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Patton Leadership Institute Returns to Knott County for First Visit Since 2022 Flooding
KNOTT COUNTY, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Patton Leadership Institute traveled to Knott County recently as part of its ongoing leadership development program, marking the first time the Institute has been able to return to the area since the historic flooding of July 2022, which deeply impacted the community.The day began on the campus of Alice Lloyd College, where PLI participants were welcomed by Dr. James Stepp, President of Alice Lloyd College. During his remarks, President Stepp emphasized
Community Trust Bank Announces Zachary Thacker Promoted To Tug Valley Market President
PIKEVILLE, KY: Mark A. Gooch, Chairman, President and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., is pleased to announce that Zachary Thacker has been promoted to the position of Tug Valley Market President of Community Trust Bank, Inc. Mr. Thacker's responsibilities include providing consumer, residential, and commercial lending options to new and existing clients, as well as offering a variety of financial solutions to individuals and businesses including the acceptance of time and demand deposits, providing
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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
Patton Leadership Institute Travels to Lawrence County for December Session
LOUISA, KY — December 4, 2025 — The Patton Leadership Institute, a program of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, traveled to Lawrence County on December 4 as part of the ongoing leadership development program’s focus on regional collaboration, economic development, and community engagement.Participants began the day at Kentucky Power’s Big Sandy Power Plant, where they toured the facility and received an update on community and economic development efforts from Ryan Howell, a PLI 2025 graduate, and Ryan Lake,
Patton Leadership Institute Visits Martin County for First Official Session
INEZ, KY — November 6, 2025 —The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Patton Leadership Institute Class of 2026 visited Martin County on Thursday, November 6, for their first official session following the program’s Opening Retreat held in October at Breaks Interstate Park.The day began at the Martin County Library inside the Roy F. Collier Community Center, where participants heard from a series of local leaders and changemakers.Heather Perry of Appalachian Reach Out opened the morning by sharing her
