Historic Charm meets Modern Opportunity: Why Businesses are Choosing Shelbyville, KY

Nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass State, Shelbyville, KY has emerged as a top-notch option for professionals seeking a location that offers big-city opportunities paired with historic charm and great quality of life. With its ideal location near key cities, recent job growth, downtown revitalization efforts and booming tourism sector, Shelbyville has become a hub of opportunities for professionals seeking both a fulfilling career and quality lifestyle. It’s no wonder this economic hotspot is one of Kentucky’s fastest growing counties!

Location, Location, Location: Small Town Charm with Big City Access

One of the standout features of Shelbyville is its strategic location, situated within easy reach of three major cities: Lexington, Frankfort, and Louisville. For those seeking opportunities beyond the town’s borders, access to four major interstates (I-64, I-65, I-71, and I-75) means commuting to other metropolitan areas is not only feasible but also relatively hassle-free. Professionals working and living in Shelbyville can enjoy the tranquility of a smaller town while still having convenient access to the amenities and opportunities found in these larger cities. 

Downtown Revitalization and Tourism: Where History and Modernity Meet

Shelbyville’s commitment to preserving its historic charm while embracing innovation is evident in its downtown revitalization efforts. The city has invested more than $11 million dollars in the downtown area in recent years, including a new plaza on 6th street and a conference and welcome center on 7th street. These investments along with the meticulous restoration of historic buildings, over 400 acres of park space including the popular Clear Creek Park, and the emergence of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants have made downtown Shelbyville a truly great place to work and play. 

The burgeoning arts scene, showcased through galleries and cultural events, has turned downtown Shelbyville into a hub for creativity and expression. Tourism is seeing unparalleled growth, with visitor spending in the top 25% of all Kentucky counties in 2022. ShelbyKY Tourism reports that for every $1 invested in marketing and advertising, visitors to the area spend $340 at local businesses. With the increase in tourism, comes more career opportunities for residents–tourism and hospitality contribute about 1,300 jobs to the local economy.

Shelby County, Kentucky’s Bourbon Industry: A Taste of Tradition and Innovation

As Kentucky’s historic bourbon industry continues to thrive, Shelby County has positioned itself to become a key player in its continued growth. In addition to the central proximity to other popular stops on the Bourbon Trail (which saw over two million visitors in 2022), household name Bulliet and craft distillery Jeptha Creed already call Shelby County home. Other companies within the bourbon industry are looking to invest there as well. IJW Whiskey Company is expected to build a new $200 million dollar distillery and The Koetter group is set to invest $44 million dollars into a new bottling facility, The Blending House. The site will include seven 20,000-barrel warehouses and a 30,000 square foot blending and bottling facility.

The bourbon industry’s growth in recent years has not only created jobs directly related to distillation and distribution but has also given rise to a thriving hospitality sector–and Shelby County is in the heart of it all! Distillery tours, tastings, and bourbon-themed events attract visitors from across the county, stimulating the local economy and providing opportunities for those interested in hospitality, event management, and tourism-related work. 

Recent Job Growth in Shelby County Kentucky: Building a Promising Future

While the revitalization of downtown Shelbyville has breathed new life into the heart of the town for residents and tourists, Shelby County has also experienced a surge of interest among entrepreneurs and investors. Employment opportunities have skyrocketed across various sectors as Shelbyville has strategically positioned itself as a hub for manufacturing and distribution companies.

With a focus on creating a well-rounded employment landscape, Shelbyville has been successful in cultivating a balance between traditional industries and innovative start ups. EnerVenue, which builds metal-hydrogen batteries for stationary energy storage applications, is investing $264 million dollars in their new manufacturing facility in Shelby County which is expected to create 450 full-time jobs. KCC Manufacturing plans to add 700 high-wage jobs with their new $60 million dollar facility, and Wieland North America recently broke ground on a $100 million dollar copper recycling facility. These are just a few of the many companies who have recently invested millions of dollars and brought hundreds of high-paying jobs to Shelby County.

From Festivals to Concerts: Shelbyville’s Lively Entertainment Scene

Throughout the year, this charming town comes alive with a diverse array of music and cultural events that offer something for all tastes and ages. Locals can enjoy a summer concert series on Main Street, or check out one of many festivals throughout the year. Jeptha Creed’s Jammin at Jeptha offers a concert series that’s fun for the whole family at their mother-daughter owned distillery. Bulleit’s Outback Concert Series dishes up another opportunity to enjoy great bourbon alongside local music. The area is even attracting some big names–country music star Luke Bryan is set to take the stage at Mulberry Orchard this September as part of his Farm Tour 2023!

In addition to the vibrant music scene, the community calendar is packed with numerous other events to enjoy. Catching a performance at Shelby County Community Theater is a real treat. The theater is described as “the heart of the area’s cultural community” and offers plenty of ways to get involved and support the arts. With plenty of festivals throughout the year, farmer’s markets, craft fairs, and even ghost tours–Shelby County truly has something for everyone. 

Conclusion: Shelbyville, Kentucky is the Perfect Place to Work and Live

In a world where we are all seeking a place to live and work harmoniously, Shelbyville, KY is one destination that shouldn’t be overlooked. Beyond its economic prospects, Shelbyville’s quality of life is a major draw. The town’s close-knit community, excellent schools, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere foster a strong sense of community and help newcomers quickly feel at home.

As Shelbyville continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to preserving its heritage while still embracing innovation. The town’s commitment to fostering a diverse economy ensures that job opportunities are abundant and varied, catering to the aspirations of a wide range of professionals. Whether one is seeking opportunities in manufacturing or technology or captivated by the allure of the bourbon industry and tourism, Shelbyville offers a canvas where dreams can be pursued and ambitions realized.

Its blend of historical charm, recent job growth, and downtown revitalization, create a unique and attractive option for professionals seeking fulfilling career opportunities and a well-rounded lifestyle. Join the ranks of those who have discovered the abundant opportunities, historic allure, and community warmth that make Shelbyville an exceptional place to work and thrive.