NEWS 25 - WEHT: Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro-Hancock Co. Sees Economic Development Moves

Hancock Co. Sees Economic Development Moves

story by Corey Allan

HANCOCK CO., KY - The sign on the Hancock County Industry Park lists four businesses, when it has room for ten. The county's new economic development leader Mike Baker hopes to turn signs like these full.

"Whether it be labor, location, infrastructure, things that are important to industry, he'll understand that and be able to find work with new industry in that area," said Hancock County Industrial Foundation board chair David Hamilton.

Baker says this is a good chance for him to stay involved in the county.

"There is no set agenda for specific industries," said Baker. "We're open to anything that uses what our county has to offer and provides jobs."

Along with his hiring, a new partnership with the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation.

"The agreement today really is just formalizing a lot of the things we've been doing for quite a while, and a good partnership that I think is going to be even better," said Greater Owensboro EDC president Nick Brake.

"Both counties have a lot to offer. It makes sense to combine efforts," said Baker.

Baker knows what it's like to be in charge. For 20 years, he was general manager at the Aleris Aluminum Rolling Mill in Lewisport. Hancock County leaders say his understanding of what the county has to offer, like its railroad system, is a great fit for Baker's new roll.

"Any industry that may be looking to locate and need those resources will certainly be looking in Hancock County," said Hamilton.

But when can the county start to see growth out of today's announcement? Brake says it takes time.

"We're going to target a lot of the kind of industries we've targeted over the years. We're going to jointly market those sites and the amenities of Owensboro and Hancock County to those prospects and hopefully we'll be successful," said Brake.