February 2015


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Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s

BUSINESS CALL February 2015

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Patton Leadership Institute Visits Frankfort Gov. Beshear, Rep. Combs and Local Legislators met with PLI in Kentucky’s Capitol

February 2015 - Volume VIII, Issue VIII

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Inside the Chamber Chamber Announces New President/CEO.................................................. 3 Patton Leadership Institute Visits Frankfort............................................... 4 Chamber Staff Supports Local Organizations............................................ 5

Chamber Connections Banquet for Life a Success: Event Raises $30K for APCC............................ 6 Appalachian Air Offers Special Rates for SEC Games................................. 7 February Ambassador Surprise Patrol........................................................ 8 UPIKE’s Newest College Named for Kentucky’s ‘Education Governor’...... 9 Teach For America Launches Kentucky Literacy Campaign..................... 10

Your Government

Legislative Update...................................................................................... 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 Skip Holmes Fairway Outdoor Advertising W. Allen Gillum Appalachian Wireless

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

Chamber Announces New President/CEO The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Jacob S. Colley has been selected as the Chamber’s new President & CEO. On January 27, 2015, the Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to approve Colley and he will begin to work in his new position effective immediately. “After an extensive search and interview process, our search committee and Board of Directors are pleased with the decision to name Mr. Colley the next President & CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber,” Brad Hall, Chair of the Search Committee said. “Jacob is very talented and we look forward to all that he, the staff, and the Board will accomplish in the coming months.” Most recently, Colley served as the Interim President/CEO beginning November 2014 and has been with the Chamber since July 2013 when hired as Vice President of Operations. “I am hon-

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

ored to be in my new role leading the Chamber,” said Colley. “The Chamber’s work is vital to the region’s business community and I look forward to working with the Chamber’s board, volunteers, and staff to grow the organization and to promote the interest and ensure the livelihood of local and regional businesses.” Chairman of the Chamber’s Board John Blackburn, said, “Jacob has proved himself to be a valuable asset to the Chamber as Vice President of Operations and I now look forward to serving with him in his new role.” He added, “I would like to congratulate him on being selected by the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce as the new President & CEO.” Colley is a graduate from Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business, with a degree in Marketing Management and minor in Leadership and Social Change. Before the transitioning to the Chamber, Jacob spent over four years in community banking as a Consumer and Small Business Banker with TruPoint Bank in Grundy, VA.

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INSIDE THE CHAMBER

PATTON LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE VISITS FRANKFORT On February 12, 2015, the Patton Leadership Institute (PLI) held its latest session in Kentucky’s state capital to discuss public policy and state government. The PLI class was able to gain a better understanding of how state government operates as well as hear from policy experts on legislation that could have significant impact on the business community. The class started the day with a visit to the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Frankfort with a greeting by Kentucky Chamber staff and President/CEO, Dave Adkisson. Betsy Dexter, Manager of Education & Workforce Policy and Aimee Hiller, SVP of Administration led a discussion around initiatives the Kentucky Chamber are championing in legislature such as Telecom Reform, statewide smoking ban, Local Option Sales Tax (LIFT), Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Right to Work, a variety of workforce and education issues, and others bills. The class then headed downtown for a tour and history lesson of Kentucky’s Capitol. The current Capitol opened in 1910 and houses all branches of state government including both legislative bodies (House of Representatives and Senate), the executive branch (Governor’s offices), 4 | BUSINESS CALL

and judicial branch (Kentucky Supreme Court). The tour concluded with a photograph and short address from Rep. Leslie Combs and Kentucky’s 61st Governor Steve Beshear. Governor Beshear spoke to the class and commended them for being part of the Patton Leadership Institute. He encouraged the group to continue developing their leadership abilities as they are future leaders of Eastern Kentucky and will be critical as the region transitions to a new economy. The day concluded with the class sitting in on a House of Representatives’ session to be recognized on the House floor by Rep. Leslie Combs and Rep. Chris Harris. “The Frankfort trip is always an eye-opening experience for many in the class as this visit is often their first time in the Capitol,” said Jacob Colley, President/ CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. “The class learned today how vital being engaged in the political process is for themselves and the business community. We always charge the class to take their excitement from the trip back to their workplaces and communities to encourage more Eastern Kentuckians to become active and stay up-to-date on issues in the legislature.”

The Patton Leadership Institute is the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s flagship professional development program that seeks to strengthen the future leadership in regional organizations by developing emerging talent into quality leaders. The program hosts nine sessions between October and July with each session focusing on the different resources eastern Kentucky possesses and how each community contributes to the whole of the region. PLI is presented by Appalachian Wireless, Food City, and the University of Pikeville.

PRESENTED BY:

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

CHAMBER STAFF SUPPORTS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS Big Sandy Women in Business Symposium Chamber Events and Programs Manager, Kelly Rowe (far left), participated in the Big Sandy Women in Business Symposium presented by Morehead State University’s College of Business and Public Affairs and the East Kentucky Small Business Development Center. Rowe heard from local female leaders such as Chief of Staff Cabinet for Economic Development Holland Bailey Spade, Erin Bemis, Carla Stapleton, and Author of Cookin’ Healthy with One Foot Out the Door, Polly Pitchford.

Relay for Life - Pike County American Cancer Society’s 2015 Relay for Life campaign kicked off with the annual Celebrity Waiter dinner Friday at the East Kentucky Expo Center.The evening’s event including live music, a gift basket auction, and dinner served by their celebrity server. The event raised more than $17,000 for Pike County’s Relay for Life. President/CEO, Jacob Colley, waited on friends and colleauges at his table including Emily Scott, Kristen Kendrick, Kate Hensley, Kelly Rowe, Grace and Waylon Nelson. BUSINESS CALL | 5

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

Banquet for Life a Success: Event Raises $30K for APCC From The Medical Leader The Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center’s Banquet for Life was a success on Feb. 5, raising nearly $30,000 for the nonprofit organization. Officials report that 528 people attended the event, geared to raise funds so APCC can continue providing services to mothers and fathers who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies. APCC Executive Director Kay Hammond thanked a long list of people and organizations that sponsored and/or assisted with the event, as well as numerous volunteers who help APCC carry out its mission every day. Nearly 70 volunteers took part in the banquet. “It’s just awesome what God has done with the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center,” Hammond said. “And I want to thank every person here because you’re a big part of that.” She said APCC supporters are “making an investment in future generations” and are emphasizing to others how important it is “to give the unborn a chance to impact our world.” That statement was exemplified in comments by two others who spoke at the event. Jill Fraley of East Kentucky Broadcasting told attendees about the recent adoption of her daughter.

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“This event tonight and being asked to be a part of this event has been very special to me over the last couple of weeks for a very important reason,” Fraley said. “You see, 10 weeks ago, my husband and I became parents for the first time because a wonderful, selfless person, of whom I have so much admiration and respect for, chose life for her baby and not the alternative that so many people choose. It’s such a terrible alternative.” “Pregnancies may be unwanted or they may be unintended, but what I can promise you is this: every single baby that God brings life into is wanted by someone,” Fraley said, showing the crowd a picture of her “miracle” baby.

“She’s my angel, and I thank God every single day that her mother did not choose that terrible alternative,” she said. “So thank you for what you’re doing here tonight because this is the result of that.” University of Pikeville Associate Professor of Business Dr. David Smith became emotional when he shared his story. He said his life is the result of an unintended pregnancy, and he wouldn’t have been able to achieve his success if it weren’t for people who helped his family along the way. “I thank God that I had people like you in my life,” he told the audience.

“Tonight is an opportunity for you to help people like me, to help people pursue their dreams, just by a few dollars, for a few minutes of your time to help people have opportunities. The only thing they need is a chance.” Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center General Manager Cindy Collins presented APCC with a check for more than $1,200. The donation was designated by Pikeville Freewill Baptist Church during a charitable giving campaign the Expo Center hosted last year. Event sponsors included Community Trust Bank, Charles and Kitty Baird, John Baird, Jones Oil, Edward Jones (J.C. Hensley), Elkhorn Drug, City of Pikeville, Marian Development Group, Wellness Center, University of Pikeville, Care More Pharmacy, Kimper Pharmacy, NOVA Pharmacy, Highlands Church of Christ, Cornerstone Christian Church, Pikeville Freewill Baptist Church and others.

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

Appalachian Air Offers Special Rates for SEC Games From The Medical Leader Getting to the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Basketball Tournament is easier than ever before with Appalachian Air’s daily roundtrip service between Pikeville and Nashville. And now, it’s more affordable, too. Public Charters and Appalachian Air announced on Feb. 16 that they will offer special pricing for roundtrip flights from Pikeville to Nashville during the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. The roundtrip fare between March 10 and March16 has been reduced to $248.04, a savings of more than $150. To take advantage of the discount, purchase tickets by March 13 at http://publiccharters.com or http://appalachianair.com using the promo code FLYPIKESEC. “We know how important college basketball is to this region, and we’re excited to get those fans to Nashville in just a little more than an hour,” said Jim Gallagher, CEO of Public Charters. “This promotion is a great example of how regional air service can respond to the needs of its customers.” To further accommodate fans, Appalachian Air also has revised its flight schedule. Wednesday, March 11: The departure of flight 811 from Pikeville-Pike County Regional Airport (PVL) has been pushed back to 11 a.m. EST. The tournament tips off at 6 p.m. CST. Sunday, March 15: The departure of flight 812 from Nashville International Airport (BNA) has been pushed back to 7 p.m. CST. The tournament championship begins at noon CST. Monday, March 16: The departure of flight 811 from PVL has been pushed back to 10 a.m. EST to accommodate the previous evening’s departure time change. Some rules and restrictions apply. All flights are public charters conducted under 14 CFR Part 380. For full details, visit http://publiccharters.com or http://appalachianair. com.

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CHAMBER CONNECTIONS Harley Davidson

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

Abode Real Estate

February Ambassador Surprise Patrol This month, Abode Real Estate and Harley Davidson received a visit from the Chamber’s Ambassador Club. The chosen Chamber businesses received cupcakes and balloons, donated by Food City, from the Chamber Ambassadors and staff to thank them for their membership. Ambassadors and staff that participated in February’s Surprise Patrol included: Ellen Blackburn, Waylon Nelson, and Kelly Rowe For more information about the Ambassador Club, please contact the Chamber at [email protected] or check out the Ambassador page on the Chamber’s website at www.sekchamber.com/pages/AmbassadorClub SPONSORED BY

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

Ellen Blackburn The Medical Leader

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AKZ Cleaners Anthem BCBS Medicaid Jeff Keener Napa Auto Parts Picture Perfect Photobooth Reed’s Spray Foam Insulation

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

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

UPIKE’s Newest College Named for Kentucky’s ‘Education Governor’ The University of Pikeville announced its newest college – the Patton College of Education – named for Kentucky’s 59th governor Paul E. Patton. “Governor Patton has done more than anyone to promote education in the commonwealth,” said UPIKE President Dr. James Hurley. “He was known nationally as the ‘higher education governor’ and his 40-plus years of service to the University of Pikeville is an illustration of his passion for education. It was an honor to name our fifth college the Patton College of Education.” As governor, Patton was a national leader, particularly in education policy. He proposed and championed the successful passage of Kentucky’s Higher Education Reform Act in 1997, an effort that has been recognized as a model of progressive higher education policy. He also made substantial improvements in Kentucky’s pre-school and adult education programs, as well as successfully maintaining the momentum and funding for the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Patton was also chairman of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education from 20092011. A native of Eastern Kentucky, Patton served as the university’s 19th president, from 2009-2013, and currently holds the position of chancellor. His tenure as president included a historic move from college to university status, implementation of the first master’s degree programs, an MBA and Master of Science in Sport Management, record enrollments and the opening of the Coal Building, a $40 million educational facility for the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. “I have been reluctant to have my name appended to projects or buildings or programs in which other people have been more involved,” Patton said when the new college was announced Jan. 23. “I do think education is my legacy and to have my name

added to the college, which I hope will be here long after I leave, is a great honor I trust I have earned.” Serving as UPIKE’s president was a fitting way to end his working career, according to Patton. “While I have had jobs with more employees and a larger budget, in its own way, the work of the university is equally important because we are helping people have a more productive and enjoyable life.” In December, the university announced that longtime educator David Barnett, Ed.D., would become the founding dean of the college of education. “The Patton College of Education is named for a visionary who sees things not as they are, but what they may become,” said Barnett. “The faculty and staff of UPIKE’s newest college has embraced the goal of becoming one of the leading educator preparation programs in the country by 2020.” Barnett said initiatives include strengthening partnerships with school districts, educational cooperatives and community organizations. The college will also provide opportunities for aspiring and practicing educators through professional development and integrated learning experiences, like the new Center for Servant Leadership and a master’s degree in school administration. “As the leading university in Central Appalachia, most of our educators come from and return to work in rural schools and school districts,” said Barnett. “Given more than 50 percent of the school districts in the U.S. are rural, we plan to focus on rural education and its unique needs. “We believe the best educators have a desire to improve the lives of students. At the Patton College of Education, we seek aspiring teachers and leaders who see education as more than a profession. For us, it’s a calling,” said Barnett. BUSINESS CALL | 9

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

Teach For America Launches Kentucky Literacy Campaign Teach For America announced today the launch of the Kentucky Literacy Campaign. Created to promote reading comprehension and spotlight Kentucky’s rich literary tradition, the campaign will provide books to over 700 students across eastern Kentucky. From now until March 16, individuals can support the campaign by visiting YourSchoolsYourCall.org to vote on a single question: What’s the one book all Kentuckians must read? All voters will be entered to win a Kindle. At the conclusion of the campaign, Teach For America will purchase sets of the winning book for its 24 partner schools in eastern Kentucky. Over 750 Kentuckians have already participated in the campaign, including Jane Beshear, First Lady of Kentucky. “I have been an advocate for literacy efforts throughout Kentucky since my husband served as Lt. Governor in the 1980s,” said Mrs. Beshear. “The Teach For America Kentucky Literacy Campaign strengthens our existing efforts, such as the Kentucky Literacy Celebration Week (March 16-20,

2015), by putting books directly in the hands of students and instilling in them a life-long love of reading that will translate to success in the classroom and beyond.” Kentucky native and Teach For America–Appalachia’s Executive Director Will Nash also sees the campaign as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of literacy in life-long learning. “We aim to provide our students with an education that sparks their minds, and gives them the skills needed to succeed in a 21st century economy. That starts with reading and comprehension,” said Nash. Teach For America–Appalachia’s educators work in 18 school districts spanning 250 miles across eastern Kentucky. Alongside committed veteran educators and community members, Teach For America–Appalachia’s corps members seek to provide greater educational opportunities for over 3,000 students. Nash believes that collaboration is critical to preparing students for success both in and after college, saying, “The Kentucky Literacy Campaign is showing the power our

state’s collective impact can have.” The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is among Teach For America’s many literacy campaign partners. “Teach For America is partnering with schools and communities to help improve the quality of education for children across eastern Kentucky. Equipping the next generation with critical skills like literacy creates greater opportunities for our state and its students,” said Jacob Colley, president and chief executive officer for the SEKY Chamber. When asked what book he’s voting for, Colley said, “The Giver.” Supporters of the Kentucky Literacy Campaign are encouraged to share their vote for Kentucky’s number one book on social media using #1BookKY. Supporters who have weighed in with their votes on social media include the University of Kentucky’s 12th President Dr. Eli Capilouto, Kentucky Wildcats’ Head Coach John Calipari, and gubernatorial candidates Hal Heiner and Attorney General Jack Conway.

Chamber Staff Members Kelly Rowe, Jacob Colley and Pam Mullins participates in the Kentucky Literacy Campaign

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Legislative Update

By: Jacob Colley As the 2015 Session of the Kentucky General Assembly is over, several measures have advanced, while others have been unsuccessful. With the session only 30-days, lawmakers effectively have very limited time remaining to conclude their work. The Southeast Kentucky Chamber supported House Bill 443, which authorizes public-private partnerships (P3), passed out of the House of Representatives Tuesday, February 25 after a lengthy floor debate with a vote of 84-14. Public-Private Partnership bill (HB 443) is sponsored by Rep. Leslie Combs. The P3 bill is for state agencies and transportation projects. HB 443 differs from the P3 bill vetoed by Gov. Steve Beshear last year in that the local government component is not included in this bill. The Southeast Kentucky Chamber supports the legislation and thanks Rep. Combs for her tremendous work thus far. Local Option Sales Tax (LIFT) passed the House on February 12 by a vote of 62-35 and now moves to the Senate, where it must garner 23 votes to be placed on the ballot for voter ratification as a Kentucky constitutional amendment. The Southeast Kentucky Chamber strongly supports the LIFT initiative. Please contact your Senator and urge the passage of LIFT. The House of Representatives unanimously passed (96-0) the Kentucky Oil and Gas Modernization Act (HB 386) on February 25. The bill, sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, is the result of six months of negotiations with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association, the Energy & Environment Cabinet, the Department of Natural Resources, the Division of Oil and Gas, the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Resources Council, the Kentucky Farm Bureau and other industry leaders. Right-to-work (RTW) legislation (SB 1) was voted down by the House Labor & Industry committee on February 12. The RTW effort has garnered national attention as local governments are passing RTW ordinances. The first county government to take RTW action was Warren County. The Chamber supported SB 168 passed out of the Senate on February 25 by a vote of 36-0. The legislation will create the Kentucky Appalachian Regional Development Fund (KARD). KARD would be administered by the Department for Local Government (DLG), which administers all coal severance fund programs. KARD may be used for loans, grants or investments that: support job creation and retention, entrepreneurship, tourism, broadband deployment, education and lifelong learning, workforce training, leadership development, public engagement, health and wellness, arts, heritage, infrastructure, economic diversity, and sustainable agricultural practices and food systems within and across counties in the SOAR region. The Governor released a Medicaid study that indicates Medicaid expansion will add 40,000 jobs and $20 billion to Kentucky’s economy. Hundreds rallied at the Capitol in favor of Smoke-Free leg-

YOUR GOVERNMENT islation last Wednesday, February 11 and the full House passed the measure Friday, February 13. House Bill 145, sponsored by Rep. Susan Westrom of Lexington, is a comprehensive smokefree law that will cover all indoor workplaces and public places in Kentucky. The bill was amended on the floor to exempt existing cigar bars, private clubs, tobacco stores and existing local ordinances. The legislation now heads to the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee, where it will be an uphill battle for the bill. Telecom Reform legislation, House Bill 152, which seeks to provide telecom providers with the flexibility to invest in new technology, passed the House of Representatives on February 24 with a vote of 71 to 25. The bill now heads to the Senate where the bill has passed in past legislative sessions. The House passed House Bill 213 to address the heroin epidemic passed on February 13 with unanimous support. Though there are key differences between the Senate and House version, Rep. John Tilley noted the measure had more in common with the Senate bill than differences. The Senate passed SB 5 in January; now the two chambers must agree on language and determine which bill will become law. The Southeast Kentucky Chamber encourages legislators to work toward agreement and address this growing epidemic. House Bill 2, a minimum wage measure with a very subjective wage equity requirement, passed the House on February 10 on a near party-line vote. For the second year in a row, the House passed a minimum wage bill that would put Kentucky employers, especially those close to surrounding states, at a disadvantage. The House passed House Bill 4 by a vote of 62-31 that would authorize up to $3.3 billion in pension obligation bonds to help shore up the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System. While the Government Finance Officers Association warns against pension obligation bonds, proponents argue these bonds can be sold at a low rate and invested at a higher assumed rate of return. This issue will get a lot of scrutiny, as it should. House Bill 361 and companion legislation (HB 399) were developed as part of a joint effort between members of the Kentucky Society of CPAs and the Kentucky Chamber tax committees. These two bills would bring much-needed transparency, efficiency, and equity to the administration of Kentucky’s tax code and could help every business in this state. We want to remind you that you can track legislation on our website http://www.thepowertobeheard.com at your convenience. On the site you can find your legislator, participate in current action items, and track the progress of our legislation of interest. There are several bills of interest noted below. The Chamber welcomes your feedback or questions on these or any other legislation. BUSINESS CALL | 11

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

Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events March 2015 12 Patton Leadership Institute - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 17 Economic Development Committee Meeting, Chamber Office - 8:30 a.m.

17 Citizens National Bank Business After Hours, Main Street Location - 5-7p.m.

18 Annual Banquet Committee Meting, Chamber Office - 10 a.m.

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

26 Board Meeting - 11:30 a.m. April 2015 16-18 Hillbilly Days

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