PRINCETON, Ky. — A group of economic development organizations from western Kentucky have joined forces to market the region as a prime location for industrial prospects wanting to be near the electric vehicle battery production centers in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Kentucky Cornerstone is a collaboration of local economic development organizations from Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, McCracken, Todd, and Trigg counties working together to promote industrial sites and opportunities across the region.
“The Kentucky Cornerstone idea started in late 2021 after the Ford projects were announced. All of our communities are along the I-69 and I-24 corridors connecting Blue Oval City in Tennessee and Blue Oval SK Battery Park in Kentucky. We wanted to promote our region cohesively and collaboratively,” said Amanda Davenport of the Kentucky Cornerstone and Lake Barkley Partnership.
“Kentucky Cornerstone has a lot to offer businesses and industries looking to locate centrally in the United States, especially industries in the automotive and electric vehicle battery sectors across the south,” said Mark Manning of the Kentucky Cornerstone and Murray Calloway Economic Development Corporation.
“Our region boasts a skilled workforce, affordable living, and easy access to interstate, rail, and river transportation networks. By working together, we can showcase the strengths of our communities and the region to potential investors and businesses,” said Mark Welch of the Kentucky Cornerstone and Fulton Hickman Counties Economic Development Partnership.
Kentucky Cornerstone will focus on promoting the region’s strengths in manufacturing workforce, logistics network, and proximity to electric vehicle battery plants. They will also highlight the region’s quality of life, including outdoor recreational opportunities and cultural attractions.
“We believe that by showcasing the best of what western Kentucky has to offer, we can attract new investment and create jobs for our residents,” said Carter Hendricks of the Kentucky Cornerstone and South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.
Kentucky Cornerstone will promote the region through various marketing efforts, including trade shows, website promotion, and targeted advertising. They will also work with local, state, and national organizations to promote the region.
“We are excited to work together to promote the many assets of our region and attract new investment and opportunities for our communities,” said Bruce Wilcox of the Kentucky Cornerstone and Greater Paducah Economic Development.
“As Henry Ford said, coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is a success. We have made it through the beginning and we are now making progress towards success,” said Hannah Chretien of the Kentucky Cornerstone and Ballard Economic & Industrial Development Committee.
Click here for more Kentucky business news.
