Leaders of Hopkinsville, Oak Grove and the Christian County Chamber of Commerce talked about recent successes and discussed a vision for the future at the annual State of the Community breakfast Tuesday.
Chamber President Kelli Pendleton touted the positive feedback the community received following last year’s eclipse and praised progress made by the Christian County Public School System.
Average household income and stagnant population growth are two areas that need work and Pendleton says tax reform could help in places like Christian County that compete with Tennessee for military families.
Oak Grove Mayor Bea Burt says her city has become financially sound and development friendly and she’s hopeful about a proposed joint venture between Keeneland and Churchill Downs that would put a race track in Christian County’s second largest city.
Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks says projects like the new sportsplex are not only about bringing visitors to the city, they are to enhance the quality of life for current residents.
He also outlined a vision for downtown that would place an increased emphasis on the arts.
Pendelton and others emphasized engaging young leaders in Christian County as they construct a vision for the future.