Awards were presented, and regional talent was highlighted at Wednesday’s Industry Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.
Around 400 attendees filled the Silo Event Center for the luncheon and Council Executive Director Carter Hendricks says this was one of the largest audiences they have had in over 20 years. To welcome attendees, the Christian County High School Treble Choir performed a couple of songs.
Hendricks then highlighted the impacts of industries in Christian, Todd and Trigg Counties. He shared that existing industries have invested over $3 billion in property value, produced over $400 million in payroll and generated over $1 billion in product manufacturing.
Regional talent pipelines such as Hopkinsville’s Community College’s HOPFAME Program, the West Kentucky Veteran’s Transition Program and the Christian County Public School’s Gateway Academy were also spotlighted. Christian County High School senior and Gateway Academy student Jessie Gilkey discussed his experience working with TGASK in Hopkinsville through a co-op program.
Gilkey says co-op opportunities offered through the academy prepare him and his peers for the workplace. Co-ops allow students to get a glimpse into a field of their choice and help them stand out in their college applications.
Turning toward awards, the big award presented was the Legacy of Leadership Award and it was posthumously awarded to Donald Henderson who passed away in January 2024. He played a vital role in local economic development and served on the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council and the Hopkinsville-Christian County Economic Development Council.
Donald Henderson’s family was in attendance and his son Mark Henderson, shared that his father had love and compassion for this community and it has been incredible to see his impact on the city of Hopkinsville.
Donald Henderson’s wife Terri Henderson read a poem shedding light on her husband’s love for the community.
Along with the Legacy of Leadership Award, Partnership Impact Awards were presented to Hopkinsville Electric System and Pennyrile Electric. To commemorate Buc-ee’s coming to Oak Grove, Christian County Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam, Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver and Oak Grove Tourism Executive Director Traci Cunningham received certificates of appreciation.