Now and forever more, the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council will annually be doling out the John E. Walton Legacy of Leadership Award.
News broke of the honor during Wednesday’s SWK EDC Industry Appreciation Luncheon at the Bruce Convention Center, in which Walton’s widowed wife — Diana — accepted the award on the family’s behalf.
A giant of industry and development in the Pennyrile, Jackson Purchase and beyond, Walton was a well-respected and dignified business leader, who on June 6 died of natural causes. He was 79.
Todd Mansfield, Todd County’s Judge-Executive, alongside Mayor Arthur Green, surprised the family with another honor — one with great perpetuity.
SWK EDC Executive Director Carter Hendricks, alongside Sharon Butts and Tony Prim, also honored new businesses and expansions from the last year — which include, but aren’t limited to, Toyota Boshoku, White Drive Products and Ascend Elements/SK Ecoplants.
Anniversaries are also a pivotal part of west Kentucky’s economic success, and several were mention Wednesday.
For five years: Cisaplast USA in Todd County, and Novelis in Todd County.
For 10 years: Donghyun America in Todd County.
For 15 years: Wabash in Trigg County.
For 20 years: Walmart Distribution Center in Christian County, and Huhtamaki in Christian County.
For 25 years: Sun Chemical, Martinrea and Krusteaz Company, all in Christian County.
For 35 years: Brazeway in Christian County.
For 45 years: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Altria in Christian County.
For 50 years: Ag Spray Equipment in Christian County.
For 55 years: Hopkinsville Elevator in Christian County.
And for 70 years: Rogers Group in Christian County.
Jeff Noel, Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development, served as guest speaker for the event.
At the table not long ago for Christian County’s pitch for Ascend Elements, he noted Kentucky “deserved to win” in economic development for the country, and that business and commerce can change lives for the better.
More than 300 workers, business leaders and politicos were in attendance.
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