SWKEDC Director spotlights continued industrial, workforce development efforts

South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council Executive Director Carter Hendricks appeared on WHOP on Friday to highlight the council's efforts to attract more industries to the region and expand employment opportunities.

In 2025, Hendricks says the council hosted over 40 industry tours for graduating high school students, college graduates and those retiring from the military. He says tours have been vital in showing folks the career opportunities available at local industries.

Last year, the council also celebrated the opening of Toyota Boshoku in Hopkinsville in December. Toyota Boshoku is a Japanese-based corporation that focuses on manufacturing interior automotive components, and Toyota Boshoku America is headquartered in Erlanger.

Hendricks says they remain dedicated to bringing more industries to the region. He says the council has developed workforce pipelines and sites ready for development, which industry leaders will find attractive.

Since 2020, Hendricks says the council has received over $20 million in grants for economic development, and this year he hopes they receive $6 billion in grants for site development across the three-county region.

More information about the council is available at southwesternky.com.