Richard chose to give back. They have
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also endowed a professorship and scholarship fund at Richard's alma mater,
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Iowa State, as well as a scholarship at Jenny's graduate
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school alma mater, Vanderbilt. After graduating from Vanderbilt, Jenny joined
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Taft Law before what was then Starbank, which later became
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US Bank, served its general counsel and later chief Human
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Resources officer before her retirement in twenty eighteen. In all,
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she devoted twenty seven years to the company. Jenny exemplifies
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the commitment to lifelong learning in her personal and professional accomplishments.
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Through her generous donation, Jenny and Dick will educate future
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students for lives of purpose and meaning. We are grateful
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for their extraordinary support to enable this next generation of
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excellence at Center College, said Kelly Natsch, Senior Philanthropy advisor
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in Board Liaison. Like Jenny, Richard can attest to how
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higher education shaped his future. He attended Harvard Law School
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after graduating from Iowa State. He and Jenny met while
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both were living and working in Cincinnati. I was lucky
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to study finance and college because that set me on
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the path to understanding how if you set a little aside,
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it's going to grow over the years. He said. That's
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not a function of education most institutions, unless you seek
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it out. Jenny Carlson set her motivation for the gift
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stemmed in part from her experiences with those who rose
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to the top level of US Bank, largely Liberal Arts graduates,
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who she called accidental bankers. She sees how Center's academic
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approach to business education prepares students to be adept, flexible leaders,
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capable of solving the problems of tomorrow. We wanted to
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make this gift now so we could watch it in action.
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It's an exciting time for Center, and we're really excited
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about this opportunity. Jenny Carlson said of the endowment professorship,
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I have enormous faith in President Morland and the staff
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and faculty at Center. I have incredible respect for the board.
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We are bolstering the best parts of the Center experience
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that we all know and love, the residential experience of living,
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working and playing together, an outstanding faculty, teaching small classes,
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and increasing are focus on next level career readiness. Interim
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Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of College, Alex M. McAllister,
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said such gifts are crucial for Cinner's highly ranked faculty.
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The Center faculty are deeply grateful to generous donors like
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Jenny and Richard Carlson. Our professors are committed to teaching
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first and foremost, and they are also active scholars and artists,
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pursuing new ideas and skills. They frequently collaborate with our
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students in that work, he said. Endowed professorships like this
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one are wonderful endorsements of and support for our faculty's
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excellent work. The philanthropy of the Carlsons and others like
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them makes it possible for our professors to continue making
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positive differences in the lives of Center students for years
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to come. The Carlsons also hope that sharing their gift
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will inspire others who have benefited from the Center experience
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to support the college and its continuing work to prepare
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tomorrow leaders. People sometimes downplay their philanthropy and they don't
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know how inspiring it can be to other people. Richard said,
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Center did so much for me. Jenny said, I feel
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like this is a tiny piece, not anywhere near what
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I got from Center, but at least a show of
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appreciation for how Center changed my life. The next article
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comes from the February fifteenth, twenty twenty sixth edition of
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Here Lexington and is titled Developer acquires eleven former Frish's
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locations in Kentucky. A Kentucky based developer has purchased eleven
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former Frish's Big Boy restaurant locations for a total exceeding
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seventeen million dollars. This acquisition follows a series of closures
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and evictions of Frish's establishments in the region, marking a
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significant shift in the local dining landscape. Details of the acquisition.
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The developer, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, finalized
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the purchase of the eleven properties previously operated by Frish's
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Big Boy. The total transaction values surpasses seventeen million dollars,
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reflecting the developer's commitment to revitalizing these sites. The specific
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locations involved in the acquisition have not been specified in
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the available information background on Frish's Big Boy closures. Frish's
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Big Boy, a regional chain with a history dating back
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to nineteen thirty nine, has faced significant challenges in recent years.
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In November of twenty twenty four, multiple Frish's locations in
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Ohio and Kentucky were closed or set foreclosure due to
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eviction actions related to unpaid rent. This situation was partly
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attributed to the company's sale lease back agreements, which led
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to increased annual rent obligations that became difficult to manage
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amid rising operational costs. By December of twenty twenty four,
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at least a dozen Frisch's Big Boy restaurants in Kentucky,
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including both locations in Lexington, have been ordered to close.
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In response to these challenges, a group of senior management,
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led by Frish's franchising area coach Don Short and Vice
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President of Operations Eryl White, acquired the remaining open restaurant
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locations and future development rights for the brand. This move
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aimed to preserve the legacy of Fish's Big Boy and
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continue its operations under new leadership implications for the local community.
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The acquisition of these former Fish's locations by the Kentucky
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Developer is expected to have a significant impact on the
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local community. The developer has indicated plans to repurpose the properties,
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potentially introducing new dining options and services to the area. However,
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specific details regarding the redevelopment plans have not been disclosed.
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The community anticipates that these changes will bring renewed vitality
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to this sites and offer residents and visitors new choices
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for dining and entertainment. Conclusion, the purchase of eleven former
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Fish's Big Boy locations for over seventeen million dollars by
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a Kentucky developer signifies a notable development in the region's
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commercial real estate and dining sectors. As Fishes continues to
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navigate its operational challenges, the community looks forward to the
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potential revitalization of these properties and the opportunities they may bring.
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The next article from here Lexington is titled new Manufacturing
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Facility to boost Calvert City economy. In a significant boost
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to the local economy, James Composites, LLC has announced a
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five point eight million dollar investment to establish its first
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manufacturing facility in Kentucky. This new plant will create twenty
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five full time jobs in Marshall County, focusing on the
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production of fiberglass barge covers. The facility is strategically located
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at three nine zero Riverside Lane, providing direct access to
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the Tennessee River through its marine waste system, which enhances
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transportation efficiency for the company's products. Expected to begin operations
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in early twenty twenty seven, this venture reflects the entrepreneurial
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spirit and innovation that Kentucky businesses are known for, while
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also showcasing the benefits of a supportive regulatory environment. James
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Composites is a subsidiary of James Marine, Incorporated, a family
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owned business founded in nineteen eighty six. The company specializes
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in various services for the inland river industry, including barge repairs,
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new construction, and painting. As they expand into the fiberglass
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manufacturing sector, the new facility promises specialized roles, particularly in
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fabrication and production. This not only highlights the resilience of
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small businesses and adapting to market demands, but also emphasizes
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the importance of investing in local communities. The Kentucky Economic
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Development Finance Authority KEDFA has preliminarily approved a fifteen year
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performance based incentive agreement under the Kentucky Business Investment Program.
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This agreement can provide up to six hundred and seventy
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five thousand dollars in tax incentives contingent on the company's
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achievement of investment and job creation targets. By encouraging such developments,
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Kentucky aims to foster a conducive atmosphere for business growth,
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ensuring that private investment promotes job creation positive local impact.
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Governor Andy Basheer recognized the significance of this investment, stating
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its contribution to Kentucky's manufacturing industry, which has been a
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strong driver of economic growth and job opportunities. The local
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government represents, including Marshall County Judge Executive Kevin Spragg's and
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Calvert City Mayor Jeene Colburn, have also expressed their enthusiasm
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regarding the new jobs and economic activity that James Composites
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will bring to the area. Their support highlights the strong
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community backing that is essential for local business success. Creating
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quality jobs with competitive wages, The new facility is expected
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to create quality employment opportunities for the residents of Marshall County,
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with an average hourly wage of thirty two dollars and
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forty nine cents including benefits across the twenty five full
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time positions. Such competitive wage offerings not only enhance the
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quality of life for local workers, but also contribute to
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a robust workforce, ultimately benefiting the overall regional economy. KEDFA
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support and workforce resources. The incentives provided by KEDFA are
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a testament to Kentucky's commitment to attracting and retaining businesses
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through reduced bureaucratic hurdles. In addition to tax incentives, James
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Composites will gain access to resources from Kentucky's workforce service providers,
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including recruitment services, customized training, and job training incentives. These
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resources are crucial in ensuring that the workforce is ready
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to meet the needs of the new manufacturing facility. Part
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of a broader economic trend, this development is part of
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a larger trend in Kentucky's ongoing economic momentum. Since the
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beginning of Governor Basher's administration, the state has announced over
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thirteen hundred private sector new location and expansion projects, totally
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more than forty five billion dollars in investment and creating
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over sixty eight thousand jobs. Such figures underscores how a
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focus on private investment and limited regulation can lead to
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substantial economic growth benefiting communities statewide. Conclusion, the establishment of
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James Composite's new manufacturing facility in Calvert City is a
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promising sign of Kentucky's strong economic prospects. As local businesses
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continue to innovate and grow, they pave the way for
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job creation and community development. Residents and community leaders are
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encouraged to support this new venture and remain engaged in
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the ongoing economic evolution of Lexington and its surrounding areas.
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The new facility is expected to create twenty five full
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time jobs in the Marshall County community, including positions in
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the fiberglass manufacturing industry with specialized roles in fabrication and production.
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The construction of the new building is expected to be
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completed by November, with operations commencing in early twenty twenty seven.
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This concludes the reading of the most recent business news
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in Lexington, Louisville, and around the state. Your reader to
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day has been Julius Shane. If you have any questions
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or comments about this program, please give our Lexington Studios
28:13
a call at eight five nine four two two six
28:17
three nine zero. Thanks for listening, and now please stay
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tuned for readings from the Kentucky series here on Radio
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