Kentucky Association for Economic Development

What Kentucky Association for Economic Development does

The Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) is a nonprofit professional membership association founded in 1969 (originally as the Kentucky Industrial Development Council, rebranded to KAED in 2005) and headquartered at 101 Burch Court in Frankfort, Kentucky. The organization represents economic development professionals across the Commonwealth — including local and regional EDOs, chambers of commerce, industrial foundations, utility economic development arms, and elected officials — through a portfolio of membership services, accredited training, advocacy, conferences, and recognition programs. KAED serves as the leading statewide voice for the profession, with direct lobbying representation in Frankfort and an embedded relationship with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, particularly around the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI).

The organization's core offerings comprise four product pillars: (1) the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED), a four-day IEDC-accredited course at Bluegrass Community & Technical College that serves as the first step toward Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification; (2) the membership program providing access to GIS data tools, job postings, member directory, legislative updates, event archives, and committee participation across eleven standing committees; (3) flagship conferences including the Kentucky Collaboration Conference (April), Economic Forum & Annual Meeting (November), and spring/fall conferences; and (4) advocacy programs anchored on KPDI, which has generated over 7,300 new jobs and $5.7 billion in private investment since inception. The KAED Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) subsidiary supporting educational and professional development initiatives.

KAED's revenue model is diversified across four streams: recurring membership dues, event/conference registration (tiered $399–$650 per attendee), multi-tier sponsorships (Signature, Gold, Silver, Educational Partner) anchored by utilities and statewide organizations, and KIED education program fees with scholarships for active members. The organization operates with three identified staff (President & CEO Terri Bradshaw, Membership & Operations Manager Caitlin Ballantyne, Engagement & Events Manager Amy Feldman) supported by a volunteer board of directors drawn from EDO leadership across the state. Sponsorship revenue is concentrated among a small set of utility partners including Kentucky Power, LG&E KU, Duke Energy, Big Rivers Electric, and TVA.

Name

Kentucky Association for Economic Development

Legal name

Kentucky Association for Economic Development

Website

https://kaedonline.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) is a Frankfort-based nonprofit professional association serving economic development professionals, EDOs, and elected officials across Kentucky through IEDC-accredited training, flagship conferences, advocacy for KPDI, and member-driven committees and awards.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Virtual CTE & Career Pathways Programs (K–12) (EDAJADAL)

Keywords

• Economic development association
• Professional membership services
• Industry advocacy services
• Economic development training
• Conference event management

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfort

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: KAED generates revenue from annual membership fees. Members receive access to conferences at discounted rates, publications, online resources, job postings, GIS data tools, member directory, legislative updates, event archives, and committee participation. Membership application is available as a downloadable PDF.
2. Conference & Event Registration: Revenue from registration fees for the Kentucky Collaboration Conference, Economic Forum & Annual Meeting, spring and fall conferences, and the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED). Registration fees are tiered by membership status (member vs. non-member) and include early and late pricing. Exhibit booth fees are also charged.
3. Sponsorships: Sponsors provide financial support at multiple tiers (Signature, Gold, Silver, Educational Partner). Sponsors receive high-value visibility including public policy advocacy, ad placement in conference programs, logo and verbal recognition at events, digital platform storytelling opportunities, prominent website logo placement, exclusive event access, membership and contact lists, and priority exhibitor/sponsorship opportunities. A flexible points system allows customization.
4. KIED Education Program Fees: The Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED) is a four-day accredited course (accredited by IEDC) for professionals and elected officials. Scholarships are available annually for KAED members. The course is held at Bluegrass Community & Technical College's Newtown Campus in Lexington, KY.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

KAED is a nonprofit statewide professional membership association that delivers economic development advocacy, education, networking, and convening services to professionals and organizations across Kentucky. Its core offerings include annual membership, an IEDC-accredited four-day economic development training course (KIED), flagship conferences (Kentucky Collaboration Conference, Economic Forum & Annual Meeting, spring and fall conferences), and public policy advocacy in Frankfort supporting the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI).

Product overview

The Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of member-focused services rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED), a four-day accredited training course; flagship conferences (Economic Forum & Annual Meeting, Kentucky Collaboration Conference); membership benefits providing networking, advocacy, publications, and committee involvement; and KPDI advocacy support. These services work together to advance economic growth across Kentucky through education, collaboration, and professional development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KAED Foundation: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves to support the mission and vision of the KAED membership through educational and professional development.
• Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED)

Products and services

• KAED Membership Program Annual membership program providing economic development professionals across Kentucky with access to conferences at discounted rates, publications, online resources, job postings, GIS data tools, member directory, legislative updates, event archives, and committee participation.
• Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED) A four-day intensive accredited course providing professionals and city/county elected officials with a comprehensive overview of economic development practices, accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and serving as the first step toward Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification.
• Kentucky Collaboration Conference A statewide annual conference focused on partnership, strategy, and growth that brings together economic developers, business leaders, community stakeholders, and industry partners to discuss trends and share best practices.
• KAED Economic Forum & Annual Meeting KAED's premier annual event bringing together economic development leaders, innovators, and change-makers to shape Kentucky's economic future, featuring professional development credits, networking opportunities, and awards recognition.
• Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) Advocacy

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 7,300 new jobs and $5.7 billion in private investment generated through KPDI since its inception, reaching nearly every Kentucky county
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kentucky Cabinet for Economic DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKAED partners closely with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, aligning strategies and amplifying impact. KAED works with the Cabinet on advocacy and KPDI initiatives. KAED maintains a presence in Frankfort and hosts various opportunities to establish relationships with Cabinet officials.
• Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KPDI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKAED is actively engaged in advocating for and supporting the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI), working with legislators across the Commonwealth to build support for continued KPDI funding. KPDI has created over 7,300 new jobs and $5.7 billion in private investment since its inception.
• International Economic Development Council (IEDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKAED's Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED) is accredited by IEDC. KAED awards (AEDO) are administered through IEDC. IEDC is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals and provides the framework for Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification.
• Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance (MEGA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMEGA's Executive Director Ray Hagerman serves as KAED Chair. MEGA drives growth and investment in Muhlenberg County, focusing on enhancing local industries, improving workforce development, and promoting business expansion.
• Kentucky PowercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKentucky Power's Economic and Business Development Manager Amanda Clark serves as KAED Chair-Elect. Kentucky Power is a Signature Sponsor of KAED, providing support for events and programs.
• Kentucky Lake Economic Development (KLED)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKLED President Elizabeth Griffith-Mudd serves as KAED Secretary/Treasurer. KLED serves Marshall County, Kentucky, promoting economic development and investment in the region.
• BE NKY Growth PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBE NKY Growth Partnership is a Silver Partner of KAED and hosts the annual Economic Forum & Annual Meeting. Kimberly Rossetti, VP at BE NKY, serves as KAED Past-Chair. BE NKY is a key regional economic development organization in Northern Kentucky.
• Kentucky League of Cities (KLC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKLC's Executive Director/CEO JD Chaney serves as an Ex-Officio Director on the KAED Board. KLC is a Signature Sponsor of KAED. KLC provides 7.5 outside training credits for KAED's Economic Forum as part of KLC City Official Training Center.
• Kentucky Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ashli Watts serves as an Ex-Officio Director on the KAED Board. The Chamber is a statewide business advocacy organization.
• Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCTC hosts the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED) at its Newtown Campus in Lexington, KY. BCTC's Vice President of Advancement and Workforce Development (Dr. Erin Tipton) received KAED's 2025 Allied Professional Award. BCTC is a primary educational partner.
• Murray State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMurray State University is listed as an Educational Partner for KIED and provides educational content for KAED members. Murray State University participated in KAED's Speaker's Bureau and provides professional development resources.
• University of KentuckyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Kentucky is listed as an Educational Partner for KIED, providing educational content and resources for economic development professionals in Kentucky.
• LG&E KU (Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLG&E KU is a Signature Sponsor of KAED. Former LG&E KU team leader Lisa Payne was inducted into the KAED Hall of Fame in 2023. LG&E KU provides economic development support and site readiness assistance across Kentucky.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTVA is a Signature Sponsor of KAED. TVA Economic Development field representatives assist companies with relocations and expansions across Kentucky. Former KAED Hall of Fame inductee Jim Martin served as a TVA economic development project manager.
• Duke EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuke Energy is a Silver Sponsor of KAED. Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program has evaluated 42 sites in Ohio and Kentucky, triggering 5,400 new jobs and $2 billion in capital investment since 2010. Duke Energy has been recognized by Site Selection magazine for 21 consecutive years.
• Big Rivers Electric CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBig Rivers Electric Corporation is a Gold Sponsor of KAED. Big Rivers' Director of Economic Development Brittaney Johnson serves on the KAED Board of Directors (Term Expires 2026) and chairs the Bylaws & Ethics Committee.
• REDI CincinnatiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerREDI Cincinnati is a regional economic development organization that partners with Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program and BE NKY Growth Partnership in Ohio and Northern Kentucky site development initiatives.
• Kentucky League of CitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKentucky League of Cities is a Signature Sponsor of KAED. KLC and KAED collaborate on training programs; KAED's Economic Forum provides 7.5 outside training credits for KLC City Official Training Center. KLC CEO JD Chaney serves as an Ex-Officio Director on the KAED Board.
• Commerce Lexington Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommerce Lexington's Director of New Business Development Niki Goldey serves on the KAED Board of Directors (Term Expires 2028). Commerce Lexington focuses on new business attraction and strategic target industries in Central Kentucky.
• South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSWK EDC's Executive Director Carter Hendricks serves on the KAED Board of Directors and chairs the Membership Committee. Under Hendricks' leadership, SWK EDC has secured nearly $2 billion in capital investment and 2,000 new jobs since 2020.
• Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation (EHCIF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEHCIF President and COO Andy Games serves on the KAED Board of Directors and chairs the Sponsorship Committee. EHCIF drives industrial development in the Elizabethtown/Hardin County region.
• Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority (ERIDA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerERIDA's Executive Director Amanda Davenport received KAED's 2025 Young Professional of the Year Award. ERIDA secured approximately $11 million in grant funding within Davenport's first year, including Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance Program funding.
• Lake Barkley PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmanda Davenport served as Executive Director of the Lake Barkley Partnership from 2018-2024, driving regional development across four rural counties and yielding $70 million in investment and 300 new jobs over six years.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• International Economic Development Council (IEDC): The largest membership organization for economic developers globally and the accrediting body for KAED's KIED program. Comparable as the national-level trade association in the same profession, though broader in scope and scale.
• Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC): Regional multi-state economic development association covering the Southeastern U.S. Comparable in offering membership, conferences, and professional development to economic developers, but operating at a regional rather than single-state level.

Others

• Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development: Kentucky's primary state government agency for economic development. KAED partners closely with the Cabinet but the Cabinet is the public-sector counterpart delivering incentives and business attraction services.
• Area Development Magazine: Industry publication covering corporate site selection and economic development. Comparable as an information/education provider for the same audience KAED serves, though operating as a media property rather than a membership association.
• Site Selectors Guild: Professional society for corporate site selection consultants. Comparable because KAED explicitly cultivates relationships with site selectors as part of its Kentucky United initiative and member value proposition.

Regional players

• Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP): State-authorized economic development authority for Virginia that promotes business attraction, expansion, and site development. Comparable in mission and structure, though operating as a state authority rather than a nonprofit membership association.
• Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC): Indiana's lead economic development agency, operating as a public-private partnership that combines advocacy, business attraction, and workforce development. Comparable in serving a neighboring Midwestern state's ED ecosystem.

Direct peers

• Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA): Statewide professional association for economic development professionals in Ohio. Directly comparable to KAED in mission, structure, and offerings (membership, advocacy, training, conferences) for a neighboring state.
• Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA): Statewide nonprofit association for economic development professionals in Georgia. Closely comparable in structure, membership model, training programs, and advocacy focus for a Southeastern U.S. state.
• Tennessee Economic Partnership (TEP): Public-private partnership focused on economic development and business recruitment in Tennessee. Comparable to KAED in serving a Southeastern state's economic development community with advocacy, training, and site selector engagement.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/kaedonline
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kentucky-association-for-economic-development-kaed-
• Xx.com/kaedonline

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Kentucky Association for Economic Development