8:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast with Sponsors
8:30 a.m.
Welcome
Charles Aull, Vice President of Policy, Kentucky Chamber
8:35 a.m.
Leading a Business in the Commonwealth: A CEO Perspective
Kim Halbauer, President, Kentucky Region, Fifth Third Bank
Hollie Harris, President & CEO, Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Jonathan Westbrook, CEO, East & Westbrook Construction
Moderator: Kate Shanks, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Kentucky Chamber
What does it really take to lead a successful company in Kentucky today? In this candid CEO panel, top business leaders share firsthand perspectives on operating, investing, and growing in the Commonwealth. Panelists will examine where Kentucky is gaining ground, where challenges persist, and which industries and regions are positioned for the strongest growth. Drawing on real-world experience and data-backed insights, the discussion will explore the opportunities and risks shaping Kentucky’s economic outlook—and what business leaders should be watching in the year ahead.
9:30 a.m.
Keynote: A Federal Reserve Perspective on the State and National Economies
Julianne Dunn, Regional Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Seema Sheth, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Moderator: Charles Aull, Vice President of Policy, Kentucky Chamber
Join us for an enlightening session where the Regional Executives from the Louisville and Cincinnati branches of the Federal Reserve will provide a refresher on the Federal Reserve System. They will also share valuable insights into the economic landscape of Kentucky and the broader national economy. Expect a blend of data-driven perspectives and thoughtful discussion, highlighting both opportunities and risks in the year ahead.
10:15 a.m.
Break with Sponsors
10:30 a.m.
Kentucky Economists Roundtable
Mike Clark, Ph.D., Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Gatton College of Business
Alison Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President, Executive Director, Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky, University of Kentucky
Jose Fernandez, Ph.D., College of Business, University of Louisville
Moderator: Charles Aull, Vice President of Policy, Kentucky Chamber
This discussion brings together leading Kentucky economists for a roundtable to examine the Commonwealth’s economic performance alongside national trends and what it means for the year ahead. Panelists will explore key indicators shaping growth and competitiveness, including employment and workforce participation, industry performance, and demographic shifts. The conversation will focus on where Kentucky is gaining ground, where challenges persist, and which sectors and regions show the strongest prospects for future success. Attendees can expect candid insights, data-backed perspectives, and thoughtful dialogue around the opportunities and risks facing Kentucky’s economy to help business leaders better understand Kentucky’s economic position and plan for long-term growth.
11:30 a.m.
Break with Sponsors
11:45 a.m.
Luncheon Keynote: Economic Outlook from the U.S. Chamber
Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber
Curtis will discuss the state of the economy, the outlook for the remainder of 2026 and beyond, affordability tariffs, inflation, workforce, AI, and more.
1:15 p.m.
Regional Economic Development Panel
Sharon Butts, Associate Director, South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council
Colby Kirk, President and CEO, One East Kentucky
Trevor Pawl, CEO, Louisville Economic Development Alliance (LEDA)
Moderator: Terri Bradshaw, President & CEO, Kentucky Association for Economic Development
How is Kentucky’s economy truly performing compared to the rest of the nation—and what does it mean for business leaders moving forward? This panel brings together leaders from regional economic development organizations to offer an on-the-ground perspective on the Commonwealth’s economic health, competitiveness, and growth trajectory. Panelists will share insights on key trends shaping business attraction and expansion, workforce development, and quality of place, drawing on their work as principal economic development entities dedicated to making their regions the best communities in America to build a thriving company, pursue a rewarding career, and enjoy a fulfilling life.
2:00 p.m.
Break with Sponsors
2:15 p.m.
Entrepreneurship’s Impact on Kentucky’s Economy
Monica Bilak, Executive Director, Sprocket, Inc.
Larry Horn, Co-Founder and CEO, Amplify Startups
Dave Knox, Executive Director, Blue North
Moderator: Lisa Bajorinas, Executive Director, Kentucky Innovation Hubs, Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation
How does Kentucky’s entrepreneurial ecosystem stack up against the rest of the country and what does that mean for business leaders planning for growth? This panel brings together leaders of regional entrepreneurial hubs to examine how startups, innovation networks, and high growth companies are shaping Kentucky’s economy compared to national trends. Panelists will discuss access to capital talent development, policy environments, and regional collaboration, offering insights into what’s working, where Kentucky is gaining momentum, and where gaps remain. The conversation will
conclude with forward-looking takeaways for business leaders seeking to engage with, invest in, or scale within Kentucky’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
3:00 p.m.
Designing a Growth-Driven Tax Code
Katherine Loughead, Director of State Tax Projects, Tax Foundation
Senator Chris McDaniel
Mark Sommer, Member, FBT Gibbons LLP
Moderator: Brian Cromer, Member, Stites & Harbison, PLLC
How does Kentucky’s tax system compare to the rest of the nation, and what does that mean for business leaders planning for growth? This panel will bring together leaders at the forefront of shaping a growth-driven tax code to examine how targeted reductions in tax levels are enhancing Kentucky’s economic competitiveness. Panelists will discuss how the Commonwealth’s tax structure stacks up against national trends, highlight areas of progress and remaining challenges, and conclude with forward-looking insights for business leaders seeking to engage with, invest in, or expand operations in Kentucky.
3:45 p.m.
Economic Summit Concludes