April 2015


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Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s

BUSINESS CALL April 2015

Newsletter brought to you by

MEETING MCCONNELL

Senate Majority Leader Visits Eastern Kentucky

April 2015 - Volume VIII, Issue X

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Inside the Chamber Chamber encourages businesses to use Ky small business tax credit program........................................................................................................ 3 Chamber hosts Membership Luncheon with Senate Majority Leader McConnell..................................................................................................... 4

Chamber Connections Industrial hemp helping define Kentucky’s economic landscape............. 5 Hillbilly Days................................................................................................. 6 Picture Perfect Photobooth joins the Chamber.......................................... 8 SOAR Strategy Summit - May 11.................................................................. 8 UPIKE poultry and KSU aquaponic innovations capture first prizes at Alltech competition...................................................................................... 9 Teach for America announce winners of Kentucky Literacy Campaign... 10

Your Government

Fiscal Year 2016 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill released............ 11

Events Calendar............................................................................................. 12

2014-2015 Officers & Executive Board Members Chairman: John Blackburn First Commonwealth Bank Chairman Elect: Shadd Walters US Bank Vice Chairman: Rick Newsom Community Trust Bank Treasurer: Lynette Schindler Lynette Schindler, CPA Secretary: Sam Carter TECO Immediate Past Chairman: Tracy Syck Shred All Documents Brad Hall AEP-Kentucky Power Jennifer Brown Redd, Brown, & Williams James D. England Peoples Insurance Agency Joel Thornbury Care More Pharmacy

Board of Directors Brad Hall AEP - Kentucky Power Bruce Walters Bruce Walters Ford David Baird Baird & Baird David Stratton Stratton Law Firm J.R. Blackburn Merrill Lynch James D. England Peoples Insurance Agency Jeff Vanderbeck Appalachian News-Express Jennifer Brown Redd, Brown, & Williams Jim Hobbs Citizens National Bank Jim Workman Community Trust Bank Joe Adams Pikeville Coca-Cola Joel Thornbury Care More Pharmacy Howard Roberts University of Pikeville Laura Damron Pikeville Medical Center Mike Harris Pepsi Mike McCoy MCNB Neil Middleton WYMT-TV Paul David Slater SNF-Flomin Coal Philip Elswick Summit Engineering Rick Newsom Community Trust Bank Russ Barker Appalachian Regional Healthcare Shannon Wright Wright Concrete W. Allen Gillum Appalachian Wireless

Chamber Staff Jacob Colley: President/CEO Pam Mullins: Accounting Manager Kelly Rowe: Events & Programs Manager Abigail Gibson: Communications Manager

Charter Members, thank you for your continuous support! Chairman’s Circle

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Chamber Encourages Businesses to Use KY Small Business Tax Credit Program The Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit (KSBTC) program is designed to encourage small business growth and job creation. Most for-profit businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees are eligible. The KSBTC eligibility requirements are simple. The program has been expanded and simplified. If a small business creates at least one new qualifying job and invests $5,000 or more in equipment or technology, that business may be eligible to receive an income tax credit of up to $25,000 a year. Tax credits range between $3,500 and $25,000 and require creating and sustaining at least one new full-time job and purchasing at least $5,000 of qualifying equipment or technology. This program could help many small businesses in the community. Last year, businesses received less than a tenth of the money allotted for the credit because very few businesses applied. Several businesses aren’t aware of this opportunity. When you talk to small business owners, you can let them know what the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit can do for them. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact the Office of Entrepreneurship in the Cabinet for Economic Development at cedsbsd@ ky.gov or call 800.626.2250.

Founder’s Circle AAA Real Estate Busy Bee Septic Systems Economy Drug Pamela C. Howard, PT Lynette Schindler CPA, PSC ShredAll Documents Vantage Point, Inc. Peoples Insurance

BUSINESS CALL | 3

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Chamber hosts Membership Luncheon with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell On Wednesday, April 8, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and over 200 attendees welcomed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to a Chamber luncheon at East Kentucky Exposition Center. McConnell is the only Kentuckian to ever serve as a Majority Leader in the United States Senate. This was Leader McConnell’s first appearance in Eastern Kentucky since becoming Majority Leader in January. Jacob S. Colley, President/CEO of Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce opened the luncheon with a warm welcome to attendees and Leader McConnell. Following Colley’s comments, Leader McConnell received a standing ovation. After lunch, Charles Baird, President of Baird & Baird, PSC, took the podium to introduce Leader McConnell. Baird shared his comments on the current economic state of the region and how Leader McConnell is continuing to fight for Eastern Kentucky and its coal industry. Leader McConnell’s address touched on several different aspects of the region and world. “It’s pretty clear that other countries are not going to buy in,” said Leader 4 | BUSINESS CALL

McConnell referencing the current administration plan regarding CO2 emissions. “What I said in the campaign I will say again today. If this is a global problem, if you believe that, it can only be dealt with globally. Europeans are now importing coal, coal will have a future. The question is, will it have a future here? That’s the question.” The Leader expressed concern for the coal industry in Eastern Kentucky, but followed up with encouraging words, “I know how grim it is in Eastern Kentucky. But, I’m here today to say let’s don’t give up. Because coal is going to have a future and it’s our job to make sure that it is going to have a future in the United States of America.” In Leader McConnell’s conclusion he talked briefly about the economy’s growth rate and coal’s future. Leader McConnell presented a very optimistic and positive closing. “I have great faith and optimism and hope for our country. Americans are essentially entrepreneurial, upbeat, optimistic people who want to make things happen. They want to build stuff, create activity and higher people and leave behind a better America for the next gen-

eration, and that’s always been the promise in our country. Every generation has felt the obligation to leave behind a better America, than the one they inherited from their parents. So we’re going to do that, and we’re going to fight this war on coal,” said Leader McConnell. The luncheon’s Premier Sponsor was Baird & Baird, PSC, with additional sponsorship by Whayne Supply. “It was a true pleasure to have the sitting Senate Majority Leader in our community today. He is an ambassador for Kentucky and more importantly, Eastern Kentucky, which was obvious in his address today. It is great to know we have a friend in Washington leading the U.S. Senate that has real concern for our local and regional economy,” said Jacob S. Colley, President/CEO of Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

PRESENTED BY

BAIRD & BAIRD, PSC. Gold Sponsor

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

Industrial hemp helping define Kentucky’s economic landscape

Submitted to the Chamber With industrial hemp helping define the future economic landscape of Kentucky, Freedom Seed and Feed, LLC has partnered with the University of Pikeville to develop a research institute designed to facilitate the development of this new industry within the coalfield region of Eastern Kentucky. Paul E. Patton, chancellor and interim president of the University of Pikeville, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “Being the leading university of Central Appalachia, we are the perfect anchor institution for this type of initiative,” said Patton. “The institute’s focus on student-based research is an essential ingredient to enriching the University of Pikeville’s focus on service learning. Research development will be a critical component in helping create a stronger economy in Appalachia. We are excited about this partnership.” “This institute will bring some of the brightest minds in the world together to develop what I believe to be one of the most sustainable industries in the world. I couldn’t think of a better mix,” said Mike Lewis, COO of Freedom Seed and Feed. “This is not only an investment into industrial hemp, this is an investment into a region that has given our country so much. Central Appalachia’s transition is an important investment that all American’s should strongly consider.” “Some of the most innovative, hardest working and resilient people in the American workforce live and work right here in Central Appalachia, and it is that energy and innovation that we intend to

harness and empower with this project,” said Lewis. According to J. Eric Mathis, the institute’s senior innovation consultant, the Institute for Regenerative Design and Innovation or IRDI, will be “a leader in the emerging field of regenerative development that will provide premier research and development services beginning with the industrial hemp sector.” “Situated in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, IRDI is actively linking industrial hemp to this invaluable asset. Presently, we are identifying biologically derived materials from within the region and then blending them with established industrial hemp products,” said Mathis. With a specific focus on industrial hemp, the institute is charged with developing a regional research and development model centered on regenerative design. A leading expert in the management of research and development and an innovation consultant for the institute, director of Aalto University’s Center for Knowledge and Innovation Research Hans Schaffers, stated that “while the average innovation success rate is fairly low, products launched using our proposed open-innovation methodology will potentially have a considerably higher success rate due to the institute’s unique public-private-user partnerships.” “The market applications of regenerative design cross the entire spectrum of the industrial hemp sector. From bio-pharmaceuticals to building materials, the regenerative design approach to innovation will set a new precedent in market development,” said Mathis. “It is really quite simple, by involving potential consumers and producers from the beginning, we create inherent efficiencies within the innovation process as a whole.” “Given the early stages of the indus-

trial hemp sector, this innovation process is well suited to produce profitable outcomes,” said Schaffers. Open-innovation requires more than a partnership between a private entity and a university. “It requires support from the government as well. Kentucky is a perfect storm for integrating a collaborative governance process. With SOAR and the bi-partisan support of industrial hemp, eastern Kentucky is ripe for capitalizing on these synergistic opportunities,” said Wendy Willis, director of Policy Consensus Initiative and senior collaborative governance consultant for the institute. “It is my hope that the institute will convene all the necessary partners to situate industrial hemp as the predominant force in ushering in a new era of regenerative development in Central Appalachia and beyond,” said Lewis. “Regenerative design and innovation provides hope for the next generation and industrial hemp will lead the way in providing an applied model for this new approach to development.” The University of Pikeville will begin its 2015 industrial hemp pilot projects early spring. To learn more about the institute, visit www.upike.edu/irdi.

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CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

HILLBILLY DAYS 2015

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CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

BUSINESS CALL | 7

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

Picture Perfect Photo Booth Joins the Chamber The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome its newest member, Picture Perfect Photo Booth. Established in the fall of 2014, Picture Perfect Photo Booth offers a professional, high quality photo booth rental service to Southeastern Kentucky. They offer customers with exceptional value and experience by providing a large photo booth, extensive prop selection, high quality images, and full customer assistance. They are a locally owned and operated, on-site business and willing to travel to various locations for their client’s events. Their mission is to provide clients with a professional, portable photo booth that will enhance their event, as well as create fun and priceless photos. “It has always been a joy of ours to make people laugh and enjoy themselves. What’s more fun than taking memorable pictures with friends and loved ones?” Owner, Brandon Feltner said. Picture Perfect Photo Booth can add fun to any event. They service weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, proms and more. Feltner has a passion for working with people. “We enjoy meeting new people and adding enjoyment to their special occasion.” Feltner and Picture Perfect Photo Booth are bringing an entertaining and new service to events in the region. “In our area, we lack resources such as photo booths and other forms of entertainment to add to special events,” Feltner said. “We wanted to bring the fun service of our photo booth to Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky.”

SM

STRATEGY SUMMIT 2015

MAY 11, 2015 | 9:00AM  5:00PM EAST KENTUCKY EXPO CENTER | PIKEVILLE, KY CREATING OUR FUTURE : Regional Strategies for Economic Growth

WHO Everyone who wants to be part of the SOAR Solution, including... > > > >

Entrepreneurs Students Volunteers Non-Profit Organization Employees

> > > >

Local Government Employees Elected Officials Community Leaders Employers

We need everyone’s commitment to grow our communities and work together as a region

WHY > Learn how to work with other organizations and communities to have collective impact while maintaining local identity > Hear examples of success in communities who have taken this approach > Network with local, regional, state, and federal officials

> Learn how your community can compete for state and federal grants > Show your commitment to being a part of the SOAR Solution in 2015

Preregistration is required by May 6. Register online at www.soar-ky.org.

C O L L A B O R AT I O N . I N N OVAT I O N . I M PAC T. 8 | BUSINESS CALL

UPIKE poultry and KSU aquaponic innovations capture first prizes at Alltech competition Submitted to the Chamber In a battle of brains amongst seven Kentucky universities in the 2015 Alltech Innovation Competition, it was Kentucky State University and the University of Pikeville who emerged as victors, respectively capturing the undergraduate and graduate first place designations. Each team won $10,000, the amount with which Dr. Pearse Lyons founded Alltech, now a $1 billion company operating in 128 countries. The University of Pikeville’s team of two graduate and two undergraduate students won the graduate competition with Rhizofeed, their herbal extraction company based in Pikeville. Using bloodroot harvested in Eastern Kentucky, Rhizofeed extracts whole rhizome for use in poultry feed to improve gut health. Less expensive and more stable than probiotics, according to the student team, rhizome extract has anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to improving the immune system, regulating digestion and promoting weight gain. Rhizofeed aims to target poultry producers looking for alternatives to probiotics or antibiotics, a market expected to grow as an increasing number of major food companies, such as McDonald’s, demand antibiotic-free production. Grown, extracted and sold from Kentucky, Rhizofeed will further diversify Eastern Kentucky’s regional economy while improving poultry production globally. Making their inaugural appearance at the annual Alltech Innovation Competition, Kentucky State University cap-

tured first place in the undergraduate competition with an aquaponics venture. Old Kentucky Home Aquatics, focuses on in-pond aquaponic raceway systems, inspired by the regional potential for farmed catfish and vegetables as well as a drive to support small-scale farming. The business will construct raceways in established ponds, educate farmers and develop a processing route to build regional agriculture. The raceway systems will provide for easier harvesting, higher stocking densities, better water quality and waste collection while controlling overfeeding. Floating rafts enable the incorporation of aquaponics, such as the growth of Bibb lettuce and spinach, using fish waste as a nutrient source. The winning teams’ competitors included Bellarmine University, Brescia University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. With seven universities going head-to-head, Dr. Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer at Alltech, noted the challenge this year’s judges had in naming winners, “The quality of the work this year was several magnitudes better than ever before but what made the winning projects so innovative was the simplicity of the ideas and the quality of the presentations.” “I have been amazed, totally amazed, over the three years we have now run this competition. The event brings out the best,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “Young people find a way to do it, and both winning projects use products from Kentucky—yet not tobacco—to build two viable Kentucky

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

businesses.” The Alltech Innovation Competition, now in its third year with annual competitions held in both Kentucky and Ireland, holds value to Alltech, not only in terms of the ideas and possible collaborations brought forward but also in terms of talent identification. “Recognizing the innovators and future leaders in the state is very important to us,” said Dawson. Also central to the Alltech Innovation Competition’s founding mission is its contribution to the state’s economic engine. “To inspire these young people that you can be innovative is the real value of the Alltech Innovation Competition. We have to look for new solutions and inspiring these young people is integral,” said former Kentucky governor Paul Patton, now the interim president of the University of Pikeville. Alltech will run a sister competition in Dunboyne, Ireland, this Wednesday. The Alltech Innovation Competition reflects Alltech’s commitment to lifelong education and the inspiration of innovation and entrepreneurship. Another example of this commitment is the company’s flagship international conference, now in its 31st year in Lexington, Kentucky. Registration for the Alltech REBELation conference, to be held May 17-20, is open now. For more information, or to request an invitation, contact a local Alltech representative, visit rebel.alltech.com or email [email protected]. Join the conversation on Twitter with #REBELation.

BUSINESS CALL | 9

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

Teach for America announces winner of Kentucky Literacy Campaign Teach for America created a campaign asking the question, “What’s the one book every Kentuckian must read in their lifetime?” 2,500 people from across the state voted on the one book, with the winning book to be donated to twenty-four schools throughout eastern Kentucky. With 443 votes, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee was voted as the one book all Kentuckians should read. Those who participated were also entered to win a Kindle. The twenty-four schools were chosen because they are partner middle and high schools with Teach For America-Appalachia, a non-profit that recruits and trains teachers to work in schools throughout eastern Kentucky. Follow Teach For America-Appalachia on Facook for more information and upcoming photos of TFA-Appalachia delivering a set of the books to local schools. Check out the campaign’s website at http://www.yourschoolsyourcall.org.

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YOUR GOVERNMENT

Fiscal Year 2016 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Released Legislation provides for essential operations of the Capitol, holds the line on spending

Submitted to the Chamber The House Appropriations Committee today released the fiscal year 2016 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill, which will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. The bill provides annual funding for the offices of Members of the House of Representatives, the support agencies of Congress, security, services for visitors, and Capitol operations and maintenance. The total included for the House and joint operations, excluding Senate-only items, is $3.3 billion. This is the same as the 2015 level and $172.3 million below the President’s request. In all, funding for the House of Representatives has been reduced by 14% since Republicans gained its control in January 2011. The legislation also includes a provision to freeze the pay of Members of Congress, preventing any pay increases in fiscal year 2016. A freeze on the salaries of Representatives has been in place since 2010. “This is the smallest Appropriations bill, but it is hugely important for the continued functioning of the Nation’s Capitol and our democratic process. It provides security for Members, staff, and visitors alike, continues day-to-day operations that give visitors access to this great institution, and allows each and every Member’s office to best serve their constituents,” Chairman Hal Rogers said. “Our Capitol is an important symbol of the world’s greatest democracy at work, and this bill will help preserve and honor that legacy.” Congressman Tom Graves, Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, stated, “The United States Capitol is a source of pride for every American and a symbol of freedom that is recognized around the world. This bill preserves the beauty and structures of the Capitol grounds, provides essential security for visitors and employees, and ensures that the people’s business is carried out in a fiscally responsible way. I’m grateful to all the subcommittee members for working in a thoughtful and bipartisan way to craft a bill that honors and respects taxpayers today and preserves this institution for future generations.” Bill Summary: House Operations – The bill contains $1.2 billion to fund the operations of the House – the same as fiscal year 2015. This account provides funding for Members’ Representational Allowances (MRAs), leadership, committees and Officers of the House. Member Pay Freeze – The legislation freezes pay for Members of Congress, preventing any pay increases in fiscal year 2016. Capitol Police – The bill funds the Capitol Police at $369 million, an increase of $21 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This will fund critical safety and security functions for all Members, staff, and visitors of the Capitol Complex, and maintain public access to the Capitol and its office buildings. Architect of the Capitol (AoC) – The legislation provides $496.9 million for the AoC, which is $9 million below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. The legislation will allow the AoC to prioritize essential projects that promote the safety and health of those who visit and work in the Capitol Complex, and address deferred maintenance projects. The bill includes authority for the restoration and renovation of the Cannon House Office Building, but also mandates enhanced oversight of the project. Library of Congress (LoC) – The legislation provides $591.4 million for the Library of Congress, an increase of $510,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level, to allow the Library to continue support functions for Congress and maintain services for the public. Funding in the bill will also help to reduce the Library’s processing time for copyright registrations and claims backlog. Government Accountability Office (GAO) – The bill contains $522 million in funding for the GAO, the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This funding will continue GAO’s critical oversight work – providing Congress with accurate, nonpartisan reporting of federal programs and tracking of how taxpayer dollars are spent. Government Publishing Office (GPO) – The legislation includes $110 million for GPO, a decrease of $9.8 million below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. The legislation maintains the previous year’s level for printing and binding services. For the complete text of the subcommittee draft of the FY 2016 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill, please visit: http:// appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/LEG_xml-subcommittee.pdf.Chamber tracked bills that did not pass: BUSINESS CALL | 11

PRST STD US Postage Paid Pikeville, KY Permit No. 20

Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events May 2015 5 Glenn Shepherd Seminar, Hampton Inn Mountain View Room-8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

14 Patton Leadership Institute-8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 21 Work Ethic Award Dinner, East Kentucky Expo Center Ballroom-6 - 8 p.m

26 Executive Committee Meeting, Chamber Office-11:30 a.m.

28 Board Meeting-11:30 a.m. 29 Links for Learning Golf Tournament, Stonecrest Golf Course in Prestonsburg, KY

June 2015 4 Patton Leadership Institute-8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 11 Kiwanis Club of Pikeville Meet & Greet Lunch, Garfield Community Room

23 Executive Committee Meeting, Chamber Office-11:30 a.m.

25 Board Meeting-11:30 a.m.

178 College Street | Pikeville, KY 41501 www.sekchamber.com Phone: (606) 432-5504 FAX: (606) 432-7295