South Western Kentucky Celebrates Regional Industries At Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon
10/28/2024
The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council recently took time to celebrate the over seventy-five manufacturers who employ over 10,000 regional residents at the annual SWK Industry Appreciation Luncheon.
Since 2020, the South Western Kentucky region has registered record growth with existing industry expansions including White Drive Products, Huhtamaki, 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 Buc-ee’s, Rural King, Toyota Boshoku, Ascend Elements, Delavan Ag Pumps, EZ Access, Connor Industries and Load Covering Solutions representing over eleven hundred new jobs and over $1.3 Billion in new capital investment.
This industry related growth continues to fuel the regional economy with regional property values nearly doubling since 2020. Regional payroll receipts have reached record numbers in several local governments as have local tourism receipts. 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.
“We see strong signs for our economy with manufacturers enjoying our low tax, less congested environment and the logistical advantages afforded by our central location in the country. We believe continued the growth of our existing industries, the growing economic impact of manufacturing, and the announcement of several new industries provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate manufacturers and show our appreciation to the companies investing and creating jobs,” stated Carter Hendricks, Executive Director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.
This year’s event featured recognition of several regional leaders and partners including:
The late Don Henderson being recognized with the Legacy of Leadership Award for his decades of service as the Chairman of the Economic Development Council.
Pennyrile Electric, Alan Gates, and Hopkinsville Electric, Jeff Hurd, for their continued partnership and support of economic development with efforts like broadband delivery and support at Commerce Park II.
Todd County based Cal-Meine for twenty-five years of operation in South Western Kentucky!
SWK EDC Associate Director Sharon Butts commented, “Our industry appreciation luncheon is always well attended providing a terrific opportunity to showcase and appreciate the existing industries in our region. We enjoyed this opportunity to remind our current businesses that they are a vital part of our region.”
The luncheon also featured several regional talent pipelines as key partners in the effort to support existing industries while recruiting new companies to make the region home. Featured talent pipeline partners included Hopkinsville Community College’s HOPFAME program, West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board’s Veteran Liaison efforts, and regional career and technical school programming like Gateway Academy in Christian County.
The industry appreciation luncheon is held annually during/near October to honor and celebrate National Manufacturing Appreciation Month. Regional elected and civic leaders sponsor and attend the industry appreciation luncheon to show their appreciation and support for the industries and companies that call South Western Kentucky home.
Tony Prim, SWK Associate Director for Business, Retention and Expansion, shared, “Beyond their tremendous financial impact, our existing industries and manufacturers are outstanding corporate partners supporting important community causes like the Rotary auctions, Kiwanis clubs, youth sports and activities, educational initiatives, and United Way to name a few. We are honored to celebrate our existing industries and all manufacturers.”
For questions regarding this release or SWK EDC, please contact Carter Hendricks, Executive Director at 270-885-1499.