FRANKFORT, KY - On May 9, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development; the new ECTC BlueOval SK Training Center; recent inclement weather; voting in the upcoming primary election; and funding to support victims of crime. He also recognized Teacher Appreciation Week, National Nurses Week and Public Service Recognition Week. He named the five Kentucky high school seniors recognized as 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
The Governor highlighted new recognition of Kentucky’s economic success as Site Selection magazine placed the commonwealth at No. 2 in the South Central region of its 2024 Prosperity Cup rankings. Kentucky also placed at No. 8 nationally, maintaining a top 10 ranking in every year of the Beshear-Coleman administration.

The Governor also announced progress in Kentucky’s electric vehicle sector. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, in Georgetown completed the first 2025 Camry on Wednesday. The latest model of Toyota’s top-selling car in North America is powered exclusively with the company’s fifth-generation hybrid system.

“Toyota has been a game-changer in Scott County and statewide for nearly 40 years,” said Gov. Beshear. “This continued investment and transition toward electrification provides assurance that the company will be a major part of our state’s economy for decades to come.”

ECTC BlueOval SK Training Center
Gov. Beshear joined business and community leaders on Wednesday to cut the ribbon on a center that will train Kentuckians for new jobs at the BlueOval SK Battery Park, which is creating 5,000 new jobs. The park is located in Glendale and contains the two largest battery plants in the world.

The Governor said BlueOval SK has already hired more than 700 employees in Kentucky at all experience levels, and the 42,000-square-foot ECTC BlueOval SK Training Center will start onboarding classes in June.

Weather Update
The Governor updated Kentuckians on storms that swept across much of the state Tuesday through Thursday. While some damage was reported, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities.

Seven counties received rainfall over three inches: Grayson, Logan, Marshall, Simpson, Todd, Trigg and Union. Four counties reported damage: Daviess, Grayson, Owensboro and Powell.

Three water rescues were completed by local fire and rescue teams in Logan, Marion and Simpson counties. The Governor thanked first responders for their work to rescue these Kentuckians.

The Department for Public Health was making preparations in case it became necessary to relocate patients from health care facilities, but that assistance was not needed. The water main is being assessed to determine next steps.

Grayson County is the only county to declare a state of emergency following the storms. The Governor said there is marginal risk of thunderstorms across Central and Eastern Kentucky this afternoon and evening.

“The worst is past us, and we are really grateful for no reports of injuries or fatalities,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’ve made it through a lot of tough weather here in the commonwealth, and that’s why it’s so important we remain weather aware. I would always rather be careful when we have concerning weather forecasts, and I want to thank Kentuckians for looking out for each other this week.”

Upcoming Election and Early Voting
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that the primary election will take place Tuesday, May 21, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. In-person excused absentee voting will take place May 8-10, and May 13-15.

From Thursday, May 16, to Saturday, May 18, Kentucky voters can take advantage of early voting at local county clerk’s offices and other designated areas. The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to check with their local county clerk’s office or visit govote.ky.gov for places and times in their area.

“This is the fundamental right of Americans and the bedrock of our democracy,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want everybody to get out and vote in this primary.”

Funding to Support Victims of Crime
The Governor announced $750,000 in grant funding to 15 organizations throughout the commonwealth to support victims of crime. The funding comes from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. One organization that received funding is Barren River Area Safe Space, or BRASS, in Bowling Green, which was awarded $29,200 to provide emergency housing assistance to domestic violence victims.

Appreciation Weeks
The Governor recognized Teacher Appreciation Week, National Nurses Week and Public Service Recognition Week and thanked these groups for all their hard work to help Kentuckians.

“This has always been an education-first administration and we believe that health care is a basic human right. And when it comes to carrying out that work on behalf of our Kentucky families, we depend on our public employees,” said Gov. Beshear. “So, if you are a nurse, a teacher or a public employee – thank you for everything you do. Team Kentucky cannot do it without you. I hope all of you are being properly celebrated this week.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named the five Kentucky high school seniors recognized as 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. For 60 years, the U.S. Presidential scholarship program has recognized the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors, based on based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, essays, school evaluations and transcripts and a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

The five Kentucky students recognized this year are:

• Owen Matthew Borden, Highlands High School in Fort Thomas; 
• Jennifer Mi Nguyen, the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University;
• Joshua Zyzak, Beechwood High School in Fort Mitchell;
• Chase R. Phillips, duPont Manual Magnet High School in Louisville; and
• Sarah Elise Cauley, Murray High School in Murray.

“I am continually inspired by our Kentucky students. Today we are celebrating these five impressive high school seniors. They have made us all proud, and I know they each have a bright future ahead of them,” said Gov. Beshear. “So, we are naming each of the Kentucky 2024 U.S Presidential Scholars as Team Kentucky All-Stars.”

The Governor also announced that his Deputy Chief of Staff, Jonathan Smith, will be stepping down from his current role, and that Coulter Minix, the Governor’s current D.C. liaison, will be stepping into the role.

“I’ve gotten to work with Jonathan for almost nine years, and he’s been an incredible part of Team Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “We could not have accomplished what we’ve accomplished without him, and he’s going to be missed.”