CARROLLTON, Ky. (February 2004) – To become more attractive to developers, industries and potential new business owners, Carroll County must continue to improve its education, quality of life, housing and health care services. That was part of the message presented Jan. 21 during the annual shareholders meeting of the Carroll County Community Development Corp.

Photo by Don Ward CCCDC director Joseph Graves.

Using a committee approach, members of the CCCDC presented their findings after conducting several surveys of businesses in the county at the organization’s luncheon meeting, held at Gen. Butler State Resort Park’s Conference Center.
Patrick Jennings, Kentucky’s newly appointed Deputy Commission of Agriculture, made the keynote address in place of Commissioner Richie Farmer, who could not attend. Then various committee chairmen outlined the survey method and listed their findings.
Then CCCDC executive director Joseph Graves gave a summary of the organization’s accomplishments from last year and its goals for 2004.
As the state’s third smallest (geographically) and with a population of only 10,000, Carroll County has a lot going for it, but we must do more,” Graves told the group.
Listing the positives of 2003, Graves said retail sales increased 126 percent in the past five years, well above the state average of 87 percent. He cited a statistic showing Carroll County as rating No. 5 in the country for expansion by European companies. He said the annual Relay For Life in Carrollton to benefit the American Cancer Society is annually ranked in the top 10 in the Northern Kentucky Region in proceeds. And the Carrollton Kroger store received the top rating among Kroger stores throughout the Mid-South Division.
On the downside, Graves noted the announced mid-2004 closing of Kentucky Ladder, but he vowed to work to bring in new jobs for displaced workers by luring new business to the county. He said an announcement is expected soon in that regard. The CCCDC also has offered to provide arbitrators to help settle the Ameriform labor strike, which continues.
Graves noted several changes taking place in Carrollton, notably the demolition of two tobacco warehouses on Highland Avenue, and the new retail complex at the intersection of Hwys. 42 and 227. “You can watch for even more development to take place at the old Blue Gables Court location next year,” he said.
Finally, Graves noted the new road widening of Hwy. 227, the redesigned intersection at Hwys. 42 and 227, and the paving of streets throughout town, all of which have improved traffic flow, he said.
Committee chairs also made brief reports. Bill Welty presented the findings of the Quality of Life committee; Malcolm Carraco discussed commercial issues; and Mike Gordon addressed concerns by local industries.
In his report, Welty cited the growing Hispanic population in the county. His committee recommended producing a brochure in Spanish to better educate and direct Hispanic residents about the services offered in the county.