SKED – 40 Years of Economic Development in Southern and Eastern Kentucky
Welcome to 2026 and SKED’s 40th Anniversary. We are excited to share information about the work we’ve done, the SKED milestones and the successes of our clients over the years. Check back here and our Facebook page to view special videos featuring a few of our clients. We will also include throwbacks to past clips and glimpses into the future.
With this kickoff, however, I want to highlight the importance of U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers and his founding of this organization. Forty years ago, the state was starting a major transition as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky was locating in Kentucky. The Congressman and a dedicated group of volunteers saw that this investment wasn’t happening in the region. Thus, the idea of the Southern Economic Development Corporation was born to recruit new business and industry to the region.
The name has changed slightly, and the work we do has evolved, but the mission remains the same: helping companies in the region create better job opportunities. We’re acknowledging the progress at SKED – 40 years of economic development in Kentucky.
Please keep in touch as we celebrate 40 years of work and success in Southern and Eastern Kentucky throughout the year.
Brett Traver
Executive director
Lincoln County’s largest manufacturer continues to thrive
In 1995, SKED helped Lincoln Manufacturing USA, LLC locate its operations in Stanford, Kentucky. The metal stamping business began operations in a 10,000-square-foot building with three presses and about a dozen employees. LML has since expanded to an over 76,000-square-foot operation housing 14 presses and employing 110 team members, in part thanks to SKED’s support and business funding.
Family-friendly entertainment center dream made possible by SKED’s collaborative funding efforts
The region’s first true entertainment center, The Palace Family Entertainment Center, brought big-city-style fun to London, Kentucky in 2023. SKED Director of Lending Bob Burgess worked with several local banks to create a unique funding package for the project, which had 75,000 visitors in 2024 alone.
Harlan County restaurant and brewery nearing year five thanks to SKED’s partnership
Harlan County Beer Company opened in 2022 after partnering with SKED’s lending program to finance the renovation of their historic downtown location. The business now serves as a must-visit destination for tourists and a vital gathering space for the Harlan County community.
One of SKED’s earliest manufacturing clients grows through three decades of partnership
Incorporated in 1994, Highlands Diversified Services is a metal stamping and welding company employing over 300 people in London and Laurel County. SKED has been instrumental in their growth, helping the team navigate business capacity and customer relationships as well as their recent facility expansion.
ABOUT SKED
The Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to improve the quality of life and vitality of our service area by promoting sustainable economic development and employment opportunities with creativity, professionalism, and integrity in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.
We believe a brighter future in Southern and Eastern Kentucky begins with stronger businesses. We do business better at SKED. Whether you need money, advice or training, we help businesses large and small find innovative solutions that inspire growth. We invest in a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky through business lending, marketing training, expansion and recruitment — and have done so for more than 35 years.