FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 6, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, and the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) announced the launch of CONNEX™ Kentucky. CONNEX™ Kentucky is a free online platform connecting Kentucky manufacturers into a single, accurate, searchable supply chain solution.
CONNEX™ Kentucky intelligently connects small Kentucky manufacturers and suppliers to large Kentucky PRIMES, OEMs, and other buyers based on deep data such as equipment, certifications, SBA designations, processes, capabilities, and more.
CONNEX™ Kentucky is being provided through a unique partnership between the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.
CONNEX™ Kentucky state platform is open and free to register for all Kentucky manufacturers within any sector. The platform will always be free to use for searching, posting needs, and responding to contract opportunities. Suppliers who are awarded a new contract through the platform will be required to pay a 1% “Success Fee” on the first contract awarded between them and a buyer. However, this fee will be waived for all contracts awarded before September 6.
To see and interact with the entire US database of manufacturers and opportunities, users will need to upgrade to the full “National Access” subscription. This upgrade typically costs $500 annually but is free forever for anyone that registers by May 5. To get this upgrade for life, use the promo code KYFF during registration.
“Thanks to this important new partnership between the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Kentucky’s manufacturers and countless other companies will, starting today, have access to one of the best tools in the marketplace to help grow their revenue, strengthen their supply chains, and enhance the job security of their employees,” said Frank Jemley, President and CEO of KAM. “We are grateful to Governor Beshear, Secretary Jeff Noel, and the great team at the Cabinet for Economic Development for this collaboration that will create new opportunities for the Kentuckians who make world-class products.”
“As we grow our state’s already incredible manufacturing presence, it is crucial we continue to provide companies in every corner of the state with the resources they need to support new good-paying jobs,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This new statewide platform fills a critical void in that effort and ensures Kentucky will continue to meet the needs of growing companies. Thank you to the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers for their partnership in making the commonwealth the best place to do business.”
Through the program, PRIMES and OEMs can:
- Quickly find the perfect qualified U.S. supplier
- Manufacturing-only data (no service providers!)
- Post RFPs/RFQs/RFIs and send to matching suppliers
- View all U.S. supplier data in one location
- Filter suppliers by: location, certifications, SBA designations, materials, equipment, processes, and more
- Blacklisted supplier alerts
- Supply chain risk visualization
- Communicate with potential suppliers directly in the platform
Kentucky suppliers can:
- Find ideal contracts with less effort
- Receive RFPs/RFQs/RFIs directly from buyers (no broker listings)
- Find alternate sourcing for parts and materials
- Discover new contract opportunities within new industries
- Showcase all of your capabilities, certifications, SBA designations, equipment, and more in one location for buyers to see
- Connect and respond directly with OEM/Prime buyers within the platform
The CONNEX™ Marketplace technology was developed by i5 Services to connect the U.S. manufacturing supply chain. Manufacturers and suppliers are now using it across the country to connect with one another and find new business opportunities. Other states that have rolled out the CONNEX™ Marketplace platform include Wyoming, Missouri, Kansas, Florida, Oklahoma, Michigan, Tennessee, the West Texas region, and Utah.
Free registration for Kentucky manufacturers and suppliers begins today, March 6. Interested participants can sign up and get more information at: https://kam.us.com/home/connexkentucky/
About KAM: The mission of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers is to make a better Kentucky by promoting and growing manufacturing in the Commonwealth.
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