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Louisville’s mayor, a commercial real estate developer, power company representatives, an industrial site manager, a bourbon expert, and Kentucky’s economic development leaders.
That’s a list of the people who noted the value of water to a group of national site selectors who visited Louisville last week. The site selectors help bring businesses to a community and Louisville’s Economic Development Agency (LEDA) along with a group of partners hosted the professionals to showcase the city’s culture and advantages for business.
The backdrop for the event was Bourbon and Beyond, but before the festival, the group learned what makes the Louisville region unique. Of course, that included a stop at the Louisville Water Tower, the place where Kentucky’s drinking water story begins. As the first public drinking water provider in the state, President and CEO Spencer Bruce told the group Louisville Water has three advantages for economic development: an abundant supply with the Ohio River, amazing water quality that’s unmatched, and value with some of the lowest rates in the region.
Communications and Marketing Vice President Kelley Dearing Smith echoed those points as she led the group on a tour of the historic structures, noting the innovation that created Louisville Water 165 years ago and today, makes it one of the top water utilities in the United States.
One of Louisville Water’s direct linkages to economic development is with one of the state’s signature industries: bourbon. As guests went through a bourbon – and water – tasting at Barrels & Billets, Smith explained the value of water to the 20 distilleries that use Louisville Water in their recipe. Food and beverage along with manufacturing are some of the top sectors for water usage.
This event gave site selectors a view of Louisville beyond an industrial site or national headquarters and instead focused on the people and places that make the city unique. “I had no idea of the vibrant culture,” explained one guest. “And I’ve never seen a water utility this engaged in economic development. That’s impressive.”
Louisville’s economy is on a roll with $2.8 billion in investments announced in 2025, much of that from the auto industry and manufacturing. Louisville Water is instrumental in growing that investment.
“Bourbon pairs well with water,” chuckled Josh McKee, LEDA’s Executive Vice President, as he explained how Louisville Water’s role in supporting economic development is an asset for the city.
Louisville Water does pair well with bourbon – and more than 24,000 other businesses that rely on our supply, quality, and value. And a festival with bourbon in its title is a perfect backdrop.
