Local businessman, Clay Walker, addressed the Rotary Club on Thursday, at their noon meeting.

Walker Addressed Rotary Club at
Noon Meeting, Thursday

From Brittany Wilson

Hopkins County businessman, Clay Walker, presented the program for Thursday's noon Rotary Club Meeting. Walker told those present about the local construction business and how the local industry is in a period of change. "The local market is changing!" expressed Walker. "We've seen the recent market reflect a 'downturn' in large construction projects, but part of the gap is being filled with smaller projects."

"Being in the equipment rental business, it makes for us changing the types of equipment that we rent," reflected Walker. "We're renting a different type of equipment in today's market than we were, say two or three years ago!"

Walker also outlined the taxing structure for the heavy equipment and construction industries in the area and how construction affected the local economy, creating jobs and revenue that "turns over" several times in the local community.

"When the construction industry is active in a local community, the entire community benefits," allowed Walker.

"And, of course, the biggest construction project in Hopkins County at the present time is the new Middle School campus, on the new South Loop!" inserted Walker. "It is providing a number of jobs and helping our local economy!"

The local Rotary Club meets weekly, at noon, on Thursdays.

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