In October 2022, Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives marked their second Co-opaPaLooza, a day of fun, networking and learning about how rural Kentucky and the electric cooperatives are working together to draw and sustain jobs and investment for local communities. With a fun Octoberfest theme, the day featured a discussion panel of company, government and economic development leaders relating their experiences in building relationships between Kentucky officials and German copper maker Wieland, ultimately resulting in the company’s announcement to locate its $100 million North American production facility in Shelbyville, Ky. The highlight of the day was a talk by Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Jeff Noel, who detailed exciting plans and projects unfolding in the Bluegrass State.