In an annual update from the Economic Development Corporation, Executive Director Brittaney Johnson hinted at some upcoming expansions for Kimberly Clark and Southern Star Gas Pipeline, as well as some 2020 initiatives that are expected to increase the educational workforce and entrepreneurship in the local area.
Johnson said building relationships at the state level is important as well as business retention and expansion. She said 80 percent of the growth in Owensboro/Daviess County comes from existing businesses.
Two of the EDC’s major expansion projects for 2020 have received preliminary approval. Kimberly Clark’s preliminary approval for a $19 million expansion includes zero job creation but will provide an on-site high-efficiency power and steam production facility.
Southern Star was preliminarily approved for a $3.3 million expansion that would create 13 additional jobs, as well as office space, upgrades to the parking lot and infrastructure improvements.
A timeframe for these multi-million dollar projects has not been confirmed as both expansions are still in the early stages of approval.
For 2020, the EDC has also created a new education and industry taskforce comprised of educators, superintendents and members of Owensboro’s higher education institutions that have been working to promote an educational workforce. Johnson said 151 businesses out of the 7,200 have been targeted for this initiative.
Johnson said continued investment and the ability to retain quality, well-paying jobs for Daviess County residents, and those throughout the region, will continue to be priorities for the EDC in 2020.
