HOPKINS COUNTY, KY (2/3/12) – “If it were not for this chamber’s supporting CLINK, there would not be I-69 shields up today, so keep pushing for I-69.”
These were the words of outgoing chamber board chairwoman, Amy Sanderson president of People Plus. “If the Western Kentucky chambers continue to partner together – You’ve got Henderson to Hopkinsville and Paducah and the lakes to Elizabethtown and to me on the map it looks like a diamond – we should be the Black Diamond of Western Kentucky so watch out Central Kentucky and your Golden Triangle the Black Diamond of Western Kentucky is making changes.”
Sanderson’s (pictured below) remarks were part of the Madisonville- Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon and Awards Presentation.
Thomas West, Executive Director, Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, (pictured below and to the right) addressed the gathering of over 250 business, educational, and community leaders. West pointed out the list of criteria for community to become a Work Ready Community:
1. High School graduation rates.
2. Education attainment. A degree over high school indicates 1 million more in earnings.
3. National Career Readiness Certificate.
4. Soft skills – leadership – attendance – communications skills.
5. Internet availability.
6. Community collaboration to leverage shrinking resources for Work Ready
“The employers in your area will be competitive in the world because you have a skilled, smart and competitive work force.” West said. He also said that Hopkins County officials have been working with his department and State of Kentucky to move the area ahead.
The Chamber also presented the awards:
1. Horizon Award presented by Lisa Moberly to Wendy Kolb, Giggles and Grins Consignment Boutique.
2. Small Business Award for employer under 50 employees presented by Shelia Carter to Kevin Cotton, Brother’s Bar-B-Que.
3. Business of The Year presented by Bruce West to Armstrong Coal Company, Kenny Allen.
4. Educator of the Year presented by Susanne Wolford to Darryl Patton.
5. Madisonville Community College Educator of the Year presented by Judy Rhoads to David Schuermer.
6. Murray State University Educator of the Year presented by Susan Edington to Donna Crouch.
7. Ambassador of the Year presented by Andy Rideout to Shauna Parker.
8. Volunteer of the Year presented by JAT Mountjoy to Richard George.
9. Loman Trover Healthcare Award presented by Allen Rudd to Dr. William J. Crump, Jr.
10. Bill Corum Community Service Award presented by Rick Welch to First United Bank accepted by Karen Glenn, president.
Incoming chair, Mary King, reviewed the various committee functions for the upcoming year and development efforts going forward as well as publications developed by the chamber.
Ron Sanders
SurfKY News
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