South Western Kentucky EDC Receives TVA Workforce Invest Grant to Increase Local Training & Education Efforts

11/07/2023

Hopkinsville, KY - Today, South Western Kentucky EDC announced that it was awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in training and education. 

“The South Western Kentucky EDC is excited to work with our strategic partners at Hopkinsville Community College and Fort Campbell to implement this grant and create more opportunities for military members looking for civilian career opportunities in our region,” shared Tony Prim, Associate Director for Business Retention and Expansion.

In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development needs.

The new skill training program will provide military with the opportunity to learn valuable skills in industrial maintenance and mechatronics (IMM) through a partnership with Hopkinsville Community College.    These high demand skills can often lead to career path opportunities with regional industry wages on the rise in South Western Kentucky,

“We are always ready and thrilled to partner with our regional economic and community development organizations to ensure Hopkinsville Community College is actively working to meet the needs of our regional businesses and industries.  With our expertise creating strategic workforce solutions, we are excited to receive this grant and create even more opportunities for our friends at Fort Campbell through our IMM program, “ shared Lea Martin, Workforce Development Liaison at Hopkinsville Community College.

The project is a partnership among a host of local community leaders including Christian County Government, Hopkinsville Community College, West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, Fort Campbell Transition Assistance Program, and the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council. 

The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands.

“TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also filling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA.

“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors.

Over the last two years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 30 communities totaling more than $2 million.

About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse and cleanest energy systems – which includes nuclear, hydro, solar, gas and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.

About VisionFirst Advisors

VisionFirst Advisors has established itself as a go-to firm in the economic development consulting field with a variety of clients from 40+ states and six Fortune 500 companies. With a customer-driven approach, our team acts seamlessly as an extension of our client’s team to develop strategy, solve problems and deliver results while mitigating risks and barriers. We know that no two projects are the same and our approach is tailored to each of our clients. Learn more at visionfirstadvisors.com.