For at least the last three months, membership and leaders for the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council have drafted the outline for the next five-year comprehensive strategic plan for Trigg, Christian and Todd counties.
Monday afternoon, officials unanimously approved what they believe is a three-pronged attack for success — laying potential industrial groundwork for the region through 2030.
Executive Director Carter Hendricks noted the main goals are:
+ To establish at least 2,500 new jobs in the next 60 months;
+ Prepare and embrace for at least $3 billion in new capital investments;
+ And secure no less than $20 million in Kentucky Product Development Initiative grants, in hopes of developing plats.
Six career clusters, Hendricks added, continue to be “breadbaskets” for this part of the Pennyrile: automotive, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, logistics and distribution and chemicals.
Hendricks said that if the region did secure 2,500 new jobs at, say, an average of $22/hour, it would equate to $114.4 million in payroll — which, of course, would create not only new cash flows, but increased payroll taxes.
Alongside Sharon Butts and Tony Prim, Hendricks said it’s their job to be a conduit or partnership.
Since 2020, Hendricks said the tri-county region has seen 13 industry expansions, nine new industry announcements, and the area already boasts 75 existing industries. Of those, 24 are internationally owned and operated from 12 different countries, and more than 10,000 employees produce $1 billion in gross domestic product.
Sites already in pre- and post-development include the Cadiz Spec Building and I-24 Business Park in Trigg County, Commerce Park II and the Oak Grove Park in Christian County, as well as the John E. Walton and Warren Rail Site in Todd County.
Hendricks also noted an important collaboration with TVA is coming this fall.
In other EDC news:
— Members approved the installation of new officers for the 2025-26 fiscal year. In a return from last year’s slate, Lee Conrad will continue as EDC chair, Alan Gates remains as vice chair, Billy Bingham is secretary and Elizabeth McCoy is treasurer.
Warren Property: https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1445-Hadensville-Rd-Guthrie-KY/26234616/
