September 2016BUSINESS CALLSoutheast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s

CHAMBER HEARS FROM KENTUCKY

STATE TREASURER

Newsletter brought to you by

Welcome New Members | Surprise Patrol | Membership Luncheons

WORK ETHIC AWARD PROGRAM KICKS OFF AT MAGOFFIN CO. HIGH SCHOOL

Inside the Chamber

September Surprise Patrol ......................................................................... 4President of State's Travel Industry Association

Addresses Chamber Luncheon ................................................................... 5

Member Update .......................................................................................... 8

Small Business Development Center .................................................. 8

Mountain View Memory Gardens ........................................................ 8

The Hearty Artisan................................................................................ 9

Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance .............................................. 9

Chamber Hears from Kentucky State Treasurer ...................................... 10

Chamber Kicks off Work Ethic Award Program at Magoffin County High

School ....................................................................................................... 11

Events Calendar ........................................................................................ 12

Chamber ConnectionsRibbon Cutting for Interapt TechHire Eastern Kentucky ........................... 6

2016-2017Executive Committee

Chairman: Rick Newsom

Community Trust BankChairman Elect:

Brad HallKentucky PowerVice Chairman:

Jennifer Brown DayRedd, Brown & Williams

Treasurer: Lynette Schindler

Lynette Schindler, CPASecretary:

Laura DamronPikeville Medical Center

Immediate Past Chairman: Shadd Walters

US BankDavid BairdBaird & BairdSam Carter

Cambrian Coal GroupJimmy England

Peoples InsuranceHoward Roberts

University of Pikeville

Board of DirectorsMike Alexander

Hilton Garden Inn - PikevilleRuss Barker Appalachian Regional

HealthcareJaime Brown BB&T

Barry Clark Transamerica Agency Network

Tim Deskins First Commonwealth BankKevin Elam Food City

Betty Francisco Busy Bee Septic SystemsW. Allen Gillum Appalachian Wireless

Pamela Howard Pike County Physical Therapy Clinic, PSCDan Law Fairway Outdoor Advertising

Sandy Penix The Benefits FirmTammy Riley American National

UniversityKevin Rose Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Paul David Slater SNF-Flomin CoalG. Devin Stephenson Big Sandy Community and Technical CollegeTracy Syck Shred-All Documents

Randy Walters Walters Auto GroupShannon Wright Wright Concrete

Chamber StaffJacob Colley: President/CEO

Pam Mullins: Director of Accounting & Festivals

Kelly Rowe: Director of OperationsAbigail Gibson: Communications

ManagerAmber Campbell: Membership

Development Manager

September 2016 - Volume X, Issue III

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

BUSINESS CALL | 3

Charter Members, thank you for your continuous support!

AAA Real EstateBusy Bee Septic Systems

Economy Drug

Lynette Schindler CPA, PSCPamela C. Howard, PT

Peoples Insurance

Shred-All DocumentsVantage Point, Inc.

F O U N D E R ’S C I R C L E

C H A I R M A N’S C I R C L E

4 | BUSINESS CALL

Blue Raven Restaurant & Pub

Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center

Christian Appalachian Project

Coats For Kids

Coca Cola Refreshments- Louisa

Country Music Highway Arts, Inc.

East KY Support Services Inc

Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center

EKCEP, Inc.

Fleming Neon Water Co.

Gearheart Communications

Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company

Lynette Schindler, CPA, PSC

Lucas & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

Moments of the Heart Photography

Mountain Arts Center

Peking Restaurant

Pike County Housing Authority

Quinco, Inc.

Rosalind Stanley

Shurtleff's Sanitary Laundry

Signature HealthCARE of Pikeville

State Electric & Supply Company

Summit Engineering

T. Edwin Coleman

Utility Management Group

Worldwide Equipment, Inc.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

This month, the Chamber’s Membership Development Manager, Amber Campbell and Chamber Ambassador, Ellen Blackburn surprised Lendmark Financial Services and Blackburn Insurance Group – Nationwide Insurance with balloons and cupcakes donated by Food City to thank them for being a Chamber member. Surprise patrol is a monthly event to thank Chamber members for their membership.

SURPRISE PATROL

Lendmark Financial Services

Blackburn Insurance Group - Nationwide Insurance

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSAppalachian Auto

Recovery--AAREPO LLC.

M.A.S.A. Medical Transport Solutions

Mountain Arts Center

Sullivan University - Center for Learning

BUSINESS CALL | 5

Bray and Oakley Insurance Agency,

Inc. and Erie Insurance

proudly serving the fine people of Pikeville

Kentucky.

There’s a new dog in town

For more information, visit their new office at 103 Weddington Branch Rd. in Coal Run or call

(606) 432-2527

President of State's Travel Industry Association Addresses Chamber Luncheon

On Thursday, September 22, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber hosted the CEO of Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA), Hank Phillips at the Hilton Garden Inn in Pikeville.

A large crowd of Chamber and community members filled the ballroom to hear KTIA’s CEO discuss the economic impact of tourism in eastern Kentucky.

Mr. Phillips opened his remarks by telling the crowd that during the planning of KTIA’s spring conference he fell in love with Pikeville, Pike County, and the surrounding area. “Since my first visit everyone in the community was welcoming,” said Phillips. “Our members of KTIA that attended the conference were literally blown away. The feedback we received on our survey was excellent.”

Phillips also touched on how many great things are happening in the eastern Kentucky pertaining to the tourism economy. He referenced the most

report from the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism conveying that within the Chamber’s eight-county footprint $283 million are generated in economic activity and 2,800 jobs are supported by tourism.

Phillips listed a few activities and some attractions that are in the area. “Think of the activities and attractions as products in a business that generate revenue,” said Phillips. “The EXPO, Hatfield and McCoy History, Hillbilly Days Festival, Jenny Wiley Theatre, Breaks Interstate Park plus many more. All those are products of this area’s tourism business.”

He mentioned that this area is really blessed with some top notch tourism bureaus and commissions. “You have some great people who are leading

the way on tourism promotion,” said Phillips.

Mr. Phillips concluded with 5 points. “Volunteer, be involved in a statewide organization, join committees, form relationships with legislators, and as a community be united, proud and vocal,” said Phillips. “You need to know that when it comes to tourism the people here are really what can make a destination go. Thank you for having me, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity I have to come back to Pikeville.”

KTIA represents and serves the interests of Kentucky’s travel industry through four service cornerstones:  advocacy, education, information and business development. The approximately 800 organization and individual members include attractions, convention & visitor bureaus, hotels, restaurants, state government agencies, universities, media and industry suppliers. 

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

6 | BUSINESS CALL

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) and the Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Interapt TechHire Eastern Kentucky (TEKY) program on Monday, September 19 on the Mayo campus of BSCTC.

“This is a historic day in the life of Big Sandy Community and Technical College, our Mayo Campus, Eastern Kentucky, Paintsville, and Johnson County,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. “We are here to officially launch what started as an idea and has become the reality and the personification of regional transformation. What we are

experiencing is the perfect example of a public-private partnership put into action and effectively working for our citizens. Our college, now the largest driver of higher education and workforce training in Eastern Kentucky, is proud to be just one piece of this amazing partnership that is changing lives.”

The Mayo campus opened in 1938 as one of the first technical and vocational schools in the nation. It helped fuel revolution of America’s economy, from coal, oil and natural gas, as well as other important skilled trades.

“Paintsville, in the past some have promised you a medical school, a pharmacy school, and who knows what, but I am here today to tell you that this

institution – that has been with you on this same site for over 78 years and promised to bring you revitalization and transformation – has delivered, and this is just the beginning,” said Dr. Stephenson. “Soon we will announce the beginning of business incubation in Johnson County on our campuses, along with an initiative to assist young entrepreneurs launch their dreams of business ownership.”

TEKY is a public/private partnership designed to help further the growth of a technology ecosystem in Eastern Kentucky that will put the region’s workers on a fast track to becoming computer coders or other middle- to high-skill tech professionals.

Earlier this month, 50 interns, many

Big Sandy Community and Technical College and Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce hosts ribbon cutting for Interapt TechHire Eastern Kentucky

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

BUSINESS CALL | 7

of whom were dislocated workers from coal and/or supporting industries, started an intensive 33-week training program. Those who complete the training and assessments will be offered employment with Interapt’s Eastern Kentucky division.

“The same workforce that drove the coal economy over the past 100 years can now drive the information economy for the next 100 years,” said Ankur Gopal, founder and CEO of Interapt. “This is a monumental moment. I’m excited about what we have here. Eleven months ago, we started this technology workforce and the people of eastern Kentucky are up to the challenge.”

The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated

Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), the regional workforce investment board serving 23 counties in Eastern Kentucky, received $2.75 million in an Appalachian Regional Commission Power Grant to sustain the TEKY program for three years with 200 participants (four 50-member cohorts).

“We have 50 interns partnering with us. They are hoping to be able to do what people in this region have not done before,” said Jeff Whitehead, executive director of EKCEP. “They are pioneering a new course for Eastern Kentucky and they have a group of partners supporting them with a unified vision.”

TEKY is an employer-led initiative that leads to jobs. More than 850

Eastern Kentuckians applied for the first cohort of participants.

Following the ribbon cutting, BSCTC unveiled new signage on the building housing the TEKY program.

“This signage shows that it’s a new day and new way to be employed in Eastern Kentucky,” said Dr. Stephenson. “This is the start of a sweeping transformation that will impact generations to come.”

For more information on Interapt’s TEKY program, visit interapt.com.

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

8 | BUSINESS CALL

WELCOME MOUNTAIN VIEW MEMORY GARDENSOn September 2, Susan West, General Manager of Mountain View Memory Gardens and staff posed for their Chamber plaque presentation. Mountain View Memory Gardens is located at 92 Mountain View Layne in Huddy, KY. For more information about funeral and memorial services call (304) 235-2360.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

MEMBER UPDATE

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER CELEBRATES RE-LOCATIONThe Chamber and East Kentucky’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of their new location at 126 Trivette Drive, Suite 104 in Pikeville. The Pikeville SBDC provides one-on-one consultations at no cost to existing and potential entrepreneurs in eastern Kentucky. They also meet the educational needs of the local small business community by offering a variety of low cost training programs taught by industry experts and qualified SBDC Consultants. The Pikeville SBDC serves the counties of Breathitt, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Pike, and Wolfe. For more information contact the Pikeville SBDC office at (606) 432-5848.

BUSINESS CALL | 9

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

CHAMBER WELCOMES THE HEARTY ARTISANHerbie Dotson II, owner of The Hearty Artisan and his mother posed for their Chamber plaque presentation. The Hearty Artisan will carry fine quality, Appalachian hand-crafted gifts that have been created locally. The Hearty Artisan will be located at 2080 State Highway 319 in Hardy, KY 41531. They plan to open in the middle of September and provide an online store for their customers. For more information please call The Hearty Artisan at (681) 416-3525.

KENTUCKY EMPLOYERS' MUTUAL INSURANCE - KEMI JOINS THE CHAMBERKentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) posed for their Chamber plaque presentation on Wednesday, September 28th at their continuing education training class held in the Garfield community room. KEMI is the largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance in KY, providing coverage to more than 24,000 policy holders in all 120 counties of the state. For more information please call KEMI at (859) 425-7800.

10 | BUSINESS CALL

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Chamber Hears from Kentucky State Treasurer at LuncheonOn Wednesday, August 31, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber hosted Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball at the Hilton Garden

Inn in Pikeville.A large crowd of Chamber and community members filled the ballroom to hear Floyd County native discuss the importance of

leadership by following 5 necessary points.Ball opened her remarks by telling the crowd that speaking back in the region was very special to her. “This is the first time I have

gotten to speak to Chamber or Rotary members in my home area of eastern Kentucky,” said Allison Ball, Kentucky State Treasurer. “Today, I want to refocus on leadership lessons I have learned and are important on what we do in our lives.”

Ball stated that being a leader is figuring out what your essence is; show appreciation to all colleagues; always persevere and never give up; be teachable; and know what you believe.

“Our business community is proud to have a native eastern Kentuckian in Frankfort as the watchdog for Kentucky taxpayer dollars,” said Jacob S. Colley, Chamber President/CEO. “We were pleased to host her and connect our members with the youngest statewide elected female in our nation. She had great points on leadership and we truly appreciate her being able to spend the afternoon with us.”

To close her address, Treasurer Ball thanked the Chamber for the work that is done every day through the business community of the region. “I don’t know what other Chambers are like but I do know this Chamber because this is my home area,” said Ball. “I appreciate all of you and know you have a friend in the treasury that knows and cares about what you’re doing.”

The Chamber luncheon was a joint event with Pikeville Rotary Club and was presented by Citizens Bank of Kentucky.

COMPASSIONATE CARING HANDS, WHEN YOU NEED US THE MOST.

BUSINESS CALL | 11

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Chamber Kicks off Annual Work Ethic Award Program at Magoffin County High School

Chamber president and CEO, Jacob Colley visited Magoffin County High School on Friday, September 23 to launch the 2016-17 Work Ethic Award Program. The trip kicked off the first of many visits to high schools throughout the Chamber’s eight-county footprint to introduce the annual Chamber program to High School seniors.

“The Southeast Kentucky Chamber believes that there is a direct correlation between the work ethic that young people display in school and their future success,” said Colley. “The Work Ethic Award program gives students an understanding of what it means to have strong work ethic. We know those that complete the program have displayed characteristics that will lead to positive futures as responsible, productive members of the community.”

The Chamber recognizes the value of strong work ethic by students who meet the high standards defined by the program by hosting students and their family in May at a celebration banquet. At the banquet, students are presented with a Work Ethic Award medallion. The special award validates the students’ credentials and labels them prime candidates for employment or postsecondary education.

Students have the option to complete a short essay for an opportunity to win a $500 scholarship reward that is supported through sponsorships by local businesses. The recipients are determined by the

Chamber’s Foundation for Education Committee. The committee is comprised of education, business and community leaders who live and work in eastern Kentucky.

“High schools serve as a bridge for student transition to adult life, and we know students form habits they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” said Tammy Riley, Education Committee Chairwoman. “One of the fundamental goals of the Work Ethic Program is to produce graduates who will be ready to enter the workforce or continue their education.”

Only high school seniors are eligible to apply for the program. Students must commit themselves to the program by October 24th and complete the program requirements by March 2017.

For more information, please call the Chamber office at (606) 432-5504 or email info@sekchamber.com.

Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events

October 2016Membership Luncheon with U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Hilton Garden Inn-11:30 a.m.

The Hearty Artisan Ribbon Cutting, 2080 State Highway 319 Hardy, Kentucky-12:00 p.m.

Alltech Innovation Forum, Eastern Kentucky Expo Center-10:00-12:30 p.m.

Sales Workshop with Shari Pash, Hampton Inn in Pikeville-9:00-12:30 p.m.

Patton Leadership Institute Opening Retreat, Breaks Interstate Park

Education Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room-8:30 a.m.

November 2016Patton Leadership Institute Session

Membership Luncheon with Ben Taylor from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

PRST STD

US Postage PaidPikeville, KY

Permit No. 20

Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce178 College Street | Pikeville, KY 41501 www.sekchamber.com Phone: (606) 432-5504 Fax: (606) 432-7295

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