Economic Accelerator (Ashland)

April 23, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT

The KLC Economic Development Accelerator is a one-day workshop featuring an immersive Economic Development 101 session in the morning, followed by the popular KLC Economic Development Simulator, which allows participants to apply their new knowledge in a real-world environment.

This event is designed for city officials interested in learning about economic development and how to be more effective as city officials.

Participants will first learn the language of economic development, how deals work, and the role of a city official in the process. The balance of the day will involve actively participating in an economic development simulator, giving participants an in-depth experience of the economic development process and the steps to secure prospective business projects.

Participants will be divided into groups of competing businesses and cities, each with an opportunity to seal the deal or go home empty-handed. Experienced professionals from Kentucky’s economic development community will guide the groups. The simulation will culminate in a decision by the business groups on the city they feel best suits their needs.

Each group's scenarios are based around real businesses and cities throughout the commonwealth, making this an ideal experience for learning the ins and outs of the economic development process.

Due to the highly involved nature of the simulation and limited space, registration is limited to 50 participants. Registrants will receive informational packets prior to the actual event.

Registration costs include lunch.

KLC will hold upcoming events in Somerset and Hopkinsville:

• Somerset (May 7, 2025): The Virginia - 214 E. Mt Vernon Street, Somerset, KY 42501
• Hopkinsville (Aug. 7, 2025): Murray State University - Hopkinsville Regional Campus - 5305 Fort Campbell Blvd, Hopkinsville, KY 42240

Credit: Attendees will receive 8 hours of credit in the KLC City Officials Training Center and/or Training Incentive Program.