Communities across the country talk about economic renewal, and the conversation often begins with what they lack. Not enough people. Not enough capital. Not enough attention from outside investors. Not enough effort by government. In Lewis County, that habit has obscured a more important question: What do we already have that others do not?
Lewis County’s geography shaped its earliest years. The Ohio River was not merely a boundary; it was a lifeline. The river brought us our namesake, Meriwether Lewis. Early exports of salt moved downstream by flatboat, connecting this region to broader markets long before highways or rail lines existed. That advantage has not disappeared. In many ways, it has become more valuable.
Today, transportation costs are once again a central concern for manufacturers and logistics firms. Supply chain disruptions, fuel price volatility, and global uncertainty have forced companies to rethink how and where they move materials. Waterborne freight remains one of the most cost-effective and energy-efficient modes of transportation. For industries that move bulk commodities or large volumes of finished products, proximity to the Ohio River is a practical advantage that cannot be easily replicated.
Lewis County’s access to rail transportation further strengthens that position. CSX rail service connects the county to major industrial centers across the Midwest, Southeast, and East Coast. Rail offers manufacturers flexibility, redundancy, and cost control. Qualities increasingly valued in a world where just-in-time delivery has given way to just-in-case planning. When combined with river access, rail connectivity places Lewis County within a multimodal network that many competing sites simply do not offer.
Equally important is where Lewis County sits on the map. Located within a day’s drive of a large share of the nation’s population and manufacturing base, the county occupies a central position in the eastern United States. For companies serving domestic markets, this reduces shipping times and costs while improving reliability. As more firms seek to shorten supply chains and bring production closer to customers, geography and central location have once again become deciding factors.
These physical advantages do not guarantee success on their own. They are not substitutes for workforce readiness, infrastructure investment, or thoughtful planning. But they do provide a foundation, and a strong foundation is an essential building block for success. In economic development, some assets can be created over time. Others are fixed. The river, the rail line, and our location fall into the latter category.
For much of the past generation, Lewis County’s strengths have been viewed through the lens of what was lost rather than what remains. The closure of the shoe and component factories is a prime example. Yet in an economy increasingly focused on efficiency, resilience, and reliability, our existing assets deserve renewed attention and promotion. They are not relics of the past. They are tools for the future.
Understanding and valuing these advantages is a necessary step in any serious discussion about renewing Lewis County. Before asking what the county needs to become, it is worth recognizing what it already is, and why that still matters.
We have what it takes. It is up to us to act.
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About the Author
Sam Howard is a construction executive and economic development professional with more than 30 years of experience in the building and infrastructure sectors.
He serves as Chief Executive Officer of Trace Creek Construction, Inc., where he oversees company operations, financial management, and long-term strategy. The firm specializes in design-build construction, construction management, and pre-engineered building systems, with completed projects across the public and private sectors, including schools, hospitals, churches, judicial facilities, detention centers, and industrial developments.
Howard also serves as Managing Member and Economic Development Manager for Northeast Kentucky Development, where he works to attract new and expanding industries to the region. In that role, he is directly involved in project development, site promotion, and financing strategies, including design-build leaseback models. His work brings him into regular collaboration with local and state officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
Howard’s focus is on job creation, infrastructure development, and strengthening the long-term economic vitality and quality of life in Northeast Kentucky.
Editor’s Note: This column is the second in a series authored by Sam Howard, published by The Lewis County Herald as a forum for examining ideas and opportunities related to Lewis County’s future. Howard is the primary author of the series, and the views expressed are his own. I am hosting the series and collaborating on the presentation for Herald readers. Sam and I are lifelong friends, and I have confidence in his vision for Lewis County and in the value of thoughtful discussion about where our county is headed. Readers are encouraged to follow the series and engage in the conversation as it continues.
— Dennis Brown
Please send Letters to the Editor to 336 Lions Lane, Vanceburg, KY 41179 or email them to dennis@lewiscountyherald.com.
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