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To get a clear picture of the cooperative spirit in Madison County,there’s no better place to look than

Yatsugatake, Japan.Madison County has a two-decade

sister-region relationship with this area ineast-central Japan, which reflects the factthat 11 companies with operations inMadison County are headquartered in Japan.

Officials from Madison County regularlyvisit their counterparts in the region as wellas the companies that have a presence in thecounty. Visitors from Japan venture to theBluegrass as well, strengthening the bondsthat began through commerce and havegrown to friendship.

“They just love us in Japan, and we recognize that Japan plays a big role in ourcounty,” said Richmond Mayor ConnieLawson, who has made three trips to Japan.

The relationship is symbolic of the spiritof cooperation that makes Madison Countya leading force in Kentucky’s economy and adesirable location in which to work and live.It is perhaps unique in the state, with twocities, Richmond and Berea, and two univer-sities, Eastern Kentucky University andBerea College, located within the boundaries.

With so many institutions, it might benatural for competing agendas to hinderdevelopment. Butin MadisonCounty, nothingcould be furtherfrom the truth.

The leaders ofMadison County,Richmond andBerea recognizethat a rising tidelifts all boats. Inother words, eco-nomic develop-ment in one part ofthe county willbenefit all.

“Where else can you go in the statewhere you have three very strong entitiesthat work so closely together?” asked KentClark, judge-executive for Madison County.“We work together and do whatever we cando to provide better services.”

The cities and the county have jointlymarketed the county as a destination for industrial development, presenting a unified front to companies looking to relocate or expand.

“We have no problems about marketingour county together and figure that we willall benefit within the county and regionallyfrom this kind of approach,” said BereaMayor Steve Connelly.

OPEN FOR BUSINESSWhen industries look to locate or expandoperations, Madison County is typicallyhigh on the list of potential sites inKentucky. Site planners and consultants finda business-friendly climate with an educatedworkforce, utilities with low rates, availableland and a range of transportation options.

“We try to bend over backwards to workwith our industries, not only those lookingto locate here but also the existing industries,” said David Evans, the city manager for Richmond.

Businesspeople say there’s no betteradvertisement than a satisfied customer, andofficials work hard to make sure existingcompanies remain happy with their location.In Richmond, the mayor, city manager,industrial development director and otherofficials meet monthly with existing businesspeople for a get-acquainted session.It’s a time for city officials to listen to questions and concerns that industry’s management may have. Mayor Lawson saidtopics range from small matters likeinstalling a new turn lane sign on a busy route to larger issues such as obtaining fill dirt to allow an industry toexpand its building.

“We feel our existing industries deserve allour loyalty,” Lawson said. “We ask them whatwe could do to make their business better.”

The visits alsoensure officialsunderstand the global scope of thebusinesses that operate in the county.

“It’s alwaysamazing when wevisit businesses tosee the things thatare manufacturedright here inRichmond andMadison Countythat go all over theworld,” Evans said.

With that level of cooperation with business,industries looking for a hospitable locationhear positive comments from companieswith facilities in the county. That success breeds further success as the county’s reputation spreads.

For instance, Madison County scored acoup with the announcement of the Sub-Zero Wolf Inc. appliance manufacturingfacility to be built in Richmond. The company will create an estimated 100 newfull-time jobs and invest $35.5 million in thestate. Sub-Zero Wolf plans to acquire 45acres in the Richmond Industrial Park SouthII for its 200,000-square-foot facility.

Founded in 1945, and now in its thirdgeneration of family ownership and management, Sub-Zero offers innovative,aesthetically appealing and technologicallyadvanced solutions to meet virtually anyhome refrigeration need. For more than 70years, the Wolf brand has been synonymouswith professional cooking equipment forrestaurants and hotels.

“Sub-Zero Wolf will be an importantpartner in our community and will greatlyenhance our existing industrial base,”Lawson said. “It was a great experienceworking with the people of Sub-Zero Wolfduring the recruiting process and we willcontinue that close relationship with them asthey grow in Richmond.”

CONNECTED TO THE COUNTRYOne of Madison County’s greatest assets isthe seven exits of Interstate 75, which carries over 50,000 cars per day through thecounty. The importance of the interstate tocommerce, and especially to trucking, cannot be overstated.

MADISON COUNTYCooperative spirit leads to growth on a global scale

Front: James H. Howard, executive director,Richmond Industrial Development Corp;Connie Lawson, mayor of Richmond;Kent Clark, Madison County judge-executive.

Rear:Tom McCay, director of business developmentfor Berea; and Steve Connelly, mayor of Berea.

2 The Lane Report Madison County Community Profile

Richmond Mayor Connie Lawson

Madison County Judge–Executive Kent Clark

Global partners like Tokico, KI USA Matsushita,Richmond Auto Parts Technology,AGC Flat Glass,and Kokoku Rubber manufacture products for worldwide markets.

Madison County Community Profile The Lane Report 3

“We’re fortunate in that we have moreaccess off the interstate than they have inLexington and Fayette County,” Evans said.

Interstate 75 and its parallel railroads areamong the busiest in the nation and the highway serves as the major transportationartery that connects communities and businesses in six states. From the Port ofMiami, Fla., to Detroit, Mich., where I-75connects with Canadian Highway 401, the2,200-mile highway is one of the longest andbusiest continuous interstate trade corridorsin North America.

The county is within a day’s drive ofapproximately 60 percent of the nation’spopulation, making it a natural spot forwarehousing and distribution operations.For example, Sherwin Williams operates amanufacturing plant for automotive finishesnext to a distribution center.

CSX Transportation provides rail servicethrough the region, with a few rail-servedspots available in industrial parks inRichmond and Berea. Also, the county isonly about 40 miles from Blue Grass Airportin Lexington with a wide array of commercial and cargo air service, andMadison Airport provides easy access forbusiness jets and smaller airplanes.

QUALITY OF LIFELife is about more than work and MadisonCounty offers a range of activities andamenities that make it an attractive destination and place to live. Even as thecities enjoy growth, the leaders strive toretain what they love about their hometowns.

“We’re the fastest growing urban area inKentucky, but we still maintain that sense ofcommunity and that sense of a hometown,where we look after our neighbors,” Evanssaid. “It’s a good place to live, raise a familyand to do business.”

As much as the respective governmentsmanage the infrastructure and foster a business climate that’s welcoming to industry, there are other factors in whichMadison County also excels.

“Communities across the nation havesufficient land, workers and utilities, sooften it comes down to a choice being madebecause of the intangibles,” said Connelly.“We know companies also look at things likeschool systems and job opportunities forspouses. The quality-of-life issues can tipthe balance in favor of a community.”

All three governmental entities areinvesting in parks and recreation for theircitizens, with playgrounds, walking trails,aquatic centers and other activities in placeor under construction.

“In Madison County we are probablyundertaking more parks and recreation con-struction than anyone in the state,” Clark said.

The goal is to create a nurturing environment for families to build the futureof the county. From free golf lessons tosports teams and arts camps, there’s plentyto keep children engaged and growing.

“Life is serious enough, so we’re con-stantly trying to reach a little further to makesure our young people can have a happychildhood,” Lawson said. �

Ideally located adjacent to I-75 and I-64, MadisonCounty is positioned to take advantage of majornorth-south and east-west trucking arteries.

Historical events, festivals and parades are a big partof the family-friendly life in Madison County.


It doesn’t take long for a visitor to learnthat Madison County residents valueeducation. The county has the good

fortune to be home to two institutions of higher learning: Eastern Kentucky Universityand Berea College. Officials quickly point toboth as playing a significant role in the economy and quality of life in the region.

“Eastern and Berea are without question two of the driving forces in the county,” said Madison County Judge-Executive Kent Clark.

The workforce reflects the influence ofeducation as Madison County has a higherpercentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree, 25.8 percent, compared tothe state average of 19.2 percent, accordingto the 2005 American Community Surveyfrom the U.S. Census Bureau.

The college student population also provides an educated and motivated part-time workforce for retail, food service,distribution and other industries. Athleticand arts events add to the life of the county.

EASTERN KENTUCKYUNIVERSITYFounded in 1906 with a faculty of seven,Eastern Kentucky University has grown tooffer 168 degree programs and serve morethan 16,000 students a year. It is a regional,coeducational, public institution of higher

education offering general and liberal artsprograms, pre-professional and professional training in education and various other fields at both the undergraduate andgraduate levels.

The main campus in Richmond is hometo nearly 14,000 part-time, full-time, traditional, and non-traditional students.

P r e s i d e n tDoug Whitlock isan EKU alumnuswho returned tohelm his almamater.

“My love affairwith EKU beganwhen I set foot onthe Richmondcampus as a f irst-generationcollege studentmore than fourdecades ago,” Whitlock said in a campus welcome address.

In 2007, EKU’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association ofColleges and Schools.

“This means that EKU meets the highstandards for quality set by the agency thataccredits colleges and universities in thesoutheastern United States,” Whitlock said.

EKU operates satellite campuses inCorbin, Danville, Manchester, Somerset andFort Knox to provide learning opportunities for thousands of studentsacross central Kentucky.

The university also operates the Businessand Technology Incubator for Safety andSecurity to partner with university researchers,entrepreneurs, investors, and business development organizations to facilitate thedevelopment of safety and security enterprises.

EKU’s athletics teams are a source ofpride for the entire Colonel community.More than 300 student-athletes participateeach year in 14 sports. EKU has establisheditself as a leader in the Ohio ValleyConference. Three varsity programs finishedatop the conference's rankings in the most recent NCAA Academic Progress Rate report and six programs were the best in Kentucky.

EDUCATIONLeadership in higher education

EKU offers more than 168 fields of study to more than 16,000 students on seven regional campuses.The maincampus in Richmond is home to EKU arts and athletics as well as as the Business and Technology Incubator forSafety and Security.

The Arnim D. Hummel Planetarium is one of thelargest and most sophisticated planetariums in theUnited States, especially on a university campus.Theplanetarium has seating for 164 and hosts school andpublic science programs and special events.

EKU students can take advantage of wireless connec-tivity throughout much of the campus.

EKU PresidentDr. Doug Whitlock

BEREA COLLEGEFounded in 1855 as the first interracial and coeducational college in the South,Berea charges no tuition and admits only academically promising students, primarilyfrom Appalachia, who have limited economic resources.

Berea offers rigorous undergraduate academic programs leading to bachelor ofarts and bachelor of science degrees in 28fields. All students work at least 10 hours per week in campus and service jobs in morethan 130 departments.

“Opening windows on new and excitingworlds is a Berea tradition,” said PresidentLarry D. Shinn in a welcome message. “Forthose who seek challenge in the classroom,encouragement to serve others, new learningexperiences, and life–sustaining friendships,they will find them at Berea College.”

Berea’s academic program consistentlyearns nationwide recognition. U.S. News &World Report has repeatedly named Bereathe No. 1 regional college in the South, TheNew York Times, The Chronicle of HigherEducation, The Philadelphia Inquirer, TheTimes of London, and the "Solutions" segment of ABC World News have focused national and international attention on many aspects of the contemporary Berea experience. �


Contact Information

Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY 40475(859) 622-1000www.eky.edu

Berea CollegeBerea, KY 40404859-985-3000www.berea.edu

Phase 1 of EKU’s Business & Technology Center features a skylight-covered atrium,a 140-seat auditorium and 20 classrooms, including five computer labs. Phase 2 will include a 2,000-seat performing arts center and a conference center.


Alarge, high-quality health care system is a key community component for companies looking to

relocate or expand.It’s one of the aspects of the quality of

life equation that makes Madison County anattractive destination for employees andtheir families. Health care facilities are partof the economic base, providing jobs atcompetitive wages and purchasing goodsand service from local businesses.

The emphasis on health careis a positive for local residentsseeking treatments. It’s alsoattractive for those looking for acareer, as the hospitals continueto add facilities and personnelto serve their patients.

Pattie A. Clay RegionalMedical Center in Richmond isthe largest hospital in the county, with Saint Joseph inBerea providing first-class careas well. Both hospitals have along history in the county, playing a role in the lives ofmany generations over the years.

Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Centeris named for the woman who inspired thehospital. In 1892, her husband, Brutus,donated a cottage to start a hospital inPattie’s memory. From that humble start, thefacility has grown to a modern 105-bedacute care facility that provides all primarycare and extensive secondary level healthcare services for Madison and surrounding

counties. The medical center is accredited bytwo nationally recognized programs.

More than 500 employees work at the medical center, with an annual payroll of more than $21 million, according to arecent study of hospitals by the KentuckyHospital Association. Overall, the hospital spends more than $28million each year on staff salaries and purchases ofsupplies and services.

More than 69 active physicians offer primary care and 23 medicalspecialties to 75,000 uniquepatients. More than 800 babiesenter the world there eachyear, and 26,000 visits aremade to the emergency room.

“We’re pretty proud of ourhometown care, said BobHudson, president and CEO ofthe medical center. “We’re awell-kept secret, even in ourhometown. A lot of peopledon’t take advantage of ourservices when they could.”

In the last few years, themedical center has added an advancedComputed Tomography (CT) scanner, astate-of-the-art urological imaging system,and a new cardiac catheterization X-ray lab.A major renovation now houses new angiography equipment, and spinal surgeryis now available for adults and children.

Additional renovations scheduled tobegin in mid-2008 include conversion ofsemi-private rooms to private rooms on two

floors. Each room will receive up-to-datemonitoring equipment as well as a shower.Nurses’ stations will be upgraded to improveefficiency for nurses and other health careprofessionals. The $4.2 million project isexpected to take about two years.

Recently reported statistics show thatPattie A. Clay Regional Medical Centeroffers cost efficient medical care with the lowest cost per discharged patient among six hospitals that serve the same geographical area.

Saint Joseph Berea opened its doors in1898 as an eight-bed cottage on the BereaCollege campus. Berea Hospital joined SaintJoseph HealthCare and was renamed SaintJoseph Berea in 2005. With 33 total operating beds including 25-bed acute carebeds, this critical access hospital provides ahigh quality of care in a personal, family-oriented environment. In 2006, thehospital cared for nearly 1,500 people on aninpatient basis and more than 22,000 in itsemergency department. Patients come fromMadison, Jackson, Rockcastle, Garrard andsurrounding counties.

More than 200 employees are dedicatedto providing the highest level of care.According to the KHA study, Saint JosephBerea spends nearly $11.3 million each yearon staff salaries and purchases of suppliesand services.

HEALTHCAREHealth care drives the economy and the quality of life

Pattie A. Clay treats 26,000 emergency room patients annually.The regional medical center provides high quality healthcare to the residents of Madison County

Senior citizens are one of the fastestgrowing populations in Madison County and the health care system is keeping pace.

Bob Hudson, CEOPattie A. Clay

Since joining the Saint Joseph system,the Berea hospital has actively recruitedphysicians and upgraded services. As part ofthe Saint Joseph system, the Berea hospitalis linked with larger facilities in Lexingtonthrough technology. Physicians at eitherlocation can monitor the progress of apatient at the other, accessing lab results andmedical imaging via computers.

As part of its mission, Saint JosephBerea operates a patient assistance program to help low-income patients affordmedicine that might otherwise be out oftheir reach. More than 170 patients havereceived more than $6.9 million worth ofassistance with medical needs. Other community outreach programs include theDiabetes Treatment Center that provides diabetes education and care.

Madison County is also home to specialized facilities for people seeking carecloser to home. For example, Hospice CarePlus Inc. is building a 16,000-square footinpatient hospice for the residents ofMadison and the surrounding counties. The

facility will serve terminallyill patients and will employabout 30 people.

Hospice Care Plus provides services whereverthe patient is living orreceiving care. In somecases, this means that apatient's primary residenceis a nursing facility.

Working closely with thepatient, family and staff, theHospice team provides comprehensive care thataddresses the physical, emotional and spiritual

concerns that can arise when a person is atthe end of life.

When hospice care is provided in a facility, we work with the facility's staff toestablish a collaborative plan of care. Weconsider the staff at the facility as part of thecaregiving team and we provide training inend-of-life care to each nursing facility.

Hospice Care Plus provides services tomeet the emotional, spiritual and physicalneeds of terminally ill patients and theirfamilies. Hospice puts the family andpatient at the center of care, and by workingwith physicians and caregivers, providescompassionate care for individuals nearingthe end of life. �

Begun in 1898, Saint Joseph Berea is now part of the multi-facility SaintJoseph Healthcare System that provides medical services to patients inCentral Kentucky.

Contact InformationPattie A. Clay RegionalMedical CenterEastern BypassP.O. Box 1600Richmond, KY 40476(859) 623-3131www.pattieaclay.org

Saint Joseph Berea305 Estill StreetBerea, KY 40403(859) 986-3151www.bereahospital.org/

Hospice Care Plus, Inc.208 Kidd DriveBerea, KY 40403(859) 986-1500www.hospicecp.org

The good word about the business climate in Madison Countyis spreading.

In 2007, Southern Business &Development magazine named Richmond,the county seat, as a “Micro-market of theYear,” in recognition of development opportunities in the region.

Such recognition is the result of decadesof cooperation tocreate a business-friendly environ-ment in MadisonCounty. Retaildevelopment hasbeen spurred bythe growing manuf ac tu r ingsegment, resultingin a diversifiedbusiness basethat’s able toweather economicups and downs.

R i c h m o n dand Berea, the two largest cities, have activeindustrial development initiatives, completewith business parks that offer reasonablypriced land, utilities and excellent transportation access.

“We have known for a long time howimportant manufacturing is to the area andwe are taking steps to remain competitive,”said Berea Mayor Steve Connelly.

Madison County Judge-Executive KentClark compares the low tax rates, affordablehousing and infrastructure that MadisonCounty has to offer with any other locationsin the state or across the nation.

“We’re well in line with anything elseyou can find in America,” he said.

The cities and the county work closelytogether to meet the needs of businessessearching for a viable location.

“If they come to Berea, if we don’t havewhat suits them, we send them to Richmond,and officials in Richmond will do the samefor us,” said Tom McCay, director of business development for Berea.

MANUFACTURING MECCAFor companies with manufacturing and

distribution requirements, Richmond andBerea offer land in city-owned industrialparks. There’s also land available fordevelopment on the open market.

Berea offers acreage in two industrialparks, one with 50 acres and one with 322acres total area. The larger park has the most land available, and development continues with improved road access underconstruction. The new park will also be thesite of a vocational technical school built inconjunction with the Madison Countyschools. It will serve high school studentsand will be available for training to area business to prepare the workforce forhigh-tech jobs.

Richmond offers three industrial parks,all of which will soon have four-lane roadaccess to Interstate 75. Some acreageremains in the Richmond Industrial ParkSouth II, while over 200 acres are availablein the new site, Industrial Park South III,according to James H. Howard, executive

director, Richmond Industrial DevelopmentCorporation.

Howard cites AFG Industries as a prime example of a company attracted to MadisonCounty. The automotive glass manufacturertakes advantage of natural gas pipelines thatsupply the fuel to heat silica sand to makeglass for vehicles. They also use the railroad line to ship and receive materialsfrom across the country. Howard workedwith AFG officials for a year to locate the plant at Richmond Industrial Park South II. “Utilities and transportation are the main reasons they located in Richmond,” Howard said.

READY FOR RETAILRetail development along I-75 continues

with two major sites opening in Richmond, thebusiness, health care and educational centerfor an eight-county region with a trade-areapopulation in excess of 217,000 people.

Richmond Centre is a 120-acre multi-usedevelopment that will cover approximately

MADISON COUNTYOpen for Business

Above: Aerial view of TokicoBelow: Entrance to Tokico’s Berea facility

Tokico’s products flow to automakers, retailers, andservice facilities around the world.

Richmond Industrial Park South is a 166 acre full facility site. It currently accomodates five manufacturing companies along with a daycare centerand the Madison County Emergency Medical Service.

Berea MayorSteve Connelly


800,000 square feet of retail space with traditional and discount department stores, atheater, a hotel and restaurants. It’s located at Exit 87 on a prime spot on the same road as Eastern Kentucky University andother retail developments.

The second major retail development isbeing built at Exit 83 and will offer sites onboth sides of the interstate exit. Ed Chenault,

one of the owners of thefamily companies that aredeveloping the sites, saysRichmond is ideally locatedin this underserved retailmarket. In the last fewyears, the city has taken theinitiative to upgrade the

utility and transportationinfrastructure to servethe development of whatis now vacant ground.“Through the leadershipof the city, we’re blessed with all thegoodies,” he said.

Chenault expectsretail, restaurants andconvenience stores to bepart of the mix.Demographic studies oftravelers on the highwayreveal that many areboaters and anglers from

the upper Midwest on theirway to lakes in the southern

part of the state. He hopes to attract retailthat will serve those consumers in their travels. Chenault sees the possibilities forretailers and manufacturing in MadisonCounty, with about 60 percent of the nation’spopulation within an eight-hour drive, theavailability of land near the interstate and agrowing resident population.

“Any business thinking about coming to

Kentucky will want to take a look atMadison County,” he said.

EMPHASIS ON “GREEN”While growing dramatically as a light

industry center in Kentucky, MadisonCounty continues to emphasize conservationand remains environmentally conscientious.The Bluegrass Regional RecyclingCorporation was founded in 1990 as a 501C3 non profit organization. The BRRC isdedicated to the enhancement of regionalrecycling efforts through research, educationand implementation. Among its services are consultation, education, train-ing, system design, marketing, site clean-upand recycling.The BRRC wasdesigned as acooperative toserve its affiliates,including localgovernments. Bycollecting largeamounts of recyclable materi-al, each affiliate benefits. Small rural citiesand counties do not have the volume todemand high market returns. The BRRC hasestablished relationships with all commodity markets, allowing it to meet andsurpass current market standards. By producing high–quality materials, theBRCC earns the “preferred supplier” titlefrom many markets. �

Richmond Centre is one of the retail developments being built to servethe growing Madison County population. Carolina Holdings andCrosland,Inc. are colaberating on the project.

Agriculture has played a key role in theeconomy of Madison County sinceits founding in 1786 and still does

to this day.The pioneers who settled the lush,

rolling hills of the Blue Grass region wouldrecognize much of the farming today, such as corn, hay, straw, tobacco and cattle. However, they might not recognize the high-tech methods farmers use to eke the most out of the still-rich natural environment.

Connie Lawson, mayor of Richmond,sees agriculture as a still-vital segment ofthe local economy. “We’re like a pie:one–third agriculture, one–third industryand one–third education,” she said.

FAMILY FARMS PROSPERDespite the growth of industry and tourism,many family farms still dot the county.According to Brandon Sears, county exten-sion agent for agriculture and naturalresources, the main agricultural enterprisesin the county are beef cattle, forage production and tobacco.

The average family farm in the county boasts 156 acres, selling more than$25,000 of agricultural products on averageper farm. Livestock represents about 65 percent of the value of agricultural productssold in the county. Tobacco remains a major

crop in the region, with more than 950 acresproducing over 1.8 million pounds of burleyleaf in 2006. Overall, agriculture in MadisonCounty produces more than $24 million incash flow into the region.

As the farm economy has shifted awayfrom tobacco, family farms have shiftedtheir emphasis to new forms of production,such as strawberries and other fruits and vegetables, and cutting-edge activities suchas aquaculture production of shrimp andother seafood. The aim is to keep those vitalresources contributing to the economy.

“We’re always looking at ways to revital-ize a portion of agriculture base,” said BereaMayor Steve Connelly.

DIVERSITY FLOURISHESThe county is diversifying its agricultural base, expanding beef cattle production and improving crop-farmingpractices for greater efficiency. For instance,the Kentucky Department of Agriculturepresented $375,000 to the Madison CountyAgricultural Council in 2007 to use in awide variety of agricultural programs.

The University of Kentucky CooperativeExtension Service helps farmers find waysto grow beyond the traditional tobacco-based economy in central Kentucky.One area of fast growth is in goats for meatand milk products. Farmers are transitioning

AGRICULTUREGrowing for the future

Agriculture represents a third of Madison County’seconomy.The area ranks 4th in beef and cattle production in Kentucky.

Madison County Agricultural Snapshot

1997 2002Farms 1,565 1,396Acres in Farms 224,510 218,304Harvested Cropland 48,310 54,057

2006 CropsAcres Harv.ProductionState Rank

CornAcres Harv. 1,200Production 175,200 buState Rank 63

Burley TobaccoAcres Harv. 950Production ,887,600 lbState Rank 34

Alfalfa HayAcres Harv. 2,900Production 2,740 tnsState Rank 34

HayAcres Harv. 48,000Production 139,200 tnsState Rank 3

2006 Livestock & MilkAll cattle 64,300

State Rank 4Beef 26,800

State Rank 4

2006 Cash ReceiptsCrops $7,077,000

State Rank 54Livestock $17,517,000

State Rank 40Total $24,594,000

State Rank 50

Source: Kentucky Department of Agriculture


their acreage to raise these animals for amore sustainable business model. It’s alucrative market, as 80 percent of the world’spopulation consumes goat meat, althoughit’s still considered exotic for most consumers in the United States. The goats complement the existing cattle population as well, as goats and cattle consume different foods and won’t overgraze pastureland. Farmers are alsoinvesting in dairy production and horticulture for diversification.

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to look backward. That’s veryapparent at the Sustainable MountainAgriculture Center in Berea, which advocates traditional and innovativeAppalachian agriculture. For instance,founder Bill Best and the center’s supportershave collected more than 175 varieties ofheirloom beans and over 300 varieties ofheirloom tomatoes. Heirloom varieties arethose that remain genetically unaltered overthe years, being passed down from family tofamily. Many people crave the strong flavorsthat the non-hybridized plants provide,which are often missing from the mass-produced varieties found in most grocery stores.

The center helps local farmers market their flavorful produce throughfarmer’s markets and directly to

high-end restaurants. Chefs looking forstrong flavors for their dishes buy old-fashioned heritage tomato varieties suchas Russian Oxheart or Mortgage Lifter. The center received state funding to establish production of exotic mushroomsusing underground cisterns as a pilot projectto demonstrate the feasibility of gourmetmushroom farming in the region. Varieties such as shiitake and portobellomushrooms are popular products that could provide new revenue streams forMadison County farmers.

The center also demonstrates lumber harvesting practices for family farms thathave small-to-medium sized stands of valuable hardwoods on their property. Largelumber producers are often not interested insmaller, hard-to-reach pockets of timber thatmay dot the rolling hills of the farms. But aportable, inexpensive sawmill can allow afarmer to harvest the lumber on the land forlocal consumption or for export.

UNCORKING POTENTIALDiversification in Madison County agriculture took a step in a new directionwith the opening of the Acres of LandWinery in 2001. The largest agri-tourismproject in Kentucky, Acres of Land is located on 400 acres of former tobaccofields. Today, it’s home to eight acres of

vineyards, a commercial wine productionand bottling facility, gift shop, wine–tastingarea and a full-service restaurant with catering, banquet, reception and communityfacilities. The restaurant uses fresh vegetables grown on the grounds. Familiesenjoy the wagon ride tours of the vineyards,the picnic sites and the lovely view of rural Madison County from the patio. It’s a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. �

While tobacco crops remain, many family farms haveshifted to new forms of production.


Madison County lures visitors fromaround the country, drawn by history that spans the Civil War and

a rich artistic heritage that thrives to this day.Interestingly, about 80 percent of the

visitors to the area are from Michigan, whofirst encounter Madison County on a vacation drive on I-75 to Florida, accordingto Lori Murphy, executive director ofRichmond Tourism. Many of those visitorsfind a reason to stay longer, or come backfor a visit to a vacation paradise closer tohome. Those visitors have stumbled onto asecret that residents already know: MadisonCounty offers something for everyone.

From history to the arts to sports, a widevariety of attractions and events beckon for avisit from out-of-towners and add to thequality of life for those who call MadisonCounty home.

ARTS AND CRAFTSBerea is perhaps the best-known name in thecounty, as fame of its artisans has spreadworldwide over the decades. Known as theFolk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky,Berea celebrates craftsmanship and the richAppalachian tradition. Local artisan fairshave been drawing people since the originalHome Spun Fair in 1896.

For most people, the Kentucky ArtisanCenter at Exit 77 off Interstate 75 is theirfirst exposure to Berea’s arts attractions.This state center lets visitors with only a fewminutes or even a few hours exploreKentucky artisan works and their stories inthe center's exhibit and retail areas, and shopfor a wide range of Kentucky-crafted items,recordings by Kentucky musicians, books by

Kentucky authors and specialty foods grown or produced in Kentucky. The center’s cafe and grille offer everything froma quick snack to a full meal featuringKentucky specialties.

Visitors can follow the Artisan Loop from the Kentucky Artisan Center to the city’s craft districts in the College Square area, in Old Towne and along Chestnut Street.

Visit with one of Berea’s 40 craftspeople or gallery owners in the friendly atmosphere of their studios andlearn what is required to produce a beautifulbirdseye maple rocking chair or an original piece of jewelry. As you explore the shops and studios in College Square,you’ll have opportunities to enjoy the music of the dulcimer or the sound of theweaver’s shuttle.

Berea College continues its tradition ofstudent-made crafts. Visitors can see students weaving, making wood products,brooms and other crafts on campus, and purchase items made in the college’s Log House Gallery

In Waco, in the southern part of MadisonCounty, art lovers will find Bybee Pottery,the oldest operating pottery west of theAllegheny Mountains. Founded in 1809, it’soperated by the sixth generation of theCornelison family and still produces

practical and artistic pieces. The centralbuilding, constructed of logs with solid walnut beams, has housed the equipment formore than a century. Clay used in the potteryis dug from an open-pit mine about threemiles away. Bybee’s signature pottery collections are found at Macy’s DepartmentStore in New York City, as well as specialty shops worldwide.

EXPLORE MADISON COUNTYVisitors and residents alike flock to sports, natural and historic attractions

Richmond’s vibrant downtown remains a cornerstone of the county’s economy. It’s also the scene of seasonalfestivals and celebrations that draw the whole family.

Traditional craftspeople demonstrate their skills at festivals and shops. Bybee Pottery is the oldest pottery west of the Alleghenies

Visitors from around the world arrive to see localartisans in action.


HISTORYThe Battle of Richmond, often called themost complete victory for the Confederacyin the Civil War, took place near what istoday the Bluegrass Army Depot. Visitorscan see part of the battlefield, now a parkwith five miles of interpreted walking trails.A driving tour winds through the county to

view 13 points ofinterest vital to understanding thisbattle. Civil War re-enactors gather eachyear to relive thebattle, bringing his-tory to life.

In Richmond,tour the historicIrvinton HouseMuseum, next to theRichmond Visitor’sCenter. Exhibits in-clude items from thecommunity as wellas Eastern KentuckyUniversity’s J.T.Dorris Collection.Displays includeone of the only seven remainingRevolutionary War uniforms in the UnitedStates.

The White Hall State Historic Site wasthe home of Cassius Marcellus Clay, whoplayed a role in the Battle of Richmond. Claywas a fiery emancipationist, publisher andserved as U.S. Minister to Russia. The sitefeatures a 44-room Italianate mansion, slavequarters and cook buildings. A gift shop andpicnic area add to the fun.

Fort Boonesborough State Park is hometo a reconstructed fort on the banks of theKentucky River, with onsite crafts such ascandle dipping, pottery turning and lye soap

Madison County and Civil War groups have preserved hundreds of acres of the Battle ofRichmond site. Each year re-enactors recreate the Battle of Richmond on some of the exact locations where the conflict took place.

White Hall was the home of Cassius Marcelleus Clay,publisher and U.S. Minister to Russia

These original outbuildings housed the kitchen and weaving operations at White Hall Historic Site

making. A junior Olympic-size swimmingpool, miniature golf, camping and hikingmake it a favorite destination in the area.

On your tour of the county stop and seethe Valley View Ferry, a paddlewheeler thatcarries people and vehicles across theKentucky River. Operated jointly byLexington-Fayette, Jessamine and Madisoncounties, it’s the state’s oldest continuouslyoperating business, dating back to 1785.

SPORTS/OUTDOOR ACTIVITYThere’s plenty of outdoor recreation inMadison County, from a soothing walk inthe park to challenging golf courses andwater sports.

In Richmond, the Lake Reba RecreationComplex is a 600-acre tract of land thatincludes the Gibson Bay Golf Course. Alsoon the property are a lighted driving range,baseball fields, a soccer complex, an adultsoftball complex and the Herb VescioHorseshoe Complex. Also try out the 1.2-mile walking/jogging trail, AdventureFalls miniature golf and a batting cage complex. A 75-acre fishing lake with sixshelters and a large playground beckon thewhole family for a great day at the park. In2008 the new aquatic center will open, withamenities that include an eight-lane lap poolwith two one-meter diving boards, a play

pool with zero-depth entry and numerousplay features, including four slides. Twoslides stand 40 feet tall; one is straight andone is a spiral. There is a family slide and acolorful butterfly slide for younger children.

Gibson Bay Golf Course, designed byMichael Hurdzan in 1993, was recognizedas an honorable mention by Golf Digest forbest new public golf course in the UnitedStates. This 7,100-yard, par-72 course islocated along Richmond’s Lake RebaRecreational Complex. With up to five teeboxes on each hole, Gibson Bay Golf Coursecan accommodate players of all skill levels.All tees, greens and fairways are seededwith bent grass to provide the best possibleplaying conditions.

Other golf courses in the area include theprivate Arlington Golf Center and BlueGrass Army Depot and the public BattlefieldGolf Course & Country Club and the BullGolf Course.

The Battlefield Golf Courseis a key part of the county’sefforts to preserve the battlefield,said Kent Clark, MadisonCounty judge executive. “Trailsand parking lots will be donesoon to make the park open foreveryone,” Clark said.

In Berea, the 38-acre athleticcomplex features fields for baseball, softball and soccer, aswell as basketball, horseshoesand volleyball. Local groupsoffer organized youth leagues inboth cities. Adjacent to the athletic complex is the 9,200-square-foot, 365,000-gallon Berea Swimming Pool.The pool features a waterslide, raindrop, diving well, lap lanes,wading pool, bathhouseand concession area.

Two bike paths offertours of the city thatinclude lots of historic architecture and workingart studios. For hikingand walking, sites suchas Anglin Falls, Berea

College Forest, Indian Fort Theater andOwsley Fork Reservoir beckon with trailsand abundant scenery. A nine-hole citycourse offers golf for all skill levels.

Madison County residents can enjoy newparks in communities and along the river,where boat ramps provide access for fishingand water fun.

EVENTSMadison County offers a wide range ofevents all year long.

Richmond features the second-largestfireworks display in the state on July 4th,and welcomes the cream of the small schoolbasketball crop in the All “A” Classic tournament. At the Pottery Festival, morethan 60 artisans display their wares, andsome provide instruction for would-be potters. Kids Fest goes on at the same time to give the whole family a much-anticipated destination.

Fort Boonesborough is a working fort complete withcabins, blockhouses and furnishings. Resident artisansperform craft demonstrations and give modern-dayvisitors a sense of what life was like for pioneers.

National, state, and city flags are proudly displayed throughout the city of Richmond

Opening in 2008, Paradise Cove aquatic center is partof the expanding facilities at the Lake Reba complex

Gibson Bay Golf Course in Richmond is one of themany courses throughout the county that draw golfersfrom across the country.

Families enjoy miniature golf and other pastimes atRichmond’s Lake Reba complex.


At the Independence Day celebration,keep an eye out for Richmond CityManager David Evans, who has beenknown to help set off the fireworks.

Berea hosts craft festivals throughoutthe year, including the Berea Craft Festivalin July, the Kentucky Crafted Air Fair inOctober and the Quilt Extravaganza.

The Berea International Festival celebrates cultures of the world throughfood, dance and music. L&N Day commemorates the only L&N railroad station still standing between Cincinnatiand Knoxville, now home to the BereaVisitors Center. �


The Valley View Ferry across the Kentucky River is a favorite local attraction. Founded in 1785, it is thethe state’s oldest continuously operating business.

Lake Reba shoreline provides a quiet respite from allthe activity in the complex.

Tourism LinksKentucky Artisan Center 975 Walnut Meadow Rd.Berea, KY 40403(859) 985-5448www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov

Berea Tourism CenterBelle Jackson,Executive Director3 Artist CircleBerea, KY 40403(800) 598-5263www.berea.com

Richmond Tourism CenterLori Barnes,Executive Director345 Lancaster Ave.Richmond, KY 40475(800) 866-3705www.richmondkytourism.com/


Madison County straddlesInterstate 75, making itwell connected to nearly

two–thirds of the U.S. population.It’s perhaps unique amongKentucky counties as it’s home totwo cities and two universities, imparting a vibrantquality of life in a blend of urban,suburban and rural environments.

The county sits next to FayetteCounty with the Kentucky River as its border and is minutes awayfrom Lexington, making it an ideal site for companies that needaccess to Lexington but want alower cost of doing business andeasy highway access.

Madison County Judge–Executive Kent Clark points to theongoing infrastructure developmentand the transportation connectionsthat make Madison County a desirable business location.

“We have seven interchangesalong one of the busiest highwaysin America, with affordable, developable land along all ofthem,” Clark said. The county, and

Berea and Richmond, have investedin roads and water and sewer utilities to serve development in theareas near the interstate.

The presence of Berea Collegeand Eastern Kentucky Universitymeans there’s a core of highly educated workers, and MadisonCounty draws from surroundingcounties as well.

“We’ve always been able toprovide the trained workforce that’sneeded,” Clark said.

The county is also home to theBlue Grass Army Depot, a chemical weapon and standardmunitions storage facility operated

Madison County offers affordable housing, with a median home price of $139,000. New developments andexisting homes provide a wide range of choices for those looking for a small-town feel with big city amenities.

MADISON COUNTYMADISON COUNTY

RICHMOND CHAMBEROF COMMERCEMendi Goble, Executive Director201 East Main StreetRichmond, KY 40475(859) 623-1720Fax: (859) 623-0839www.richmondchamber.com

RICHMOND INDUSTRIALDEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONJames Howard, Executive DirectorP.O. Box 250Richmond, KY 40476(859) 623-1000Fax: (859) 625-1050

COUNTY SEATRICHMONDConnie Lawson,Mayor239 West Main St.Richmond, KY40476(859) 623-1000Fax: (859) 623-7618

MADISONCOUNTYJUDGE EXECUTIVEKent ClarkCourthouse101 West Main St.Richmond, KY40475(859) 624-4700Fax: (859) 624-9140

MADISON COUNTY CLERKBilly Gabbard101 West Main Street, Suite 7Richmond, KY 40475(859) 624-4703Fax: (859) 624-8474

CONTACT INFORMATIONMadison County101 W. Main St.Richmond, KY 40475859-624-4700www.madisoncountyky.us

Connie Lawson

Kent Clark

Madison CountyPopulation - 80,787


by the United States Army.Destruction of the stockpilerequires construction of a high-tech facility to neutralize the chemical weapons. The facility,which broke ground in 2006, isunder construction and is majorcontributor to growth in the county.Contractors and representatives ofgovernment agencies are adding totheir presence in the county,

fueling the housing,retail and constructionmarkets. Once thefacility is completed,additional personnelwill be required tooperate it, adding tothe number of high-paying technical jobsin the region.

Madison County’s proximity to Interstate 75 means residents and businesses can connect with about 60 percent of the nation’s population with an eight-hour drive.

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

1980 1990 2000 2006 2015 2020 2010

53,55757,508

70,87278,714

90,30695,965

83,859

POPULATION TRENDS

COUNTY POPULATION 200780,787

HOUSEHOLDSNumber of households..................29,540Median household income........$39,920Median home price ....................$139,000

PERSONAL INCOME1998 ......................................................$18,6452004 ......................................................$22,160Percentage change ..............................+18.8MEDIAN AGE32.5

LABOR MARKET AREA660,268

AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGEMadison County ....................................$495Labor Market Area ..............................$577U.S. ................................................................$697

TOP FIVE EMPLOYERS BY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEESNACCO Materials

Handling Group................................950Tokico USA Inc. ........................................860EnerSys Inc. ..................................................475KI-USA Corp...............................................330Richmond Auto Parts Technology...300

City of RichmondPopulation - 31,431

Richmond is perhaps bestknown for its role in thefamed Civil War battle that

took place in and around its bor-ders.

Commemorating the conflict isonly one of the manyreasons thousands ofvisitors flock to the cityeach year for festivals, recreation, historicsightseeing and more.

Richmond hasaggressively recruitedbusiness over the years, adding tothe base of education, tourism andagriculture that helps the city weath-er changes in the business climate.

“We have been economicallybalanced so the big ups and downsdon’t affect us as much as otherplaces,” said Mayor Connie Lawson.

The steady expansionof jobs, tourism and education are evident inthe city’s array of parksand recreational activities,including a vibrant artscommunity.

“All these things cameabout after growth,” Lawson said.

Lawson credits the presence ofEastern Kentucky University withfueling Richmond’s growth over


With a solid base of education, industry andagriculture, Richmond continues to be the hubof Madison County.

RICHMONDMADISON

•Richmond

the past few decades. The $14 million Business and TechnologyCenter on the EKU campus is afocal point for business activitiesand education throughout theregion. The center houses the safe-ty and securityb u s i n e s s incubator thatsupports the developmentof technology-based start-upcompanies byp r o v i d i n gaccess tor e s o u r c e s ,including apool of trainedstudent laborto assist inaccounting, marketing, informationsystems and other activities.

For more than 75 years, theRichmond Chamber of Commerce

has supported business activities inthe city, giving businesses a unifiedvoice. More than 1,000 memberswork to make Madison County theeconomic hub of the region, withRichmond as the focal point.

Richmond is rare among growing cities with a vibrantdowntown business district thatincludes specialty retail shops and

clothing stores that draw peoplefrom the more recent suburbanretail developments. The goal ofthe Richmond Main Street program is to maintain the vitalityof the city’s core, working withbusinesses and organizations tokeep the central district a community asset.�

Contact information

City of RichmondCity Hall 239 W. Main St.Richmond, KY 40475(859) 623-1000www.richmond.ky.us

Richmond IndustrialDevelopment Corp.James H. Howard,Executive Director(859) 623-1000www.richmond-industrial.org

The new EKU Business & Technology center $14 million teaching facility opened in 2006. Phase 2 will include a 2,000 seat performingarts theatre and an adjoining conference center.


City of BereaPopulation - 13,606

Berea blends a unique historywith a forward-thinking out-look that’s business friendly.

Although Berea is known as theArts Capital of Kentucky and continues to build that reputation, thecity is also activelyseeking industrial andretail development toprovide a balanced economic base.

The city is provid-ing support to busi-ness incubators toattract high-tech busi-nesses that can take advantage of theeducated workforce availablethrough Berea College, as well as

fostering arts-related businesses thatcapitalize on the city’s arts tradition.

“We’re going to diversify andexpand the local economy by

enhancing tourism andbuilding on what theArtisan Center offers us byfocusing on small businessdevelopment,” said MayorSteve Connelly.

Berea has opened up250 additional acres in oneof its two business parks,

providing plenty of room for industries to build in this desirablelocation. The parcel is about half a

The historic Boone Tavern Hotel is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation providing state-of-the-art business and personal amenities.

BEREAMADISON

•Berea

mile from Interstate 75, and the CSXTransportation railroad runs alongthe eastern boundary of the park,making rail connections to the rest ofthe nation a possibility.

The industrial park will be hometo a new technical/vocational schoolin the Madison County School system. Berea donated the land, withthe agreement that the school will be available for training employees for existing and new

industries in the area.It’s one example of the

cooperation among the governmentalbodies in Madison County thatmakes it a fertile ground for business. “We market our countytogether and we figure that we allbenefit within the county and regionally from this kind ofapproach,” Connelly said.

Berea has felt the pain of losingmajor employers when factories

have shut down and moved produc-tion out of the country. Fortunately,the remaining manufacturingemployers absorbed most of the joblosses, an indication of the health ofthose companies. Connelly sees it as an indication of the need to diversify the economy, helping smalland large businesses succeed in their respective niches.�

Contact informationCity of Berea212 Chestnut StreetBerea, KY 40403(859) 986-8528www.cityofberea.com

Tom McCayDirector of BusinessDevelopment(859) 986-8528www.cityofberea.com

The quaint College Square and Old Town Artist Village areas provide attractions to both visitors and residents.


LOCATOR MAPSRichmond, Berea and Madison Couny

Berea

Richmond

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