Kentucky VALOR, an initiative of Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC), has partnered with the Sazerac Company to launch Industry Connections, a new career exploration resource that will help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses discover careers in Kentucky’s key industries.
The initiative is designed to help military-connected talent better understand how their skills and experience align with Kentucky’s workforce needs. The first Industry Connections resource will focus on Kentucky’s tourism and hospitality industry, which, according to the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s 2025 Economic Impact of Tourism report, supports nearly 97,000 jobs and generated $14.6 billion in economic impact in 2025.
Kentucky VALOR currently serves approximately 2,500 military-connected participants across the United States and overseas through personalized career support and job matching with Kentucky employers. By helping veterans and military families explore career opportunities and identify communities where they can thrive, Kentucky VALOR attracts highly skilled military talent to the Commonwealth while supporting successful transitions to civilian careers.
Through Industry Connections, participants will explore the diverse careers that power Kentucky’s tourism economy, including hotel and lodging management, restaurant and food service, bourbon and experiential tourism, destination marketing, visitor attractions, event operations, and other hospitality-related fields. Many of these roles align with skills veterans develop through military service, such as leadership, logistics, planning, customer service and team management. The Industry Connections resource will help participants better understand how these skills translate to the industry while exploring potential career paths and networking with industry professionals.
“The service members and military spouses we work with bring leadership, adaptability and problem-solving skills that translate across industries. Through this partnership with Sazerac, we’re helping participants explore opportunities across Kentucky’s tourism and visitor economy, connect with industry leaders and discover careers that align with their interests, skills and long-term goals.”
Kentucky VALOR Executive Director Molly Bode
Terry Samuel, president of Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation, said the partnership reflects KSTC’s commitment to building innovative workforce solutions that strengthen Kentucky’s economy while supporting those who have served.
“Kentucky’s long-term economic success depends on connecting talented people with opportunities to thrive in high-demand industries,” said Samuel. “We’re grateful to Sazerac for helping expand Kentucky VALOR’s ability to connect veterans and military families with new career exploration opportunities in Kentucky’s key industries. This partnership demonstrates how employers, nonprofits and community partners can work together to create innovative workforce solutions that support Kentucky’s economy while helping those who have served build successful careers in the Commonwealth.”
Through Sazerac’s sponsorship, participants will gain access to Industry Connections resources highlighting industry trends, leading employers, career pathways and how military experience can translate to careers in hospitality and tourism. Participants will also have opportunities to engage with employers and industry professionals as they explore potential career paths.
“Supporting veterans and military families means standing beside them long after their military service ends. We’re honored to partner with Kentucky VALOR to help make the transition out of military service a successful one by connecting military talent with meaningful career opportunities that build rewarding futures in Kentucky.”
Sazerac President and CEO Jake Wenz
Learn more about the Sazerac Company.
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