During her time in Hopkinsville, Renee Shaw from Kentucky Education Television (KET) hosted a broadcast of “Kentucky Tonight” featuring community and regional leaders who discussed growth and opportunities in southwestern Kentucky.
The episode titled, “Southwestern Kentucky Progress and Opportunities” aired on June 24.
Shaw was joined by a panel including Rep. Jason Petrie; Wayne Hunt, CEO of H&R Agri-Power; Carter Hendricks, executive director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council; Kevin Cotton, mayor of Madisonville; Elizabeth McCoy, CEO of Planter’s Bank; Jennifer Brown, co-founder of the Hoptown Chronicle; and Elizabeth Mudd, president of Kentucky Lake Economic Development.
Shaw asked the panel about economic growth, city development, education and what’s special about southwestern Kentucky. Hendricks shared that hospitality is in southwestern Kentucky’s DNA and it was on display during the 2017 total solar eclipse when Hopkinsville had an influx of visitors.
Concerning downtown revitalization, McCoy shared that if Hopkinsville’s downtown continues to develop it may attract new businesses and restaurants. McCoy says Planters Bank has renovated around four full city blocks in the downtown area.
McCoy says she hopes to see more people and organizations working to revitalize downtown.
As the workforce opportunities continue to expand in the region, Young shared that educators at HCC have been working to offer programs for jobs in demand and to remain flexible for students.
The full episode of “Kentucky Tonight” is available on ket.org.