The Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails, a business development program offered through the Center for Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CEDET) at Eastern Kentucky University, has earned national recognition.

The Trails project, which spotlights cultural tourism opportunities through a 50-county area of Eastern Kentucky, received the University Economic Development Association’s 2005 Award of Excellence in Community Development. The award was presented Tuesday at the UEDA Summit on Higher Education and Economic Development in Monterey, California.

Award recipients are selected based on economic impact and use of innovative strategies.

“We are greatly honored to be considered among the nation’s top innovative projects for community development,” said Chris Cathers, KAHT program manager. “This award recognizes the quality of community programs that EKU continues to develop for our region.”

The Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails web site, at www.KAHT.com, is designed to attract visitors, enhance community and economic development and create jobs by showcasing via interactive online maps and web pages the area’s natural scenery; craft shops; galleries and artist studios, historic sites, homes and businesses; bed-and-breakfast operations; antique shops; regional restaurants; festivals and community celebrations; and other potential tourist attractions.

The program, established in 2001 initially with only four participating counties, has steadily expanded and aided in the creation of more than 85 tourist-related businesses in the service area. During its last planning phase, which was completed in February, KAHT has helped to develop 26 new jobs for the region.

KAHT’s network of cultural heritage tourism sites has grown to more than 500 participants, and tourism expenditures in the 50-county area have grown an average of 8.6 percent in the past two years.

“Being cited for an award of excellence by the UEDA is a significant feat for those involved in higher education and economic development,” said UEDA President Jerry L. Smith.

UEDA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the nation’s institutions of higher education and their economic development affiliates and focused on policy, practice and partnerships, enhancing the interface of higher education and economic development.