Ray Hagerman, MHCEDC President
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The speed of the leader determines the pace of the pack.” In fact, that saying was on a poster I once treasured. As a young first lieutenant in the Air National Guard anxious to make my mark, I couldn’t wait to put those words into practice.

When the commander of our squadron put me in charge of convoying our 52-member radar unit (along with equipment) from Gulfport, MS to Alcoa, TN, I knew this was my chance to make the trip in record time and show my leadership ability.
All I had to do was to keep a constant fast pace up front and everyone would follow accordingly. Just for insurance, I made sure that my number two was in back to push the laggards (for context, think of an endless line of military vehicles you see on the interstate that causes civilian road rage). My trophy run did not go quite as planned. I never anticipated a deuce and a half running out of gas, another truck literally getting lost, a radar van flat tire nor my designated yeller in the back losing all radio communications. We limped in about four hours late and the commander was furious. Predictably, I went home and tore that poster off the wall. I made up my own quote, which read, “the speed of the leader determines the pace of the pack, as long as each pack member is fully trained, has a great attitude, is properly resourced, is aware of (and understands) the plan with all its complexities and the leader is in control of all variables.” I learned a lot with that experience.

As a community we need to move rapidly toward what we believe is a bright future. We have more jobs than we have people in the labor force. Leadership throughout the community is committed and getting things done. Nevertheless, we can only go as fast as our people can. Not everyone is qualified for the jobs we have. Despite many in the community excelling, we have many that are not. I implore everyone in the community to commit themselves to excellence, lifelong learning and hard work. But also to open their hearts to help even one other person or family in the community to raise its standard of living, its education level and its quality of life. The speed of the pack depends upon it.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP, RUTHANN PADGETT
The Pennyrile ADD (PeADD) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) COVID-19 Business Relief Working Capital Loan Program was established to assist businesses in the industrial, commercial, agricultural, and service sectors that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is designed to have an impact on restoring the economic growth of the region.
COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF WORKING CAPITAL LOAN
  1. Projects must be located in Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Todd, and Trigg Counties.
  2. Project must be in the industrial, commercial, agricultural, and service sectors.
  3. Loans will be used for meeting short term (3 months) working capital needs such as payroll, fixed asset debt, rent, utilities, supplies, inventory management, and/or payments to suppliers.
  4. Loans will range from $5,000 to $25,000.
  5. Maximum Terms: Up to 36 months with six (6) month deferral from the date of loan closure.
  6. Low interest rates will be offered ranging from 0.5% to 2.44%.
  7. A blanket lien (UCC) will be filed on “all available business assets”.
KENTUCKY MOVERS AND MAKERS
March Hand Lettering 101 Class
Maker Josh Todd using 3D Printer
Maker Saturday Pop-Up Shop
INTERESTED IN JOINING KENTUCKY MOVERS AND MAKERS?
Kentucky Movers and Makers is home to Madisonville / Hopkins County's awesome community of makers, crafters and inventors.

The space is filled with a variety of equipment including:
CNC Wood Router
Wood Working Equipment
AP Lazer + Glowforge Laser Engravers
3D Printers
Metal Working
Textile room including: sewing, embroidery, serger + looms

Members receive training and exclusive discounts on classes/events.
Check out our website: www.kentuckymoversandmakers.com
HOPKINS COUNTY, KY JOBS
Hopkins County employers, are you utilizing the free job posting website that we have created? As an employer, you can submit a job online and choose which category(s) you would like the position to be posted. Our goal is to help provide an opportunity for qualified applicants to find your job listing, fast! These listings are kept on the website, posted on Facebook, and emailed weekly to hundreds of job seekers.
Job Seekers, We invite you to take a moment to check out our new and improved Hopkins County, KY Jobs website. You are now able to search for a job by category, which enables you to search for jobs of your interest and/or experience. Check often, as jobs are updated every week!
KENTUCKY INNOVATION STATION EVENTS
Register for classes below. In person class space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. All classes will be held at Kentucky Movers and Makers AND Zoom. Must choose registration type when registering.
Cyber Security Tips for Ten Minutes @ 10 Every Friday
KENTUCKY MOVERS AND MAKERS EVENTS + TRAINING
WOOD SHOP 101
4/6/21
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Non-Members - $15.00 
Members- $5.00 (please use promo code) 
Registration required. 

Required Age: 18 + up
HAND LETTERING 101
4/13/21
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Non-Members - $38/each
Members - 10% off (use promo)

This price includes all materials. Registration required.

Want to learn how to letter for your business chalkboard (or for fun)? This is the class for you!
DROP-IN TOURS
4/13/21
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
FREE

Have you been wondering what Kentucky Movers and Makers is? Take this opportunity to drop-in and take a tour on Tuesday. Staff will be at the space to help answer questions and show you around! No need to call, just head on over to the space between 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
2-PART SEWING CLASS
4/14/21 + 4/21/21
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Non-Members $45.00
Members - 10% Off (use promo code)

Registration required.

Beginners Welcome! Participants will be making "Fat Sacks" Grocery Bags, perfect for the Farmer's Market and shopping local!
COOKIE DECORATING CLASS
4/17/21
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Non-Members $25.00
Members - 10% Off (Use promo code)

Registration required.
Recommended age: 5-100
MAKER SATURDAY POP-UP SHOP
4/24/21
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
FREE

Join us at Kentucky Movers and Makers the on the 4th Saturday of every month to shop from your favorite local makers. Members from our space will be setting up a Pop-Up Shop inside the maker space to sell and showcase their goods! 
CRAFTS + CUPCAKES DOOR HANGER PARTY
4/29/21
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Non-Members - $45.00
Members - 10% off - (use promo code)

We've partnered with The Balloon Boss and Cupcakes by Night for a unique craft night!
(3 different sign options to choose from.)
Madisonville-Hopkins County
Economic Development Corporation| Website

Contact Us:
(270) 821-1939
Ray Hagerman, President - rhagerman@westcentralky.com
Ruthann Padgett, VP Operations - rpadgett@westcentralky.com
Melanie Tapp, Business Relationship Director - mtapp@westcentralky.com