Chris Kinnett, President & CEO of Knox County Development Corporation has dedicated over 18 years to furthering economic development in Indiana. For 14 years he served the Indiana Port Commission as the director of both the Clark Maritime Centre and Southwind Maritime Centre. Four years ago he took the helm in Knox County where he has aggressively assisted its growth.
In 1999 Knox County welcomed Enron as they broke ground for a $150 million power generating plant. Excell USA also located a plastic blow molding facility in a county Spec building the same year.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Chris Kinnett. His efforts, along with the support of Knox County officials, have been instrumental in the success of the Wheatland Power Station,” says Jennifer Walker of Enron North America.
KCDC’s operating budget is largely privately funded. KCDC also receives funding through its contracts with the city of Vincennes and Knox County to provide economic development services. Its stated mission is: To maintain and improve the quality of life, including environmental concerns, for the citizens of Knox County by developing the overall economy of the county.
This mission is taken very seriously. In a 250 acre industrial park being prepared, five acres have already been purchased by CSX and another 12 acres have been optioned. Targeted tenants are automotive, plastics and food processing industries. Two companies in this target group are in current negotiations with Knox County.
Kinnett shares a feeling of preparedness in approaching companies with a need for a trained work force. He states that Vincennes University is a technology epicenter of the Midwest. Phase I of a $12 million expansion has begun to provide the area’s only hands-on training center equipped with lathes, plastic injection equipment and robotics. Community College of Indiana, a partnership between Vincennes University and Ivy Tech State College, will further insure a solid labor force for industry far into the future.
“Pathways”, a labor assessment program unique to the area, offers assessment, profiling and instructional support to individuals and maintains a database of pre-tested work force. The Pathways center also provides sophisticated pre-employment testing, screening and profiling for prospective employers. Area employers appear pleased with the service.
Michael A. Banks,General Manager, Excell USA, Inc. says, “Chris Kinnett and KCDC have a responsibility for the future economic growth of Knox County and the City of Vincennes. Excell USA supports their efforts to lure future businesses to our community ensuring a higher standard of living and economic prosperity. In the wake of unprecedented regional growth we should rally in support to capitalize potential investment in this narrowing window of opportunity.
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Knox County at a Glance
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| Founded in 1790 |  |
| Area - 515.9 square miles | |
| Population - 40,070 | |
| County Seat-Vincennes | |
| Unemployment Rate ( June, 2000) - 4.3% |
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| County Labor Force (June, 2000) - 21,060 |
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| Regional Labor Force (January, 2000) - 255,560 |
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For more information about Knox County, contact:
Chris Kinnett 812-886-6993
(ckinnett@indian.vinu.edu)
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