Supporter Newsletter 
Happy Holidays from the Hopkinsville-Christian County Economic Development Council.
We are proud to unveil our new online e-magazine. As a supporter of the Economic Development Council you will receive quarterly online updates reporting the ongoing EDC activity.
Calling on Chicago and Canada
Hopkinsville staff recently finished up four successful recruitment trips to some of the most fertile industrial areas in North America.
Chicago
Illinois over the last year has de-regulated the electricity industry causing rates to skyrocket throughout the state. This has created an opportunity for us to recruit industries from the Chicago area. While in Chicago we highlighted our inexpensive and reliable source of electricity through TVA provided by Hopkinsville Electric and Pennyrile Electric.
Toronto
Canada has been a successful area for our industrial recruitment for years. With companies like Meritor, MartinRea, COPar (now T-Rad), Original Exhaust Manufacturers, and Brazeway located in Hopkinsville it is easy to see that Canadian companies like our area.
The rising cost of fuel along with the strengthening Canadian dollar makes Canada a great spot to recruit industry. Hopkinsville’s central location and business friendly climate makes us an appealing location for Canadian companies looking for a southern strategy.
These trips yielded several leads in the chemical, food, and metal industries. One trend that carried out in all four trips was the desire for existing buildings from companies looking to expand. We anticipate several site visits in early 2008.
Hopkinsville “High Tech” Labor Survey 
The Hopkinsville EDC in conjunction with the West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board and Hopkinsville Community College are in the midst of conducting an online survey. The survey, open to potential employees from our region is focused on gathering information to asses the computer and technology skills of available workers.
Dr. Randy Wilson from Hopkinsville Community College said, “This survey will help us demonstrate to prospective employers that our region has the skills necessary to support technology based companies such as call centers”.
The survey, which is completed online, asks participants to submit information regarding their computer skills, drive time desires, and past experience. Along with filling out the survey, participants have the option to submit a resume.
To learn more about the survey, click here.
Regional Marketing Effort Kicks Off 
With the support of Pennyrile Electric the Hopkinsville-Christian County EDC has teamed up with Trigg and Todd County’s economic development organizations in a regional marketing effort. The team known as “Almost Nashville - Kentucky 24” is being well received by companies and site selection consultants alike. Bret Chambless, of Chambless Partners LLC, a site selection consultant in Atlanta, complimented the three county plan saying, “communities that are teaming up place themselves in a positive light with companies who are looking for a place to do business.”
Designed to help alleviate the expensive cost of marketing and competing against major metropolitan areas, cutting edge communities are now teaming up to share the expensive cost of showcasing their region to the rest of the world.
Riken Starts Production 
Hopkinsville’s newest industry Riken Elastomers Corporation is now in production of its key product, a thermoplastic elastomer compound used in the automotive industry.
Laura Thomas, Riken Elastomers’ first Hopkinsville employee praised the company saying, “Riken is a great place to work. They are a first class operation.” Along with her praise of Riken, Thomas also had high praise for the EDC. “They were there for us at every turn before and after we made the announcement choosing Hopkinsville”.
Riken is planning a spring open house.
Thank you for your support. Hopkinsville wouldn’t be home to over fifty industries without your trust and commitment to our program.
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