If 2024 was any indicator for growth in the Cadiz-Hopkinsville-Elkton areas, then 2025 could also bring its share of good news, as well.
That’s according to South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council Executive Director Carter Hendricks, who during Monday’s monthly meeting with board members noted that last year brought with it several key announcements for the region, including:
+ More than 900 jobs and investments north of $65 million for Kitchen Foods
+ More than 100 jobs and investments north of $105 million for Cinis Fertilizer
+ More than 300 jobs and investments north of $70 million for Buc-ee’s
+ More than 15 jobs and investments more than $40 million for Altria expansion
+ And more than 100 jobs and investments above $10 million for Huhtamaki expansion
The top priorities for this year, Hendricks added, should be:
*Selling the 100,000 square-foot Trigg County I-24 Business Park speculation building
*Continued site development in Trigg, Christian and Todd counties
*On-going infrastructure development at Commerce Park II
*And a supreme focus on Todd County’s Robertson Property, which will soon be known permanently as the John E. Walton Business Park
Hendricks said spec buildings can “really be a lure” for industries interested in locating here. Not only does it create points of contact and conversation, but companies that may decide against a pre-fab structure may, instead, opt for new construction or rental property — which still accomplishes the main goal.
Good jobs, with high wages, coming to the southern Pennyrile.
Hendricks also noted that among typical advertising methods and self-promotion, the SWK EDC is one of a half-dozen organizations still focused on using “Kentucky Cornerstone” — a coalition of 13 counties still determined to land jobs in “heartland manufacturing and electric vehicle production,” with adjacency to four states, an average commute of 23 minutes, access to five rivers and three river port, four Class 1 rail lines and Amtrak, and four institutions of higher learning.
In other EDC news:
— And speaking of higher learning, Hendricks said that in 2024, more than 30 unique school trips were made to local industries, as students approaching graduation got to take a close look at several businesses and their jobs in the region.
— Hendricks said a ribbon cutting date will soon be announced for the John E. Walton Business Park, as officials await the completion of new signage for the property.
— Unemployment in November 2024, Hendricks added, was 5.7% in Christian County, 5.2% in Trigg County and 4.5% in Todd County. Nationwide, it was 4.1%, while in northwest Tennessee it’s 3.8% in Montgomery County, 3.8% in Stewart County and 3% in Robertson County.
— Hendricks also said for the most part, local industries are “largely getting their needs met” when it comes to workforce participation, but the service area is “still a challenge.” One key reason, he and others believe, is because of improved wages and benefits in a number of local careers. Currently 12 industries have returned data on the Fourth Annual Wage Survey, and the goal is to have at least 25 of the 75 companies respond before the end of February.
