WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced his guest for President Donald J. Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address is Alex Wilson, co-founder and COO of Ridgenet Network Group in Science Hill, Kentucky.  

“President Trump has made our U.S. economy great again, and small business owners like Alex Wilson have seen the impact of pro-business policies that rein in job-killing regulations and cut taxes for small businesses that provide much-needed jobs in America,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “President Trump has made good on his promises to slash inflation, secure our borders, lower interest rates, and unleash American energy production." 

Alex and his brother, Eric, first launched their small business in 2011 to expand internet service in Pulaski County. They have since expanded services to manufacturing customized equipment for emergency vehicles, providing two-way communications systems, and managing IT services. In 2024, Ridgenet invested $1.2 million into the business and created 20 new jobs in Pulaski County. Under the Trump Administration, Ridgenet continues to thrive and expand operations. 

“It is a great honor to have been invited by Congressman Hal Rogers to attend President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. As a small business owner in southeastern Kentucky, I have seen firsthand how President Trump’s administration has made small businesses a top priority and given us the tools not only to survive, but thrive,” said Wilson. “President Trump has enacted policies that reopened the economic pipeline and strengthened access to capital for entrepreneurs across the country. As a result, organizations like the U.S. Small Business Administration have delivered record lending, with more than $44 billion in small business loan approvals, helping businesses like mine grow with confidence. Because of that access to capital and pro-growth policies, we’ve been able to hire more employees, invest in critical equipment, and expand our facilities to better serve both our clients and our team.” 

“I am proud to represent the hardworking small business owners of southeastern Kentucky and grateful for leadership that recognizes the vital role we play in building a stronger economy,” continued Wilson. 

Last month, President Trump signed legislation into law that included $142 million in Congressman Rogers’ Community Project Funding requests for 14 projects in southern and eastern Kentucky. The projects included $37 million more for the Northern Bypass in Pulaski County. Since 2024, Congressman Rogers has secured a total of $82 million for construction of the bypass, paving the way for the future I-365 designation, connecting our region to I-65. 

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.