Manufacturing Month: Celebrating the People, Businesses and Opportunities Driving Scott County Forward
Each October, Scott County United joins communities across the country in recognizing Manufacturing Month and the important role manufacturing plays in our economy, workforce and quality of life.
Here in Scott County, manufacturing is more than the products made within our community. It represents thousands of jobs, opportunities for the next generation, investment in our communities and an important part of the economic foundation that supports Georgetown, Stamping Ground, Sadieville and all of Scott County.
Why Manufacturing Matters
Manufacturing has a far-reaching impact on our community.
It creates good jobs. Manufacturing provides careers with competitive wages, benefits and opportunities for employees to grow and advance.
It strengthens our local economy. Manufacturers employ local residents, purchase goods and services from other businesses, generate tax revenue and make significant investments in our community.
It drives innovation. Today's manufacturing facilities are increasingly technical and technology-driven, incorporating automation, robotics, advanced equipment and new processes.
It creates multiple pathways to a successful career. Manufacturing offers opportunities for students and young adults to build valuable skills and pursue rewarding careers, including many that do not require a traditional four-year degree.
It creates opportunities for the future. Careers within and supporting manufacturing extend well beyond the production floor. Engineering, robotics, skilled trades, maintenance, logistics, technology, management and many other fields are essential to today's manufacturing sector.
Manufacturing's Impact in Scott County
The numbers help demonstrate just how important manufacturing and related industries are to Scott County.
Manufacturers in Scott County account for approximately $2.2 billion in gross wages, with an average weekly manufacturing wage of approximately $1,750, excluding benefits.
More than 58% of Scott County employees work within manufacturing, logistics and related sectors, demonstrating the significant role these industries play in our local workforce.
Manufacturing investment also generates revenue that supports our broader community. For example, Lanes Run Business Park generated more than $1.8 million in revenue for the City of Georgetown, Scott County and the Property Valuation Administrator's office during fiscal year 2023–2024.
That impact extends well beyond individual businesses or industrial parks. Strong employers create demand for housing, transportation, childcare, education, small businesses, community amenities and other services that contribute to Scott County's overall quality of life.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Scott County's recently completed Economic Development Strategic Plan and the Regional Bluegrass Alliance Strategic Plan, continue to reinforce the importance of our manufacturing foundation while identifying opportunities to strengthen it for the future.
That means thinking beyond business attraction alone.
A strong manufacturing economy requires a strong workforce—and a strong workforce needs access to housing, transportation, childcare, education and training, and communities where people want to live, work and build their futures.
It also requires collaboration across community and county lines. Scott County is part of a larger regional economy, and continued coordination with partners throughout Central Kentucky helps strengthen our collective ability to attract investment, develop competitive sites and prepare our workforce for changing industry needs.
Manufacturing Month 2026
Throughout October, Scott County United and its partners will help connect the next generation with the opportunities available right here in our community.
This year's Manufacturing Month activities will include eight days of visits for Scott County high school juniors and seniors to nine local manufacturers, giving students an opportunity to see modern manufacturing firsthand and learn more about potential career paths.
Educational materials will also be shared with Scott County teachers and students to highlight manufacturing's importance and introduce young people to the wide range of careers available within manufacturing, logistics and the skilled trades.
These efforts are about more than filling today's jobs. They are about helping students understand the opportunities available to them, connecting employers with their future workforce and creating stronger pathways from education to meaningful careers.
Manufacturing Month is also an opportunity to recognize the businesses that continue to invest in Scott County—and, most importantly, the people behind them.
The products may be what leave the factory floor, but the people, careers, investment and opportunities created here are what make manufacturing such an important part of Scott County's future.
