Regional industries and leaders honored at 2023 Industry Appreciation Luncheon

11/01/2023

Today, the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council hosted the annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon at the Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville, KY. This annual event celebrates the over sixty-five manufacturers who employ over 10,000 regional residents.

As noted during the luncheon, the current economic development momentum is a result of years of service and leadership by a variety of strategic partners as well as by regional leaders like John E. Walton.

Former Elkton Mayor John Walton was recognized for his countless contributions to economic and community development. His family was presented with a plaque by Elkton Mayor Arthur Green and Todd County Judge Executive Todd Mansfield honoring Mr. Walton for his service.  They also announced that there will be an annual award presented at the Industry Appreciation Luncheon in honor of John Walton, the Leadership Legacy award. Additionally, the Todd County Industrial Foundation recently decided to name a 24+/- acre site on the Eastern boundary of Elkton the John E. Walton Business Park.

The luncheon also featured recognition of our existing industries and their continued impact on our region as outstanding corporate partners. Industries highlighted featured those reaching annual milestones, including:

1. Cissaplast- Elkton, KY- 5 years
2. Novelis- Guthrie, KY- 5 years
3. Donghyum America- Guthrie, KY- 10 years
4. Wabash- Cadiz, KY- 15 years
5. Huhtamaki- Hopkinsville, KY-20 years
6. Wal-Mart Distribution Center #6066- Hopkinsville, KY- 20 years
7. Sun Chemical- Hopkinsville, KY- 25 years
8. Martinrea- Hopkinsville, KY- 25 years
9. Krusteaz- Hopkinsville, KY-25 years
10. Brazeway- Hopkinsville, KY- 35 years
11. US Tobacco- Hopkinsville, KY- 45 years
12. Ag Spray- Hopkinsville, KY- 50 years
13. Hopkinsville Elevator- Hopkinsville, KY- 55 years
14. Rogers Group- Hopkinsville, KY- 70 years

Since 2020, the South Western Kentucky region has celebrated several existing industry expansions including White Drive Products, Altria, Novelis, Stanley Engineered Fasteners, Martinrea, Metalsa, Legacy Metals, and Casey Jones Distillery. These expansions have added over six hundred jobs and over $500 million in capital investment to the regional economy. The region has also celebrated several new company investments including Ascend Elements, Toyota Boshoku, SK Ecoplant, Delavan Ag Pumps, EZ Access, and Load Covering Solutions representing over seven hundred new jobs and over $1.3 Billion in new capital investment.

Existing and new industries continue to fuel the regional economy with manufacturing gross regional product over $900 Million fueled by robust job growth and rising average wages. Regional entry level manufacturing wages are quickly approaching $20/ hour with regional manufacturing wages averaging over $75,000 (including benefits) according to a recent report sanctioned by Tennessee Valley Authority.

“Our region has much to celebrate with the continued success of existing industries and several announcements of new companies joining the growing industry family in South Western Kentucky. We invite any company interested to give us a call and come grow with us in our less taxing, more relaxing environment,” shared Carter Hendricks, Executive Director for the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.

For questions regarding this release or SWK EDC, please contact Carter Hendricks, Executive Director at 270-885-1499.