HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

From all of us here at the Crittenden County Economic Development Corporation and EdTech Center, have a "Very Merry Christmas"!

And, a Happy, Prosperous, Healthy NEW YEAR!

Stan Hoover, Executive Director

Dulcie Hardin, Educational Director

Jeanne Hodge, Administrative Assistant

And ALL the CCEDC Board of Directors, too!

2007/2008 Executive Board & Board Action

At the October 25, 2007 meeting of the Board of Directors of the Crittenden County Economic Development Corporation, the following were elected to serve as the executive board:

Gareth Hardin - Chairman
Ricky Brown Vice - Chairman
Dr. Johnny Newcom - Treasurer

We thank all our unpaid directors for the hard work they put into the organization!

2007 Investors Meeting

See a report from the 2007 Annual Investors Meeting

The Time's Coming Soon

Yes, we are very proud to announce that our speaker at our Annual Meeting on September 20, 2007 will be Kentucky State Senator Dorsey Ridley. We are looking forward to hearing about pertinent matters concerning Western Kentucky, Crittenden County, and our entire area.

Kentucky Representative Mike Cherry has informed us that he will also be joining us. We also look forward to comments from Rep. Cherry.

Since the meeting will be held at noon, we are providing a catered lunch. There will be selections such as chicken divan, pulled ham, twice baked potatoes, tossed salad, hot rolls, dessert and drink. Invited guests please call Jeanne at 270-965-9294 as soon as possible in order to have your meal reserved.

A Clearer Focus

The Crittenden County Economic Development Corporation sent their Executive Director Dr. Stan Hoover back to school last week!

Yes, Dr. Hoover spent the entire week in intensive training for economic development. He has returned with new and fresh ideas and a more clearly focused eye on the goal of economic development for Crittenden County.

Well done, Dr. Hoover.

Dirt Moving

Have you noticed?

The Industrial Park North, (IPN), located on U.S. 60 East is being prepared to receive occupants! Mounds of dirt are being moved to flatten the area and to create proper drainage.
Very soon the area will be ready to begin showing prospective businesses what we have to offer right here in Marion.

Fall College Courses at the EdTech Center

Once again the EdTech Center, with the cooperation of Madisonville Community College, is giving you an opportunity to take college credit classes right here in Marion. The Fall classes to be offered are:

100 RE Real Estate Principles I
200 RE Real Estate Principles II
160 BA Intro. to Business
101 ENG Writing I
130 RS Intro. to Comparative Religion (religious studies)
130 AN Intro. to Comparative Religion (anthropology)

Call us at 270-965-9294 if you would like a chance to better your future through education.

Learn To Drive A Semi

Want To Learn To Drive A Semi?

Are you interested in obtaining your license to drive a semi? Contact us at

270-965-9294. We are trying to determine if there is enough interest to sponsor

this class. So if you have ever thought about being an over the road or local haul

trucker, now is your chance to learn close to home.

Are You Bored Yet?

HAVE THE SUMMER DOLDRUMS SET IT YET?

We have just the answer for you. Why not take a summer community class at the EdTech Center. We have to have a minumum of five people in each class. So if you are interested sign up in advance to assure the class will be held.

Call 270-965-9294 to register.

June 9:

Square Hay Balers

Learn to service and maintain square hay balers.

Instructor: Willard Guill

June 8 - 6 pm - 8 pm at EdTech Center

June 9 - 12:30 pm - 2:30 am at Junior Beachy farm on Aunt Jane's

Tablernacle Road

Cost: $19

June 25:

Basic Computer Usage

Learn to use a personal computer. Participants are not

expected to know anything about computers. Registration

closes June 18.

Instructor: Amy Hardin, business instructor

Class dates: June 25 and 28 - 9:30 am until 11:30 am

Cost: $23

June 14, 28 and again on July 19:

College Entrance and Financial Aid

Meet with representatives of Madisonville Community College to

discuss college admission and financial aid

11 am - 2 pm

Cost: FREE

July 7:

Cherokee 101

An introductory course in the Cherokee language and culture.

Focuses on pronounciation, grammar, and basic sentence structure.

Registration closes on July 1.

Instructor: Brian Wilkes, director of the Standing Bear Foundation

July, 7, 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4

3 pm - 5 pm

Cost: $42

July 10:

Powerpoint

Learn to use Powerpoint softeare for presentations and electronic

scrapbooking. Registration closes July 3

Instructor: Amy Hardin, business educator

July 10 & 17, 6 pm - 8:30 pm

Cost: $28

July 12:

Communications Skills

Identify 4 basic communication styles of people and how to use

them to your advantage in daily life and work. Register before July

5

Instructor: Jim Littlejohn, West KY Education Coop.

July 12

9 am - 11 am

Cost: FREE

July 12:

Community Chess

Learn basic and intermediate chess. Bring your own chess board

if you have one. Register by July 5

Instructor: Brenda Foster

July 12, 19 and 26, 7 pm - 9 pm

Cost: $ 25

July 16:

Bad Check Collection

Learn how to minimize the number of bad checks your business

receives and how your county attorney can assist you. No pre-

registration needed.

Instructor: Rebecca Johnson, Crittenden County Attorney

July 16, 4 pm - 5:30 pm

Cost: FREE

July 17:

Paying For College

Better understand Financial Aid, where to find it, how to apply.

Register by July 12

Instructor: Doug Cook, KY Higher Education Assistance Authority

July 17, 6 pm

Cost: FREE

July 17:

Cell Phone Basics

Bring your cell phone. Learn basics such as setting ring tones, alarms, changing volume level, make and recieve calls, updating contacts, sending and receiving text messages and using camera to send picture, using Bluetooth and calendar. Registration ends July 10

Instructor: Toni Peek

July 17, 6 pm - 7:30pm

Cost: $9

July 19:

Forklift Certification

Class fulfills requirements for safe operation of a forklift. Must be sponsored by an existing business. Will receive certification which is good for three years.

Instructor: David Stooksbury of Black Equipment in Hopkinsville

July 19, 10 am - 1:pm

Cost: $ 59

July 19:

Stargazing

Learn how to use a telescope to discover the night sky. Telescopes

provided or bring your own. Register by July 12.

Instructor: Rob Towery

July 19, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm at Rocket Arena

July 24:

Cell Phones More Than Basics

This class goes a step further than than the beginning class, focuses

on advanced features. Register by July 17.

Instructor: Toni Peak

July 24, 6 pm - 7:30 pm

Cost: $9

August 16:

Smartboard

Informational session on using the new Smartboard at the EdTech

Center. Class will be hands-on. Register by Aug. 9

Instructor: Dulcie Hardin

August 16

9 am - 11 am

Cost: FREE

August 16:

Personal Finance

Learn how to gain control of and improve personal spending,

and budgets.

Register by Aug. 9

Instructor: Jim Littlejohn, W. KY Education Coop

Aug. 16, 9 am - 11 am

Cost: $ FREE

August 21:

Do's & Don'ts Of Interviewing

This course will help you sharpen skills such as open-ended questions, active listening and reading body language. Register by August 14.

Instructor: Judith Moore, M.C.C.

August 21, 9 am -

Cost: $ 15

August 27:

Professional Image

Your communication and image present the first impression. This

class helps you improve your image. Register by August 20.

Instructor: Judith Moore, M.C.C.

August 27, 6:30 pm

Cost: $ 15

The Bunny

The WKYQ 93.3 FM Bunny came to the recent Career Fair. WAS HE LOOKING FOR A JOB?

With him, he brought one of the WKYQ on-air personalities, the sales and marketing person for both stations and an on-air personality from WDDJ 96.9 FM.

If you weren't here that day, you missed a lot of fun, food, and job possibilities. There were companies here that day with over 500 positions to be filled.

See you next year!

A Big Thank You

Thank you so much, volunteers, employers, and the on-air personalities from WKYQ 93.3 FM and WDDJ 96.9 FM for your help at our May 7 Career Fair.

We had 20 employers here. One company had opening for 500 people. Another had two typed sheets of openings. We feel that we were able to help employers by exposing our regional workforce to different job alternatives as well as first time employees.

Tired Of Going Nowhere?

PROBLEM:

1. "I have to drag myself out of bed and make myself go to my boring, no future job."

OR

2. " I just wish I had a job to go to."

We May Have An Answer For You!

We Have a solution for you!

On May 7, 2007, from 12:00 noon until 6 PM, the Crittenden County Economic Development Corp., the West Kentucky Forkforce Development Board, and the Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce will be holding the Third Annual Crittenden County/Regional Career Fair.

This special event is being held at the EdTech Center located at 200 Industrial Drive in Marion, KY.

We have representatives from manufacturing, mining, medical facilities, military and college recruiters, and many more who will be here on that day to talk with you about finding that perfect job with their organization.

We also plan to offer short seminars that answer such questions as what is included in a good resume, and how to present yourself, dress and act during a job interview.

WKYQ will be here with the Q Rabbit to greet young and old alike. Also Electric 96.9 will be here to do their live remote broadcasts.

Light refreshments will be served throughout the day.

So, come check us out. We might have just the job for you!

Springtime in Crittenden County

You have to be here to experience Springtime in Crittenden County!

This picture was taken last year, a bit further into the season, right here locally. Okay, maybe our zinnias haven't bloomed yet this year, but when I looked into my yard over the past weekend I found dainty yellow jonquils, purple crocuses, and perhaps the prettiest of all, the fragile little pale pink blooms of our cherry trees.

If you have never visited Crittenden County now is the time to do so. Want to see gorgeous scenery? This is the place. Want to explore history? We've got it. Want to retire to a lovely showcase of creation? It's here. Want a place to start your new business or to move your business? We are ready to help you. Just give us a call at 270/965-9294. We're waiting to give you a warm Crittenden County welcome!

Airport Update

Have you seen lights circling in the night sky around Marion?

No, we don't have flying saucers. It is the night landing lights at the newly renovated Marion/Crittenden County Airport!

In a recent interview with an official of the airport board,
this writer found out that the new large hangar is now ready for use. The office building will be constructed next year and
perhaps the most exciting item is that the self-service
fuel system should be functional this summer.

Since many smaller airports no longer provide re-fueling services, this will make our local airport one of the most popular destinations for pilots in this area. This is particularly true in the late evening and night time hours when most re-fueling locations are closed.

Congratulations to the Marion/Crittenden County Airport and the supporting Board of Directors on the May 15, 2007 first anniversary of the re-opening of this field capable of handling corporate jets!

Just For The Fun Of It!

No, we haven't gone to the dogs but occasionally Marley, the dog, does stop in to see that all is well at the EdTech Center!

At the EdTech Center we offer higher education and workforce enhancement classes, but we also offer classes just for the fun of it!

Have you ever wondered how some people take those wonderful photos and yours look like a three year old snapped them? We have a class for you. On three consecutive Thursdays, March 15, 22, and 29, 2007, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM you can attend our Photography I class. Call 270/965-9294 today to register. The cost is only $20 for a lifetime of quality pictures!

Or, have you always secretly thought you'd make a great coach? We have a class to help you find out everything you want to know from coaching a little league team to working with a high school team. Crittenden County High School Rocket Football Coach Al Starnes will be teaching a class called Coaching Sports on two Thursday evenings, March 15 and 22, 2007. The class will meet from 6:30 - 8:30 PM and the cost is only $15. Call 270/965-9294 to register on or before March 8.

CEU's at the EdTech Center

Did you know that master electricians, electrical contractors and HVAC certified individuals MUST have required Continuing Education Units to maintain their license from the Commonwealth of Kentucky?

It's true and the EdTech Center is here to serve you!

We will be holding Electrical Contractor Continuing Education here at the EdTech Center in Marion, KY on Saturday, March 10, 2007. The class will run from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, with lunch provided by Farmers Bank & Trust Co. of Marion, KY. The cost is $94 and must be paid with registration at least one week in advance of the class. For more information or to register, call 270/965-9294.

HVAC Continuing Education class will be held here at the EdTech Center on Saturday, March 17, 2007, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM with the cost being $94. You must register at least one week in advance by calling the number above.

Electrician and Master Electrician Continuing Education class will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2007, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM with lunch provided by the Farmers Bank & Trust Co. of Marion. The cost is $66 and must be paid with registration at least one week in advance. Call 270/965-9294.

Come join us and get that mandatory training out of the way close to home!

Cost Cutting for College Courses

When I drove through town this morning the gasoline prices were at $2.29 per gallon. For most people in Crittenden County commuting to a two or four year institution of higher learning is becoming more of a budgetary issue each day.

According to Mapquest, if you live in Marion, you will travel the following mileage commuting to school each day.

Madisonville Community & Technical School: 93 miles round trip
Henderson Community College: 97.5 miles round trip
West Kentucky Community & Technical School: 110.6 miles round trip
Murray State University: 133.6 miles round trip

When you consider that most students go to school five days a week the resulting dollars going into the gas tank can be quite shocking. Why not consider saving money instead!

YES, it is no big secret that many of the beginning college courses offered by Madisonville Community & Technical School can be taken right here at home. The Crittenden County EdTech Center offers many of the beginning courses through both ITV (interactive television), and from certified teachers who teach here on site.

It's never too early to start thinking about the future. Watch for our full slate of classes coming in the Fall session.

Kentucky's Only Qualified Cherokee Language Teacher

Did you know that the Crittenden County EdTech Center has the distinction of having the only qualified Cherokee language teacher in Kentucky offering classes in this majestic Native American language?

Mr. Brian Wilkes has been recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky with the title of Colonel for his work in this field. Mr. Wilkes teaches both Cherokee 101 and 102 classes here at the EdTech Center in Marion, Kentucky.

Cherokee 101 begins on March 3, 2007 and is held each Saturday afternoon through the month under the auspices of the Standing Bear Foundation. It's not too late to register for this class. Just call 270/965-9294 and ask for details.

Looking for a Career?

Hello, everyone and welcome to news about the activities of the Crittenden County Economic Development Corporation and the Crittenden County EdTech Center.

First of all, mark your calendar for May 7, 2007. That's the date of the Crittenden County/Regional Career Fair to be held here at the EdTech Center from noon until 6 P.M.

If you are an employer looking for just the right employees, we welcome you to contact us. You can access registration information through our official website www.crittendencountyedc.com

If you are looking for a new career, come join us and meet with companies interested in people just like you!