Officials with the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council held their annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon Wednesday afternoon at the Bruce in Hopkinsville.
Alongside its signature sponsor, the Tennessee Valley Authority, came guest speaker John Bradley — who serves TVA as its senior vice president of economic development.
Certainly TVA has a vested interest in the economic success of west Kentucky, but it will especially play a serious role in the up-and-coming electric vehicle industry, as a major production arm continues to be constructed in and around the Commonwealth, Tennessee and Georgia.
In his 40-plus years of the workforce, Bradley said he’s never seen the market move the way it has toward EV production.
Furthermore, Bradley added the research-and-development is coming at a much quicker pace — as American industry continues to shift and diversify from sole reliance on fossil fuels.
Bradley said fiscal year 2023 for TVA will focus on jobs and capital investment in “The Valley,” EV strategies, workforce development support, and production development.
Meanwhile, in celebrating regional industry, SWK EDC Executive Director Carter Hendricks noted several facts about the tri-county region:
— More than 65 industries and manufacturers call this area home, including 22 international companies representing 11 different countries.
— In the past year, industrial property in Trigg, Christian and Todd counties accounted for at least $2 billion in land valuation.
— More than 10,000 jobs can be associated to these organizations.
— And the SWK industrial sector is regularly the most giving philanthropic division for the United Way of the Pennyrile, which shows a commitment to local and regional non-profit success.
Three new businesses were recognized for their recent commitment to the SWK portfolio: Novelis and Delavan Ag Pumps in Todd County, as well as Ascend Elements coming to Christian County.
Todd County Judge-Executive Todd Mansfield and other constituents presented Novelis and Delavan leadership with a “Keys to the City,” as a thanks to locating in west Kentucky while committing to job growth and development.
Celebrating industrial anniversaries included:
— Yamakin has been in the SWK footprint for five years. Based in Hopkinsville, they’re a Japanese metal manufacturer that specializes in trading and procuring wrought copper, light metal, stainless steal and wire products.
— Established in 2002, TGASK has been in Hopkinsville for two decades, and is responsible for the sealing of several automotive lines in Toyota.
— Celebrating 25 years, Southeast Tube came to Cadiz in 1997 and remains focused on the production of mechanical, welded steel tubing for automotive, recreation vehicle, furniture and semi-tractor trailer use, as well as shopping carts, medical equipment and agri-tech.
— For 30 years in Todd County, CWP Industries works with cabinetry-like products.
— Brought to Trigg County in 1967, Elk Brand Manufacturing has existed in Cadiz for 55 years, and is still known for its garment and clothing production.
— Now 65 years old in Hopkinsville, Mid Continent Spring was established in 1957, and remains a world-class manufacturer of precision mechanical springs for automotive, electrical, industrial, electrical, machine and power needs.
Full Bradley Speech:
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