No stranger to west Kentucky, the Kentucky Association for Economic Development is bringing its annual Collaboration Conference to Hopkinsville April 15-17, 2026.
That’s according to South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council Executive Director Carter Hendricks, who during Monday’s monthly meeting confirmed the opportunity ahead on the calendar.
The 2025 edition of this conference was held in Paducah this past April, and brought together more than 150 economic development officials, local officials and business representatives to discuss:
+ how communities attract attention of site selection consultants,
+ the ins-and-outs of retail recruitment,
+ how to build creative housing solutions,
+ how to build partnerships to address the healthcare workforce shortage,
+ the importance of technology and social media to drive projects in one’s community,
+ tariffs and their implications on Kentucky’s economy,
+ and nuclear energy’s future in the Commonwealth.
Similar, and new topics, are expected to be key points next spring. Hendricks said the request to host this came in “about six weeks ago,” and will require a $10,000 local commitment for rights to the conference.
+ Meanwhile, unemployment over the last month increased slightly in Christian, Todd and Trigg counties, where it is now respectively 5.2%, 3.7% and 4.5%.
+ Hendricks also noted that recent SWK Ignite Tours, targeting partner school systems in Christian, Todd and Trigg counties, have gone well, and that many students in August, September and October have gained clarity in their local career opportunities.
Usually in charge of these guided excursions, Associate Director of Business Retention Tony Prim said he could only take his hat off to the school systems and Hopkinsville Community College.
Some school districts have been sending students across county lines, with Logan County authorities recently pushing young adults to a Todd County industry.
Hendricks said local and regional industry leaders also need to remember that Fort Campbell processes nearly 500 discharges monthly, and that of those, roughly 40% want remain somewhere in the area to build a life or raise a family, and the other 60% “at least contemplate it.”
+ Hendricks said Wednesday’s Industry Appreciation Luncheon, scheduled for 11:30 AM until 1 PM at the Bruce Convention Center, has more than 420 attendees expected. Regional economic analysis will be delivered, 12 industries will be recognized for milestones and several industry awards will be doled.
+ Then, noon Thursday at the Christian County Extension Office, the Pennyrile Industrial Managers Association will focus on a discussion from Christian County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Bentzel — as the district inches ever closer to consolidation.
