Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade was honored with the 2026 Kentucky Chamber MVP Award by Kentucky Chamber Public Affairs Director John Hughes and Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jenny Ralston-Maloney in October at the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.
Representative Meade was among a select group of legislators recognized for their work to advance policies that strengthen Kentucky’s economy, support employers, and improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness.
Recipients of the Kentucky Chamber MVP Award demonstrate exceptional leadership for Kentucky’s business community by sponsoring or carrying Chamber priority legislation to final passage, leading on critical policy issues, or taking difficult votes in support of a stronger business climate.
Speaker Pro Tempore Meade was recognized for his leadership in advancing legislation to encourage the production and blending of alternative aviation fuel in Kentucky. Originally introduced as House Bill 545, the measure establishes targeted incentives designed to attract investment, create new opportunities for Kentucky farmers, and strengthen the Commonwealth’s agriculture and transportation industries.
“Speaker Pro Tempore Meade’s leadership has helped position Kentucky to pursue new opportunities in alternative aviation fuels, building on our strengths in agriculture and transportation,” said Kentucky Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer Kate Shanks. “His work to advance this legislation has opened the door for greater investment and economic growth for businesses and communities across the Commonwealth.”
The 2026 General Assembly made progress on many top priorities of the Kentucky business community, and the pro-growth policies that passed saved Kentucky businesses an estimated $1.564 billion, or $911 per private-sector employee in the Commonwealth.
While monitoring legislation that impacts Kentucky’s business climate, the Kentucky Chamber tracks lawmakers’ support for policies that help employers grow, create jobs, and invest in their communities. MVP Award recipients distinguish themselves not only through their voting records but through their leadership in advancing solutions that strengthen Kentucky’s economy.
Learn more about business issues during the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly in the Kentucky Chamber’s Results for Business publication.