(Picture Source: Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation/Facebook)
Officials from the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation report that the recent quarterly Industry Alliance meeting was held at Browning Springs Middle School, bringing together state partners, local employers, and education leaders for an in-depth session focused on incentives and workforce development.
Local Economic Development Corporation officials shared that the meeting began with an update from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development on programs fueling community growth. Highlights included the Kentucky Product Development Initiative’s (KPDI) impact on site development, performance-based incentives such as the Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) and Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA), and the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC) program, which continues to support workforce training and upskilling throughout the Commonwealth. Officials emphasized that these resources are vital in helping Madisonville and Hopkins County attract and retain industry.
Industry partners were then invited to tour the Hopkins County Schools Career Labs on-site. According to officials, creative funding and strong community partnerships have made it possible for middle school students to rotate through 18 hands-on modules, covering areas such as welding, electrical systems, small engines, nursing, cosmetology, animal science, game design, and more. Officials noted that hearing directly from students and educators showed how early exposure not only builds confidence and eases concerns about high school pathways but also helps start developing a skilled workforce pipeline much earlier than in the past.
EDC officials described the meeting as a great success from beginning to end, noting it served as a clear reminder of how statewide incentives and local innovation come together to strengthen Madisonville and Hopkins County’s efforts in building a strong workforce and promoting long-term economic development.
