Thankful for a strong job market in the Lincoln Trail region

November brings a focus on gratitude, a time when many reflect on what they are thankful for. While everyone has their own unique reasons to be grateful, those of us in the Lincoln Trail region can be especially thankful for a strong, expanding job market with diverse employers.

Ensuring that regional employers are connected to potential employees is vital for a thriving local workforce, and that's why organizations like the Kentucky Career Center - Lincoln Trail (KCC-LT) are so important. As director of the Lebanon/Marion County Career Center, my team and I work closely with both employers and job seekers to build these critical connections. We're deeply grateful for the opportunity to support the growth and success of our workforce and positively impact the community we care so much about.

Along the way, we've encountered many individuals who share our sense of gratitude for the kind of work we do. In the spirit of thankfulness, I’d like to highlight two stories from local employer Montebello Packaging.

Montebello Packaging’s Lebanon facility, home to about 100 employees, produces aluminum tubes used across the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and industrial sectors. This Canadian-owned company expanded to Lebanon in 1998 and is now the sole aluminum tube manufacturer in the U.S. In 2023, Montebello strengthened its local operations with a $12 million investment in a cutting-edge production line at the Lebanon facility. This upgrade not only boosts production but also reinforces Montebello’s position as a key supplier in the region, supporting both growth and regional demand.

With the addition of this new production line, Montebello required specialized training for its team. Our office stepped in to help, securing reimbursement funds for the training, which was delivered by the German original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of the new machinery. Since then, we’ve maintained close contact with Montebello to support ongoing training needs, addressing challenges for both production associates and members of the management team. This collaboration ensures Montebello’s team is fully equipped to maximize their new capabilities.

“I would definitely recommend the Career Center,” said Joe Browning, plant manager at Montebello. “They have such a great understanding of what the needs of the local manufacturers are and can always lend a hand. I can't thank Terri and the Career Center enough for all the help they have provided to Montebello Packaging, especially over the past couple of years.”

This gratitude for the Career Center and its services also extends to other employees at Montebello Packaging, including Lily Alford, who serves as human resources/administrative services coordinator for Montebello. Alford began working at Montebello in June of 2023 as an administrative assistant and throughout the past year progressed to her current role. 

Alford secured her position at Montebello with the support of KCC-LT. While juggling life as a  full-time student at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and two jobs, she sought a career that offered flexibility and growth. With guidance from Lebanon/Marion County Career Center Assistant Director Elizabeth Mattingly, Alford updated her résumé and received tailored job applications. Staying in close contact, Mattingly eventually connected her with Montebello. Even after securing the position, Mattingly followed up to ensure Alford had the support she needed throughout the transition.

“I would recommend the Career Center because they are so devoted and willing to jump in and help someone wherever they can,” Alford said. “No matter the situation, they take their time to sit and listen to each person and do their absolute best to help them in whatever way they can.” 

Though these examples come from just one employer in our region, they are indicative of the work we at KCC-LT are proud to do every day through our locations in Elizabethtown, Bardstown, Fort Knox, Lebanon and Leitchfield. To learn more about services offered through KCC-LT, please visit ltcareercenter.org. 

Terri Thomas serves as director of the Kentucky Career Center-Lincoln Trail in Lebanon. She can be reached at Terri.thomas@marioncountyky.gov.