For Immediate Release
Nov. 5, 2001
Contact: Terry Sebastian 502-564-2611 or 502-682-9405 

Gov. Patton receives national business award

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The National Alliance of Business today honored Kentucky with the 2001 State of the Year Distinguished Performance Award. Governor Paul E. Patton accepted the award at the National Alliance of Business’ 33^rd annual meeting and conference.

The Commonwealth and Governor Patton were recognized for “a strong dedication to the improvement of student achievement and workforce effectiveness,” said Roberts T. Jones, president and CEO of the National Alliance of Business.

“We as a people must not only make education available to everyone, but we must take positive action to encourage all Kentuckians to educate themselves to their maximum potential,” said Governor Patton, addressing an audience of business leaders, educators, representatives of business and trade associations, members of Congress and the executive branch.

NAB’s criteria

The National Alliance of Business is a national nonprofit business organization that serves as the voice of business to improve student performance across all levels --  K-12, postsecondary and higher education.  The alliance works with employers, educators, training providers, coalitions and policymakers to align learning opportunities at all levels of the education and training system with the increasing demands of the knowledge economy.

Since the summer of 1998, the signboards “Welcome to Kentucky Where Education Pays” greeted visitors from seven neighboring states. To Kentuckians and Governor Patton, this is more than just a slogan -- it is a way of life.

The signboards represent only the surface of a serious onslaught to improve education and consequently the quality of life.  With the support of 30 odd businesses and organizations, the Education Pays program has proven it is here to stay.

In 1990, Kentucky created a national stir when it revised its elementary and secondary education systems.  In 1997, Governor Patton campaigned tirelessly to see his historic higher education bill passed.

In spring 2001, the Kentucky Department of Education announced Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills showed that, for the first time, Kentucky students placed at or above the national average overall. Since 1997, the percentage of Kentucky graduating seniors taking the ACT test has grown each year, along with the percentage of seniors taking a rigorous college-bound curriculum.

“The Distinguished Performance Awards celebrate and honor such innovative and effective partnerships between the public and private sectors that meet local needs as well as challenges of the global economy,” Jones said.

Over the years, Kentucky has consistently demonstrated success in enhancing education and workforce quality statewide. Reaching out to business and community leaders, legislators, educators, and citizens, Kentucky has engaged in activities to improve education and workforce development, which have anticipated and prepared for future challenges.

“Such leadership is critical to assuring the success of our students at all levels of the educational system and into the increasingly-demanding global market. We congratulate Kentucky for leading the way,” Jones said.

"I see a new Kentucky rising in the dawn of the 21st century. A Kentucky committed to progress; a Kentucky committed to change; a Kentucky committed to excellence. Excellence in quality of life, economic opportunity and in education,” Patton said. 

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