MOREHEAD, KY—When considering business growth in Eastern Kentucky, The Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development Council wants you to Think Morehead.
That’s the name of the organization’s new website and updated branding and marketing materials, which were produced thanks to funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the collaborative efforts of the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED).
Following a region-wide Request for Proposals effort, the Marketing Team at The Center for Rural Development was selected to lead the Morehead re-design project. After an initial branding session and months of web design, logo, and marketing material creation, Morehead’s new marketing materials and website were revealed this month.
Morehead Chamber of Commerce Director Jason Slone is currently leading the local group, while a new executive director is being sought. Slone said the opportunity to update and improve the organization’s current website, better blend and improve the multifaceted organization’s message, and amplify its work was a no-brainer for him when the project began in early 2021.
Slone said the project has been a productive one for the community.
“This project has been an amazing journey, and the staff has been tremendous to work with,” Slone said. The creation of the website and new branding will allow us to market and promote ourselves in a global economy. We are excited that this project is nearing completion and are excited at the possibilities this new website and brand can bring our community.”
SKED was awarded the funds in late 2020 to work with four economic development organizations within the non-profit economic development organization’s service territory and the ARC region. The grant was designed to complete each organization’s branding, website development, and collateral material.
The four organizations are The Southern Kentucky Economic Development Agency, The Rockcastle County Industrial Development Authority, The Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development Council, and The Ashland Alliance/East Park Industrial Development Center. These economic development organizations have significantly invested in economic development resources such as industrial parks and buildings. However, the funding for the brand, website, and collateral development was not readily available.
All four organizations debuted their updated websites this fall.
ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin said this funding gave each community the resources needed to compete with other larger communities across the region.
“We at ARC are dedicated to ensuring that our partners have the tools needed to fulfill their roles as critical partners in boosting the economic vitality of the communities they serve,” Manchin said. “This initiative will not only enhance the organizations’ communications with other colleagues but will aid in the long-term revitalization of these growing Eastern Kentucky communities.”
Kentucky DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene said the project is an excellent opportunity to improve economic growth in the region.
“For us to continue to move Eastern Kentucky forward, we must think outside the box and work collaboratively in our efforts,” Keene said. “This grant is the foundation of the efforts of the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation to move the region forward. By thinking regionally, we have a greater opportunity to bring prosperity and economic growth to the area. I want to thank the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation for its continued support in the region. I look forward to continuing to work with them and seeing new opportunities in this collaboration.”
Fifth District Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers calls the project another positive step forward in attracting and encouraging regional growth.
“With more access to broadband than ever before and efforts to expand fiber further, Southern and Eastern Kentucky is ready for new high-tech businesses and growing our e-commerce. These new websites will help define availability in our industrial parks, incentives for businesses, and shovel-ready areas for growth and expansion,” said Congressman Rogers, who launched SKED in 1986. “We have the best workforce in the country, and now employers can easily find the vast resources available for new industries in our beautiful region.”
SKED Executive Director Brett Traver says small, regional economic development organizations do not always have the funding to sell themselves and compete on a bigger stage. The goal of this funding is to give them an extra edge.
“All these economic development organizations have made significant investments in economic development resources such as industrial parks and buildings through the years,” he explained. “However, the funding for brand, website, and collateral development has not been available. DLG and ARC recognized that and provided funding to make it happen. At the end of the project, the organizations have a design that amplifies their reach and a messaging strategy that drives action.”
To learn more about how SKED helps Southern and Eastern Kentucky businesses and communities do business better, check out other success stories at www.skedcorp.com.
