Commission charged with developing strategies for growth of vital economic sectors
Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) President and CEO Chris Girdler has been named to a blue-ribbon commission formed by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to develop recommendations on how Kentucky can more directly contribute to America’s industrial growth in critical economic sectors.
With a primary focus on the nation’s defense industrial base, the 24 members of the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Kentucky’s Contributions to America’s Critical Industrial Base will recommend steps to strengthen the key economic sectors here to help maximize America’s capacity to respond to future challenges. The commission includes business, industry and education leaders from across the Commonwealth, including eight veterans.
The commission is co-chaired by Dr. Jeffery P. Langer, general counsel of Zoeller Company in Louisville, and Amy Wombwell, co-founder and COO of BlackBox Energy Systems in Owingsville.
“As businesspersons operating in a global economy, we understand that America’s economic security and national security are now completely intertwined,” said Dr. Langer, who also chairs KAM’s Legal Affairs Council. “The United States faces a new set of long-term strategic challenges to its global economic and security leadership. We can successfully meet any future challenge by strengthening our country’s industrial base, supply chain, and manufacturing preeminence. Kentucky is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the industrial and technological transformation that is taking shape to do so.”
“The Commonwealth has a long history as both a competitive choice to manufacture and deliver world-class products across the globe and as an outsized contributor to the nation’s industrial base and defense architecture,” said Wombwell, who also chairs KAM’s Defense and Aerospace Council. “With our diverse manufacturing economy, exceptional transportation and logistics capabilities, four key military installations, and a wide range of supporting industry, Kentucky already contributes significantly to America’s international leadership. And we can do more.”
“We are grateful that so many accomplished leaders from across Kentucky and several other states have accepted our invitation to help craft the strategies for how our Commonwealth can contribute in new, innovative ways to the strengthening of America’s critical industrial base,” said Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky and chair of KAM’s Board of Directors. “On behalf of the KAM Board, I want to thank the 24 commission members for their willingness to perform this public service. This is the kind of leadership that the business community must offer to Kentucky.”
Girdler said he is honored to represent Somerset-Pulaski County and the Lake Cumberland region on this commission.
“Once again, our community has been given a seat at the table for an extremely important conversation about how our state can contribute to America’s industrial growth,” Girdler said. “It is an honor to join the outstanding men and women named to this commission, and I look forward to the discussion that I know will offer tremendous enlightenment and perspective.”
The commission will confer widely with experts nationwide and issue its recommendations later this year. In addition to Girdler, Langer and Wombwell, the members include:
Paula Blankenship, CEO and founder, Heirloom Traditions Paint/CamCoat; Dan Bookman, plant manager, The Chemours Company; Marcia Brey, vice president of logistics, GE Appliances, a Haier company; Jonathan Brooks, CEO, Warehouse on Wheels; Chad Eaton, director of government affairs, Nucor Corporation; Mark Erwin, CEO, Bardstown Bourbon Company; Philippe G. Garnier, CEO and general manager, Safran Landing Systems Kentucky; Patrick Henshaw, managing director, Render Capital; Brigadier General Jim Iacocca, USA (Ret.), former president and CEO, Knox Regional Development Alliance; Frank Jemley, president and CEO, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers; Andi Johnson, chief policy officer and director of regional engagement, Commerce Lexington; Venkata (Vijay) Kamineni, chief innovation and technology leader, Logan Aluminum, and CEO, Metals Innovation Initiative; Charles Lewis, director, submarines programs and campaigns, BAE Systems; Thomas Lilienthal, plant manager, Novelis Corporation; Mark Loyd, co-leader, National Tax Practice Group, Dentons; Dr. David McFaddin, president, Eastern Kentucky University; Hon. Clarence Mingo, vice president, corporate affairs and ESG, T. Marzetti Company; Darrel Perry, group manager, Toyota Kentucky; Rear Admiral Gene F. Price, USNR (Ret.), partner, Frost Brown Todd; David Rink, president and CEO, Commonwealth Sign Company; Amy B. Spiller, state president – Ohio and Kentucky, Duke Energy Corporation.