Madisonville Hopkins County
Explore the Infinite Possibilities
2024 Magazine www.hopkinschamber.com
877-243-5280 270-821-4171 Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission
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The Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce Magazine is a publication of the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce with advertising and editorial content produced by the Madisonville Messenger.
Welcome to Hopkins County
PUBLISHER
Mike Alexieff
ADVERTISING
Gene Vincent, Advertising Director
EDITORIAL Matt Hughes, Editor
DESIGN Maegan Saalwaechter
CONTRIBUTORS The Hopkins County Board of Education Retail Strategies Jodi Camp
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Caley Smith
Morgan McKinley
Published annually by the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce 15 E. Center Street Madisonville, KY 42431
This edition was produced by the Madisonville Messenger. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the Madisonville Messenger.
Cover Photo, 2023 Photography PRINTED BY Contest Mahr Park Arboretum, Print First Place, Sprint Division: Traditional Camera, Category: Prop, By: James SmithHOPKINS COUNTY REGIONAL
Hopkins County has much to offer work, play, life Letter from the 2023 Chairman of- for the Board of the Chamber of Commerce At the Chamber we work to ensure that Hopkins County is a healthy place to do business and a
On Januaryplace 1, 2023, I began my new remarkable to live. Here you’ll find role thriving as the chairman of the Hopkins County businesses of every size. Why? Because Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce. In is open for business, with excellent incentives, low accepting this position, I looked back taxes, and a progressive, fiscally-sound government. over the decades in which the Chamber In other words, We Believe in Hopkins County and of Commerce was created here in all our community work together to ensure Madisonville andstakeholders Hopkins County. that Madisonville – Hopkins County is aofremarkable As far back as 1961, a rich tradition place to build a career, grow or start a business. businessmen and women lead withnew their If you’re visiting, to one of the most deep passion to seewelcome our community grow and succeed, who worked with Kentucky. committed desirable communities in western You will board and helped ourisChamber quicklymembers, learn that Hopkins County a special place to of Commerce growbusiness, into what it is today. grow, launch a new build relationships, and Our Chamber of Commerce has the same collaborate in new ways that are both professionally and mission inrewarding. many respects—to help support personally business members who operate in Hopkins Here, you’ll also find affordable homes, two highCounty, be an advocate for those businesses performing public-school systems, quaint shops, ample and to help grow our community so new recreational offerings, inviting restaurants, and world-class healthcare. Chuck Shockley businesses and families will locate in our If you’re new in town, I’ll be the first county. to tell you that there’s so much to explore! Hopkins County has lots of hidden-gem attractions, downtowns, and small-town During 2023, we have seen growth in ourwalkable chamber membership. We have charm coupled with “big city” employment opportunities at Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Carhartt, GE Aviation, enjoyed networking opportunities, which have strengthened our relationships and Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, justannual to nameChamber a few. WeClassic also have resources to help within our community. We have hosted the golf tournament, Chamber After Hours events, and supported ribbon cutting you launch your own business at Kentucky Movers and Makersmany and Innovation Station. events to welcome celebrate new businesses have opened in Hopkins You’re invited toand use this publication as your guidethat to discovering all that Hopkins County County. has to offer you and your family. Inside, you’ll find information on our schools, healthcare I facilities, look forward to continuing my work on the Board. I am committed to recreational opportunities, andwith so much more. working with the Board of Directors, our Chamber Lisa Miller, and Welcome to Hopkins County. We’re so happy you’rePresident, here. the entire team at the Chamber of Commerce to continue being an advocate for our business community! I thank you for entrusting me with this position to Libby Spencer serve as the 2023 Chairman of the Board. President Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce Chuck Shockley
Board Chairman Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Workforce Specialist
Published annually by the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce 15 E. Center• Street 270-821-3435 www.hopkinschamber.com Madisonville, KY 42431
This edition was produced and printed by Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Sprint Print. No part of this publication may Commerce be reproduced in any form without permission Lisa Miller, President from the Hopkins County Regional Chamber Find all of our socials with one click Caitlyn Dame of Commerce.
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Libby Spencer, The Hopkins CountyPresident Regional Chamber of Commerce Magazine is a publication of Lisa Miller, Director of Membership the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Caitlyn Dame, Membership & Commerce.
Robyn Elliott Special Thanks to Laura Harvey for writing Nia Matchem the majority of the articles included in the @hopkinschamber @HopCoChamber magazine. 270-821-3435 • www.hopkinschamber.com
HopkinsCounty Regional ofSCommerce M A D I S O N V I L L E -Chamber HOPKIN COUNTY 2
Madisonville - Hopkins County
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CHAMBER LETTER I am extremely honored to be the incoming chairperson of the Chamber Board of Directors in 2024. I’ve worked in this community for over 30 years and seen firsthand how businesses and individuals benefit from all the Chamber has to offer. I’m impressed every day with the way our community serves and supports its local businesses, residents, and visitors. Our Chamber is a community advocate. From advocating for policies that encourage economic growth, to organizing networking events, to delivering a variety of community education, and providing discount programs and services that offer new opportunities for businesses and employees alike, the Chamber ensures that our community is well informed and Stephanie Townsell positioned to attract new business, grow existing businesses, and enhance the lives of the residents of our community. Our Chamber is a business advocate. Chamber members have the opportunity to take advantage of a number of resources, educational and business development opportunities, and cost savings for worker’s compensation, healthcare, and retirement planning for their employees. Our Chamber supports, celebrates, and advertises for new, growing, and thriving businesses in our community through the weekly newsletter, ribbon cuttings, shop-local events, and annual events like Evening of the Stars. Our Chamber President, Lisa Miller, has over 10 years in the Chamber industry, is a graduate of Murray State University’s Academy for Nonprofit Development and Leadership, and does an outstanding job of supporting our community and our Chamber. Miller’s collaborative efforts with the City of Madisonville, Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission, Hopkins County Economic Development, and Hopkins County government, have helped identify, target, and attract new businesses and opportunities to our community. There are so many exciting new developments coming in 2024! To better serve our members and the community in 2024, the Chamber plans to improve its online presence, offer additional support, resources, and costsaving measures for members, and further enhance partnerships with local organizations. I look forward to spending 2024 as a champion for our Chamber and bringing awareness to the opportunities and benefits it provides. If you haven’t already, make sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to keep abreast of local events and happenings - you don’t have to be a member to receive the newsletter. We hope to see you at the next ribbon cutting! Stephanie Townsell 2024 Chamber Board Chair Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce
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‘We Are One’ Industry expansion bolsters future in Hopkins County
An industry that planted its roots in Hopkins County half a century ago further strengthened its foundation in Madisonville this year. While the company continues to evolve with the times, Ahlstrom is committed to serving the local community as well as the entire world, and it is taking its loyal, high-quality employees with them each celebratory step of the way. In July 2023, Ahlstrom opened its second production facility in Madisonville - a unique line of glass fiber tissue used in building materials substrate. This material, used with vinyl flooring, tin roofing shingles, insulation, and tile ceilings, is produced in only two other Ahlstrom-owned factories in the world – in Finland and Russia. The $70 million investment had been in the pipeline since 2017 – now fresh on the heels of a previous $25 million expansion at the company’s main Madisonville plant that was completed in 2018. The facility has been producing 4
paper filtration products in the heart of Hopkins County since 1974. In other words, Madisonville has been creating paper used in automotive filters since the Nixon Administration, back when it had only 40 employees. Now, Madisonville has become a premier production hub for glass fiber tissue as well as paper filtration products. Yet, automotive filtration was only Madisonville’s specialty. On a global scale, Ahlstrom produces other paper products, including restaurant supplies, candy wrappers, and filters for water and medical equipment. Bruce West, Madisonville’s human resource manager, said there was no question that Ahlstrom would set its sights yet again on Hopkins County for its first glass fiber tissue endeavor in the United States. “If you were a company and were going to put $70-90 million into a new facility, you would pick something that was already in existence and successful with its employees,” he said. “We have MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
a great workforce, a lot of capabilities, a major highway, an interstate and a railroad. Location-wise, if you’re going to make that big of an investment, you’re going to choose here because of all of those things.” Thanks to the new glass fiber tissue plant, Ahlstrom is celebrating a record 182 local citizens on the payroll – a near-50 person boost since the 2018 expansion. Finding those high-quality workers, according to Plant Manager Steven Pew, was incredibly easy. “When we posted for those jobs, we had 352 people apply for 12 original positions,” he said. “They all wanted to work at Ahlstrom. They know, because they heard it was good.” Newcomers underwent a unique hiring process thanks to collaboration with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and Madisonville Community College. Each applicant underwent a personality
assessment through MCC’s Workforce Solutions, of which those scoring highest in aptitude moved on to on-site interviews and hands-on training before they ever stepped foot into the new facility. “They are hand picked,” Pew said. “The best of the best.” Welcoming the new arrivals include Kevin Townsend, the original plant’s TCS engineer filtration, who has been with the company since 1985. Of Ahlstrom’s original 1974 employees, 32 ended up staying for the long haul, all retiring within the last five years. “Papermaking is like coal mining, it’s a brotherhood,” he said. “Papermaking is a very unique science and you form a relationship with these people. When I started, there were only 40 of us. Then, there were 60. You develop relationships, you become friends like brothers. You fight sometimes, you cry sometimes, but it is all about family, and we enjoy it.” That success all boils down to living the Ahlstrom mantra: We Are One. “You witness that here every day,” West said. “We take pride that this is our hometown. Employees are investing in it.” “They enjoy coming to Madisonville because we’re friendly, and that says a lot about our community,” he added. Not only does the local Ahlstrom facility spread community goodwill through its administration and staff, it also sponsors the Madisonville Miners baseball team, Regional Chamber of Commerce events, local youth fundraisers and Leadership Hopkins County. “We don’t just say things, we do them,” Pew said. “We expect to be here a long time, continuing to impact Madisonville and changing with the times. I think glass fiber tissue will give us 100 more years here -- minimum. “Filtration is here for the long haul,” he continued. “You need us, and the world needs us. I was always taught that you only grow with failure, so in order to fail, it is my first attempt at learning. You can never learn if you don’t know what to do the next time. “And I’m all about action.” Ahlstrom is headquartered in Finland and employs approximately 7,800 across the globe.
Ribbon cutting at the new fiber glass expansion
Ahlstrom President and CEO Helen Mets, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear cut the ribbon for the new fiber glass expansion in Madisonville, along with Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton and Hopkins County JudgeExecutive Jack Whitfield, Jr. along with representatives from Ahlstrom. “This expansion signifies not only growth in infrastructure but also the growth of opportunities for Citizens,” said Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton.
MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
This new production facility is the only one of its kind in the United States, and Ahlstrom leaders chose to launch its American glass fiber tissue factory in the same place it has seen phenomenal success for the past 49 years,” said Judge Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr. This company’s success is part of an era of prosperity where Kentucky is becoming a national economic leader.” said Governor Andy Beshear. By Jodi Camp, Madisonville Messenger.
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Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville The Region’s Leader in Robotic-Assisted Surgery
A representative from Intuitive, makers of the Ion system, demonstrates its use to Brandi Scott, APRN and Ashley Allen, RN and Lung Cancer Navigator at the Chamber’s State of Healthcare event. Faster recovery times with less pain for surgical patients. Earlier diagnosis of lung cancers. Even greater precision in knee replacement surgeries. These are the outcomes of Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville’s investment in becoming a robotic surgery leader for our region. “Three different robotic surgical systems enable our skilled physicians and surgical staff to offer the most advanced surgical procedures available, while helping patients receive excellent outcomes close to home,” says Mohan Rao, MD, general surgeon and Chief Medical Officer at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville. 6
“We want people to know that if they choose Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, they have access to a higher level of care right here in western Kentucky.”
daVinci Xi Surgical System This new, fourth generation robotic-assisted system creates additional options for surgical patients needing a variety of specialized care. When compared to other techniques, surgeries performed with the da Vinci surgical system often lead to faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, less pain and less blood loss for patients. MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
At Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, our surgeons utilize the daVinci surgical system for hernia repair, gallbladder removal and colon/other intestinal surgery. Other specialists have also begun offering more procedures using the da Vinci system including ENT and OB/GYNs. Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville currently has two da Vinci robotic surgical systems at the hospital, allowing more patients to receive roboticassisted surgeries.
Velys
The VELYS robotic-assisted surgical system is designed for digital precision in knee replacement because every knee is different. The enhanced accuracy helps provide improved outcomes and less pain for patients who meet specific criteria. There are multiple benefits of robotic-assisted knee replacement using the VELYS system, including the potential for faster recovery and less pain than from traditional joint replacements. Additionally, our surgeons can create tailored plans based on each patient’s personal anatomy, using precise customized data for better joint stability.
Ion robotic bronchoscopy
Patients at risk for lung cancer are now able to benefit from a same-day procedure to diagnose lung cancer earlier, using Ion™ robot-assisted technology. Robotic bronchoscopy helps physicians safely and quickly access lesions or nodules deeper in the lung, near a major blood vessel or near a portion of already diseased lung. When lung cancer is diagnosed at earlier stages-before spreading to other locations in the body--it is often more treatable, leading to improved outcomes and survival rates. Patients with a history of smoking should talk with their physicians about lung cancer screening. Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville has previously partnered with Ion’s maker Intuitive, with the purchase of the two da Vinci® surgical systems. Intuitive has built on more than two decades of leadership in robot-assisted technology to create advanced surgical systems to benefit patients. Surgical patients should consult with their physician about whether robotic-assisted surgery may be right for them, as some patients may not qualify due to particular health conditions or complication risks. But all surgical patients can feel assured
Dr. Jim Dodds and Dr. Mohan Rao gave a tour of the OR to local student Canaan Coulon. Canaan won a contest to name the new daVinci surgical robot at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville. His winning entry was LiO meaning Less Invasive Operation. that the surgeons and staff at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville are skilled and compassionate experts, and will provide high quality surgical care right here, close to home. For more information about healthcare at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, visit our website at BaptistHealthDeaconess. com. MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
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Hopkins County Schools:
‘Embrace the Journey’ Hopkins County Schools is embarking on a journey for the 2023-2024 school year that includes expanded mental health services for kids, facilities improvements, and a focus on developing characteristics in all students that will result in successful graduates. This year’s theme is “Embrace the Journey.” You’ll see that promoted on signs that dot employees’ yards across the county. The other side of the sign carries the message, “Mental Health Matters.” Hopkins County Schools takes that message to heart. Starting this school year, the district has hired its own team of counselors to provide additional support to students who may be struggling with mental health challenges. HCS has added 11 mental health counselors, who are joining guidance counselors and other professionals to provide needed services. “We have seen an increased need in our community and in our schools for mental health and behavior interventions for students,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming. “We want to help support our families.” The district’s new mental health team was established with the help of a $1.3 million grant from the Kentucky Department of Education for mental health counseling services. This funding will pay for needed equipment and supplies to get the program established, as well as salaries for the first year. “We will continue to apply for 8
grants to help support the program and other safe school initiatives,” Fleming said. “Our board and Superintendent Amy Smith are committed to continuing the program in future years.” The Kentucky School Safety and Resiliency Act recommends that school districts have one counselor for every 250 students. By adding these counselors, Hopkins County Schools is now one of few districts that meets and exceeds this recommendation. There are several reasons mental health counselors are needed in schools. Students and families are under greater levels of stress than ever before, whether involving financial issues, different roles in life, academics or social stressors, according to David Kyle, a district mental health counselor.
We expect our counselors to truly be a part of the school and its environment.” Other changes taking place this school year include the muchanticipated opening of the new Hanson Elementary School. The district is also in the midst of building new auxiliary gyms at Hopkins County Central and Madisonville North Hopkins High schools. These structures will also offer additional space for classes or activities. The gyms will double as storm shelters. The district has primarily used federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds for this project. HCS is in the early stages of planning to renovate 2135 N. Main St., Madisonville, for a new Central Office. Plans are also being made to build a new middle school adjacent to Southside Elementary. This combined facility will be called South Hopkins School.
“Giving students access to counselors will help reduce these stresses, decrease absenteeism, and improve academic outcomes,” Kyle said. “Having counselors at each school allows each counselor to get to know the students and staff, and participate as part of the school family. Business • Home They will have a better Auto • Life understanding of the culture and community.
RUDD Insurance
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MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
Unite as one team to learn and inspire.
MISSION
INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE
STRATEGIC PLAN 2028
MISSION
Invest in the holistic development and support of all HCS students
Implement an innovative & rigorous standards-based instructional program
TALENT MANAGEMENT
innovation, and community engagement. A large component of this plan will involve Hopkins County Future Ready, the district’s version of Portrait of a Graduate. (For more information, please go to www.hopkins.kyschools.us/ StrategicPlan.)
Recruit & retain the best talent & foster a caring culture
Continually develop, recognize & compensate employees
SYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
The district is excited to share its new 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. The plan was developed in collaboration with West Kentucky Educational Cooperative with input from teachers and other district staff, parents, students, and community members. It focuses on academics,
Prioritize resources based on student needs & communicate with all stakeholders
Continually evaluate & improve all systems to provide safe & secure learning environments
STRATEGIC GOALS
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
ERIKA WOODS Horticulture County Extension Agent erika.lyons@uky.edu
HOPKINS COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION 75 CORNWALL DR. MADISONVILLE, KY 42431 270-821-3650 MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:OOA.M. - 4:30P.M.
JAY STONE Agriculture & Natural Resource County Extension Agent jstone@uky.edu
“We invite everyone to ‘Embrace the Journey’ as we move ahead with implementation of our new Strategic Plan,” said Superintendent Amy Smith. “We look forward to working with everyone in the community to create an even brighter future for all of our students.”
VISION Future Ready Graduates
Engaged & Inspired "Team Hopkins" Employees
Preparing today's students to succeed in tomorrow's world.
Student Focused Systems & Resources
STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
VISION
CONNOR COOPER SYDNEY PERKINS 4-H Youth Development County Extension Agent connor.cooper@uky.edu sydney.perkins@uky.edu
AMANDA DAME Family & Consumer Sciences County Extension Agent amanda.dame@uky.edu MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
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Mahr Park Our little corner of western Kentucky is a testament to the adage, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” No other example is more fitting than the transformation of a former Madisonville farm to the recreational epicenter off I-69 that is Mahr Park Arboretum today. What was once a fully-operational black Angus cattle farm is now a sprawling, 265-acre leisure park full of green space, walking trails, gorgeous trees and gardens. The park, which was once the home and property of Dr. Merle and Glema Mahr, was gifted to the city of Madisonville in 2009 to become the community’s centerpiece of play and relaxation. Much has been added in its eight short years of operation, but the center remains just as peaceful as it was on Opening Day.
and recreation. Mahr Park Arboretum brings healing to the body, mind, and soul. We are blessed that we can serve our community and be a positive impact on many through the services we offer.
“Mahr Park Arboretum is a special place for all who enter,” said Parks Superintendent Ashton Robinson. “We all need places for rest, retreat,
“Everything we do in development and operation is done with purpose and passion,” she added. “We want people to enjoy the outdoors, time
First Place, Division: Traditional Camera; Category: Mahr Park Arboretum Features, By: Elissa McBride
with family, and to be able to take in the natural beauty Mahr Park Arboretum offers.” Some of the recreational services provided by the park include 2.5 miles of paved trail which offer beautiful views of Lake Pee Wee and park grounds, and a 40-acre forest with three soft hiking trails. Other amenities include two disc golf courses with difficulties ranging from beginner to advanced, and seven ponds and a lake shoreline that offers ample fishing, kayaking, canoeing and pedal boat opportunities. Kayak and pedal boat rentals are available at the park’s Welcome Center, the former Mahr home. Families will enjoy the park’s one-of-a-kind Nature Play Area that features Douglas fir wood equipment, a bird’s nest lookout, natural tunnels, climbing beams, rope net and swings for children. Two dog parks are located next to the playground, with a spacious covered picnic and rest area nestled in between.
Best Overall 2023 Photography Contest, By: Jennifer Sontz 10
MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
The park also boasts two event barns that are sure to entertain for any occasion. Event Barn A features a large gathering space, kitchen, bar and large patio, while Event Barn B is an open-air barn perfect for dancing
First Place, Division: Traditional Camera, Category: Sky, and Water, By: Chad Fuller First Place, Division: Phone, Category: Mahr Park Arboretum Features, By: Steve Thomas
or taking in views of the park. Both spaces can accommodate 150 people for outdoor dining and up to 220 people for indoor/outdoor dining.
Third Place, Division: Phone, Category: Wildlife, By: Kay Thomas
First Place, Division: Phone, Category: Wildlife, By: Kevin Moser
“We host over 120 events in facilities annually,” Robinson said. “We are always looking for ways we can serve and provide special places for people to have weddings, reunions, events and more. We are happy to be a part of so many happy moments in people’s lives within our green space and facilities.”
to enjoy it alone. The facility offers numerous guided experiences, classes, hikes, seminars and parties for visitors of all ages and abilities. Those who prefer a more solitary experience are free to visit the 7-acre pollinator, the 1-acre community and plant gardens at their own pace.
The best part of Mahr Park Arboretum is that one never has
Mahr Park Arboretum is located 1.5 miles west of I-69 off Exit 116 in Madisonville. News and events are posted through Facebook, Instagram and at www.mahrparkarboretum. com. For more information, call 270584-9017.
Second Place, Division: Phone, Category: Sky and Water, By: Ashley Scott
Second Place, Division: Phone, Category: Wildlife, By: Ashley Scott
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Retail Development If anything can be said for 2024, it is that we are living in very exciting times for Hopkins County. We are celebrating the opening of new businesses, the lasting legacy of those already established, the construction of a new sports complex and the pride we have in any number of our parks and recreation. All of these things together have culminated into one major milestone: the largest retail investment in the history of Madisonville is well underway on the town’s north side. In August 2023, the City of Madisonville and Brewer Development announced the construction of Midtown Center, a $30 million investment that will not only see the development of Madisonville’s first freestanding Starbucks, but also an Aspen Dental, a 155,000-square-foot shopping center, new sit-down dining establishment, new hotel and numerous other retail possibilities. The announcement came during the construction of the Madisonville Hopkins County Sportsplex, and is the answer to much of the economic “leakage” experienced in our region, which is centralized between larger cities like Evansville, Owensboro and Paducah. Historically, Madisonville has existed in a retail void among these cities, but thanks to this multimillion-dollar investment, many of those retail dollars once spent elsewhere will now be spent close to home. What’s more, from a retailer’s perspective, general population numbers on which they rely don’t necessarily tell the whole story. A total of 35,095 people live within 12
Kevin Cotton. “We waited and we wanted them to just automatically show up in our community, and that doesn’t work. That is not how you are going to attract new retailers or new restaurants.”
a 10-mile radius of Madisonville’s Midtown Commons, but a total of 57,910 people -- that’s more than the entire population of Hopkins County -- visits the city every day due to work, education, tourism or personal business. These issues are just two of which the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation and City of Madisonville knew there was opportunity to capitalize.
Throughout 2023, city leaders have hit the road and taken Madisonville “on tour,” visiting large retail events including the largest retail development trade show in the nation, the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference, and showcased our fair city to 25,000 like-minded retailers and investors in one fail swoop.
And that opportunity was retail recruitment. “For years we have waited for people to come to us,” said Mayor
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“We also went to Nashville and saw the same people,” Cotton said. “We were able to share even more information, and because of that [networking] we have franchisees that are now looking at us. “Starbucks came to us, and that is what kicked off Midtown Center,” he added. “This is the largest retail investment in the history of Madisonville.” Midtown Center will officially kick off in the spring of 2024 with the openings of Aspen Dental and Starbucks, conveniently located at the intersection of Whittington Drive and Island Ford Road. Phase II will see the construction of the shopping center just south of Phase I. While Phase III will bring in the restaurant, more shops and possibly a hotel further south toward the Madisonville Hopkins County Sportsplex. Currently, shop openings are slated for 2025. “The development of Midtown Boulevard marks a pivotal
moment for our community,” said M-HCEDC President Bill Rudd. “It’s not just about buildings, it’s about transforming our economic landscape. This project demonstrates our commitment to fostering growth, attracting businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.” At the completion of this historic investment, who knows what the future holds for Madisonville and Hopkins County in 2025 and beyond. Yet one thing is certain, the future looks very bright. “As we evolve, so does our economy,” said M-HCEDC Vice President Ruthann Padgett. “This signifies Hopkins County’s adaptability and readiness to embrace change. This strategic move undoubtedly ripples positive effects, entices new industry players and bolsters our competitiveness on a regional scale.”
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Madisonville Hopkins County Sportsplex
Rendering of new sports complex
It’s a story 20 years in the making, but now we’re at the best part. Hopkins County has seen a lot of economic development over the past year, but none has been quite as anticipated as the opening of the Madisonville Hopkins County Sportsplex. Building a multi-million dollar athletic complex in the heart of Hopkins County has been on the government’s agenda since the beginning of the 21st century. However, changes in economic times, priorities and financial capabilities all but stalled much progress on the project, which was originally planned to be located off I-69, Exit 111. That is, until dual collaboration between the Hopkins County Fiscal Court and City of Madisonville made the impossible possible. Both agreed to share the cost of the $15 million complex, and construction at a new location on
Midtown Boulevard in the center of Midtown Commons was underway in late 2022. “This project has been on the horizon for almost 20 years, “ said Judge Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr. “It is only with the partnership between the county and City of Madisonville that it is not a dream, but a reality.” The 95,000-square-foot multi-sport complex, which is scheduled to open and host tournaments in spring 2024, features one indoor soccer field, six indoor basketball courts that can be converted into 12 volleyball courts, 21 pickleball courts and party and meeting rooms, and that’s just for starters. Best of all, all designated courts and fields are specifically built to convert, so they can accommodate virtually all other sports, which offers plenty of opportunity for cheerleading, gymnastics, wrestling, or
karate competitions, just to name a few. The sports world in Hopkins County is now anyone’s oyster, said City Administrator Rob Saint. “There is no end to what it could be, really,” he said. “It boils down to scheduling, planning and thinking outside of the box. Just because it has a basketball and volleyball court doesn’t mean we only have basketball and volleyball opportunities.” Considering how many out-of-town sporting events Saint took his children to over the years, the Madisonville Hopkins County Sportsplex is a blessing to both local athletes, those within driving distance, and the local economy as a whole. “I remember taking my kids to the groundbreaking on the south end of the county 16 years ago, -- now my kids are grown and out of the house. But now I
am going to be a grandparent and my grandkids can have experiences here.” “Not only that, but it is the opportunity for us,” he added. “Over the years I have traveled to so many other cities and tournaments for my own children, from cheer to soccer, and all I can think about is all those dollars we spent in those communities of ours. It is nice for us to showcase our community on the weekend, to let people come and spend two nights in Madisonville. Naturally, the first thing we would always do [in other cities] is plan where we are going to go eat, shop, go to the park or whatever we chose to do. This gives people a chance to see how nice our community is.” Nevertheless, the story remains ongoing. The indoor portion of the Madisonville Hopkins County Sportsplex is only Phase I of the long-term project. There is still more to come in Phase II, which will bring more football and soccer fields to the outdoor section of the grounds. Furthermore, road work is planned to extend Midtown Boulevard to empty in the north of Madisonville, which will offer easy access for visitors and locals alike to not only the sportsplex, but to Midtown
Commons favorites like McDonald’s, Fazoli’s, Hampton Inn and Suites, Holiday Inn Express and Suites and the Owensboro Health Madisonville Healthplex, as well as staples to the north such as Lowe’s, Oasis Southwest Grill, Comfort Inn and Suites, and the new Midtown Center, the construction of which began in 2023. The view of Madisonville is an everchanging one this year, and as the story of its historic growth unfolds, it is willingness to work together that marks the point where this tale truly begins. “The Madisonville Hopkins County Sportsplex has the potential to transform our community and become a hub for sports enthusiasts from near and far,” said Mayor Kevin Cotton. “By teaming up,
our city and county are not only making this dream a reality, but also sending a message about the power of collaboration. This facility will not only benefit our local athletes and residents, providing stateof-the-art recreational opportunities, but it will also attract regional and national tournaments, bringing in visitors from all over. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger community, enhancing our quality of life, and boosting tourism, ultimately creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
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Restoring Our Downtown
Edward Jones gets a new location in an old building
heart of all the best things happening in our community.” Not only had the large, twostory brick building served as a jewelers from 1961 until its closure a few years ago, the building had previously housed an appliance store, dentistry, chiropractic office, attorney and CPA offices, and a number of others since its construction in the late 1800’s.
The historic section of Madisonville’s downtown district is showing off a major facelift in this year -- though it’s not exactly the kind of youthful facelift some expect. This one uncovered the best historic features of a landmark downtown building. Stephanie Townsell is a lifelong Hopkins County resident and one of the area’s biggest cheerleaders. Not only is Stephanie a dedicated volunteer for a number of civic clubs and organizations, she and her partner, Brian Bowles, both have an appreciation of historic homes and architecture. Stephanie, a financial advisor, had been looking for office space for her business for a few years and knew just the right place -- the former Bryant’s Jewelers at the corner of South Main and Court Streets. She called the former owner and jeweler, David Bryant, many times asking to buy the vacant building before he decided it was time. Not only was it one of Madisonville’s longest-running businesses, but also one of Madisonville’s longest-standing and most recognizable structures. “It’s a piece of our community’s history,” Townsell stated. “I love our downtown,” she said. “We are easily accessible for clients and are close to the Chamber and other local businesses, great locally owned restaurants and shopping, and in the 17
Naturally, more than a century’s worth of owners and occupants made structural and decorative changes over the years, but Stephanie and Brian were determined to renovate the building in a way that honored its historic features. Throughout 2023, they overhauled the entire interior of the building, removing layers of paneling and wallpaper, decades of linoleum and carpeting, various ceiling coverings, and exposed the building’s original brick work, windows, tin ceilings and hardwood floors. The first floor, which was completed in September 2023, now houses Townsell’s new Edward Jones location plus two other spaces to lease for offices or retail along the Court Street strip. The second floor, will be completed in late 2023, and will become their new home. “The second floor has both North and South Main Street views. It really is the heart of the community,” she said. “We can look out and see the Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn and watch the Veterans Day and Christmas parades from the window.” “We are excited to be downtown,” Stephanie added. “I have such a love for this community. I started volunteering when my boys got to the MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
age where they didn’t need me around so much anymore. Getting involved with the Noon Kiwanis Club really got me involved in the community and increased my awareness of all the opportunities we have to offer. We have a community college, a major hospital, locally owned shops and restaurants, industry and business, and all of these things in a small town. You get the small-town feel, but have larger city resources at your fingertips.” Stephanie and Brian want to honor the memory of David and his father, Sonny, for their contribution to our community and their business that operated for over 70 years. “We found the grand opening newspaper ad of Bryant’s Jewelry from 1961 that I display in my office,” she said. David passed away in the summer of 2023 during the building renovations but often stopped by to see its progress. “I was able to thank David for allowing me to love this building before his passing but would have liked him to see the renovations finished.” Stephanie said. With the repairs and updates the building has undergone, Stephanie and Brian hope the building stands another 100 years or more. “We’d love to see others take on the task of restoring more areas of our downtown, “ Townsell said. “It’s up to us to make our downtown a place we want to spend time.”
Small Business There is no doubt, small businesses in Madisonville and Hopkins County power our local economy and drive its economic growth. The Chamber of Commerce partners with other organizations including Hopkins County Economic Development, Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission, The City of Madisonville, Hopkins County Government, and other local leaders to continuously advocate. educate, and find creative ways to convey the significance of small businesses in our county. Working together we continue to flourish. Small Businesses are about stories. They are important for not only for the food, clothing, gifts, and services they provide us, but also for providing social interaction and connection to our community. Dan Rather, Journalist, said “Supporting small business is not just about commerce, It’s about community”. In our community they are the major job creators by providing employment opportunities for residents, they contribute to reduced unemployment rates and increase economic stability. They generate income and revenue within our community. They contribute to the local tax base, and it is reinvested in infrastructure, education, and public services.
Too often we think about small towns and form our opinion based on it’s population, location, entertainment, and access. We create a single image and pretty soon it’s all we can see. We forget the nuances, the opportunities, and the support a small community offers.
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We fail to recognize that some places are still writing their story., We forget about the Roads to travel Businesses to grow
The music to appreciate Love to find Food to taste Coffee to drink
Networks to build
Art to create
The sense of safety you feel
Reasons to celebrate
MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
Power
Our Local Economy and Economic Growth
They offer distinct products and services that can not be found in larger chain store and they add to the diversity and vibrance of our area. In Madisonville and Hopkins County, small businesses support each other, they tend to source goods and services from other local businesses, contributing to a more resilient local economy. They are often actively rooted in our community and actively participate in local events, and support local charities while building relationships with customers on a personal level. They have played a significant role in revitalizing and rejuvenating areas. They have transformed vacant spaces into thriving commercial areas, attracting foot traffic, and improving the overall aesthetic appearance of our community. Local small businesses benefit from networking and collaboration. The chamber of commerce provides a platform for businesses to connect and provides support, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
Parks to get lost in
bigger, and your friendships become stronger.
A lifestyle to enjoy Worship worth being a part of, and a community to fall in love with.
And those are the opportunities. Come write your next chapter with us and explore the infinite possibilities
And the funny thing is when you start to notice these things your opinions of the place start to change. Your single image broadens, your world gets MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
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Ready, Aim, Fun. Some say the phrase, “all roads lead to Rome” was coined in 1175 by the French poet Alain de Lille, but that saying will soon change in 2024 thanks to the Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission. “All roads lead to Hopkins County.” If there is one thing western Kentucky is known for, it’s tangy, smoky, fall-off-the-bone barbecue. Though new restaurants regularly pop up all over the United States, few regions in the nation can boast the same authentic history that ours can, and we are ready to share our signature hickory flavor with the world. Madisonville is the newest stop on the Western Kentucky BBQ Trail, a showcase of prime eateries from Louisville to Paducah. In 2024,
three of Hopkins County’s finest barbecue restaurants will join 16 others that now exist along the culinary trail. Swaggy P’s Country Market in Hanson, for one, delights with its old-time country store charm and serves ribs, barbecue baked potatoes, BBQ quesadillas and burritos. The greatest feature of the Western Kentucky Barbecue Trail is that it is open every day of the year, rain or shine, unlike other one- or two-day barbecue-related events and festivals in the region. According to the World Food Travel Association, visitors spend about 25 percent of their travel budget on food, much of which will undoubtedly be headed our way through hungry foodies in search of a new flavor experience. “This is a unique opportunity for us to market and promote our county,” said Colbi Ferguson, the commission’s communications manager. “It is exciting to work with other tourism partners on projects like this, and we do have a regional tourism group that we work with. These projects open us up to other communities and partners, all of us reaching outside of our regions, and them to our community.” Also new in 2023-24 is the West Kentucky Brewery Hop, where Madisonville’s own Tradewater Brewing Company has been added as a prime stop along the way, joining Owensboro, Glasgow, Murray, Bowling Green,
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BBQ and beer target for Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission
MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
Hopkinsville, Paducah, Henderson, and Marshall County. Each city has its own unique brewery(s) to visit along the trail, and similar to the barbecue trail, the West Kentucky Brewery Hop will feature a digital passport that explorers can access online, earning points at each stop which can be redeemed later for a prize. “Ted (Webb) is very excited about the collaboration and participating along the trail,” said Commission Director Trish Noel. “It will definitely attract even more people to his brewery.”
Madisonville is also home to the Big Blue Chair, located at Beard’s Park on the corner of North Main and Sugg streets. The Adirondack-style chair, which stands several feet tall and
can comfortably seat four adults at once, is now part of Kentucky’s “Larger than Life” roadside attractions list. The chair has been the main feature of Beard’s Park and has delighted locals and tourists for 10 years. Sporting events have drawn crowds to Hopkins County for even longer than that. The Kentucky State Disc Golf Championships are held in Madisonville every autumn. Before Mahr Park Arboretum was established in 2016, the championships were solely held at Madisonville City Park. The event has become so successful that both parks are utilized for the three-day event and hosts anywhere from 100150 players across the United States.
The West Kentucky Archery Complex, located at Exit 111 just off I-69, is home to Mid-South Collegiate Archery Conference and Class A State High School Archery Shoot. Archery as a sport has exploded in popularity in recent years, and since its opening in 2014, the 18,000 sq. ft. facility has accommodated 56 indoor NFAA shooting lanes and enough seating for 400. Madisonville and Hopkins County offers a variety of unique experiences, whether they be food, sports or good, old fashioned diversion. The Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission has information about the newest local attractions, in addition to all others that have been around for years, available at www.visitmadisonvilleky.com.
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Now in its 33rd season, the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts is set to entertain audiences for yet another year -- and this time with a brand-new director and excitingly lower ticket prices. Whether it is community theater, a musical, an interactive children’s show or a rock n’ roll concert, The Glema always has it on the lineup. What is more, this year no evening costs more than $30 per person, which is no small feat for a venue that is regaining momentum after a twoyear pandemic hiatus.
The venue’s new director, Todd Birdsong, is ready for the challenge. The 55-year-old Paducah, Kentucky native was previously the director of the Clemens Fine Arts Center, which is also part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Prior to serving as director for five years, he was the technical director of the same venue. The Clemens Center holds about a third of the seating as the Glema, but offered similar entertainment to the current Glema Mahr Chamber Music and Coffeehouse series, which gives audiences the opportunity to have intimate evenings with the specific artist. Birdsong’s former venue also housed art space like our own Ann P. Baker Gallery. 22
“I feel very good and at ease,” he said. “Everyone has been really welcoming. I’m not just talking about the staff, I’m talking about everybody from volunteers to former employees and artists. Everybody that I have meet, whether it is staff, faculty, or the public, has been very nice and welcoming.” Birdsong, a visual and sound artist himself, is also a jack-of-all-trades of theater, a must for his new role in Madisonville. Brad Downall, former Director, retired after 30 years of dedication to The Glema Mahr Center for the Arts and Madisonville Community College. “Brad and I have similar backgrounds,” he said. “You have to learn to be a carpenter, an electrician and plumber. You have to be someone who understands rigging, and at the same work with other talented people, light and sound. Having that knowledge helps you more clearly communicate with people. “Every profession has its special language, and if you know how to speak it, it makes things go much smoother,” he added. As for the future in Glema programming, Birdsong hopes to find opportunities to highlight local talent, as well as introduce audiences to nontraditional entertainment such as performance art. “I think it is important to not only educate audiences but to also push them MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
into a direction that is a little unfamiliar, to expose them to art that is a little different and nontraditional,” he said. “Madisonville is only a little smaller than Paducah, but every city has a small pocket of folks who do enjoy something along those lines.” Every town also has it independent artists, each with their own built-in fanbase. “We had our version of the Coffeehouse Series that was named Backstage Pass, it was a singer/ songwriter style that was mainly local and regional,” Birdsong said. “They all have a following, they all have families, and I am a big champion of supporting local and regional artists. The more that I stay in Madisonville, I would like to bring that approach here as well.” Birdsong lives with his wife, Laura, and four children in Paducah. “The Glema will be in good hands,” Downall said. “The college brought in an experienced arts presenter who has had many years of experience.” The Glema Mahr Center for the Arts is located on the Madisonville Community College campus at 2000 College Drive in Madisonville. For ticket information on individual shows, visit glemacenter.org or call 270-821-2787.
Crafting a Corner of Downtown
Ruby Junction home to Madisonville’s first craft brewery
Mama always said that life was like a glass of craft beer, ‘cause in Madisonville, you never know what you’re gonna get.
Only a few weeks after opening a micro-brewery in Ruby Junction, Ted Webb couldn’t produce enough suds in one week to whet the whistles of his thirsty weekend crowd. A happy problem for him, but a very fortunate opportunity for his guests – they often get what they want, but they always have the chance to try something new. Whether you’re looking for a pale ale, stout, or just “a little something different,” Webb has a recipe for it up his sleeve. In fact, Webb has more than a dozen types of beer on tap, though availability does vary depending on customer demand. In short, Webb is selling his custom brewskis faster than he can make them. So if you want to try the newest creation, you’d better come in early. Tradewater Brewing Company opened its doors on May 26, 2023 at 111 Arch Street, the former home of Ruby Concrete, one of Madisonville’s longest-running businesses. As a nod to the past, Webb has fully embraced the likeness of his corner of Ruby Junction, and absorbed the history of the 150-year-old company to create a completely unique, family-friendly community space. Consumption of alcohol is completely optional. If you’re not at home, and you’re not at work, consider Tradewater Brewing Company your third option. 23
In addition to its namesake wares, Tradewater Brewing also hosts outdoor food trucks and a large indoor hall focused on Ruby Concrete imagery, plenty of familyfriendly seating and games like beanbag toss, oversized Connect Four and Jenga. Children and teetotalers are perfectly welcome.
“I am trying to make sure we have a place where people feel comfortable no matter their background,” Webb said. “If you have a friend who just wants to shoot some cornhole, I’m not going to judge you for not having a beer, grab a water! I want to be as much a community-focused place as anything else and building that type of environment for people is very important to me. This is not a roadhouse or a dive bar. You’ll find that people who come here are very different than the people you’ll find at a nightclub or bar.” For those who do imbibe, Tradewater Brewing covers the gamut. Webb has created a special Ruby Junction Pale Ale, Clifty Creek Cream Ale, American IPA, American Pilsner, English Golden Ale and Belgian Witbier, just to name a few. MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
His most popular creations thus far have been the Mango Pale Ale and Oatmeal Stout, which sold out in only a couple of weekends. There is even a 1900 Kentucky Common that Webb brews pre-prohibition-style, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to see how Kentucky beer used to taste more than 100 years ago. “There are over 200 different styles of beer and trying to nail one down can be tricky,” Webb said. “Part of the trick is learning that you can drink a lot of beer and have a lot of fun, but not remember the next day. This trains yourself to be able to taste the right things and wrong things, which is super important. “If I am not happy with it, you will never know because you’ll never try
it,” he added. “If it doesn’t pass my quality checks, it will never see the light of day.”
I want people to be excited that part of their beer came from the state they’re living in.”
The 33-year-old Dawson Springs resident has been brewing at home since his days at Alma College in Michigan, but it wasn’t until the 2020 pandemic that Webb utilized the quarantine as a means to explore his hobby further with his family, churning out and eventually hitting the legal limit of gallons allowable for home brew. In 2021, Webb took several of his creations to the Kentucky State Fair and walked away with nine medals.
Though less than 12 months into operation, Webb is already looking forward to growth, including adding the option of cans to-go and operating more than two days a week.
Now with more than 100 awards from various regional competitions under his belt, opening a brewery in Hopkins County was inevitable. As the building itself, the beer too, retains a local flair.
Tradewater Brewing Company’s corner of Ruby Junction is the newest addition to the one-block development project, which is headed by Garrigan Building and Construction. The ongoing project includes new home construction and retail, office and commercial possibilities. The brewery is also the newest addition to the Western Kentucky Brew Hop, a exploratory tourist trail of 13 breweries across 9 western Kentucky cities.
“About 40 percent of the grain we use in our recipes is Kentucky grown from Cynthiana,” Webb said. “I try to work it in wherever we can. There is a little taste of Kentucky home, so to say, and that is trying to tell the story too.
“As long as people continue to show up and support us, I will continue to make world class beer,” he said. “Going in, we wanted to use something that was part of the community and turn something that Mr. Ruby built and loved into something for the community.”
MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
“This whole spot is going to change the city, and we are kind of at the forefront of that,” Webb said, “It is exciting to think about five years from now. I can’t imagine what’s going to happen.” “Community building is beneficial to us and beneficial to everyone else. When the sportsplex and Ruby Junction are done, the future of Madisonville and its ability to support community development is looking up,” he added. “There is a lot coming in the future of the city and what local businesses are doing. The sky is the limit.” Tradewater Brewing Company is open from 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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Recipe for Success The key ingredients for success are faith, family, a strong work ethic, and respect for others.
rural event hosting, and a leadership role at Madisonville’s primary convention center.
Sherri Buchanan, owner of Catering and Creations in Madisonville, possesses a diverse skill set in event planning and culinary arts, and this versatility has yielded remarkable rewards. What was initially a small endeavor on Seminary Street 12 years ago has transformed into a substantial brick-and-mortar catering business, a mobile food truck, an opportunity in
Her remarkable journey began as a response to a devastating tornado on November 15, 2005, which wreaked havoc in Earlington and southeastern Madisonville, causing extensive damage to homes and injuring many. Sherri, along with fellow members of Grapevine Baptist Church, rallied to cook in large quantities for displaced families taking shelter there. Although
Credo Pointe, Event Center, White Plains, KY 25
MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
Sherri had limited culinary experience before this disaster, she found the work not only fulfilling but also ignited her passion for cooking. With determination Sherri and her husband Jamie, honed their culinary skills using family recipes, investing time and effort, and enduring trial and error. “We started taking on more responsibilities for the church, and people began inquiring about our services for weddings,” Sherri recalled. “Eventually, we decided to take the plunge and do it the right way.” Catering and Creations made its debut on Seminary Street in late 2012, much to the satisfaction of the hungry population in Hopkins County. Clients were so impressed with Sherri’s “family recipe” menu, featuring casseroles, roasted meats, pasta, southern sides, specialty salads, and baked goods, that less than two years
later, the Buchanans were already seeking larger establishments. Now located at its permanent home at 3295 North Main Street, Catering and Creations offers two-in-one catering services and an event venue. The much larger facility also allows for faster, more bountiful, and more efficient work. In 2017, Jamie and Sherri expanded their business significantly by introducing C&C Express, a mobile food truck offering a menu distinct from traditional wedding or family reunion fare. With offerings like southwest chicken nachos, barbecue, lemon shake-ups, and more. With Jamie at the helm of this project, it is no surprise that C&C Express received accolades such as Best Presentation and People’s Choice at the 2019 Evansville Food Truck Festival, and was even featured in the May 2018 issue of Kentucky Monthly Magazine. “It’s essentially a restaurant on wheels,” Sherri explained. “In our North Main building, I know exactly what I need and how much to order, giving me control over my expenses, labor, and overhead. On the food truck side, it’s more unpredictable, but it provided us with a new level of exposure.” Recognizing the explosive popularity of food trucks, especially in Madisonville, Sherri entered this scene early and with great success. As if these achievements were not enough, the Buchanans expanded their endeavors once more in the late summer of 2023. They unveiled Credo Pointe, an event venue in White Plains, located in the former Lifepointe Church on Red Hill Road. This 9,700-squarefoot pole barn structure is now available for bookings for weddings, parties, and other gatherings. Sherri views this new venture as a challenge that complements their existing services. She expressed her appreciation for the warm reception they have received from the local community. As she reflects on the past 18 years,
which have taken her from a church kitchen to the helm of a catering business, event venues, and leadership at the county convention center, Sherri attributes her success to the values instilled in them by their families, who each have a strong commitment to serving others. Additionally, the business’s continued success and growth have been impacted by involvement with the local Chamber of Commerce and Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation. “My father overcame adversity, worked tirelessly, and built a life for himself,” she remarked. “The values of hard work and treating others with respect have been instilled in me from birth, and our family plays a significant role in our business.”
and respect. The most rewarding aspect of her business is the diverse and meaningful relationships she has cultivated, both professionally and personally, as they represent the heart of what she does. It is a source of immense satisfaction to do business with a wide range of people and serve her community.
Her father, at 81 years old, still remembers the number of lemon shake-ups he made at the fair. For Sherri, her success can be distilled from the core values of faith, family support, hard work, and treating people with kindness MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
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May the Workforce be with You In the Star Wars universe, to become a Jedi Knight, one must search of the swamps of Dagobah for the guidance and training of Master Yoda. Luckily, here in Hopkins County, we don’t have to go through all of that trouble. Anyone who wants to seek out or become a master of their trade doesn’t have to complete the Kessel Run in less than 12 parscecs. They just have to call Madisonville Community College and ask for Mike Davenport. Whether for the benefit of employer or employee, Davenport and his staff help learners to become masters, and so the circle stays complete. MCC’s Workforce Solutions is the ultimate resource for employers seeking high-quality talent, and the preeminent resource for workers looking for high-demand, extremely well-paying jobs. Workforce Solutions finds work from either perspective, from start to finish, and they have been doing it for almost 40 years. “We have more people in this department, and more academic students, over one semester than any single department,” said Davenport, director of Workforce Solutions. “We are their advisor and administrator, and we’ve got CDL and lineman [programs] going on constantly.” 27
One of Workforce Solution’s shining stars is Ahlstrom, a global industry whose Madisonville factory celebrated yet another multi-milliondollar expansion this year. Britney Mitchell, who served as job profiler for Workforce Solutions, personally hand-selected which applicants would man the new facility.
“Just about every company in Madisonville utilizes this,” Davenport said. “Job profiling has been around forever, but people don’t know about it. We’ve done profiling all over the United States, because Britney was the only person who could do it. Britney was doing it for other colleges around the state.”
Mitchell visited Ahlstrom’s global headquarters in Finland, where she profiled relevant job titles, entered what she learned into a database upon her return to Kentucky, and focused her talent search on the specific skills needed for each local job. Using this method, the new Madisonville factory had its manpower in place and already trained by opening day.
Mitchell was so good at it, in fact, that she is now employed by Ahlstrom as a salesperson for their newest product, a glass fiber substrate used for building materials.
“The database kicks out the types of exams or testing that is needed for the applicant,” Davenport said. “It is not to see if they can do the job, but if they are capable of being trained to do that job.” For the Ahlstrom expansion, MCC Workforce Solutions tested two levels of training -- this included several hundred applicants -- and whittled down the hopefuls to a pool of 51 -- the absolute best talent that western Kentucky has to offer. The process is common, but remains a best kept secret to those outside administrative roles. MADISONVILLE - HOPKINS COUNTY
“It is all workforce development,” said Jay Parrent, MCC’s vicepresident. “We are full-service workforce development that can help train, profile, hire, fire and assist in the interview process. We are there from start to finish.” While a large portion of Workforce Solutions’ work is preparing people for jobs best suited for them, it can also further train workers who already excel in their trades. In July 2023, Workforce Solutions sent 265 local coal miners to the Mine Academy on School Avenue and spent a fortnight, one Saturday each for a group of 160, to train in annual requirements such as roof control, mine rescue smoke and first aid. Without the availability of Davenport and MCC, this mandatory training would have had to be completed entirely out-of-state.
In fact, without Workforce Solutions’ electrical lineman program, which is now celebrating its fifth year, western Kentucky men and women interested in electrical work would have to travel to Georgia or Tennessee to obtain proper schooling. This is a field in which MCC isn’t ashamed to brag that it has a 100 percent placement record for graduates seeking an electrical career. The course, which is typically a 16week class that comes with a $20,000 price tag at other universities, Madisonville Community College can do in half the time and at considerably lower cost. And students walk away with a CDL license and also get to take their tools home with them -- for keeps. “I don’t think you could find better examples,” Parrent said. “This is what a community college can do. It gets it done so much faster than a university, and we manage to do it where students get academic credit and financial aid for it.”
MCC’s lineman program is currently so popular, the waiting list is now more than a year -- but it is a program worth waiting for due to the nature of the work, the pay, and the high demand for it. Workforce Solutions also hosts a popular kids’ camp every summer that introduces youngsters to a college setting and also gives them fun and exciting STEM-related challenges, such as finding Bigfoot, making cola fountains, or creating slime. As it has for years, Workforce Solutions will continue nurturing our industry’s demand for live manpower, and cultivate a pool of high-quality
workers to fill those much-needed, hands-on positions. “You can’t outsource it, you can’t AI it and you can’t robot it,” Parrent said. “You still have to have people driving trucks, you have to have linemen putting poles under the ground, and these kinds of things are going to be around for a long time. For more information on Workforce Solutions’ programs and specialties, call 270-821-2250, and May the Workforce be with You.
35 Dulin Street • Madisonville, KY 42431 Phone 825-1763
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We're Ready To See You Be seen at our two convenient Madisonville locations.
HEALTHPLEX
MULTICARE
Dr. Bob Holzknecht and his team have been treating colds, flu and minor injuries for many years. Now located at Owensboro Health’s new Healthplex, we offer:
Owensboro Health’s family medicine team can help you stay healthy all year. Practicing in the historic Multicare building, we offer:
• WALK-IN URGENT CARE • PEDIATRICS, PAIN MANAGEMENT & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH • RADIOLOGY & LABORATORY SERVICES • OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE • ORTHOPEDICS CONSULTATIONS
• ANNUAL PHYSICALS AND WELLNESS CHECKS • MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS • TREATMENT OF COLDS AND FLU • RADIOLOGY, INCLUDING MRI • PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES • LABORATORY SERVICES
The Healthplex is located off I-69 (Pennyrile Parkway), near exit 114.
Owensboro Health’s family medicine practice is located on South Main Street in Madisonville.
Owensboro Health Healthplex 510 Ruby Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat.- Sun., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 270-399-7900
Owensboro Health Multicare 444 South Main Street, Madisonville, KY 42341 Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 270-821-4444
OwensboroHealth.org/Madisonville