South Western Kentucky Celebrates Historic Year & Top 5 Reasons To Be Thankful in SWK

11/28/2022

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The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) held its monthly board meeting on November 28th.  At the meeting, the SWK EDC Board of Directors reviewed a list of the region’s top five economic development reasons to be grateful from 2022 including:

  • The announcement of over 1,000 jobs and over $1.2B in capital investment since July 2021 including Ascend Elements, Novelis, Elevate Windows and Doors, EZ Access, Delavan Ag Pumps, Load Covering Solutions and a number of existing industry expansions!
  • The securing of over $50M in public grant and state funding for the development of Commerce Park II, the new 100,000sft spec building at I-24 Business Park, and continued development of a 24+/- acre site in Elkton!
  • The outstanding partnerships between the 3-county region including with local governments, industrial foundations, school systems, utilities, Pennyrile Area Development District, Fort Campbell, Chambers of Commerce, Visitors Bureaus, hospitals, and more!
  • The launch of the SWK IGNITE initiative focused on better connecting the young workforce with career opportunities featuring tours, visits, videos, internship/ apprenticeship/ work opportunities, and special events including the Jobs Fest 2023 planned for April 27, 2023!
  • The recognition as the Batter Capital of the World due to our region’s storied heritage in agriculture and the innovative vertical supply chain opportunities in the SWK!

SWK EDC Executive Director Carter Hendricks shared, “2022 has been a momentous year for the region. Our staff feel honored to play a small part in the region’s continued success and take tremendous satisfaction knowing we’re working every day to help create new jobs and opportunities for residents and families throughout South Western Kentucky.”

The SWK EDC Board also recognized Representative Jason Petrie for his leadership with House Bill 745 and special economic development funding and honored several board members who are retiring from the board, effective December 31, 2022, including Hopkinsville Mayor Wendell Lynch, Oak Grove Mayor Theresa Jarvis, Trigg County Judge Executive Hollis Alexander, and Christian County Judge Executive Steve Tribble. 

Lee Conrad, SWK EDC Board Chairman, commented, “The 3-county regional leadership has worked hard to prepare our region for economic development success, and we are enjoying the fruits of the labor. We remain focused on getting ready to win new opportunities by investing in our sites, our workforce, our infrastructure, and our future.”

The South Western Kentucky region continues to enjoy tremendous success and momentum because of leadership’s commitment to prepare for success.  Efforts are already underway to outpace 2022’s success in the coming year!

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