The Springfield-Washington County Economic Development Authority has committed $300,000 to upgrade natural gas infrastructure that will enhance capacity and increase pressure in existing Springfield industrial zones. Beginning with enhancements that will support commercial users in the industrial corridor along HWY 555, and also upgrading 2,000 feet of existing 4" gas line along Corporate Dr., to 8" high density polyethylene. These upgrades are in response to recent industrial growth, and will support existing projects, as well aid in the recruitment of new developments to Springfield and Washington County.

The Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Springfield Campus hosted the Springfield-Washington County Chamber of Commerce "After Hours" event on March 12th. ECTC President Dr. Juston Pate was on hand with other members of ECTC staff to talk to guest about current and future offerings at the campus and take feedback from visitors on ways the college can continue to serve this region. Guest were also treated to a campus tour, that included virtual reality experiences in their wide range of programs. We are very fortunate to have this fantastic campus right here in our community, if you have never toured this facility, you are missing out you won't believe what they have to offer. To learn more and contact ECTC Springfield you can call (859) 336-1361

Guest heard remarks from ECTC President Dr. Juston Pate

A campus tour was hosted by Instructors, shown here is Industrial Maintenance director Phil Roberts in a robotics lab.

As part of the event, SWEDA was able to present ECTC with a $1,000 donation to support the development of a welding course at the Springfield Campus. Welding applies to a variety of different career pathways, including Industrial Maintenance, which is one of the degree programs offered at the Springfield campus. Shown here is SWEDA Director Daniel Carney, with ECTC Dean of Business Affairs Joe Mattingly. If you or your business are interested in getting involved and supporting the Springfield Welding program or any of the programs at the Springfield campus you can contact Dr. Megan Stith at megan.stith@kctcs.edu.

Washington County, KY sales of agriculture commodity according to the CEDIK 2022 Census of Agriculture Data Profile.

In March, Washington County High School hosted a number of events for local students to prepare and educate them on life after high school. These events coincided with ACT days for WCHS sophomores and juniors. First on March 12, all Washington County High School Seniors had the opportunity to sit down with community members and business leaders for a mock interview. The purpose of these interviews is to prepare students for similar situations as they prepare to graduate and head into a career or post-secondary education. This was a great event, and we were fortunate enough to participate. We were thoroughly impressed with every student we spoke with and know that all of our WCHS seniors have bright futures ahead. Special thanks to Washington High School staff and Terri Thomas with the Career center for Coordinating this event.

In conjunction with mock interviews, WCHS 9th and 11th graders were able to tour Springfield Laundry and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission. Springfield Laundry is one of the communities' oldest companies and has grown and adapted their business extensively over the past 80 years. Students were able to tour their facility and learn about all of the different services they offer, as well as the variety of skills needed and careers available within their industry. At the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission students were able to tour both water and wastewater plants, learning about water quality and maintenance of the infrastructure it takes to keep a water and wastewater system running smoothly. We want to thank Washington County High School for providing these opportunities, and special thanks to Springfield Laundry and Springfield Water and Sewer for stepping up and welcoming our local students! These types of partnerships between education, business and utility providers are so important and part of what make this community thrive.

John Hale with Springfield Water and Sewer speaks with students about the wastewater treatment process and water quality testing that is required.

SWEDA Director Daniel Carney visits with a WCHS senior as part of the recent Mock Interviews