SWK CELEBRATES Manufacturing Appreciation Month with Annual Industry Luncheon on October 28, 2026

09/30/2026

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:          Carter Hendricks

Executive Director

                        270-885-1499

Release:          October 1, 2026

 

SWK CELEBRATES

Manufacturing Appreciation Month

with Annual Industry Luncheon on October 28, 2026

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) is proud to celebrate October as Manufacturing Appreciation Month in South Western Kentucky.  “We are honored to serve the existing industries and manufacturers that have made a new Kentucky home in South Western Kentucky,” shared Carter Hendricks, Executive Director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.

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.

“With products ranging from baked goods and pancake mix to rivets in military equipment to innovative agriculture tilling systems to a variety of automotive parts, the manufacturers of South Western Kentucky are taking advantage of the region’s low cost of doing business, strong workforce, geographic proximity, and transportation options to send products and goods across the nation and world,” stated Tony Prim, Associate Director for Business Retention and Expansion.

With such a large impact and so many reasons to celebrate, the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council is excited to be hosting the annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon on October 28, 11:30am at the Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.  This year’s event will highlight sixteen industries celebrating milestones, new industries such as Kitchen Food Company, Genuine Fertilizer Solutions, and expansions like the recent U.S. Smokeless Tobacco announcement of their new $250m facility employing over 200 people. 

“We invite anyone interested to attend this annual industry luncheon to help us show our appreciation and support to the companies and businesses that are driving economic growth and new opportunities for small businesses and residents throughout South Western Kentucky and our broader region,” stated Sharon Butts. Associate Director for the SWK EDC.  Industry Appreciation Luncheon tickets are available for $75 per seat by calling Sharon Butts at 270-885-1499 or email sbutts@southwesternky.com. 

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