CoopAPaLooza 2020

Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives welcomed hundreds of state, national and local economic development leaders to Frankfort in February. Attendees learned about strategies to increase business development while having fun at Co-opAPalooza.

Nationally acclaimed guest speakers included Didi Caldwell and Lorie Vincent, along with Jim Rasberry and Josh Nowell, who star on the HGTV show “Home Town.” Caldwell, who founded Global Location Strategies, said rural communities can take advantage of changes in technology, demographics and policy. Lorie Vincent, author of “Stand Up Rural America — Get Yourself a Seat at the Big Table,” inspired guests with stories of how economic development leaders can meet the unique needs of rural Kentucky. The HGTV team shared entertaining stories of helping to revitalize their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi.