South Western Kentucky Shines in TVA Livability Effort
10/05/2020
PRESS RELEASE
The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council recently completed participation in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Community Livability Initiative which culminated by attending the virtual TVA Livability Forum with communities from throughout the Southeastern United States and featuring presentations by Newmark Knight Frank consultants (NKF). NKF consultants work with industry and business executives from across the globe to help with site decisions for new and expansion projects.
The purpose of the Community Livability Initiative is to assist communities in sharing an impactful quality-of-place story. Quality of place has become an increasing focus to companies and future talent when selecting a new location and community in which to migrate. According to the International Economic Development Council, quality of place/ livability is the 3rd most important factor for site selection.
As part of the TVA Livability process, the SWK EDC participated in a virtual “pitch.” Staff were given forty-five minutes to highlight the region’s livability and quality of life assets. The SWK EDC partnered with Williams Advertising to produce a narrated video highlighting the many wonderful attributes of our region. Testimonial soundbites can be found at www.southwesternky.com/living-here.
The SWK effort was highlighted during the virtual event for our innovative “Come Grow With Us” box highlighting our region’s proud agriculture and manufacturing heritage while showcasing the various livability aspects of the SWK. In addition, the SWK pitch statement earned favorable feedback.
Additionally, the SWK EDC team is implementing additional strategies learned through this process including showcasing the unique products and items made in the SWK, modifying the SWK EDC website to better showcase the region’s quality of life story, preparing for virtual site visits, hosting virtual visits of site consultants, and continuing to encourage regional leaders to invest in quality of life features through South Western Kentucky.
“We were excited to participate in this important initiative to learn more about livability factors and to better assist our efforts to tell South Western Kentucky’s story. We are thankful to TVA for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to improve our efforts based on their feedback.” said Carter Hendricks, Executive Director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.
Why invest in the SWK?
“South Western Kentucky is home of the most fertile lands and hardest working hands. Industries, like agriculture crops, grow strong in our region by taking advantage of outstanding geographic proximity, available land, access to all modes of shipping, a skilled and ready workforce, reliable infrastructure, and an amazing quality of life in award winning communities where life is a little less taxing and a lot more relaxing. We invite you to come grow with us.”
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