In the November 2020 economic development update, Paula Thompson details 22 announcements that spotlight new, expanded and relocated businesses in London and Laurel County.
Executive Director Paula Thompson provides a recent economic development update with details about more housing opportunities coming online soon, as well as a new restaurant planning to open soon in downtown London.
Come Together is London’s newest event venue created by local, Channing Price.
“I dream of living in a city of London that is full of genuine kindness toward others, thoughtful fellowship, creativity and opportunity for everyone. We are just getting started, and one way we are doing that is by hosting pop-up market events,” said Price.
Their next Small Business Saturday Market will take place on November 28th 11am-7pm.
The Small Business Saturday market was created to give community members an opportunity to display in-person on Small Business Saturday alongside like-minded business people who value community over competition.
Visit the Holiday Artisan Market at 206 North Main St. Do some holiday shopping or to treat yourself after the week! They’ve slowly been adding more vendors to the market, so come see the new things on display!
Click the button below for Gov. Andy Beshear’s latest Executive Order regarding life-sustaining businesses:
For questions about the coronavirus in Kentucky, call the state COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-722-5725.
Receive the latest information, including things you can do to protect you and your family, by going to the state COVID-19 website kycovid19.ky.gov.
A large crowd turned out for downtown London’s “Holiday At the Market,” which was created to encourage residents to purchase Christmas gifts from local small businesses, crafters, artists, and farmers. The city of London Tourism along with the London-Laurel County Farmer’s Market sponsored the event.
Space heaters kept the market nice and warm for shoppers as they walked along rows of bright crafts and gifts from area artists. Hot chocolate and Christmas songs from local youth gave the event a festive holiday spirit.
The London-Corbin Airport has been awarded a $809,332 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help rehabilitate the runway.
U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) made the announcement Thursday afternoon.
In July, the airport was also awarded a $1.85 million competitive grant through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funding is part of a $5 million project to repair and upgrade nearly 6,000 feet of existing runway that has severely deteriorated, developing significant safety hazards.
“Our small airports are as essential as highways to economic development and progress in Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” said Congressman Rogers. “As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have been a long-time advocate for federal funding that boosts rural airport operations. With immediate access to I-75, the London-Corbin Airport is a hub for business development and incredible opportunities, including visits from national leaders, such as Vice President Mike Pence who landed at the airport in August. I applaud the board for diligently competing for grant opportunities necessary for repairs and upgrades at this vital regional airport.”
“We appreciate the investment of these federal funds to help us make critical repairs to our runway,” said Matthew Singer, Airport Manager. “This airport is an incredible asset for our region and we are dedicated to maintaining its value to Laurel County and the area as a whole, as we continue to grow and recruit new opportunities.”
In May, Congressman Rogers and Governor Bevin visited the London-Corbin Airport to celebrate a new Aviation Maintenance Technician Training Program in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, supported by grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs.
Opening dates are getting closer for Kohl’s and the other stores in the remodeled London Marketplace.
Mayor Troy Rudder and Judge-Executive David Westerfield joined Governor Matt Bevin and other officials to announce plans to complete the final segment of KY 30 along the 37-mile corridor that stretches from KY 11 in Booneville to the Hal Rogers Parkway in London.
At the end of August, a contract will be awarded to straighten the 13.5-mile curvy corridor between US 421 in Jackson County to Travellers Rest in Owsley County, reducing the length by 3.5 miles. A shorter, straighter path means drive times will be cut in half from 21 minutes to 11 minutes. KY 30 is the most direct route from Lee, Jackson and Owsley Counties to I-75 south, businesses in London, western Kentucky and Tennessee.
The announcement was made at the Department of Highways garage on West Ky. 80 in London.
