Chris Girdler shares SPEDA’s mission and the value of KET programming in KET’s Visions Magazine and Making a Difference series

As the son of a public school teacher, Chris Girdler, president and CEO of the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA), grew up watching Kentucky Educational Television (KET).

He credits KET for helping foster his love of civics, community service and history, and now in his role leading economic development efforts in Somerset-Pulaski County continues to see the public broadcasting network as an invaluable tool for education and workforce development.

Girdler shared his story, SPEDA’s mission and his support for KET recently through the network’s Making a Difference series. He was profiled in KET’s Visions Magazine and videos on its website, drawing similarities between the missions of the two organizations. SPEDA and KET are working to improve residents’ lives economically, politically and socially, Girdler said, building communities through quality-of-life measures such as education, arts, culture and history.

“KET is so much more than just television,” he said. “I’d argue that everything KET does could be considered a form of economic development because it’s all about making opportunities available and accessible to all Kentuckians.”

Read Girdler’s profile and watch his interview to learn more about how he believes KET and SPEDA are setting the standard for enhancing the quality of life for all Kentuckians.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation with KET and am so appreciative of their desire to give us a seat at the table and highlight how we’re leading the way in Kentucky to change the narrative about economic development,” Girdler said. “People are taking notice of the growth and excitement in our community and are interested in hearing about our successes. KET is an important partner in that effort. It is crucial that we support KET because of the real and tangible impact it is having across the Commonwealth every day.”