EDC Accepts Trigg Hospital To Board Of Directors

Board members of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council unanimously accepted President & CEO John Sumner and the Trigg County Hospital to its Board of Directors Monday afternoon.

The move further expands the EDC’s reach in Trigg, Christian and Todd counties, and improves reach while developing mutual partnerships in the Pennyrile and Jackson Purchase.

Executive Director Carter Hendricks said that according to the body’s bylaws, a public vote had to occur for acceptance or denial.

Chairman Lee Conrad called it “a strong addition.”

Hendricks, meanwhile, noted Sumner’s first official board meeting would come in October, with an orientation soon following.

In other EDC board news:

+ Hendricks also gave a brief preview of the coming Industry Appreciation Luncheon, which is planned for 11:30 AM until 1 PM Wednesday, October 29, at the Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville.

He said that no less than 12 milestones will be recognized during the meal and presentation, including one business celebrating 50 years and another celebrating 150 years in the region.

+ Hendricks said Freudenberg recently held a 50-year celebration, and is considered by many to be the first international business to locate in Trigg, Christian and/or Todd counties, while remaining one of the only German companies in the area — something, Hendricks added, he would like to see change.

+ A recent cohort visit with Novelis in Todd County, as well as an SWK Ignite visit to Grupo Antolin in Christian County, brought more than 40 high schoolers and military discharges to local businesses always looking to hire. Hendricks noted that most of Fort Campbell’s discharges are in the 22-to-26-year-old range — a younger group looking to establish a career — while around 10% of those exiting the service here are retirees looking for the next phase of opportunity.

+ Speaking of retirement, Hendricks said Ernie Baker recently retired from Derby Fabricating Solutions in Cadiz, after 30 years on the job. Clay Travis has been promoted to plant manager.

+ Hendricks also welcomed DeeAnna Sova to the state’s Cabinet for Economic Development, and confirmed his office took her on a tour of the region last week. They visited three key sites still looking for tenants: the I-24 Business Park Spec Building in Cadiz, Commerce Park II in Hopkinsville, and John E. Walton Business Park in Todd County.

+ Hendricks confirmed that unemployment has seen a slight rise in south west Kentucky, with Christian County now at 6.8%, Todd County at 5% and Trigg County at 6%. The regional average is 5.9%. Workforce participation rates are always the key benchmark in job development, but Hendricks said this was “worth monitoring.” Ollie’s just opened in Hopkinsville, and West Kentucky Workforce Board Liaison Tom Sholar said nearly 200 people showed up for a small hiring fair there. Hendricks added that TGASK, Toyota Boshoku, Krusteaz, Denso and T-RAD are all hiring at the moment, while EZ Access has ballooned from 89 to 120 employees.

As it stands now, the SWK EDC Board of Directors is:

+ Billy Bingham
+ Lee Conrad
+ Matt Cothran
+ John Crenshaw
+ Philip Eastman
+ Jackie Gardner
+ Alan Gates
+ Jerry Gilliam
+ Eston Glover
+ Arthur Green
+ Stan Humphries
+ Jeff Hurd
+ Jason Jenkins
+ Chip Knight
+ JR Knight
+ Eric Lee
+ Todd Mansfield
+ Jackie Oliver
+ Don Pemberton
+ Cameron Sumner
+ John Sumner
+ Gary Traughber
+ Jeff Traughber
+ Michael Velez
+ Derrick Watson
+ Eric White