SWK Team Recognized by Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED)

11/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:          Carter Hendricks

Executive Director

                        270-885-1499

Release:          November 10, 2026

SWK Team Recognized

by Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED)

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) staff recently received recognition at the Kentucky Association for Economic Development’s Fall Forum in Lexington, Kentucky.  Associate Director for Business Retention and Expansion Tony Prim attended to receive the KAED Distinguished Service and Professional Excellence Award for himself, Associate Director Sharon Butts, and Executive Director Carter Hendricks.

“It was my honor to attend the fall forum and to receive the inaugural Distinguished Service and Professional Excellence award along with my colleagues.  We value our relationship with KAED and the efforts to ensure Kentucky communities are prepared to compete and win in economic development,” stated Tony Prim.

The SWK EDC team maintains active membership in KAED as the staff recognizes the critically important role KAED plays helping communities and economic developers compete and win new job announcements and capital investments for Kentucky’s cities and counties.  KAED provides training, advocacy, and access to grants to assist local communities develop industrial sites.

Sharon Butts, Associate Director, shared, “I always enjoy working with the KAED team as we work through grant applications related to the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.  Due to the hard work of KAED and the state leadership, our region has benefited from over $10M through their grant programs as well as the economic development training opportunities which have informed our strategic decision making.”

The staff earned this year’s inaugural recognition by each accruing over 65 hours of service to KAED including planning the KAED spring conference held in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, coordinating membership drives to grow KAED membership, participating in advocacy efforts, attending training, serving on the board of directors, and volunteering to assist KAED leadership in other meaningful ways.

“With our large and growing manufacturing base, we value the relationship we have with KAED and how it has empowered our business retention strategies and our recruitment.  KAED and its leadership are to be applauded for the work they do to help improve the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  We are honored to be members and to serve the organization and the outstanding economic development professionals and communities across the state,” shared Carter Hendricks, Executive Director of 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.    For more information on KAED or to join the organization, visit www.kaedonline.org.