Editorial: New Plant is a Win for All of Hardin County

Ours is a community with a long history of rallying around opportunity. The historic investment of Ford and SK Innovation at the Glendale megasite is an opportunity turned reality because of the strength of local and statewide partnerships, as well as the countless Hardin Countians who have invested in our community’s quality of life.

No single entity could ever dream to attract this game-changing project on its own. When I reflect on the work of the last two decades, it’s almost overwhelming to recount the efforts of the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation (EHCIF) and our community’s local economic development team. Because of the commitment of organizations like Hardin County Government, the City of Elizabethtown, Hardin County Water District No. 2 and many partnering engineers and contractors, boxes were checked for land preparation, utilities and infrastructure, with additional plans for an interstate exit ramp in proximity of the Glendale megasite. Because of innovative leadership at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, we could assure site selectors not only that our community offers broad educational opportunities, but also that we’ll be ready to train the future workforce. Because of forward-thinking organizations like Baptist Health Hardin, our school districts, and many others, we could tout the enhanced quality of life enjoyed in our community.

I can’t name every member of the local economic development team, and that’s because it includes nearly every member of this community. If you’re a small business owner or employee bringing new amenities to greater Elizabethtown, you contributed. If you’re building houses, you contributed. If you’re working for the well-being of our residents, you contributed.

There’s no doubt that our community has rallied around the opportunity presented in Glendale. Now, the promise of 5,000 jobs presents new opportunities we have yet to fathom.

It’s time to prepare not only for BlueOvalSK Battery Park itself, but also the workers and new residents it will attract. Elizabethtown and Hardin County will again rally to prepare for and welcome our new neighbors.

This historic announcement is a win for all to share. The future growth and vitality of our community will be as well.

Rick Games
EHCIF, President / COO