‘BIG’ News: Wilkinson Farm Becomes ‘Bluegrass Innovation Gateway’
The Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority has renamed the Wilkinson Farm megasite a new name. Pending county approval, the industrial park will be known as the “Bluegrass Innovation Gateway,” or the acronym “BIG.” (Image: hmcida.com).
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
Big news, everyone. The Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority has given the Wilkinson Farm megasite a new name. Pending county approval, the industrial park will be known as the “Bluegrass Innovation Gateway,” or the acronym “BIG.”
The new name and acronym leverage the Bluegrass region’s unique and recognizable identity, Greyson Evans, executive-director of the industrial development authority, told the Harrodsburg Herald via email after the meeting. Evans said the new name emphasizes that innovation is happening right here in Harrodsburg.
“Gateway” signals that we are open for business, and that we provide businesses with a gateway to exactly what they need for the future: great people and a talented workforce, great quality of life, US highways, high-voltage electricity, mainline rail, and so much more,” Evans said.
“The acronym, “BIG,” pretty accurately sums up our board’s objective to make the site compete internationally for the best economic opportunities out there,” he said.
Earlier this year, the sale of the industrial site closed. The industrial development authority purchased the site from Kentucky Utilities Company at a price of $19,848,955.20, according to the deed filed at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office.
The industrial development authority bought 958 contiguous acres with frontage on U.S. 127 and KY 390/Bohon Road. In addition, the property includes more than 1.5 miles of mainline with Norfolk Southern.
The closing was the culmination of more than four years of hard work by the city, county, the industrial development authority and the industrial development authority’s Land Advisory Committee. The original purchase was announced in 2023.
At the closing, John Trisler, chairman of the industrial development authority, called the purchase the “first step.” The site will need more critical infrastructure for industrial development, including an access road, sewer, water and power.
Community leaders have said the site could support thousands of full-time jobs in manufacturing, logistics, research and development and more. They say they are targeting industry sectors including automotive, aerospace, primary metals, critical materials, tech and pharmaceuticals.
The industrial development authority board of directors chose to rename the site at a special-called meeting on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Evans told the board that members of the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission’s staff helped research names.
The board was presented with two suggestions—the Bluegrass Industrial Gateway or Bluegrass the Industrial and Innovation Gateway. In addition, Harrodsburg Mayor Bob Williams, who sits on the industrial development authority’s board, also made a suggestion.
“We can name it the Harrodsburg Opportunity Gateway and call it HOGtown,” Williams said.
“Harrodsburg has always been the gateway,” said board member Tom Shirley.
“I like “innovation” better,” said board member Fred Hilpp.
“Innovation is really out there right now,” Shirley said. “They want to be innovative.”
“I like it,” Williams said.
The board unanimously approved the name change, contingent on the county’s approval.
