Georgetown and Scott County declare October 2026 Manufacturing Month

Georgetown and Scott County have proclaimed October 2026 as Manufacturing Month to spotlight the industry’s economic role and connect local students with career paths. The effort includes tours of nine manufacturers, classroom materials and outreach aimed at strengthening the future workforce.

Why it matters: - Manufacturing is one of the biggest engines in Scott County’s economy, supporting jobs, wages and local businesses. - The monthlong effort is designed to show students that manufacturing careers exist close to home and now span advanced technology, logistics and skilled trades. - Local leaders see workforce development, housing, transportation, childcare, education and training as part of the same economic challenge.

What happened: - The City of Georgetown and Scott County jointly proclaimed October 2026 as Georgetown/Scott County Manufacturing Month. - Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins and Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington signed the proclamation. - Scott County United and community partners will use October to connect students with manufacturers and raise awareness of manufacturing’s local impact. - Over eight days in October, Scott County high school juniors and seniors will visit nine local manufacturers.

The details: - Manufacturing-related workers generate more than $2.2 billion in gross wages from Georgetown and Scott County jobs. - Manufacturing and related employees make up more than 58% of employment in Scott County. - Local manufacturers pay an average weekly wage of about $1,750. - Manufacturers also support local businesses, generate tax revenue, invest in facilities and infrastructure and strengthen the broader economy. - Modern manufacturing jobs can include engineering, robotics, maintenance, skilled trades, logistics, management and production. - The student tours will let students tour facilities, meet employees and learn about career options in the industry. - Pathways into manufacturing jobs may include on-the-job training, industry certifications, apprenticeships, technical or two-year programs, or four-year degrees. - Educational materials will be shared with Scott County teachers and students throughout the month. - Those materials will focus on manufacturing, logistics and skilled-trade careers and their role in the local economy.

Between the lines: - The proclamation is not just a celebration of existing employers; it is also a workforce pipeline effort. - Scott County United is trying to match student exposure with employer recruiting needs before graduates leave the area. - The emphasis on modern manufacturing reflects a broader effort to reset expectations about the kinds of jobs the sector offers. - The county’s focus on supporting industry while improving community basics suggests economic development depends on both business growth and livability.

What's next: - Scott County United will highlight local manufacturers, employees and student experiences throughout October. - Community partners will continue using Manufacturing Month to promote career awareness and local workforce development. - The effort is expected to feed future manufacturing hiring by helping students understand local opportunities earlier.

The bottom line: - Scott County is using Manufacturing Month to celebrate a core industry and build its next generation of workers at the same time. - The goal is to keep talent, investment and opportunity rooted in Georgetown and Scott County.