Gov. Beshear Launches Supply Chain Initiative To Help Manufacturers Grow Jobs, Reduce Costs

Supply Kentucky started a partnership with the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to launch CONNEX Kentucky – a new online platform that provides a searchable supply chain database for Kentucky manufacturers. Supply Kentucky will also coordinate marketing efforts, provide resources related to the workforce and connect Kentucky companies to suppliers throughout the country, as well as foster the growth of minority- and female-owned businesses.

“As we grow our state’s already incredible manufacturing presence, it is crucial we continue to provide companies in every corner of the state with the resources they need to support new good-paying jobs,” Gov. Beshear said. “This new statewide platform fills a critical void in that effort and ensures Kentucky will continue to meet the needs of growing companies. Thank you to the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers for their partnership in making the commonwealth the best place to do business.”

On the site, Kentucky manufacturers can register for free to connect with 140,000 manufacturers locally and nationally. The portal is open today for our companies to register and will allow Kentucky companies to search for other Kentucky companies to satisfy their supply chain needs. Having more local suppliers will increase reliability and decrease transportation costs.

CONNEX Kentucky intelligently connects manufacturers of all sizes, including PRIMES and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) based on deep data such as equipment, certifications, U.S. Small Business Administration designation designations, processes, capabilities and other criteria.

“Thanks to this important new partnership between the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Kentucky’s manufacturers and countless other companies will, starting today, have access to one of the best tools in the marketplace to help grow their revenue, strengthen their supply chains and enhance the job security of their employees,” said Frank Jemley, president and CEO of KAM. “We are grateful to Gov. Beshear, Secretary Jeff Noel and the great team at the Cabinet for Economic Development for this collaboration that will create new opportunities for the Kentuckians who make world-class products.”

“I want to convey our deepest thanks for what really is an extraordinary partnership between the Governor’s Office, the Cabinet for Economic Development and the 260,000 Kentuckians who compete and win every single day in the global economy,” said John-Mark Hack, KAM board chair. “We are glad to partner with the state government in making this new platform available. We believe that manufacturers and suppliers alike will greatly benefit from helping these companies continue to grow, continue to expand their workforces and continue to increase their profitability.”

“Our presence and growth in Kentucky are attributable to the positive business climate. Our state leaders have clearly recognized that manufacturing provides great careers and is critical to the overall economy,” said Johnny Jacobs, Nucor Steel Brandenburg vice president and general manager. “State leaders have demonstrated a commitment to making sure we have the necessary workforce talent, intentional planning and support of infrastructure and a regulatory environment centered on a partnership finding solutions.”

The platform provides PRIMES and OEMs with the ability to:

• Quickly find the perfect qualified U.S. supplier;
• Access manufacturing-only data (no service providers);
• Post RFPs/RFQs/RFIs and send them to matching suppliers;
• View all U.S. supplier data in one location
• Filter suppliers by location, certifications, SBA designations, materials, equipment, processes, and more;
• Access blacklisted-supplier alerts;
• Use supply chain risk visualization; and
• Communicate with potential suppliers directly in the platform.

Kentucky suppliers can:

• Find ideal contracts with less effort;
• Receive RFPs/RFQs/RFIs directly from buyers (no broker listings);
• Find alternate sourcing for parts and materials;
• Discover new contract opportunities within new industries;
• Showcase all capabilities, certifications, SBA designations, equipment, and more in one location for buyers to see; and
• Connect and respond directly with OEM/PRIME buyers within the platform.

The CONNEX Marketplace was developed by i5 Services to connect the U.S. manufacturing supply chain. Manufacturers and suppliers are now using it across the country to connect with one another and find new business opportunities.

Manufacturers interested in capitalizing on this new supply chain tool can sign up and get more information at kam.us.com/home/connexkentucky/.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs are available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

Read about other key updates, actions, and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov, and the Governor’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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