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August 11, 2022 By Robby Payne

Telesto Solar pledges $1 million new community fund for Hardin County

Elizabethtown, KY โ€“ Telesto Solarโ€™s project team announced on Wednesday it is pledging $1 million toward a community fund that will support organizations in Hardin County. The fund would benefit educational, environmental and economic development initiatives in the county and be allocated upon start of construction.

Telesto Solar is a proposed 110-megawatt renewable energy project that would be l ocated on private and north of Hayden School Road, near the Elizabethtown Regional Airport. Telesto Solar is owned by bp and being developed by their 50:50 joint venture solar partner, Lightsource bp.

bp and Lightsource bp have an approach to project development known as responsible solar, which ensures that the project is a net positive for the community. โ€œWe are dedicated to being a good community partner to Hardin County and hope this donation can be a further step in building a lasting impact,โ€ said Jack Steele, Senior Development Manager forLightsource bp.

โ€œWe know that a strong and responsible business community results in investments toward community- building initiatives and strengthening of non-profit organizations,โ€ said Margy Poorman, Hardin County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. โ€œA $1 million fund like this is a significant, long-term commitment to our community of tomorrow.โ€ It was also announced that Lightsource bp has joined the Chamberโ€™s Presidentโ€™s Circle, further solidifying the companyโ€™s commitment to Hardin Countyโ€™s business community.

If approved, following receipt of required permits, the Telesto Solar project would bring additional economic benefits to Hardin County, including:

๏‚ท An estimated $6.8 million in new tax revenue, which would go toward local school systems, emergency services departments and other services.

๏‚ท 175 jobs during peak construction of the project — majority to be filled by members of the local labor force.

๏‚ท About $50 million in wages resulting from direct and indirect construction jobs to Kentucky workers โ€“ driving up to $10 million in increased economic activity.

To learn more about Telesto Solar, visit www.telestosolar.com.

ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย About bp
bpโ€™s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero. bp is Americaโ€™s largest energy investor since 2005, investing more than $130 billion in the economy and supporting about 230,000 jobs. For more information on bp in the US, visit www.bp.com/us.

Lightsource bp is a leader in the development and management of solar energy projects since 2010. Our goal is to provide affordable, safe, and sustainable solar energy to businesses and communities. We are committed to maximizing the environmental and positive social benefits of each of our projects. For more information about Lightsource bp in the US please visit lightsourcebp.com.

Filed Under: Chamber News

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Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701

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THE CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE CHAMBER CHAMPION RONNIE J. PENCE AWARD recognizes an individual who has committed an exemplary effort toward an initiative or initiatives important to the Chamberโ€™s mission.

To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this person is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD recognizes any official (either elected or appointed) who has performed a particular service or overall effectiveness in office on behalf of the residents of Hardin County and has demonstrated commitment to supporting business. Other criteria:

  • Currently serving in any level of government (local, state, federal) or has been out of office no more than two years

To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE HALL OF FAME AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the CHAMBER HALL OF FAME AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE HALL OF FAME AWARD recognizes a local business or individual for long term contributions to the economy and community. To be considered, the nominee should have been operating in the Hardin County market for ten or more years.

To nominate an individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this person is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE QUALITY OF PLACE AWARD recognizes an individual, entity and/or organization that has made a positive difference in the lives of our citizens and works to make Hardin County a better place to live, work and visit.

Criteria:

  • Has made a significant economic, social or environmental impact on the community
  • Is a public use project, facility or initiative that impacts the community at large
  • Promotes, develops or creates business growth or tourism, recreational, cultural or community assets or amenities

To nominate for this award, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this entity is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD at the 20256 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RALPH REESE FORT KNOX/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD recognizes an individual or business who has committed an exemplary effort toward an initiative or initiatives important to the military and community partnership between Fort Knox and Hardin County. It is named in honor of World War II Veteran and Hardin County community leader and icon, Ralph Reese.

To nominate an individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this nominee is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

THE RISING STAR AWARD

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026.

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

A local professional under the age of 40 Demonstrates creativity, innovation, character, consistency and excellence in their field. Exemplifies outstanding professional growth and community engagement Makes significant contributions to the community through work and/or volunteer activities As current member of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will present the RISING STAR AWARD at the 2026 Hardin County Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Program.

THE RISING STAR AWARD recognizes an up and coming business whose professional success is matched by its commitment to serving our community. This is for businesses in operation for two years or less.

Other criteria:

  • the business demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession
  • the business provides value services by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
  • the business must be a current member of the Hardin Co. Chamber of Commerce.

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please complete the nomination form below. Please describe why this business is outstanding and meets the above criteria. Supporting information may be attached.

Deadline for submitting a nomination is July 15, 2026

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