SWKEDC talks manufacturing program, Industry Appreciation luncheon

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council is putting out the call for more industries to participate in the HOPFAME program, and the executive director spoke about recent developments.

Executive Director Carter Hendricks appeared on the WHOP Early Bird Show Friday morning and says Hopkinsville Community College’s HOPFAME program—which stands for Hopkinsville Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education—is booming, with student numbers up. Hendricks says that means they need more industries and companies to sign up to support those students.

He says the students attend classes as part of the program and couple of days a week, and then do hands on work and learning at the industries the other days, learning all they need to know about advanced manufacturing.

Hendricks says they’re excited for their upcoming Industry Appreciation Luncheon on October 29, and they’ll hear a presentation on economic impact in the area—and he thinks folks will be happy with what they hear.

As for Ascend Elements, which recently lost a $316 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Hendricks says that right now, they’re taking Ascend officials at their word that they intend to restart and finish construction in 2026.

With the loss of that grant and another in the amount of $164 million prior, it’s called into question if that project will ever be finished. Ascend Elements officials have remained steadfast in their statement that they intend to finish up a lawsuit with local contractors, and then get construction back underway early next year.