The Union County Industrial Foundation, Inc. was established on May 30, 1990, when the original by-laws were adopted.  The Articles of Incorporation were filed on June 1, 1990, and the name was later changed to the Union County Economic Development Foundation.  The current name, Union County First, was approved by the board in May 2008.

The purpose of the corporation, as stated in the original document, is:

“. . . to promote and stimulate business, manufacturing, commercial and agricultural activity in Union County, Kentucky and the surrounding area, whereby the social and economic welfare of its residents will be improved.”

Over time, the Foundation needed a formal, legal group to deal with leases, loans and land/building purchases and the Union County Economic Development Authority was formed.  Formal by-laws and Articles of Incorporation were adopted in January 2008.

Union County First works closely with the local business community, schools, Henderson Community College, and Green River Area Development District (GRADD) to ensure that the county’s workforce is ready and equipped to face tomorrow’s challenges, as well as to make Union County, Kentucky a more desirable place for people to expand, relocate or start a new business.

Union County First understands that the best way to develop a community is from within. Because of that, Union County First is actively involved in many clubs and civic organizations, works hard to promote and support local business owners, and strives to provide opportunities for anyone who may be interested in entrepreneurship.

Among the many projects that Union County First is involved in are:

* Spearheads Union County’s Work Ready Community initiative that will give Union County an economic advantage and help to improve the county’s overall workforce. With this initiative, Union County First works closely with the local high school, community college and businesses to help increase the county’s educational attainment rate, high school graduation rate, NCRC rate, soft skills development, and digital literacy rate.

* Engages with various clubs, organizations and civic groups, such as the Union County Chamber of Commerce, Sturgis Kiwanis Club, Morganfield Lions Club, United Way, Union County Fair Board, and the Morganfield, Sturgis, Uniontown, and Waverly City Council.

* Works to provide industrial recruitment assistance along with supporting existing business and industry in Union County, Kentucky.

For more information on Union County First, please contact our office at (270) 389-9600.