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As more than 200 women walked into a conference room in Chicago, they found a message about Louisville Water on the tables. Pitchers, cups, and signage highlighted our role in economic development and the fact that we’re the only water utility to trademark tap water.
Why Chicago for a Louisville Water message? The women represent companies and cities from across the United States that help companies find places to locate a new business and utility partners that support the work. Louisville Water’s Vice President of Communications Kelley Dearing Smith represented the only drinking water provider. Sponsored by Area Development, Women in Economic Development is a collaborative event where professionals share best practices.
“When thinking about sites that are shovel-ready for development, you’ve got to have utility partners alongside,” explained Courtney Dunbar, director of site selection for Burns & McDonnell. Dunbar has visited Louisville and seen the collaboration with Louisville Water, the city, and state. Amy Gerber, an executive managing director with Cushman & Wakefield has also spent time in our city. “The water is delicious,” Gerber told the women as she described Louisville Water’s role at the event.
Many of the site selectors believe manufacturing remains the backbone of the country with aerospace and defense plus food and beverage staying strong. In Kentucky, more than 260,000 people work in the manufacturing sector, and the governor’s office has announced 35 manufacturing-related projects in 2026. Many of those projects are in the Louisville area where our water supports growth.
