From abundant, affordable property to a large, skilled labor force with a strong work ethic, Montgomery County offers key advantages to keep companies competitive. Best of all, local leaders share a pro-business perspective that helps new and existing companies grow and thrive.

Case in point: Cooper Standard Automotive was considering expanding its automotive hose manufacturing plant in Mt. Sterling, but the 15-year time limit on its $18 million tax credit was fast appoaching. Though the company had taken just $8 million of its credit and had $10 million remaining, its credits were part of the expiring Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act (KREDA) incentive program.

Rather than look to move elsewhere, the company turned to a group of local power brokers – Mt. Sterling's mayor, a County Judge Executive, and the Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce/Industrial Authority – who convinced state lawmakers in the region to back legislation that would extend tax credits to any company that had used less than half its credits and was planning to expand its business in the state and hire more people.

"Cooper's plant draws employees from 10 counties, so we told every state legislator in those counties, 'They're employing your people, so we need you to work with us,'" says Sandy Romenesko, Executive Director of the Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce/Industrial Authority.

The state bill passed, and now Cooper is utilizing its remaining tax credits to add another 18,000 square feet to its Mt. Sterling manufacturing facility. When completed, the expansion is expected to add 120 jobs to Cooper's existing 400-employee base there.

"Everybody here was extremely supportive and got in contact with the right folks," says Cooper's plant manager Joel Hauck. "Montgomery County is a great place to do business. If we have an issue with a traffic light that is making it difficult for employees to get out of the plant, officials always work with industry to get it resolved."

A Pipeline to Local Leaders

Horst Griesbaum, manager of Precision Resource Kentucky Division, agrees that local government leaders have been supportive. The Shelton, Conn.-based company, which runs a facility in Mt. Sterling's Woodlands Industrial Park that makes precision metal stampings used for the automobile heavy-duty off-road industry, is currently expanding its 50,000-square-foot building by another 25,000 square feet. The facility, upon completion, will add another 30 people to its existing 75 employees in Mt. Sterling.

"They (local leaders) are very responsive to our needs, whether it be training offered through the college or whether it is ensuring that Mt. Sterling is a pleasant place to live," Griesbaum says. "You have free access to decision-makers, and they are usually only a call away if you have any issues."

Moreover, local residents also back the business community, Griesbaum says.

"It's a very small town, so of course we all know each other by first name," he says.

Romenesko says it's critical for the chamber and elected officials to support area businesses, including Mt. Sterling's largest employer, Nestle Corp., which makes its popular Hot Pockets product in its plant.

"We pride ourselves on service after the sale," she says. "We take care of our existing employers – we want to keep them happy, so we do everything we can to make them successful here."