Officials with the Hopkinsville-Christian County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council are partnering to welcome a delegation from Carentan, France — Hopkinsville’s sister city — which is expected to arrive next week.
The European visitors will consist of business, civic, education and political leaders who are looking to learn more about the area’s regional economy, the potential of partnership opportunities between the two across-the-pond friends, and with the citizens of south western Kentucky, in general.
All parties will convene frequently March 18-23.
SWK EDC Executive Director Carter Hendricks said this relationship began in 2018, following discussions related to the shared history with Fort Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division — which spent weeks in the Carentan region of France during World War II.
Hendricks added that this relationship has “already provided meaningful experiences and opportunities” between the leaders of Normandy and south western Kentucky, and that he finds it “exciting” to see the sister city relationship continue its exploration of meaningful economic partnerships for the future — while showcasing economy and agricultural heritage.
Tourism Executive Director Amy Rogers also noted that “meaningful conversations” about potential partnerships are vital for economic development to any community.
