News

UK launches Connect 120 initiative to foster statewide economic growth

Ashley Castorena Dec 13, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 13, 2024) — The University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service, supported by the UK Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), is launching Connect 120, a new initiative designed to connect the university’s resources and expertise to all 120 county extension offices in Kentucky.

State of the Economic Development Collaborative

UK Economic Development Collaborative hosts 5th annual ‘State of the EDC’

Ashley Castorena Dec 4, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2024) — The University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) will host its fifth annual “State of the EDC” 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 12, in the Worsham Cinema at the Gatton Student Center. The event will also be livestreamed. The State of the EDC highlights UK’s economic development efforts and fosters two-way communication to ensure the EDC’s work addresses stakeholder needs. The event is open to economic development leaders, strategic business partners, faculty and staff, students and community members.

UK announces 2nd cohort of OneUK, the holistic business engagement program for strategic collaborators

Ashley Castorena Nov 18, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2024) — The University of Kentucky is proud to announce the strategic collaboration with Bullard, Catalent and Fidelity Investments as the second cohort of OneUK. OneUK provides a long-term, coordinated and holistic engagement experience between the university and select businesses through a mutual commitment to broaden and deepen their engagement with UK.

UK Gatton College of Business and Economics initiative receives economic development award

Lindsey Brinkley Oct 28, 2024

The University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) and the Graham Office are proud to announce being named the 2024 University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Award of Excellence winner for the Talent category. This prestigious recognition was presented at the 2024 UEDA Summit held from October 7-9 in South Bend, Indiana.

UK, key organizations partner to launch ‘Growing Our Own’ workshop series

Ashley Castorena Aug 25, 2024

The “Growing Our Own” workshop series is one of nine community engagement projects awarded by the University of Kentucky Office of Land-Grant Engagement. This support aims to expand collaborative efforts between UK and partners across the Commonwealth while addressing important public needs — strengthening outreach and extension efforts in Kentucky.

UK Office of Economic Engagement Launches Updated Website to Empower Minority Businesses

Ashley Castorena May 21, 2024

The Office of Economic Engagement has revamped its website to better support minority-owned businesses and integrate underrepresented Kentucky-based enterprises into the University of Kentucky’s supply chain. This strategic move aims to foster economic growth and prosperity across the Commonwealth.

Fischer Homes and University of Kentucky

OneUK Partner Fischer Homes takes first step toward holistic engagement by supporting DanceBlue Marathon

Ashley Castorena Apr 22, 2024

Fischer Homes, an inaugural cohort member of OneUK, completed the first action item on its OneUK engagement plan—the homebuilder, headquartered in Northern Kentucky, sponsored an hour at UK’s DanceBlue Marathon. OneUK is the University of Kentucky’s new comprehensive business engagement program aimed at fostering stronger relationships with strategic partners. Through OneUK, Fischer Homes has identified three primary goals for the partnership:

UK Cooperative Extension, Economic Development Collaborative host Kentucky 4-H Entrepreneur Workshop

Ashley Castorena Apr 1, 2024

Lexington, Ky.— On March 28th, the UK Cooperative Extension Service and the UK Economic Development Collaborative partnered to host a Kentucky 4-H Entrepreneur Workshop at the UK Cornerstone. Led by Mike Meyer, Associate Program Leader for Kentucky 4-H, and Melody Flowers, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development and Real Estate, the workshop aimed to empower Kentucky youth in entrepreneurship.

Walmart & University of Kentucky partner for Lunch and Learn event

Ashley Castorena Mar 28, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky’s Stuckert Career Center and the Office of Business Engagement partnered with Walmart to host a 'lunch & learn' session aimed at providing UK staff with insights into career opportunities within the company. The event was held at the Gatton Student Center on Tuesday, March 28th.

Turner-UK Construction Diversity Accelerator launches cohort 3

Marilyn Clark Mar 25, 2024

The Turner-UK Construction Diversity Accelerator (CDA) welcomed cohort three in March with an opening reception at the UK Cornerstone. This year’s cohort has 20 businesses located across Kentucky. The program is a partnership between Turner Construction, the University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Apex Accelerator.