Our region has been on a hot streak for economic development announcements and there was celebration and discussion at Thursday morning’s Christian County Chamber of Commerce Industry and Economic Update eye opener breakfast.
Much of the program was focused on Ascend Elements, which has begun construction on its facility in Industrial Park #2 that represents the largest investment in the history of western Kentucky.
Senior Program Manager David Steiner says their process of recycling electric vehicle batteries is good for the environment and good for humanity.
DeeAnna Sova is the equity program manager and says they are investing in the community in four primary ways—creation of high-paying jobs, working with workforce development programs, creating affordable childcare and affordable transportation.
South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council Executive Director Carter Hendricks also noted the expansions at Novelis in Guthrie and White Drive Motors in Hopkinsville and recent announcements of Microvast and Toyota Boshoku making major investments in Hopkinsville.
He says the EDC will continue working to bring more opportunity to Christian, Todd and Trigg counties.
Hendricks says there has been over $2 billion in capitol investment in the last 18 months in the region, eventually creating 1,300 jobs.