Cooperation, development linked at Industrial Authority event

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Photo by Tara Kaprowy

February 2, 2010

By Tara Kaprowy

The advantage of working together as a region, rather than just by individual county, was the focus of a talk at an appreciation luncheon sponsored last week by the London-Laurel County Industrial Authority.

“Our main goal is to continue the effort to bring our region together,” said Bruce Carpenter, executive director of the Corbin Economic Development Agency. “We can achieve sustainable economic growth by enhancing cooperation.”

Carpenter told members of the business, utility and industry community he is seeing counties band together across the country to attract industry and to spur economic development. The phenomenon is taking place in places like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Houston, Wisconsin and New York and New Jersey.

“They were going in numbers to promote their region,” he said. “The more I looked at this, the more I realized we really need to come together.”

The latest region to unite is a group of nine counties surrounding Danville, with nine economic development offices and nine offices working together.

“The biggest thing is the cost effect,” he said. “They brought their resources together.”

Carpenter proposed Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, Whitley and McCreary counties likewise form a region.

“I’m saying we market the counties,” he said. “We all talk the talk that we want to work as a region ... Now, we have the opportunity to walk the walk.”

If that is the case, all counties benefit, Carpenter said. He cited Aisin Automotive Casting as an example, whose workforce comes from 16 counties.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” he said.

Carpenter attended the luncheon at the Heritage Hills Banquet Hall.

“We wanted you all here to simply say thank you,” Industrial Authority Chairwoman Susan Hodges told the crowd of about 40. “We appreciate every one of you and the pivotal role you play in our county.”

Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.