The Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority (EDA) welcomed representatives from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KYCED) and the national Site Selection Group (SSG) to Green River Commerce Park on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, for a project site visit. Attendees were: County Judge-Executive Larry Russell Bryant, Deputy Judge-Executive Bridget Compton, Larry Walker – EDA Board Chairman, Doyle Lloyd – EDA Board Vice-Chairman, Tim Hardwick – EDA Board Member, Richard Phelps – EDA Board Member, and EDA Consultant and site visit host Heather Spoon.
The visit focused on Adair County’s ongoing efforts to secure funding for the construction of a 40,000 sq. ft. speculative building on the EDA’s Certified Build-Ready Pad — a project designed to attract new industry and high-quality career opportunities to the community.
During the visit, Chris Schwinden with Site Selection Group praised Adair County’s progress, stating that “Adair County is the poster child for how KPDI is done.”
During the presentation, EDA consultant Heather Spoon focused on gratitude and hope – gratitude for what KPDI funding has allowed the EDA to do in Green River Commerce Park in the past 2 years; and hope for what is to come! She also expressed thanks to the EDA Board for their support and vision for Adair County, emphasizing the importance of local investment in long-term job creation.
“The EDA works diligently to create opportunities for careers — not just jobs,” said Spoon. “Manufacturing and industry-related investment bring stability to families and growth to our local tax base. Every building and every job adds lasting value to Adair County.”
Economic development plays a critical role in sustaining local services. Large capital investments such as industrial buildings contribute to property tax revenue, while new employment opportunities increase occupational tax income—both essential sources of funding for schools, infrastructure, and community services.
The EDA also extended appreciation to the Adair County Fiscal Court for their continued partnership. Each year, the Court passes the state-allocated TVA funds—$153,846 annually—to the EDA for economic development initiatives. Rather than retaining these funds for economic development projects of their own, the Court entrusts the EDA to leverage these funds strategically for grant matching and job creation projects.
If awarded, the proposed KPDI grant would help fund a large percentage of a $2 million speculative building project at Green River Commerce Park—further enhancing Adair County’s readiness to welcome new businesses and employers. “This round of KPDI funding is especially competitive,” Spoon explained. “With the required local match reduced from 50% to 15% for Adair County and even 10% for others, many more communities across Kentucky are able to apply. That means competition is tougher than ever — but Adair County is ready, and our preparation puts us in a strong position.”
Spoon concluded, “This visit was a positive step forward. It showcased not only the progress we’ve made, but the partnerships that make it possible. The EDA’s mission is to prepare for the future of Adair County, and today’s visit reaffirmed that we’re on the right path.”
The EDA always likes to do things that are memorable for their guests, so the presentation was made on site, using a TV in the back of Spoon’s SUV. Since the visitors were pressed for time, the EDA provided box lunches prepared by local small business, Gathering 66 Memories, for the road. Special touches like this are what have proven to set Adair County apart from the rest!
Photos from the site visit can be found in this Google Drive folder.
(Columbia Adair Economic Development)