Regional economic growth was the main topic of Monday’s South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council meeting.
Council Executive Director, Carter Hendricks spotlighted increased economic activity, tourism and new jobs coming to the region. One of the industries set to plant roots in Christian County is Ascend Elements and construction on its Apex 1 facility is well underway at Commerce Park II.
Hendricks says construction has been full speed ahead and is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2025. In Hopkinsville, Ascend is expected to create around 500 jobs.
At the council’s October meeting, Hendricks says members from Ascend should be in attendance to provide updates on the incoming battery production and recycling facility.
Another business set to make a splash in the region is Buc-ee’s in Oak Grove. The announcement was made at Oak Grove City Council’s September meeting and Hendricks says folks went wild over it. He also says the Buc-ee’s coming to Oak Grove is set to be 74,000 square feet, create around 200 jobs, and bolster regional sales tax revenue.
Buc-ee’s is set to be located off Exit 89 between Oak Grove and Exit 1 in Clarksville. A tentative groundbreaking is set for 2025.