SWK EDC Welcomes New Leadership!

07/10/2026

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MEDIA RELEASE

Contact:    Carter Hendricks

Executive Director

                 270-885-1499

Release:    July 10, 2026

SWK EDC Welcomes New Leadership

SWK approves new officers and welcomes new board members at annual meeting

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) recently held its annual meeting at the June 29th SWK EDC board meeting. 

At the meeting, the board approved the appointment of Mr. Will Bryan with Clean Air Technology Solutions (CATS) and AISG as its newest board member.    Mr. Bryan is a trusted regional entrepreneur with a track record of running successful businesses.  Mr. Bryan expressed interest in serving as he continues to seek ways to support the community and promote economic growth and vitality. 

Mr. Bryan is the second new board member appointed this year with Exxon Mobil’s Rob Bacon joining the Board of Directors in February.  Additionally, the Board of Directors approved the following slate of officers to serve from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

  • Chairman, Alan Gates of Pennyrile Electric
  • Vice Chairman, Billy Bingham of United Southern Bank
  • Treasurer, Jason Jenkins of Planters Bank
  • Secretary, Judge Executive Stan Humprhies, Trigg County
  • Past Chairman, Lee Conrad of Higgins Insurance

 

SWK EDC Chairman Alan Gates shared, “I am honored to serve as the chairman of the SWK EDC continuing to support the critical work of ensuring our region has a vibrant and growing economy and to welcome new board members to our effort.  I’m also incredibly appreciative of Lee Conrad’s service to the board and thank him for the tireless leadership and tremendous impact he made during his eight years as chairman of the board of directors.”

Finally, the SWK staff also highlighted the following SWK 2030 strategic plan update based on the FY 25-26 highlights, including:.

  1. The SWK has reported over 1500 new jobs announced/ created toward the five-year goal of 2500 new manufacturing jobs created.
  2. The SWK has reported over $500 million in new capital investment announced/ invested toward the five-year goal of $3 billion in new capital investment.
  3. The SWK has reported that average entry level manufacturing wages have increased to almost $18.50 per hour toward the five-year goal of $22 per hour.
  4. The SWK reported success recruiting new or expansion projects in the following priority sectors, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and food processing.

Carter Hendricks, SWK Executive Director, stated, “We are thankful the SWK enjoyed a strong fiscal year as we celebrated new industry announcements, US Tobacco’s major expansion announcement, and supporting the continued ramp-up of Toyota Boshoku and Kitchen Food Company.  We are excited to see the impact of these investments, and future investments, as they pave the way for new and better opportunities for regional residents and businesses.”

For an electronic copy of this release or for more information on the region, and available development sites, please contact 270-885-1499 or visit www.southwesternky.com.