News
Students Compete as Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts Eastern Kentucky Regional Competition of National Civics Bee®
PIKEVILLE, KY (April 18, 2025) — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held the Eastern Kentucky Regional Competition of the National Civics Bee® at the Mountain Arts Center on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The next stage of the competition will see regional finalists compete at the Kentucky State Finals held at the Kentucky State Fair in August. The first-place winner of the state competition will advance to the National Finals in Washington, D.C. to compete for a chance to win a grand prize valued at
Redd, Brown & Williams Joins Forces with Better Homes and Gardens
Redd, Brown & Williams Continues Legacy by Joining Forces with a Leading Lifestyle Real Estate Brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central.PRESTONSBURG, KY (April 1, 2025) – Redd, Brown & Williams Real Estate Services, INC, a market-leading, multi-office real estate and appraisal firm that has been serving Eastern Kentucky since 1950, has joined forces with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central, a regional brokerage with headquarters in Charleston, West Virginia. Founded in 1950 by Ed
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Holds Lunch & Learn with Big Sandy ADD's Blake Moss
PIKEVILLE, KY (March 17, 2025) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held a Lunch & Learn event on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, which featured guest speaker, Blake Moss, Public Administration Specialist for the Big Sandy Area Development District (Big Sandy ADD). Moss spoke about the launch of the FIRE program at the ADD and the goal for it to fuel entrepreneurship in the region. He informed viewers that within the ADD’s five county region of Johnson, Floyd, Martin, Magoffin, and Pike, there is a 4.4%
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Campus Styles and Scoops
PIKEVILLE, KY (March 12, 2025) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, March 1, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Campus Styles and Scoops, a new chamber member and business in downtown Pikeville. The shop, formerly known as Steph’s Uptown Swag, is located at 118 Caroline Avenue and has undergone a transformation under its new ownership.Originally from Pike County, owner Jarrad Stump and his wife, Amanda, now reside in Tennessee, where they
Updated: Southeast KY Chamber Announces Additional Grant Recipients
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Announces Back to Business Grant RecipientsUPDATED: 3/10/2025PIKEVILLE, KY – An anonymous member of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber has made a $3,000 donation to the Chamber, in support of the Back to Business Grant Program. The additional funds will provide six additional businesses with flood relief. The additional donation brings the total funding amount to $28,250 in grants to 31 businesses across Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Martin, and Pike counties.Additional Businesses Receiving
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Announces Back to Business Grant Recipients
PIKEVILLE, KY – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its Back to Business Grant Program, designed to support local businesses in their flood recovery efforts. Through this initiative, the Chamber has awarded grants to businesses across the region, providing critical funding to help rebuild vital businesses and maintain important jobs to sustain the region’s economy.The Back to Business Grant Program was created to assist businesses affected by the February 2025
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Awards $10,000 in Education Grants
PIKEVILLE, KY (February 21, 2025) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recently awarded $10,000 to 7 schools in the region through its annual Excellence in Education Grant Program—three schools in Floyd County, two in Johnson County, and two in Pike County. The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Excellence in Education Grant Program awards educators with funding for innovative projects that enrich the education of students across the region. The Chamber seeks to provide supplemental funding to programs
Back to Business, Chamber Resilience Fund
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Jordan GibsonPhone: 606.432.5504Email: info@sekchamber.comDate: February 19, 2025 Southeast Kentucky Chamber Launches Back to Business Grant Program to Support Flood-Affected Businesses PIKEVILLE, KY(February 19, 2025) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of the Back to Business Grant Program, part of its Resilience Fund, to assist businesses recovering from the February 2025 floods. With a total of $25,000 available, the program will
Blackburn's Hometown Store
Blackburn's Hometown Store joins the Chamber Blackburn’s Hometown Store has joined the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Blackburn's Hometown Store, located at 275 Southside Mall Road in South Williamson, KY, opened October 18, 2023. The owners, Sam and Donette Blackburn, were also the owners of Sears Hometown Store in the same location from 1993 until the closing of Feb 2023. After the closing of the Sears store, Sam and Donette pondered what the next chapter of their career would be. “With
December's Chamber Member of the Month: H.R. Jackson Law, PLLC
The best word to describe Helena Racin Jackson, founder of H.R. Jackson Law, PLLC, is dynamic. She’s a friendly, driven “girl’s girl” whose values are deeply rooted in Christ. As a mother, wife, business owner, and community leader, Helena seamlessly balances her roles with grace. She channels her competitive spirit to achieve results for her clients and then turns around to lead worship at her church, Faith Baptist Church of Myra. Helena is always on the move, driven by her passion for serving others and
SBA Recognizes Community Trust Bank as Kentucky’s Top SBA Community Bank Lender, 2023 – 2024
PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY – Community Trust Bank, Inc. has earned the "Gold Lender Award" from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) as Kentucky's top volume SBA 7(a) Community Bank lender in federal fiscal year 2023–2024 for the 16th consecutive year. The award will be formally presented to Community Trust Bank in the spring of 2025. In total, SBA authorized 63 guaranteed 7(a) loans providing access to $18,603,800 for Community Trust Bank customers in five states (Kentucky, Tennessee, West
Pikeville, KY Businesses: Deciphering the CTA, BOI and FinCEN Changes
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Holds Lunch & Learn with Kentucky Hospital Association’s Jim Musser
PIKEVILLE, KY (December 12, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held a Lunch & Learn event on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, which featured guest speaker, Jim Musser, Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations for the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA). The event was attended by representatives from Pikeville Medical Center, American Red Cross, Bluegrass Care Navigators, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH). Lunch was generously sponsored by ARH. Musser’s presentation
Patton Leadership Institute Class of 2025 Holds Third Session in Martin County
PIKEVILLE, KY (December 9, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Patton Leadership Institute (PLI) held its third session for the Class of 2025 in Martin County on Thursday, December 5, 2024. The cohort visits a different county for each session. PLI will visit Floyd County on January 9, 2025. The Class of 2025 began the day with a tour at United States Penitentiary Big Sandy, a maximum-security prison with a minimum-security camp. The cohort learned all about the different programs the
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Law Offices of Vanover, Hall, Bartley, & Ward
PIKEVILLE, KY (November 27, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, November 25, 2024 for new members, Law Offices of Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward. The ribbon cutting celebrated the new location of the law firm, now located at 225 Hambley Blvd in Pikeville, next to Tudor’s Biscuit World. Founded in 1992, Vanover, Hall, Bartley, & Ward has served clients across eastern Kentucky with a focus on personal injury, workers' compensation, medical
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Infinity Design and Construction Group, Inc. as a New Member
PIKEVILLE, KY (November 27, 2024) -- The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Infinity Design and Construction Group, Inc. as a new member. A membership plaque was presented to the company on Friday, November 22, 2024. Founded by Keith McKinney, Kris Furlong, and Elliott Taulbee, the company is a full-service mechanical contractor specializing in pipe fabrication, piping installation, plumbing services, and HVAC installation and maintenance. With a strong reputation for innovation and
November's Chamber Member of the Month: TEK Center
Angie Reynolds is a powerhouse of a woman. All on her own she planted the seed for TEK Center, watered it and pruned it until it grew into something bigger and better than she intended. What she planted has borne beautiful fruit, and it’s a testament to her tenacity and insane work ethic. TEK Center grew out of a need for heavy equipment operators at the company Angie used to work for. It was her job to find them, so she had the idea of launching a small training center to help her get people into the jobs
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts Lunch & Learn with BSCTC Interim President, Samuel Todd Brand, Ph.D
PIKEVILLE, KY (Nov. 13, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 with Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) Interim President, Samuel Todd Brand, Ph.D. The event was well-attended by local business and community leaders, representing organizations such as Amazon Hub, Eastern Telephone & Technologies, Brightview, One East Kentucky, and Pikeville Medical Center. Dr. Brand’s presentation focused on the work they’re doing at BSCTC to
Patton Leadership Institute Class of 2025 Holds Second Session in Magoffin County
PIKEVILLE, KY (November 11, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Patton Leadership Institute (PLI) held its second session for the Class of 2025 in Magoffin County on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The cohort visits a different county for each session. PLI will visit Martin County on December 5, 2024. The Class of 2025 met at the Magoffin County Health Department where they heard from Health Department Director Dr. Pete Shepherd about the various harm reduction programs the county offers to
Experience Compliance Growth with Innovative Audits
As regulatory demands grow more complex, the pressure to adopt innovative audit solutions intensifies. Transforming manual auditing into efficient, technology-driven processes redefines how audits are approached. Advanced tools can detect anomalies and automate compliance tasks, creating a smoother, more precise system. These modern solutions elevate compliance efforts and sharpen a business’s competitive advantage. Embracing technology signals a shift toward a more adaptive and dynamic
October’s Chamber Member of the Month: Law Offices of Vanover, Hall, Bartley, & Ward, PSC
You’ve probably heard of the personal injury attorneys Vanover, Hall, Bartley, & Ward on the radio, bringing you the latest traffic and accident updates, which is a very clever marketing strategy given the type of law they practice. However, they do so much more. Not only does the law firm help with personal injury and car accidents, but they also tackle workers comp cases, social security, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse. Basically, if you’ve been wronged, Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward can make
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Twn Mtn Troubadour
PIKEVILLE, KY (October 21, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 18, 2024, for Twn Mtn Troubadour, an innovative hospitality collective rooted in Appalachian culture. The event marked the official opening of this exciting new business, which combines unique accommodations, dining, retail, and community events to create an elevated experience in Pikeville. Located in the historic Log Cabin restaurant, Twn Mtn Troubadour offers a
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Welcomes Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital as a New Member
PIKEVILLE, KY (October 24, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is pleased to announce Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital as a new member. A ribbon cutting was held for the radio station on October 22, 2024. Forcht’s radio stations, WXKQ and WTCW in Whitesburg, have been dedicated to serving Whitesburg and parts of Eastern Kentucky for over 60 years. As local, hometown radio stations, they prioritize keeping our communities informed and safe while delivering great Lite Rock and Country music
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Jeremy Justice Films as New Member
PIKEVILLE, KY (October 21, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Jeremy Justice Films as a new member. A membership plaque was presented to owner and operator Jeremy Justice on October 21, 2024. Jeremy Justice Films is a professional video production company specializing in cinematic storytelling for luxury weddings, corporate promotions, commercials, and creative content. Known for its keen attention to detail and commitment to crafting visually stunning narratives,
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Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Launches National Civics Bee®
PIKEVILLE, KY—The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Eastern Kentucky will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Holds Opening Session for Patton Leadership Institute’s Class of 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY (October 25, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held Patton Leadership Institute’s (PLI) Opening Retreat for the Class of 2025 at Breaks Interstate Park on October 10-11, 2024. The retreat featured Chamber staff members Tiffany Coleman and Katie Belt, as well as Culture Docs Chief Engagement Officer, Jeff Peden as facilitators. The opening retreat featured discussions on communication styles, historic moments that impacted the region, issues we face, and the future of
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts Successful Lunch & Learn with Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel
PIKEVILLE, KY (October 15, 2024) – On October 8, 2024, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch & Learn event featuring Jeff Noel, Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. Noel provided valuable insights into the importance of job creation and fostering partnerships between businesses to attract investment to Kentucky. The Lunch & Learn was well-attended by over 30 business and community leaders representing EKCEP, Kentucky Career Center, One East Kentucky, Appalachian Wireless,
September’s Chamber Member of the Month: Annie’s Frugal Finery
“We’re like a consignment supercenter, we have a little bit of everything,” is how owner Debbie Campbell described her business, Annie’s Frugal Finery, located on Jenkins Road in Whitesburg. When I walked through the door into the consignment store, I was met with a mannequin dressed in a chic outfit and then immediately greeted by a friendly voice, “Hi! Welcome in!” Stepping fully into the room, I turn and see a demurely dressed woman in red lipstick smiling at me and she says, “Are you Katie? I’m Debbie
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Assists with Ribbon Cutting for Coal City Coffee in Whitesburg
PIKEVILLE, KY (October 1, 2024)— The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Pine Mountain Partnership, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21, 2024, to celebrate the grand opening of Coal City Coffee's second location. The new coffee shop is the latest effort by SmileFaith to expand its support for free dental clinics throughout the region. This marks Coal City Coffee’s second location, with the first being inside SmileFaith in Jenkins, KY. SmileFaith, a nonprofit
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Welcomes Servpro of Pike, Floyd and Knott Counties as a New Member
PIKEVILLE, KY (September 19, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Servpro of Pike, Floyd, and Knott Counties as a new member. A membership plaque was presented to the company on August 30, 2024. Servpro has 2,200 franchise locations nationwide serving 97% of all US zip codes within two hours and are available 24/7 for emergency services. The company is ranked #1 in the restoration industry and is an IICRC certified firm. They specialize and are certified in water damage,
Gibson Graduates from U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program
Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, September 20, Jordan Gibson, President and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce graduated from the ninth cohort of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s premier business leadership program, the Business Leads Fellowship Program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Success of 2024 Annual Awards Night
PIKEVILLE, KY (September 16, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2024 Annual Awards Night on Thursday, September 12, 2024. This year was one of the largest awards banquets in recent years with more than 400 members in attendance and 46 members businesses sponsoring the event. The evening began with a reception and networking opportunities at 5 pm, and the dinner and the awards celebration began at 6:30 pm. Chamber President & CEO, Jordan Gibson, along with Chairwoman of the
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Pauley Hollow’s Farmhouse Tasting Room
PIKEVILLE, KY (September 6, 2024)– The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce celebrated the newly opened Pauley Hollow Distillery’s Farmhouse Tasting Room with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 21. Attendees enjoyed a guided tour of the tasting room, located in a 100-year-old family home, followed by tastings of signature cocktails made from Pauley Hollow’s celebrated line of craft spirits. Founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Josh and Jessica Martin, Pauley Hollow Distillery is the first
August Chamber Member of the Month: StoneCrest Golf Course
If you're looking for a golfing experience that combines stunning views, top-notch facilities, and a dash of local charm, look no further than StoneCrest Golf Course in Prestonsburg, Kentucky! Opened in 2001, this gem is built on a reclaimed surface mine, making it not just a place to play golf but a testament to how this community has transformed its landscape into something truly special. StoneCrest is an 18-hole course that’s perfect whether you’re sneaking in a quick 9 or gearing up for the full 18.
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Holds Ribbon Cutting for Childers Auto & Truck Parts
PIKEVILLE, KY (Aug 1, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 for Childers Auto & Truck Parts, a dynamic new addition to the region’s automotive and heavy-duty truck service industry. The event celebrated the official opening of the business and highlighted its commitment to serving the community with exceptional products and services. Founded by Kenneth and Allison Childers in January 2023, Childers Auto & Truck Parts specializes in the
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts Board Installation Event, Welcomes 2024-2025 Board of Directors
PIKEVILLE, KY (July 25, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the successful installation of its 2024-2025 Board of Directors. The event was held at the Garfield House in Pikeville. The event began with a heartfelt recognition of the outgoing Chairman, Casey Lequire. Although Casey was unable to attend due to personal commitments, his contributions were honored in a letter read by Chamber President Jordan Gibson. Casey's tenure was marked by significant achievements,
July's Chamber Member of the Month: American Metal Works
There’s a place up Stone Coal Road in Pikeville that’s a well-kept secret, and it’s about time they get the spotlight. It’s a business called American Metal Works and they have the crazy ability to take a solid hunk of metal and use Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills, plasma cutting, laser engraving, anodizing, powder-coating and sand blasting, to make it into whatever size and shape their customers need. You’d be surprised by their complete versatility of having such amazing technology and
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Partners with Pikeville Rotary Club to Host Luncheon with Sen. McConnell
PIKEVILLE, KY (July 3, 2024)—The Southeast Kentucky Chamber partnered with the Pikeville Rotary Club on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, to host a special luncheon at the Overlook Events Center in Pikeville. The luncheon featured guest speaker, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The luncheon was held as one of the Rotary Club’s weekly meetings and was opened to all members of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. More than 120 people attended the luncheon, including local business leaders, Rotarians, Chamber
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Presents $76,000 Check to the Shriners
PIKEVILLE, KY (July 1, 2024)—The Southeast Kentucky Chamber proudly presented Hillbilly Clan 1 Outhouse 2 with a check for $76,000 on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The presentation took place at the Garfield House in Pikeville with Shriner representatives and Southeast Kentucky Chamber Board members present. The proceeds will be donated to the Shriners Children's Hospital in Lexington. Funds were raised during Hillbilly Days by selling vendor spaces. Southeast Kentucky’s largest festival, Hillbilly Days,
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Southeast Kentucky Chamber Welcomes Pikeville Pride as a New Member
PIKEVILLE, KY (July 1, 2024)—The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is pleased to announce that Pikeville Pride has joined as a new member. A membership plaque was presented to the nonprofit organization on Monday, June 24, 2024. Pikeville Pride began in 2017 to provide representation, visibility, and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community in our region. Their first Pride event was in October of 2018 with 400 people in attendance. Since then, the annual event has grown and doubled in size every year. What started
June's Chamber Member of the Month: Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery
I haven’t been in this town very long, but one of the first things I learned when I moved here is that Pikeville knows how to brew a good beer and distill quality moonshine. I will admit, I am kind of a beer snob—I know a good beer when I taste it, and I haven’t found a beer I didn’t like in the City of Pikeville. There’s a place on Second St. that has really honed their craft (pun intended) when it comes to beer and spirits, and that’s Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery. My first experience with Dueling
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Holds Ribbon Cutting For Amazon Hub Delivery
PIKEVILLE, KY (June 25, 2024)—The Southeast Kentucky Chamber held a ribbon cutting for new member, Amazon Hub Delivery, at the Garfield House in Downtown Pikeville on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The ribbon cutting was attended by members of the community, representatives from the City of Pikeville, and local business leaders who have recently partnered with Amazon Hub Delivery, such as Moonlight Boutique. Members of the media were also present. Amazon Hub Delivery joined the Chamber in hopes of partnering
Patton Leadership Holds Ninth and Final Session in Lawrence County
PIKEVILLE, KY (June 12, 2024)—The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Patton Leadership Institute (PLI) held its ninth and final session in Lawrence County on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The cohort has visited a different county each session, and this marks the completion of the program for the 23 participants. The PLI Class of 2024 met at the AEP Big Sandy Power Plant in Louisa where they received a tour of the facilities and heard from External Affairs Manager, Bob Shurtleff about how the plant operates and how it
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Southeast Kentucky Chamber Holds Lunch & Learn with UPIKE President Dr. Burton Webb
PIKEVILLE, KY (May 21, 2015)—The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch & Learn event on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 with guest speaker, Dr. Burton Webb, President of UPIKE. This was the last Lunch & Learn for the season; the next Lunch & Learn will likely be in August 2024. The meeting was well attended by more than 40 business leaders and community members. Attendees included representatives from Appalachian Wireless, Jigsaw Enterprises, Eastern Telephone & Technologies, Amazon Hub, Big Sandy
May Chamber Member of the Month: Career Development Office
When someone tells you to think of the “Unemployment Office,” what do you picture? Do you think of a dark and dusty building, with flickering lights that only work half the time, filled with disheartened people with no hope or vision? That’s how I always imagined it, and I realize now just how wrong I was. Instead of thinking about it as the “Unemployment Office,” it’s better to reframe our idea of the Kentucky Career Center as THE place to go for employment. Rather than making it your last stop on the
