Southeast Kentucky Chamber hosts Lunch & Learn with Senator Wheeler and Commonwealth Alliances

PIKEVILLE, KY — December 12, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber recently hosted a Lunch & Learn event featuring Senator Phillip Wheeler and Commonwealth Alliances, providing Chamber members and community leaders with the opportunity to hear directly from a state legislator and engage in meaningful discussion about issues impacting Eastern Kentucky.
During the event, Senator Wheeler and Commonwealth Alliances Partner, Collin Johnson, shared insights on the upcoming legislative session and discussed the importance of thoughtful decision-making at the state level. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions and participate in open dialogue on priorities affecting the region’s communities, workforce, and economy.
As Collin Johnson introduced himself to the crowd, he began by putting himself in the shoes of the audience, and every day Kentuckians, “I believe Senator Wheeler hit on the most important thing of this session, which is the budget…growing up, I never knew anything about how the state budget process worked or why it was important, but it really does inform every aspect of life.”
Johnson, who serves as a consultant for area businesses, went on to say, “changes to the budget, tax policy, impact us personally, certainly, but they impact business as well.”
Deciphering those figures can be a difficult task when there is a disconnect between communities and legislators.
“The Chamber values opportunities like this that allow our members to engage directly with elected officials,” said Vice President of Accounting & Special Events for the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, Tiffany Coleman. “Events like our Lunch & Learn series help foster informed conversations between our communities, area businesses, and the leaders making decisions that directly impact us all.”
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber extends its appreciation to Senator Wheeler and Collin Johnson for taking time to meet with our members.
The Chamber’s Lunch & Learn series is part of its ongoing effort to provide educational programming and forums for discussion on issues relevant to Southeast Kentucky.
For more information about upcoming Chamber events, visit www.sekchamber.com.
 

 
 
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 400 businesses in eight Eastern Kentucky Counties: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. The Chamber’s mission is to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through a commitment to networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration as we partner together to enhance the business climate in our region.
 
 
 
 
Media Contact:
Merisa Ferrell
Director of Programs & Media
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
merisa@sekchamber.com
(606) 432-5504