Awards were presented, and regional industries were spotlighted at the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council’s Industry Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday.
Over 400 attendees crowded the Bruce Convention Center, and Council Executive Director Carter Hendricks says the luncheon is a chance for them to spotlight local industries that have invested in the region and created jobs for those who call southwest Kentucky home.
Before any awards and recognitions were presented, Del Boyette, President and CEO of Boyette Strategic Advisors, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, delivered a three-year regional industry impact report. From 2022 to 2024, 13 companies either expanded operations or announced their plans to establish facilities in Christian, Todd and Trigg counties.
Boyette says the initial investments of those developments total nearly $2.8 billion, and those companies have supported over 9,400 jobs.
To attract more industries, Boyette says it’s imperative to support already existing industries in the community because they can be the reason why companies choose or avoid southwest Kentucky.
Turning toward awards, Hendricks presented milestone awards spotlighting how long companies have been a part of the community. The recognitions started at five years, and the final milestone award presented went to the Hopkinsville Milling Company for 150 years of service.
Then the John E. Walton Legacy of Leadership Award was presented to Donnie Holland. Trigg County Judge Executive Stan Humphries introduced him and shared that he played a key role in bringing industries such as Wabash and Benson International to Cadiz and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as the Commissioner of Kentucky State Parks.
Holland says he was lucky to work with many great people who also played vital roles in bringing more economic developments to Trigg County.
Then the Partner Impact Award was presented to the West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, which is a part of the Pennyrile Area Development District.
To conclude the luncheon, special recognitions were presented to Corky Peek, with the Cabinet for Economic Development, and Derek Watson, the President and CEO of the Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority, who are both set to retire.
