SWK CELEBRATES!  Economic Impact of Regional Industries Recognizes Local Leaders and Partners

10/30/2025

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:          Carter Hendricks

Executive Director

                        270-885-1499

Release:          October 29, 2025

 

SWK CELEBRATES

Economic Impact of Regional Industries

Recognizes local leaders and partners

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) recently hosted the 2025 Industry Appreciation Luncheon to culminate Manufacturing Appreciation Month and celebrate the economic impact of regional industries and the leaders, partners, and organizations that work to support them.

“We are honored to recognize our existing industries for their significant economic impact and for being outstanding corporate partners.  With over 450 attendees, this year’s luncheon was a tremendous opportunity to showcase our region’s manufacturing sector.   We thank our industries, partners, and sponsors for making it a truly special day in our region,” shared Sharon Butts, Associate Director for the SWK EDC.

A 3rd party consultant, Boyette Strategic Advisors, conducted an independent economic analysis with Mr. Del Boyette providing the keynote speech focused on the economic impact of thirteen recent announcements, from 2022-2024.  As a result of this economic activity, the region has seen significant economic impact, highlighted by:

  • Over $2.7 Billion total economic impact.
  • Over 9400 direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
  • Over $980M in gross regional product.
  • Over $600M in total labor income.
  • Over $70M in total state and local tax revenue.

“We are pleased that the Boyette report indicates such significant economic impact because of these companies and their leadership’s decisions to invest in our region.  We are thankful to have such strong local leadership and partners helping to prepare our three-county region for economic success.  With their continued support, we are hopeful to continue this historic economic momentum,” stated Carter Hendricks, Executive Director at the SWK EDC.

Several recognitions and awards were presented including:

  1. The John Walton Legacy of Leadership Award to Trigg County’s Donnie Holland for over three decades of community service and economic development activity for the region.
  2. The Partner Impact Award to the West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board for their continued efforts to help new and existing companies with all workforce needs.
  3. Special recognitions to Derrick Watson, Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority, and Corky Peek, Cabinet for Economic Development, as both set to retire after 25+ years of partnership and service to economic development in South Western Kentucky.

South Western Kentucky is home to 75 manufacturers and industries employing over 11,000 regional residents, including 24 international companies representing thirteen unique countries. 

Industry sectors represented include automotive, agriculture, chemical and plastics, defense and aerospace, distribution and logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

The existing industries continue to make a positive impact on our regional economy through revenue contributions as well as charitable giving.  Two ceremonial checks were presented at the Industry Luncheon representing that impact.

Tom Lilienthal and RB Miller, Chair and Past Chair of the Pennyrile Industrial Managers Association, presented a ceremonial check to the region’s Judge Executives in the amount of $550,000,000 representing the annual payroll of regional industries and another $200,000 check to Ms. Melanie Noffsinger with United Way of the Pennyrile which is the average annual contribution regional industries make to the organization.

Additionally, twelve industries were recognized for reaching investment milestone anniversaries, including:

  1. Hopkinsville Milling Company, 150 years
  2. Freudenberg, 50 years
  3. Agri-Chem, LLC, 50 years
  4. Trace Industries, 40 years
  5. Siemer Milling, 30 years
  6. Grupo Antolin, 30 years
  7. Pregis, 25 years
  8. Amfine Chemical, 25 years
  9. CWP Industry, 20 years
  10. Fabrication USA, 20 years
  11. Finish Line Industrial Coatings, 10 years
  12. E-Tank, 5 years

“Our existing industries are the backbone of our region.  We are always thrilled to support and celebrate them, especially when they have meaningful milestones and anniversaries.  We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with each as they continue to grow in South Western Kentucky,” shared Tony Prim, Associate Director for Business Retention and Expansion for the SWK EDC.

For more information on this release, the SWK EDC, the region, and existing industries, please contact 270-885-1499 or visit www.southwesternky.com.