Yesterday's ceremonial bill signing by Gov. Beshear at RiverPark Center of HB3—the broad expansion of business incentives for Kentucky business/industry—was very rewarding to many of us who played a small role in its development.
In March of 2008, Gov. Beshear met with The Leadership Circle, a advocacy group of the Chamber of Commerce that sits down with elected leaders. In that meeting, the governor heard about "Hollywood" producers who were seriously looking at Daviess and Henderson counties for two film projects. He was told that while the state offered a variety of rural and urban settings that producers like, Kentucky's film incentives were woeful compared to other states. He was also told about the need for incentives for Broadway show production, which has found a home in recent years at the RiverPark Center. Though there had been similar discussion in past legislative sessions, the issue had not gained much traction in Frankfort.
The day after that meeting with the governor, I received a call from one of his aides telling me that Beshear had heard us "loud and clear" and that he would be working with Owensboro Representative Tommy Thompson and others to make it happen. Eventually, the First Lady promoted the issue and film and Broadway show incentives became part of the larger HB3 that passed during this summer's special session.
I was pleased yesterday when Gov. Beshear mentioned that March 2008 meeting in his remarks. Members of the Chamber's Leadership Circle had seen advocacy in action.
In March of 2008, Gov. Beshear met with The Leadership Circle, a advocacy group of the Chamber of Commerce that sits down with elected leaders. In that meeting, the governor heard about "Hollywood" producers who were seriously looking at Daviess and Henderson counties for two film projects. He was told that while the state offered a variety of rural and urban settings that producers like, Kentucky's film incentives were woeful compared to other states. He was also told about the need for incentives for Broadway show production, which has found a home in recent years at the RiverPark Center. Though there had been similar discussion in past legislative sessions, the issue had not gained much traction in Frankfort.
The day after that meeting with the governor, I received a call from one of his aides telling me that Beshear had heard us "loud and clear" and that he would be working with Owensboro Representative Tommy Thompson and others to make it happen. Eventually, the First Lady promoted the issue and film and Broadway show incentives became part of the larger HB3 that passed during this summer's special session.
I was pleased yesterday when Gov. Beshear mentioned that March 2008 meeting in his remarks. Members of the Chamber's Leadership Circle had seen advocacy in action.
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