Bluegrass Area Development District
Mar 20, 2026
Staff from the Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD) represented the organization and the Bluegrass region at two major conferences in February, sharing knowledge, innovative ideas and best practices with peers from across the Southeast. Their participation highlights the organization's commitment to advancing workforce development and organizational excellence.
At the Southeastern Employment and Training Conference, Workforce Director Tiffanie Reeves joined Debbie Link of the Child Care Council of Kentucky as panelists for "The Childcare Imperative: Strategic Partnerships for a Stronger Workforce," facilitated by Robin Richmond, workforce program assistant. The session brought together leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to discuss how collaborative partnerships are addressing one of the most pressing barriers to workforce participation — access to affordable, reliable childcare.
Reeves and fellow panelists shared insights on how regional workforce initiatives, employer engagement and partnerships with organizations such as the Child Care Council of Kentucky are helping expand childcare opportunities for working families. The discussion highlighted innovative strategies including employer-supported childcare models, regional collaboration and workforce-driven solutions that help remove barriers for parents while strengthening local talent pipelines and supporting economic growth.
Hannah Gregory, quality control manager for the Department of Workforce Services, also represented the district at the conference. Her session, "Quality Control: The Unsung Heroes," was among the most talked-about presentations. Gregory's energetic and informative session showcased practical tools and strategies she developed for her role, many of which were adopted by other workforce areas across the South.
BGADD staff also participated in the Southeast Region Directors Institute 2026 Financial Management Training, held Feb. 19 in Greenville, South Carolina. Mike Riley, director of human resources, served as a panelist for "Right Sizing Your Benefits," a session focused on developing comprehensive employee benefit packages and sharing strategies that support both employees and organizational sustainability.
Through their participation at both conferences, BGADD staff demonstrated leadership, expertise and a collaborative spirit, reinforcing the organization's reputation as a forward-thinking leader in workforce development across the Southeast.