In the terms of economic development, certain individuals have what Hollywood agents call “star qualities.” These are the movers and the shakers, the ones who make a real difference. You can tell fairly easily who these people are. When other communities or members of one’s industry are in the economic doldrums, they continue to forge ahead. While others stagnate or drift backward, their community keeps on steaming ahead.

It’s not easy narrowing down an impressive field of Kentuckians to just 12 people, a dozen stars in promoting and pushing the Commonwealth’s economy forward. The Bluegrass State is full of big talkers – people who make outrageous claims of saving a particular community or industry.

In reality, the dozen people who made this list could be said to be successful team leaders. Each is supported by an impressive group of colleagues and co-workers. Out in the state there are maybe 40 or so individuals – and teams – who could easily be nominated for such a list. The following are a dozen who are true standouts.

Dr. Bill Brundage
Kentucky’s Commissioner for the New Economy

Early on in his administration, Gov. Patton hired Bill Brundage to lead the state into the 21st century economy. The way it has worked out, Brundage and his Office for the New Economy may turn out to be the most successful legacy our lame duck governor will have.

The prime catalyst for the creation of the state’s New Economy Initiative, Brundage’s office and the infrastructure it has created are defining Kentucky’s national and international economic position for the future. If the state can maintain the head of steam it gained with the creation of the initiative, the future can be very bright indeed for us all.

The commissioner for the New Economy is a solid and proven professional in his field. By training, he’s a hi-tech scientist, holding a Ph.D. in microbiology. Along with his academic credentials, Brundage was a successful teacher and researcher in his field, first distinguishing himself as director of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Southern Mississippi in the 1970s and 1980s.

In 1982, Brundage became president of the Southern Center for Research and Innovation, a not-for-profit organization that coordinated advanced technology research with field applications in the local economy. There, he gained priceless experience in entrepreneurship, innovation and the partnering of academia with business.

Immediately prior to coming to Kentucky, Brundage became the first president of the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC), a group that creates and sustains economic growth through innovation. Under his leadership, the KTEC became a nationally-respected hi-tech economic development organization. He then became president and CEO of the Enterprise Florida Technology Development Board, a public/private partnership that creates high-wage jobs in technology-based businesses in Florida.

With the KTEC and Florida organizations, Brundage founded Innovation and Commercialization Centers (ICC) to provide entrepreneurs with access to research and development facilities, business professionals, and the expertise needed for the creation of high-growth potential, technology-based companies. Because this model has proven to be successful in Kansas and Florida, Brundage is implementing it in Kentucky.

Mike Buchanon
Warren County Judge-Executive

It’s evident that Bowling Green appreciates leaders with vision. Last November, getting almost 60 percent of the vote, Mike Buchanon was reelected to his third term as Warren County judge-executive.

The election had been perceived as a referendum on Buchanon’s pet project, the Kentucky TriModal Transpark. The development, which is expected to draw numerous industries, could create 4,400 jobs when fully developed.

The Transpark, a proposed 4,000-acre business park that will have transportation links by interstate highway, railroads and a new airport, has the potential to be the economic engine that will power that portion of Kentucky for years to come. It’s had its detractors, but Buchanon, along with most of the residents of his county, prefer a healthy economy and better jobs for themselves and their children rather than avoiding progress because of environmental concerns. The judge executive has referred to the Transpark as “the single most important economic development project in the state.” He might be right.

Buchanon has also not lost sight of the fact that higher education goes a long way toward bettering an area’s lifestyle and attracting new employers. Warren County, along with the city of Bowling Green, has formed numerous partnerships with Western Kentucky University to enhance education, the arts and workforce issues.

Businesses have continued to sit up and take notice. More than $265 million has been invested in new and expanded industries in Warren County since 2000. If you look at the new and expanded industries in surrounding areas, the numbers are all the more impressive – and Buchanon is at the center of it all.

Gary L. Convis
President
Toyota Motor Manufacturing – Kentucky, Inc.

Almost two and a half years ago, Gary Convis was named the first American president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK). Frankly, it was a tough assignment. The Georgetown Camry plant was set up and organized by no less than Toyota’s CEO, Dr. Fujio Cho. It would be no exaggeration to say that all of the automaker’s corporate eyes were on him.

Given the leadership of a company that is arguably Kentucky’s most important manufacturer, Convis was pitched a fastball. He’s hit it out of the park. The plant’s commitment to continually improve its processes and products has not waned or wavered.

But it would be fair to say that Convis was on familiar ground when he came to Georgetown. Before coming to TMMK, Convis spent 16 years at the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) plant in California. The NUMMI plant is a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors. There, he rose the corporate ladder over a 15-year period of time, rising from general manager of the Fremont, Calif., plant to executive vice president and a seat on the board of directors. His leadership was critical to the development and growth of NUMMI.

He originally joined Toyota’s Georgetown plant as its executive vice president in May, 2000. In April 2003, Convis was one of just two Americans named managing officer by the Japanese automaker. He holds the highest post ever held by an American with Toyota.

His contributions to both Toyota and the Kentucky economy have been significant.

Karen Cunningham
Mayor of Madisonville

One of the prime deal makers on Hopkins County’s “super team” of economic development, Madisonville Mayor Karen Cunningham has had a direct role in attracting almost two dozen new companies to her community in as many months. While politics in Kentucky’s smaller communities is often characterized as being divisive and antagonistic, Cunningham has helped create an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork.

Also of note is how Cunningham and her cohorts have capitalized on her community’s great tradition of volunteerism in creating an unusually friendly atmosphere for business. Just how friendly is it? Well, Madisonville has experienced more economic growth between the years 2000 and 2003 than it did the previous 25 years.

The political leadership in Madisonville/Hopkins County knows that its economic development efforts will work if they work together and they have checked their egos at the door. Cunningham’s efforts have exemplified this, as she often defers media requests to Hopkins County Judge Executive Dick Frymire or Danny Koon, executive director of the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation.

Cunningham’s philosophy about leadership, as well as her description of the spirit of her community, has not gone unnoticed by both new and established businesses throughout Hopkins County. The area’s business-friendliness is built on a shared commitment to work together for economic growth and prosperity.

This is a radical turnaround from a community that, a decade ago, was suffering from a downturn in the coal market and two major plant closings. Like many other Kentucky cities near major coal deposits, the decline in that mineral’s price led to mine shutdowns and an economic slowdown. Now Madisonville is a region’s shining example.

Paul J. Curlander
Chairman of the Board and CEO
Lexmark International

Curlander has been with Lexmark since its spin-off from IBM in 1991. Through his leadership, Lexmark became, and continues to be, a dominant force in the computer industry.

Curlander’s most important recent achievement has been his recent legal efforts to protect Lexmark’s profitability in the lucrative printer supply division. Lexmark recently won and gained valuable market share through an important injunction that prevents other companies from producing or remanufacturing inkjet replacement cartridges. The decision was based on software code protections included in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Curlander is also involved in the development of a $20 million research and development site in Kentucky that is expected to employ 250 to 300 people paying an average salary of over $40,000 per person.

Steve Higdon
President
Greater Louisville Inc.

Higdon has been with GLI since October 1997. As president and CEO, he has been very successful in implementing Metro Louisville’s economic development strategy. He has worked closely with local business and government leaders, state economic development officials and other economic development organizations throughout the region to promote and develop the downtown Louisville area through a notably strong revitalization program.

Before joining Greater Louisville Inc., he was sales and marketing manager for United Parcel Service’s Airline Passenger Service. He also served as economic development manager at UPS – the largest private employer in the Louisville area. His efforts were instrumental in bringing over $1 billion of UPS investment dollars into Louisville.

In addition, he is known as one of the architects of an amazing college tuition program that provides free tuition, room, board and books to UPS employees who want to complete their college degrees.

Sylvia Lovely
Executive Director
Kentucky League of Cities

For more than a decade, Sylvia Lovely has been the voice, and some would say conscience, of Kentucky’s municipal governments. Not only has she called for greater local cooperation between local governments, which is an essential factor in successful economic development, but Lovely has campaigned for efficiency and honesty in administration. She is the chief lobbyist for municipal governments before state and federal lawmakers.

Economic development concerns are at or near the top of Lovely’s agenda for the future of Kentucky’s cities. Prior to coming to the League of Cities, she was a staff officer at the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Medical Center. Her historic work there involved assisting in the creation of numerous university/industrial partnerships for the pursuance of academic excellence and additional funding sources for scientific research.

Lovely’s creativity, energy and sense of humor helped the Medical Center reach new heights in its partnerships with the private sector. Her efforts were essential in the founding of UK’ s Coldstream Research Farm, as well as in creating partnerships with the state Economic Development Cabinet on behalf of the College of Pharmacy and sparking research into development of small laboratory incubator facilities. Frankly, she was about a decade ahead of her time.

Directing the 60-person staff of the Kentucky League of Cities, Lovely now leads and directs service programs including advocacy at the state and federal levels on behalf of city interests; legal assistance; research services; bond, insurance and investment pooling; production of City, a monthly publication; training and education services; an annual convention and other related services. Prior to her role as executive director at the League, Lovely was its director of intergovernmental services. Her effective management, including the administration of a $170 million bond program, quickly qualified her as a leader. Lovely has been the woman to meet with if anyone has questions or concerns about municipal governments. With the trend apparently picking up speed toward merged metro governments in Kentucky, her role has become all the more important.

Mitch McConnell
U.S. Senator (R-KY)

Senator McConnell is arguably one of the most powerful men in American politics due to his position as senate majority whip and his membership on some of the most influential Congressional subcommittees. He led the National Republican Senatorial Committee during both the 1998 and 2000 election cycles where the GOP was able to maintain control of the Senate.

He currently holds senior positions on the Appropriations and the Foreign Operations Appropriations subcommittees, as well as the Agriculture Committee and Rules Committee. He has always been an outspoken and staunch advocate for Kentucky’s farmers in particular.

Married to the current U.S. secretary of labor, Elaine Chao, Senator McConnell is also half of one of the foremost “power couples” in the U.S.

Daniel Mongiardo
Co-Chairman
Kentucky Democratic Party

A rising star in a beleaguered Kentucky Democratic Party, Mongiardo was recently recognized with an appointment as co-chair. He is noted for his vision and honesty at a time when many believe these qualities are sorely lacking in the party’s political leadership. His appointment helps to balance out the negative image that Paul Patton has placed on the Kentucky Democratic Party.

As a doctor, Mongiardo also has a burning interest in the medical care system in Kentucky. He is currently focused on developing Eastern Kentucky’s place as a leader in paperless medical records processing.

Dr. Mongiardo has shown a longstanding commitment to Appalachia and helping the poor in the eastern end of the state.

James J. O’Brien
Chairman of the Board and CEO,
Ashland Inc.

Another anchor of the Kentucky economy, Ashland, Inc., has been in the process of re-inventing itself under the guidance of Jim O’Brien. O’Brien took over as leader during a difficult period of weak revenues and poor investor confidence and provided the company with a much-needed push into new areas of the petrochemical business.

O’Brien’s 26 years of experience with the company served to stabilize investor confidence in the company after it was revealed that his predecessor, Paul Chellgren was in violation of corporate policy because of his relationship with another employee of the company.

Prior to his appointment as CEO and chairman, O’Brien was instrumental in establishing Valvoline as one of the leading brands of instant oil change services, as well as strengthening Ashland’s identity in several key product areas, namely premium oil and branded gasoline products.

As a group operating officer responsible for Ashland Distribution and Ashland Specialty Chemical, O’Brien developed broad new initiatives redefining the distribution business model. He achieved his goal of enhancing efficiency, increasing revenues and restoring returns. At the same time, Ashland Specialty Chemical sharpened its market focus, reaping more growth from existing product lines.

Gary L. Toebben
Executive Director
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport has been a real catalyst for business expansion in that area for more than a decade. The decision several years ago by Delta Airlines to make the airport a hub has been a great economic boon to the area. Yet, without the unity demonstrated by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the solid leadership of Gary Toebben, its executive director, things might not be quite as nice as they are.

Just how respected is Toebben? He’s the president of the National Association of Chamber Executives. When the leaders of other chambers of commerce from around the country want to know how to do it right, they look to him.

When Toebben first came to the Northern Kentucky position from Lawrence, Kansas several years ago, he set a priority to strengthen the links between the governments of three counties and a dozen or so cities in the area he serves. He’s done a fine job. A wide spectrum of businesses realize that Toebben is on their side. He’s been a major advocate of a larger, wider, rebuilt bridge carrying Interstate 75 across the Ohio River to Cincinnati. Look for U.S. Senators Jim Bunning and Mitch McConnell, both of whom know Toebben well, to start pushing harder for the funds to make this happen.

Ellen Williams
State Chair
Kentucky Republican Party

Williams has been at the helm of the Kentucky GOP since 1999. During her tenure, all five of Kentucky’s Republican congressmen have been re-elected. For the first time in the state’s history, Republicans control the state senate, due in large measure to the experience Williams brought to the party from her service in numerous national presidential campaigns.

Her efforts were instrumental in building the connection between conservative Democrats and the Republican Party, particularly in the western end of the state. She also established stronger support of local Republican candidates through endorsements from Kentucky’s senior senator, Mitch McConnell, to win offices around the state.

In addition, Williams has been responsible for raising an impressive amount of money for Republican candidates who have been the fuel driving the Republican advances.

 

These people are only a small selection of those who are working to make Kentucky a better place. These days, we all need to be reminded how one person can work to make a difference not just for themselves, but for their communities. It is our hope that you are as inspired by our selections has we are. It is our regret that we don’t have space to recognize everyone who works to make Kentucky better.

 

Claude Hammond (editorial@lanereport.com) is a staff writer and Timothy E. Hunt (editorial@lanereport.com) is editorial director of The Lane Report.