Louisville (June 30, 2005) - State and local leaders announced today that Louisville-based Humana Inc. has chosen its hometown for a major expansion that will create approximately 1,100 new jobs. The announcement came after the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved incentives for the project at its monthly meeting this morning in Frankfort.
“Louisville is Humana’s home – as the company was established here and continues to experience significant and positive growth here. We are excited about what this tremendous expansion will mean to the economic growth of our community,” said Mayor Jerry Abramson. “In addition to the jobs and economic growth, Humana has become a leading corporate citizen through its leadership and employees continually playing an active role in civic, volunteer and charitable efforts in our hometown.”
Humana, Kentucky’s largest publicly traded company, offers coordinated health insurance coverage and related services to employer groups, government-sponsored plans and individuals. Due to their recent and projected growth opportunities, Humana chose to expand its headquarters facilities and staff of administration, customer support, information technology and other support services employees.
The new jobs would have an annual payroll of more than $46 million.
“As a physician I know the important role health care plays in Kentucky’s economy,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher. “We comm/files/storyimages/the leadership of Humana, Greater Louisville Inc., Louisville Metro and Secretary Strong for their cooperation in making our commonwealth a major player in the growing health care industry.
The $4.2 million expansion would be spread out over three locations, including its headquarters in Downtown Louisville. Humana is considering property on Bishop Lane and elsewhere in Downtown Louisville for remaining parts of the expansion. The authority approved Humana for up to $17 million in incentives for up to 10 years.
The partnership between Greater Louisville Inc. – The Metro Chamber of Commerce, Louisville Metro Government and state government brings new economic opportunities to the community. This year, through June, the innovative public-private partnership has helped 24 companies locate new operations or expand existing ones in the area. These projects have created 2,479 new jobs and nearly $107.3 million in new payroll. In all, more than $161 million has been invested in the community through these projects.
“Helping local companies expand is an essential part of our economic development strategy,” said Steve Higdon, Greater Louisville Inc.’s president and CEO. “Humana’s expansion is a major boost for Kentucky’s economic engine, and its effects will be felt across the city, region and state.”
In addition to the approximately 1,100 new jobs in Louisville, Humana will also add jobs in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.
Mayor Touts Economic Development and Tourism on Overseas Trip
Louisville (July 1, 2005) – Mayor Jerry Abramson leaves tomorrow for Louisville’s sister city, Montpellier, France, where he will meet with economic and tourism leaders to pitch Louisville as an international destination for business or pleasure. There are currently more than 50 Louisville-affiliated companies conducting business in France.
Abramson also will present his business-development message to mayors from China, Germany, Ghana, Israel and Spain at an economic summit, which is a component of the 50th anniversary celebration of Louisville’s sister-city partnership with Montpellier.
“This is a chance to promote our hometown on the international stage,” said Abramson. “It’s also a chance to thank Montpellier for partnering with us in education, trade and tourism.”
A representative from the University of Louisville and leaders of the Greater Louisville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will accompany Abramson. He will also meet with 13 U of L students who are taking advantage of an exchange program with Montpellier.
Sister Cities of Louisville is a non-profit program that has helped create economic development opportunities and goodwill around the globe. Louisville companies now do business with enterprises in Russia, Germany and Ghana as a result of the program’s efforts.
After Abramson’s visit to Montpellier, he will travel to Verona, Italy, where he will meet with representatives from Brown-Forman Corporation. The Louisville-based company operates Bolla Wineries in Verona. Abramson plans to meet with city leaders there to begin discussions about formalizing a sister-city relationship with Louisville.
“I look forward to seeing, in person, the international operations of a hometown company. It’s my hope that this trip will continue this type of overseas development and expansion,” said Abramson.
Sister Cities of Louisville, which is paying for the trip, recently organized a similar trade mission to Leeds, England. As a direct result, a major Louisville-based company is considering opening an international office in that city to pursue business opportunities.
Abramson will return to Louisville on Sunday, July 10.
