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KAED, Kentucky’s premier economic development association, was formed in 1967. That was the year that Edward T. "Ned" Breathitt was finishing up his term as Governor and Louie Nunn had been elected for the next four years. Katie Peden was Commerce Commissioner and Jim Coleman was Director of Industrial Development. The state was experiencing major industrial expansion, including the location of several major manufacturing plants and aluminum plants. Lyndon Johnson was President and the country was bitterly split by the Vietnam War controversy. The top pop tune in 1967 was "The Letter" by the Box Tops.

Prior to the formation of KAED in 1967, there existed a loose knit group of 14-15 people actively involved in professional industrial work that came to be known as the "Kentucky Industrial Team." The "Team" functioned as an adjunct of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and was composed largely of industrial professionals associated with utility companies and railroads. Members of the team were Clarence Taylor, Jim Alexander, Jack Frost, Charlie Catlett, Leonard Kernen, Winn Johnson, Jim Coleman, Bill Neal, Art Mattingly, Wayland McDowell, Bill Short, Bruce Kennedy, Whitt Howard and Nick Kieffer.

On a recruiting trip to New York in 1967, members of the “Kentucky Industrial Team” decided that a statewide industrial development group, with broader representation, should be formed. The Team members surmised that the formation of an association would enable Kentucky’s industrial development efforts to withstand changes in the preferences and priorities of each new Governor’s administration in Frankfort.

Later in the year an organizational meeting was held for the newly established Kentucky Industrial Development Council. Approximately 40-50 people attended this meeting in Louisville at the Brown Hotel. Bylaws were adopted and Bruce Kennedy was elected President. Nick Kieffer, then Director of Industrial Development for L & N Railroad, was elected Vice-President and Clarence Taylor was elected Secretary/Treasurer.

During its early years, KAED served primarily as support to the Kentucky Department of Economic Development on industrial recruiting trips. KAED also initiated with the Kentucky Department of Economic Development the first Industrial Tours in the State. On these tours 25-30 active industrial prospects interested in Kentucky were invited into specific regions of the state.

KAED continues to work with the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky Chamber. However, it has experienced a great deal of change over the past years. The Association is incorporated and consists of more than 450 members. Membership is representative of the varied professions of the economic development field. The organization is managed by a full-time President/CEO, a full-time event operations manager and one part-time assistant and is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of thirteen volunteers.

Over the years KAED has provided leadership and educational opportunities for professional economic developers. Since becoming incorporated, the organization has become more active in influencing the policies and legislation that encourage growth and development in the Commonwealth. One of the most important benefits KAED has afforded its members, however, is the opportunity to meet and interact with other professionals that are carrying on the same work – the work of making Kentucky a better place. Numerous life-long friendships have been formed as a result.

We tip our hats to KAED’s founding fathers and commend the many dedicated members who have donated their time and talents over the years to our great organization.