News
October is Manufacturing Month
October is Manufacturing Month and there’s no better time to spotlight this critical industry in the Kentuckiana regional economy. Manufacturing is the region’s second largest industry, employing nearly 80,000 workers in 2025. As manufacturers continue investing in new technology, the sector will increasingly need workers equipped to design, operate, and maintain it. The region is building its next generation of manufacturing talent through career and technical education in local high schools. Initiatives like the Academies of Louisville Alliance and SummerWorks offer employers concrete ways to engage with students early, and help shape the region's future skilled workforce.
Louisville’s job market has been weaker than initially reported
Louisville's job market was weaker in 2025 than initially reported, with revised federal data showing 10,000 fewer jobs in the region than earlier estimates suggested. Employment fell back to 2023 levels, erasing all gains made in the first half of 2024. Healthcare was a bright spot, adding nearly 2,000 jobs, but growth in a handful of industries wasn't enough to offset broader losses.
Spotlight on the manufacturing industry
The manufacturing sector is the second largest sector in the Louisville region’s economy, and holds a special place in the history of the region’s development. Learn more about the current state of the manufacturing industry in this spotlight.
How better employee benefits can help grow a company
An interview with retired business leader Paul Neumann, who led local manufacturing firm Universal Woods from $4 million in annual revenue to $80 million.
Frontline Job Innovation at Paradise Tomato Kitchens
Paradise Tomato Kitchens, a partner in KentuckianaWorks’ Redesigned Jobs, Resilient Workers initiative, is building a culture that prioritizes frontline workers.