The Kentucky Association for Economic Development Foundation honors excellence in the economic development profession through its annual awards, honors and scholarships. Every year at the Annual Meeting we recognize KAED members who have made strides in project development, education and organizational support.
The 2025 Call for Nominations is open, and we hope you will take a moment to honor a colleague by nominating him/her.
Nominations are due no later than September 1, 2025.
Community Professional of the Year Award
This award honors a local economic development professional who demonstrates outstanding achievement, visionary leadership, and measurable impact within their community. It celebrates individuals who not only perform at the highest levels professionally but also go above and beyond to improve economic opportunity, quality of life, and community prosperity.Nominees must be a member of KAED in good standing, have been in their current or similar role for 2 years and his/her primary job duties must be local economic development. Make a nomination here NO Later than SEPTEMBER 1, 2025.
Nominate a Community Professional
Young Professional Award
This award honors an emerging leader in the field of economic development who has demonstrated early-career excellence, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to advancing their community, organization, or region. The award recognizes individuals age 40 or younger who bring energy, innovation, and professionalism to their work and who are already making a measurable impact in Kentucky’s economic development landscape. Nominees must be a KAED member in good standing; a professional whose primary job duties include economic development; and in their position, or a similar one, for at least 2 years. Make a nomination here NO Later than SEPTEMBER 1, 2025.
Allied Professional Award
This award recognizes an outstanding professional working in partnership with local economic development organizations to support and advance community growth. Whether through utilities, workforce development, education, infrastructure, construction, government, or research, Allied Professionals bring invaluable expertise and collaboration that power successful economic development efforts across Kentucky. Make a nomination here NO Later than SEPTEMBER 1, 2025.
Nomiate an Allied Professional
Economic Development Hall of Fame Award
The KAED Hall of Fame recognizes an individual whose influence, leadership, and service have fundamentally strengthened Kentucky’s economic development landscape. This prestigious honor is reserved for those whose careers have been defined by visionary leadership, statewide impact, and unwavering integrity. It is not simply a recognition of professional achievement—it is an acknowledgment of a lifetime of service that helped shape the future of the Commonwealth. Nominee may be deceased, retired, or currently active. Recipients of this prestigious award will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Economic Forum in November 2025. Make a nomination here NO Later than SEPTEMBER 1, 2025.
Nominate a KAED Hall of Fame Canidate
If you have questions contact Terri Bradshaw at terri@kaedonline.org.