News
Southeast Kentucky Chamber and Eastern Telephone host webinar focused on cyber security
Pikeville, KY (February 4, 2021) – In January, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber and Eastern Telephone and Technologies partnered to host a webinar focused on keeping businesses and employees safe online. The Cyber Security 101 Webinar was designed with individuals working from home, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, in mind."With cyber-attacks in the national headlines, now would be a great time to learn about the basics of cyber security,” said Cory Weatherford, managed services director for Eastern
Chamber partners with Google for webinar focused on businesses reaching customers online
Pikeville, KY (February 3, 2021) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is partnering with Google for a special #GrowWithGoogle webinar focused on businesses reaching customers online. The webinar will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10 and is completely free.During the event, attendees will learn how customers find their business online and how to promote themselves using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and smart campaigns in Google ads.In this live webinar, Google representative Dave Delaney will
PMC Announces Telethon to Raise Money to Fund Autism Center Expansion
PIKEVILLE) – In an effort to expedite and fund much needed expansion efforts at the Appalachian Valley Autism (AVA) Center, Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) and Foundation have announced plans for a live broadcasted telethon to be held on Thursday, January 21st. The telethon is part of the kick-off of a fundraising campaign called “Speak from the Heart,” and proceeds will be used to fund the next expansion phase for the region’s only Autism center for children. The telethon will be broadcast live on WYMT
An Evening with Travis Tritt Coming to the Appalachian Wireless Arena
Pikeville, KY (January 8, 2021) – The Appalachian Wireless Arena is excited to announce CMA and Grammy award winning country artist, Travis Tritt will perform on Sunday, February 14 at 6PM. Enjoy a special evening featuring the multi-platinum artist in an intimate solo-acoustic setting performing some of his biggest hits, including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive,” and “Best of Intentions.” The Grand Ole Opry member will also share personal stories and anecdotes about his life and musical
Southeast Kentucky Chamber partners with Eastern Telephone for webinar focused on cyber security
Pikeville, KY (January 8, 2021) – At a time when businesses and employees are operating remotely, cyber security tops the list as a high priority for companies and individuals. For this reason, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber and Eastern Telephone and Technologies have partnered to host a webinar focused on keeping businesses and employees safe online.The Cyber Security 101 Webinar is designed with individuals working from home as a result of of the Covid-19 pandemic in mind."With cyber-attacks in the
SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening; Issue New Guidance
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly
PMC preparing for next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations
PIKEVILLE – On Tuesday, Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) unveiled a new website that will enable a segment of the population in the 1B phase to register for their COVID-19 vaccination. Anyone 70 years old and over can secure his or her reservation for the vaccine by visiting www.pmcvaccine.com.“In Pike County alone, there are an estimated 10,000 residents 70 and over, placing them in the 1B phase of the vaccination rollout,” explained PMC Vice President of the Board of Directors and CEO Donovan Blackburn.
Kentucky Power’s THAW Energy Assistance Program Accepting Applications
ASHLAND, Ky., Dec. 21, 2020 – ¬Kentucky Power’s THAW program – Temporary Heating Assistance in Winter – will start taking applications in January. The program runs through April and applications will be accepted at local community action agencies. Approved participants will receive up to $175 per program year. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis and until funds are depleted. While this program is not income based, there are eligibility requirements such as the applicant’s
Kentucky Power and AEP Foundation provide grant to The Salvation Army
ASHLAND, Ky., December 22, 2020– Kentucky Power recently awarded a $60,000 gift to the Salvation Army in Ashland. The grant from the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation and Kentucky Power will support the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope Program The Salvation Army operates the only low-barrier emergency shelter in Boyd County. Its shelter and feeding program have been a longstanding resource in the community and have played a vital part in the sustainability of families and individuals during
'Native Reflections' art exhibit coming to The App
(Pikeville, KY) The Appalachian Center for the Arts (App) in Pikeville has been selected as one of several venues across Kentucky to host the Kentucky Arts Council’s traveling exhibit, Native Reflections: Visual Art by American Indians of Kentucky. The exhibit will run from January 8, to February 14, 2021. There will be an opening reception on January 8 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in the second-floor gallery at the App. “The Appalachian Center for the Arts is honored to be asked by the Kentucky Arts Council
Kentucky Chamber shares legislative hopes for 2021 session, provides insight on covid-19 relief
Pikeville, KY (December 10, 2020) - Pandemic relief and recovery were the main focuses of Kentucky Chamber President Ashli Watts during a virtual meeting hosted by the Southeast Kentucky Chamber on Thursday to discuss the state chamber’s priorities for the 2021 legislative session which kicks off in January. Watts opened up Thursday’s meeting touching on covid-19 vaccines in Kentucky. She said she had spoken with Ky. Gov. Andy Beshear prior to the meeting and had been informed that all front-line
Chamber Christmas Gift Guide 2020
It’s that time of year again where we are scrambling to get the perfect gifts for family and friends. Good news, the Chamber is here to help. Each holiday season it is important to remember our small businesses, those that make our communities fun, the ones who donate to your child’s school or athletic programs, the ones operated and owned by our neighbors. That has been a major focus for many of us this season, especially with the obstacles those businesses have faced due to a global pandemic. Look no
Science and engineering firm SynTerra hires consultant Scott Smith
Lexington, KY — SynTerra Corporation, a science and engineering firm, has hired environmental consultant Scott Smith. SynTerra cited Smith’s vast experience helping businesses comply with environmental regulations and health and safety regulations. That experience includes working with and for state and federal agencies. “We welcome Scott Smith to the SynTerra team and our Lexington office. Scott has deep knowledge of regulatory issues in multiple states. His experience in environmental permitting for
Kentucky Power offers heating tips as temperatures drop
ASHLAND, Ky. December 2, 2020 – The first week of December is bringing cold and snowy weather that likely has heating systems humming across eastern Kentucky. There are many simple energy efficiency measures customers can put into place to save money without jeopardizing comfort, including: • Have your furnace and ductwork inspected annually. Loose or broken ductwork accounts for up to 35 percent of home’s energy loss. • Change furnace filters every month. • Caulk,
Kentucky Power names West vice president of regulatory and finance
ASHLAND, Ky. – Kentucky Power has promoted Brian West to vice president, Regulatory and Finance, effective January 1, 2021. West replaces Ranie Wohnhas who is retiring after 41 years. “Brian is a leader in regulatory services and finance with broad knowledge in both areas. We are fortunate to have his expertise at Kentucky Power. Brian will continue to be a great fit as Kentucky Power works every day to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to its customers in eastern Kentucky,” said Brett
Chamber welcomes eight new members in November
Pikeville, KY (November 30, 2020) - The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce welcomed eight new members in November. The chamber is a collaboration of nearly 500 businesses and the community working together for the betterment of the region. November new members included ADC Properties, AirMedCare Network, Anita Bites, Anita Tan, Backroads of Appalachia, FaithLife Market, Ivy Grey, and Zebulon Machine Shop. ADC Properties leases commercial real estate spaces in Paintsville Kentucky. Currently, the
Op-ed: Now is the time to shop small and support local
It’s that time of year again when we are constantly reminded and encouraged to shop local and support small businesses; however, this year, we need to double down on that message. Not only is there an opportunity to help small businesses and retain money locally, but we have the opportunity to save our small businesses and our downtowns. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners have struggled to overcome regulations and restrictions. Whether we agree with those restrictions or not,
Fast Change Lube & Oil honors military with free oil changes
Inez, Ky., <Nov. 16, 2020>: Fast Change Lube and Oil Inc. provided over 400 free, full-service oil changes to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th through their 18 active locations in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee. “This year has been challenging for all of us in the face of the pandemic and the impacts it has had on our region. In spite of that, we are committed to honoring the men and women who serve, or have served, our country and
Chamber welcomes October new members
Pikeville, KY (November 4, 2020) - The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce welcomed three new members in October. The chamber is a collaboration of nearly 500 businesses and the community working together for the betterment of the region. October new members include American Red Cross, Spray Foam Insulation, LLC., and Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt of Pikeville. Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to
Southeast Kentucky Chamber now accepting applications for 2021 education grants
The Chamber hopes the grants will help educators and students connect during a time of increased virtual learningPIKEVILLE, KY (October 22, 2020) -- The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for its Excellence in Education grant program, which annually awards $5,000 in funding to local schools for new projects, technologies, and resources. “With the recent surge of virtual, remote learning, we feel that these grants are more important than ever,” said Jordan Gibson, Southeast
Lineman Training Partnership Formed with Big Sandy Community College and Kentucky Power
ASHLAND, Ky., October 14, 2020 A new lineman training center is nearing completion in eastern Kentucky thanks to a partnership between Kentucky Power and Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC). In recent weeks, Kentucky Power donated a bucket truck to the College for instructional use. The Lineman Training Program is a partnership between Kentucky Power, BSCTC, and Big Sandy RECC. The Lineman Training Center is located on BSCTC’s Hager Hill Campus. With multiple power poles in place to
Science and engineering firm SynTerra acquires Duncklee & Dunham
GREENVILLE, SC — SynTerra Corporation, a science and engineering firm, announced that it has acquired Duncklee & Dunham of Cary, NC. The acquisition gives SynTerra its ninth office across five Southeastern states and increases the company’s staff size to more than 180. Officials from both companies characterized the transaction as a unification of client-focused firms. Having worked together on projects for more than a year, familiarity and cohesiveness between the two companies already existed, said
Southeast Kentucky Chamber receives award at annual conference
Frankfort, KY (October 6, 2020) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce was awarded Outstanding E-News Communication during the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives annual conference held virtually in September, an award the Chamber received in 2019 as well. “It is an honor for our staff to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the more than 500 businesses we serve,” said Jordan Gibson, president and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky
John Blackburn retires from First Commonwealth Bank
John celebrates his retirement after nearly 44 years of banking. John joined First Commonwealth Bank in 2011 as Vice President Pike County Market. He previously was President and CEO of Family Bank from 1995-2011. John is a graduate of Pikeville College and The School of Banking of the South at LSU. Not only has John served the customers of First Commonwealth Bank, but he has continued to serve his community through numerous civic activities. He is currently involved with Sandy Valley Habitat where he
