CORPORATE MARKETING VETERAN KIRKPATRICK JOINS KILGORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO SUPPORT NEW ERA OF GROWTH

Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) welcomes Katherine Kirkpatrick as its new Marketing and Business Development Lead. With extensive corporate marketing experience and a fervor for East Texas economic growth, Kirkpatrick is poised and eager to propel Kilgore’s business landscape forward.

“Katherine Kirkpatrick’s business development skills and growth-oriented mindset align perfectly with KEDC's mission to promote economic vitality and business expansion in the region,” said Lisa Denton, Executive Director. “Her arrival underscores our commitment to amplify outreach to executives engaged in site selection for their operations.”

Formerly Vice President of Marketing for Ag Resource Management and Chief Marketing Officer for New Alternative Green Energy, Kirkpatrick boasts 15 years of award-winning marketing leadership. Notably, her recent work earned the 2024 National Agricultural Marketing Association’s Best of NAMA Award for Public Relations.

In the last five years, KEDC has closed deals representing more than $290 million in new and retained investment and nearly 2,500 jobs under contract. As the DFW metroplex has spread geographically, Kilgore’s proximity to Dallas and Shreveport is increasingly attractive and signals an era of new opportunity as businesses recognize the area’s location advantages, lower operations costs, and abundant talent pool.

“I am thrilled to join KEDC’s dynamic team and support this vibrant community, showcasing the remarkable advantages Kilgore offers companies,” said Kirkpatrick. “As someone who has recently selected this area for my home, I can attest to the rich natural beauty, compelling ‘can-do’ service culture, and thriving business environment.”

In addition to its strategic location on I-20 between Dallas and Shreveport, Kilgore boasts a convenient regional airport, the only Class A Campus-Style business park in the region, a skilled workforce, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life.

“To CEOs, I say ‘Plan a visit and you will understand how businesses can profit from locating here,” Kirkpatrick added.

Explore Katherine Kirkpatrick’s professional background on her LinkedIn profile at http://linkedin.com/in/katherinekirkpatrick.

For more information about Kilgore’s business-friendly environment and KEDC’s initiatives visit www.kilgore-edc.com.

About Kilgore Economic Development Corporation

Kilgore Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to enhance a business climate conducive to job creation and retention, improving the standard of living for Kilgore residents. The organization is funded by a dedicated sales tax approved by voters and directed by a five-person board. KEDC is managed by a staff of four with certifications in economic development and economic development finance.