ASHLAND The FIVCO Area Development District recently conducted its annual board meeting at Highlands Museum and Discovery Center and released its annual video.
In the video, Lance Hanshaw, FIVCO’s executive director, reiterated FIVCO’s purpose and pursuit of growth.
“Our mission is simple,” Hanshaw said. “To strengthen the communities of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, Lawrence and Elliott Counties for economic growth, improving quality of life and offer planning and development services that empower.”
Hanshaw has been in his current role with FIVCO since May 2024.
FIVCO ADD has served its five counties since 1968.
Tim Wright, FIVCO’s community and economic development planner, said the goal is “to see this part of Kentucky thrive and grow.” He maintains a positive outlook, he said.
In the video, FIVCO pointed out a number of highlights from the past year, including the following:
• Camp Landing Entertainment District has created more than 100 jobs and boosted regional tourism thanks to FIVCO’s EDA Loan Fund.
• CDBG and EDA funding helped renovate the Westwood Fire Department to improve emergency response and community service.
• CDBG funds helped build Blaine’s fire station, improving safety and emergency response in rural Kentucky.
• FEMA funding provided generators, ensuring the City of Catlettsburg’s essential services stay online during emergencies.
• Supporting the development of the future Autism Center in Grayson — creating jobs and expanding autism services in the region.
• Helping expand water lines for a new school and growing community in Carter County’s Rattlesnake Ridge Water District.
• Administering loans for water upgrades along Riverfront Drive in Ashland, improving reliability for homes and businesses.
• Supporting Elliott County’s Addison Field upgrades to expand youth and family recreation opportunities.
• Enhancing Laurel Gorge trails and facilities to grow tourism and outdoor recreation in Elliott County.
• Provided 82,630 meals in the region.
FIVCO also noted it and EastPark are working together to grow industrial development sites and job opportunities in the region.
Nicole Davis, Director of Social Services, said FIVCO has two food programs. It helps serve meals in senior centers across the region. It helps feed caregivers, too, she said.
FIVCO’s home care program is for people over the age of 60. It provides basic needs such as housekeeping.
Taylor Riffe, Director of Waiver Services, said “we want to build community here at FIVCO and ensure that people who are staying at home are getting resources they need.”
One medical waiver participant spoke about the impact FIVCO made on her family.
“Without FIVCO, I don’t know what we would do,” she said.
“Looking ahead, we’re focused on enhancing regional leadership, supporting our communities and improving our infrastructure,” Hanshaw said. “… All to move our region forward.”
Visit fivco.org or call (606) 929-1366 for more information about FIVCO and the services it provides.