PADD Board of Directors hears West Kentucky RISE presentation

The Pennyrile Area Development District Board of Directors heard a presentation about the West Kentucky RISE initiative at Monday’s meeting.

RISE stands Regional Innovation for Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs, according to Ray Hagerman—the President of the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Council.  He says the main goal of the initiative, which is one of many like it in the state, is helping people with intellectual property and connecting them with the right resources to be successful.

He says they’re always on the search of the ‘next big thing’ and the help the entrepreneur create a company in the industry they’re hoping to get into.

Hagerman says they’re starting to expand out from the existing hubs—which are located in Paducah, Henderson and Madisonville—and are seeking locations that are rich with culture, ideals, talent and creative spaces.  He says they hope to establish a place in Hopkinsville within the next fiscal year.

State Representative Melinda Prunty gave an update at the meeting, including dispelling rumors about a possible sales tax on residential utilities.

Delta Regional Authority will be investing $1.3 million into western Kentucky communities, which will go towards public infrastructure and workforce development.  Projects benefited locally will be the Hopkins County broadband expansion, the Madisonville CDL training program and Dawson Springs Wastewater System Improvements.