Retail Development

Calvin Givens Chair, Retail Development

The Retail Development Committee exists to facilitate retail development by recruiting new retailers and supporting and promoting existing retailers.

Retail development has two approaches. Recruiting new retailers, on one hand, requires one type of approach, and developing and promoting existing retailers requires a completely different type of approach.

The Retail Development Committee works on both approaches. New retailers look for:

• A growing, thriving market
• Affordable land
• Incentives
• Evidence the market would purchase their product or service

The Retail Development Committee has supported efforts to grow the population, improve per capita income, establish tax increment financing districts, and document market trends for promotion to others.

The Committee also promotes the community throughout the year at regional retail conventions. By using professionally-prepared promotional pieces, Chamber staff and volunteers meet with retailer contacts to encourage them to choose Christian County.

The Retail Development Committee also undertakes periodic “Shop Christian County First” campaigns to encourage citizens to give Christian County vendors the first shot when shopping for an item or service.

In order to encourage Chamber Member Businesses to focus on quality customer service, the Retail Development Committee selects a monthly winner of the Quality Service Award. More than 15 businesses have received distinguished award so far. Winners are selected on the fact that they smile when waiting on customers; they greet customers when they enter the establishment; they provide attentive service, and they go beyond the call of duty when serving customers.

To become involved in the Committee, contact Carter Hendricks.

Small Business & Retail Support

• Planning Commission
• Hopkinsville Small Business Development Center
• Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority
• Pennyrile Electric
• Hopkinsville Electric System
• Atmos Energy

Committee Roster