Patton Leadership Institute Explores Economic Development, Tourism in Letcher County

WHITESBURG, KY — January 8, 2026 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Patton Leadership Institute traveled to Letcher County recently for a full day of learning centered on regional collaboration, economic development, and cultural preservation in Eastern Kentucky.

    The visit began the double kwik corporate office in Whitesburg, where participants heard from Jeffery Justice, President and CEO of Pine Mountain Partnership. Justice offered an inside look at economic development efforts in Letcher County and across the region, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and shared regional success.

    “The problems of our region didn’t show up overnight and they won’t go away overnight,” Justice said. “Success begets success, for the entire region. Success in Pikeville opens the doors for success in Jenkins, Whitesburg, and vice versa. We have to reframe our thinking.”

    Participants also heard from Missy Matthews, President of Childers Oil Company and double kwik, and Chairman of Letcher County Tourism, who share the history and growth of the family-owned business and its deep roots in Eastern Kentucky. Matthews reflected on her father’s decision to remain in Letcher County after declining a promotion with Gulf Oil Company that would have relocated the family to Atlanta, Georgia. When Gulf later began divesting from what it viewed as a “dying” region, her father chose instead to purchase the company’s local assets and launch his own oil company.

    That decision, rooted in a strong belief in the region and its people, ultimately led to the creation of Childers Oil Company, which has since grown into 41 double kwik locations serving Eastern Kentucky and Southwestern Virginia.

    Following Matthews’ remarks, Lee Adams of Letcher County Tourism expanded on the conversation by highlighting the county’s tourism assets and the role tourism plays in economic diversification and community identity.

    Lunch was generously sponsored by double kwik and a new local business in downtown, townies, after which the group traveled to Kentucky Mist Distillery for a tour and tasting. Participants then heard from Whitesburg Mayor Tiffany Craft, who shared insights on local leadership and her time serving in public office.
    
    The afternoon concluded with a visit to Appalshop’s WMMT radio station, where participants viewed short films produced by the Appalachian Media Institute, learned about Appalshop’s history and mission, and heard about its continued recovery following the 2022 flooding. The visit included a tour of the WMMT studios, highlighting the organization’s ongoing role in amplifying Appalachian voices and stories.
The Patton Leadership Institute is a signature program of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, designed to develop informed, engaged leaders who are committed to strengthening their communities and the region.
    
    For more information about the Patton Leadership Institute or the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, 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.
 
STYLE GUIDELINES:
“double kwik” remains uncapitalized
“townies” remains uncapitalized

Media Contact:
Merisa Ferrell
Director of Programs & Media
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
merisa@sekchamber.com
(606) 432-5504