Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s
BUSINESS CALL Newsletter brought to you by
FROM COAL TO CODING
Bitsource looks to employ the region’s coal miners
September 2015
September 2015 - Volume IX, Issue III
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Inside the Chamber Chamber Welcomes Four New Members.................................................... 4 Chamber Hosts Open House at Bit Source................................................. 6 Food City Wine and Spirits Grand Opening in Louisa................................. 7 Foundation for Education Grant Applications Available Now................... 7
Chamber Connections EKB-TV Launches “EKB Nightly News at 10”............................................... 8 3rd Annual Appalachian Christmas Craft Fair Set for November 21.......... 8 The Alzheimer’s Association to Host Annual Eastern Kentucky Walk in Pikeville........................................................................... 9
Your Government Eastern Kentucky is first priority for KentuckyWired Project........................ 10 Events Calendar.............................................................................................. 12
2015-2016 Executive Committee
Chairman: Shadd Walters US Bank Chairman Elect: Rick Newsom Community Trust Bank Vice Chairman: Brad Hall Kentucky Power Treasurer: Lynette Schindler Lynette Schindler, CPA Secretary: James D. England Peoples Insurance Immediate Past Chairman: John Blackburn First Commonwealth Bank Jennifer Brown Day Redd, Brown, & Williams Joel Thornbury Nova Pharmacy Howard Roberts University of Pikeville Sam Carter TECO Coal
Board of Directors
Mike Alexander Hilton Garden Inn - Pikeville David Baird Baird & Baird Russ Barker Appalachian Regional Healthcare Barry Clark Transamerica Agency Network Laura Damron Pikeville Medical Center Kevin Elam Food City Philip Elswick Summit Engineering W. Allen Gillum Appalachian Wireless Mike Harris Pepsi Jim Hobbs Citizens National Bank Neil Middleton WYMT-TV Tony Mullins BT Media Group, LLC Paul David Slater SNF-Flomin Coal G. Devin Stephenson Big Sandy Community and Technical College David Stratton Stratton Law Firm Tracy Syck Shred-All Documents Jeff Vanderbeck Appalachian News-Express Randy Walters Walters Auto Group Jim Workman Community Trust Bank Shannon Wright Wright Concrete
Chamber Staff
Jacob Colley: President/CEO Pam Mullins: Accounting Manager Kelly Rowe: Events & Programs Manager Abigail Gibson: Communications Manager
INSIDE THE CHAMBER
THANK YOU
WALTERS AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
We would like to thank Walter’s Automotive Group for supporting the Chamber through the sponsorship of a Chevy Traverse LT. This car is utilized to connect with our members across the region and help the Chamber reach its goals to improve the local economy, unite the region, develop the economy, and ultimately improve the quality of life for citizens of the entire region.
Charter Members, thank you for your continuous support! CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE AAA Real Estate Busy Bee Septic Systems Economy Drug
Pamela C. Howard, PT Lynette Schindler CPA, PSC Shred-All Documents
Vantage Point, Inc. Peoples Insurance
BUSINESS CALL | 3
INSIDE THE CHAMBER
Chamber Welcomes Four New Members Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center The Chamber is pleased to welcome one of its newest members, Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center. Good Shepherd is a faith-based home that offers long-term and short-term rehabilitation with resident-centered compassionate care at the three levels of nursing care: personal, intermediate, and skilled. Good Shepherd employees and staff believe that older adults, who have spent their lives working and caring for others, deserve to enjoy their later years to the greatest extent possible. This motivates the staff of Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center to work hard to provide a home-like environment. Their approach to elderly care, facilities, and services makes them one of the highest quality nursing homes in Kentucky. Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center offers numerous amounts of activities and care for their residents; visits from local churches, social activities throughout the day, around-theclock housekeeping and laundry services, and two television rooms. There are four spacious patios, an open courtyard, and a large activity and conference room, where residents can enjoy visits with family and friends. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy is available to residents on site. Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center is located at 60 Phillips Branch Road, Phelps, Kentucky. For more information regarding hours and services provided, call (606) 456-8725 or visit www.phsk.org.
Moments of the Heart Photography
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome new member, Moments of the Heart Photography by Deneisha Osborne. Moments of the Heart Photography opened in 2009, since then Osborne has grown to be one of the youngest professional photographers in the state. Moments of the Heart Photography offers a variety of photo options such as, family and children, newborns, senior portraits, weddings, and couples. Osborne found her passion for photography at the young age of 14. “I love preserving memories that will last a lifetime,” said 4 | BUSINESS CALL
Deneisha Osborne, Owner. “Photography inspires me to push myself more and more each day to be the best photographer I can be.” She is in her seventh shooting season, and Moments of the Heart Photography is continuing to grow each day. Osborne is currently completing the merit process to become a master photographer with the Professional Photographers of America, which is the national chapter of the Photo Pro Network Association. She is a winning wedding and portrait photographer and a multi “Best in the Valley’s” award recipient. Moments of the Heart Photography is located at 131 Brushy Fork, Jenkins, Kentucky. For more information, please call (606) 639-4748.
Big Sandy Area Community Action Program The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is pleased to welcome one of their newest members, Big Sandy Area Community Action Program. Throughout the past 47 years, BSACAP has partnered with various community, state, and federal organizations to provide much-needed services to the region’s economically disadvantaged families by aggressively pioneering some of the nation’s most innovative public service programs, including home repair and senior citizen employment programs. Since 1965, the agency administered Kentucky’s second largest Head Start program, followed by job training and educational programs for both youth and adults. For the past 50 years, the Senior Community Service Employment Program has been assisting low-income, unemployed individuals (55+) in finding employment training and job placement. This employment program matches eligible, older adults with part-time jobs for community service organizations. Participants build skills and self-confidence, while earning a modest income. For most, the Senior Community Service Employment Program experience leads to permanent employment. BSACAP operates 17 programs encompassing a wide range of services aimed mainly at helping the needy to become self-sufficient, including housing, employment and training, and energy assistance, with nearly 100 staff and field offices in all five counties (Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike). The Senior Community Service Employment Program is funded by the United States Department of Labor and the National Council on Aging. The program is operated by the Big Sandy Area Community Action Agency. Community leaders, local officials and other government representatives from the five Eastern Kentucky counties of Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike formed an economic
INSIDE THE CHAMBER
development group whose goal was to help poverty stricken families in their communities. The newly-formed, non-profit alliance was named the Big Sandy Area Development Council, which subsequently evolved into the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program, Inc. (BSACAP), and was incorporated in September 1965. For more information about how the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program can help you, call 606.789.3641 or visit bsacap.org.
Viamedia
The Chamber is pleased to welcome its newest member, Viamedia. Viamedia is a leading independent cable advertising representation firm in the United States, giving video providers across the country dependable, high-quality representation of their advertising inventory. Viamedia is focused on driving
revenue through the power of media, offering a full turn-key solution with a comprehensive suite of services. Viamedia provides successful media solutions for local, regional and national advertisers by inserting advertising onto major cable networks like ESPN, MTV, DISCOVERY, CNN, LIFETIME, A&E, FOX NEWS, TNT, and SPIKE as well as providing online solutions utilizing new and proven technologies. Viamedia has the power to precisely target any demographics, giving great impact for advertising dollars and has products that deliver to desired targeted audiences. Their enhanced suite of digital advertising services lets advertisers utilize the most powerful means of reaching consumers with a consistent message. Viamedia is led by a diverse team with in-depth experience and track records of success in the advertising industry. They currently represent some of America’s fastest-growing video providers and are one of the largest representative firms in the nation. Their advertising products allow clients to advertise anywhere in the United States. For more information, please contact Viamedia at
[email protected] or 859.977.9000.
Thank you to our most recent renewed members. A&S Auto Parts, Inc. Alert Oil & Gas Co. Appalachian Wireless Applebee’s AT&T Kentucky Bank of Hindman Baird & Baird, PSC Big Sandy Community & Technical College Brandeis Machinery & Supply Co. Breaks Interstate Park Brookshire Inn - Pikeville Brookshire Inn - Prestonsburg Brown Foodservice Inc. Brown Glass, Inc. Busy Bee Septic Systems, LTD Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center Carl D. Perkins Apartments CEDAR, Inc. Childers Oil Company Christian Appalachian Project City of Coal Run Village Coats for Kids Country Music Highway Arts, Inc. Debra R. Bailey, M.D., FAAP, PSC.
East KY Support Services Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center El Azul Grande - Pikeville EKCEP, Inc. Family Eye Care Professionals Fast Change Lube & Oil, Inc. - Inez Fleming Neon Water Co. Food City - Pikeville Store #458 Foothills Broadband Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Gatti’s of Pikeville Hampton Inn Harley Davidson of Pikeville Harris, Akers & Associate, LLC Hilton Garden Inn - Pikeville Hutch Chevrolet Buick GMC Indian Hills Wines & Spirits, Inc. Jigsaw Enterprises, LLC Jones, Walters, Turner & Shelton Kentucky Power - Big Sandy Plant Kinzer Drilling KSK Management, Inc. Lee Graphics Printing & Office Supplies
Lendmark Financial Services Lucas & Son Funeral Home, Inc. Lynette Schindler, CPA, PSC Marvin Bush, DMD McDonalds of East Kentucky Mellowbrook Apartments Merrill Lynch Michael Spears, CPA, PSC Mickey’s Menagerie My Hometown Mortgage Corp. Nova Pharmacy Parkview Manor & Rehab Center Pikeville Area Family YMCA Pikeville Dermatology & Cosmetic Center Pikeville Medical Center Professional Business Products, Inc. Ridge Cliff Apartments Roger Ratliff Apartment Rentals Rosalind Stanley Shurtleff’s Sanitary Laundry Signature HealthCARE of Pikeville State Electric & Supply Company Summitt Engineering T. Edwin Coleman
TECO Coal Company The Elite Agency The UPS Store Three Rivers Medical Center Tractor Supply - Paintsville Tractor Supply - Pikeville Tractor Supply - South Williamson Todd Case Trucking Unique Boutique of Pikeville University of Pikeville Worldwide Equipment, Inc. Zebulon Primary Care
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INSIDE THE CHAMBER
Chamber Hosts Open House at Bit Source On August 24, the community and chamber members welcomed Eastern Kentucky’s newest technology company, Bit Source. Bit Source provided tours of the facility, product demonstrations, as well as refreshments and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the opening of what is an exciting startup business. Bit Source has committed to retraining workers from the declining mining industry. Nine of the first 10 apprentices have a connection to the mining industry, including three former underground coal miners, three former surface coal miners, and three former coal industry workers. The company is teaching computer coding and website manipulation to develop and build user-friendly websites and business-to-business interfaces. “I am a third generation coal miner,” said Jim Ratliff, a Bit Source apprentice from Johns Creek. “I was facing relocation to Wyoming, I had my blasting certification there and two days before my unemployment ran out, I got this. I would have missed my boy’s senior football season and that was not an option, so I am just thankful for this opportunity.” Bit Source is a web design, mobile application, and game design company with a highly skilled workforce that possesses both technological and real world experiences. Utilizing a heuristic approach to problem solving enables Bit Source to provide both cutting edge and practical solutions for their clients based upon the
client’s budget and product goals. The company is passionate about bringing a high touch approach that clients deserve in today’s tech world. Offering a complete team of programmers, architects, designers, testers, managers, support technicians, and SCRUM masters, Bit Source brings a personal, modern, and well-rounded approach to development. Bit Source is a family-friendly environment made possible by the quality individuals in their cross-functional teams. Bit Source produces a diverse portfolio of high quality completed projects, develop markets for their services, and they hope
to become a well-known full service software development business. Their mission is to create a sustainable business that attracts outside investments and yields acceptable profits while providing stable jobs for Eastern Kentuckians. Bit Source is located in downtown Pikeville at 375 Hambley Boulevard. For more information please call (606) 7661170, email workwithus@bitsourceky. com or visit bitsourceky.com.
Thank you to the official sponsor of all Chamber open houses and ribbon cuttings, Kentucky Innovation Network - Pikeville Office. 6 | BUSINESS CALL
INSIDE THE CHAMBER
Food City Wine and Spirits Grand Opening in Louisa On September 12, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, community leaders, and Kentucky State Representative Jill York joined Food City of Louisa for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate Food City’s grand opening of their second Eastern Kentucky Wine & Spirits location. The opening of the Wine & Spirits location in Louisa, Kentucky has created approximately 5 jobs within Lawrence County. Louisa’s Food City Wine & Spirits is located at 70 Business US 23 North, Louisa, Kentucky. For more information visit their website at www.foodcity.com or call 606.638.3434.
K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. is the corporate banner of a supermarket chain operating in three states under the name Food City. Food City is a 133 supermarket store chain including 101 Food City locations with 100 pharmacies and 84 fuel/ convenience stores; ten Super Dollar Discount Foods, and two Wine & Spirit stores. This privately held, family owned company has grown in leaps through acquisition and expansion over the years. K-VA-T is an acronym of its trade area: Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Foundation For Education Grant Application Available Now The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation for Education is now accepting applications for the annual education grant program. The Chamber has announced that the grant application submission deadline is December 1, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. Throughout the Chamber’s two month application period, any teacher or administrator in the Chamber’s eight-county footprint is eligible to apply. The grants help supplement areas within schools that are often left little to no funding to meet certain student needs. The recipients of the grants will be determined by the Chamber’s Foundation for Education Committee. This committee is comprised of up to business, education, and community leaders whom live and work in Eastern Kentucky. The Foundation for Education is supported through various
fundraisers annually. Fundraisers include the Chamber’s Annual Links for Learning Golf Scramble, “Tickets for Education” raffle held at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet, and other events throughout the year. For a grant application, please call the Chamber office at 606.432.5504, email
[email protected] or visit www.sekchamber.com/grants.
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CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
EKB-TV Launches ‘EKB Nightly News at 10’ Sent to the Chamber EKB-TV recently crossed three important milestones, demonstrating the success of its “intensely local” news format. The first milestone was on Monday, Aug. 17, when the EKB Evening News at 6 will produced its 100th newscast. Then, just four hours later, the second milestone was reached when EKB-TV unveiled its newest product, EKB Nightly News at 10. Cindy May Johnson, President and CEO of East Kentucky Broadcasting, said, “When we built EKB-TV, a primary goal was to bring live local television news to the people of the Big Sandy and Tug Valley region. It’s been gratifying to hear from many people who have thanked us for covering the information they are most interested in. The 6:00 news has been so well-received that adding a 10:00 live newscast was the next logical step.”
EKB Nightly News at 10 showcases the same commitment to covering local news and information as EKB Evening News at 6. Gary Slone anchors the 10 o’clock newscast, which features updated and expanded news and sports coverage. The newscast airs Monday through Friday. The later newscast follows a different format than EKB Evening News at 6. Chief Meteorologist Laythan Hopkins provides his First Weather forecast near the top of the hour. Makayla Colley anchors the sports desk, providing the most up-to-date local high school and college scores and other developments. The newscast closes each night with a new “Viewers’ Voice” segment, offering a sampling of viewer comments from the EKB News Facebook page. The third milestone was in regards to the EKB News Facebook page. EKB
News recently became the most popular local media on Facebook in the Big Sandy and Tug Valley regions. The EKB News Facebook page is to reached its 10,000th “like.” “Social media, especially Facebook, has been very welcoming to us,” Johnson said. “Our radio stations already had a big presence, but the rapid growth of our EKB News page has been phenomenal. People have come to rely on us to get the news to them fast, and whether it’s on radio, TV, or online, they know we’re on top of the things that matter to them.” EKB-TV is delivered to more than 40,000 homes in 13 counties as part of the Suddenlink and InterMountain Cable basic packages. The station is also broadcast live online at ekbtv.com.
3rd Annual Appalachian Christmas Craft Fair Set for November 21 Fair expands with new venue; features only local artisans Sent to the Chamber Pike County announces its 3rd Annual Appalachian Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, November 21, from noon until 6:00 pm at the East Kentucky Expo Center in downtown Pikeville. The event will feature only local craftspeople and artists. The fair is designed to provide a venue for local artisans to sell their products and for local artists to sell their work. This year’s event has moved to a larger location to accommodate more vendors and attendees. The inaugural 2013 fair was held at the Pike County Extension Office and featured over 30 vendors, with over 500 individuals attending the event. Last year’s event was held at the University of Pikeville’s gymnasium and featured over 70 vendors, with nearly 1,000 people attending. This year’s event promises to continue the trend of “bigger and better”. 8 | BUSINESS CALL
There are some changes in the organization of the event on a planning level: While still being held under the banner of Sustainable Pike County, individuals from the Expo Center, the local Arts House, City Main Street group, and the vendor pools are taking the lead in designing this year’s fair. “We are excited for this year’s event especially because of the unique collaboration happening between formerly disparate groups in the community to make sure the event grows according to our vision. This collaboration will benefit the local economy through supporting local vendors, but also through fostering relationships between groups that didn’t formerly work together. We all have a common vision of making our community more sustainable, and this fair is one way
of promoting that vision,” said Sustainable Pike County secretary, Darla French. The variety of crafts and other products to be featured at the event will highlight the creativity of local artisans, as well as provide a sampling of baked goods. Holiday entertainment from local bands, as well as demonstrations by local crafters, will add to the festive atmosphere. For vendors wanting to participate, please contact Asha Reed, East Kentucky Expo Center Events Manager, (606) 444-5504 or cell (606) 794-0231, or at
[email protected].
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
The Alzheimer’s Association to Host Annual Eastern Kentucky Walk in Pikeville
The annual Eastern Kentucky Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held at Pikeville City Park on October 10th. Registration will begin at 9 AM with the Walk stepping off at 10 AM. This is the 4th year the Alzheimer’s Association has hosted this event and its growth has helped over 100,000 families in the Chapter area living with Alzheimer’s as well as supported research for a cure. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Pikeville is expected to attract over 200 participants and raise over $20,500 dollars in funds for the association. “Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating diseases today” said Sharon Hall, Committee Chair of the Eastern Kentucky Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “There is hope with our help and supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.” Over 21 teams have been created in the Pikeville area to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. For more information about registering for the walk, please visit http:// act.alz.org/pikeville. Registration is free. For more information on Alzheimer’s disease and services provided by the Association, call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3700. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS The Kentucky Blood Center Big Sandy Area Community Action Program Big Sandy Mountain Heritage/ History Center, Inc. Red Room Boutique Total Home Enhancements, Inc.
Celebrate SBAM this November with the Chamber. For more information visit, www.sekchamber.com BUSINESS CALL | 9
YOUR GOVERNMENT
Eastern Kentucky is First Priority for KentuckyWired Project Sent to the Chamber Reliable, high-speed Internet is coming to every county of the state, and supporters say the broadband project will be the key catalyst for profound and sweeping growth in job creation, health access and education. To celebrate the construction of the statewide KentuckyWired, I-Way broadband network, Gov. Steve Beshear, Congressman Hal Rogers, state and local officials and hundreds of citizens gathered at Hazard Community and Technical College to learn more about KentuckyWired and how Kentucky’s future will benefit from broadband. The broadband project will begin in eastern Kentucky and over the next three years will spread throughout the state. The benefits of broadband will break down geographic and financial barriers to education and economic development by providing access to affordable, high-quality Internet service to connect Kentuckians to the world. “This is an exciting day,” said Gov. Beshear. “The potential for every Kentuckian to tap into the global economy, compete for higher paying jobs, collaborate with researchers across the globe, take classes online, or access increased medical care make KentuckyWired one of the most important infrastructure projects in our state’s history. While KentuckyWired is starting in the east, this network will cover approximately 3,400 miles across the state to bring badly needed Internet access closer to all our communities.” The push for reliable, accessible and affordable high-speed broadband is one recommendation that emerged from the SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) initiative. That recommendation, along with the continuing loss of coal jobs, has been the reason for starting the project in the SOAR region. As a long-time technology leader in the region, The Center for 10 | BUSINESS CALL
Rural Development partnered with the Commonwealth to guide the eastern Kentucky phase of the project. The leaders also called on communities and local providers to get ready for the project by preparing the “last mile,” or the Internet hookups from the broadband “highway” to individual homes and businesses. “Thanks to the I-Way, we will essentially have endless capacity and endless connectivity,” said Congressman Rogers. “The only limit is our creativity. It’s up to us to put this resource to work for economic diversity, job creation and improved opportunities for the people of eastern Kentucky.” Today’s event included live demonstrations of broadband’s potential for improving economic development and quality of life, including demonstrations of telemedicine, distance learning and entrepreneurial technologies. Broadband is an ‘economic lifeline’ Broadband means a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit data, similar to multiple lanes on an interstate highway that allow more cars to travel at the same time. Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) increased the broadband standard to 25 mbps, which means even more Kentuckians do not have service at the minimum level. KentuckyWired will build the state’s middle-mile fiber network and will provide wholesale access to local Internet service providers who can extend fiber to homes and businesses. “Consider the KentuckyWired project to be similar to building a highway through the state, and then local communities will build out the roads leading from the highway to neighborhoods and businesses,” said Steve Rucker, deputy sec-
retary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. “We need our communities to make plans now for building those ‘last miles’ to citizens.” Broadband, like electricity, water and sewer, is an essential service in the 21st century economy, but Kentucky consistently ranks at or near the bottom for broadband access and adoption. As other states enhance their broadband capacities, Kentucky falls further behind, which is why KentuckyWired is on an aggressive three-year time frame for substantial completion. “Today’s businesses require roundthe-clock availability to markets around the world. Every inventory record, product order and accounting system demands strong Internet service in order to communicate with customers, suppliers and headquarters,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of SOAR. “Spotty, overpriced Internet service repels new business and stifles entrepreneurship. KentuckyWired is bringing fiber to our communities, and it can’t get here fast enough. It’s a literal economic lifeline.” Project leverages the power of the private sector The project will be designed, built, operated and maintained through a 30-year public-private-partnership (P3) led by Macquarie Capital and industry partners. These partners have executed community fiber projects across the country, but note that Kentucky’s is the largest P3 fiber partnership in the country, and the only one which is fully open-access. “Macquarie Capital and its industry partners are extremely excited about the opportunity to develop the KentuckyWired broadband network, bringing together true specialists in each of the disciplines necessary to successfully deliver this complex project,” said Nick Butcher,
YOUR GOVERNMENT
head of North American Infrastructure at Macquarie Capital. “A high-speed, open access network positions Kentucky to provide competitive 21st century Internet services to homes and businesses, which will rapidly increase the state’s capacity for long-term economic growth and give the users greater choice among service providers and product platforms.” The total project is estimated to cost $324 million. The General Assembly allocated $30 million in the 2014 legislative session and $23.5 million in federal funds have been appropriated. Through the P3 approach the remaining funding will come from the consortium partners. The private partners have a target for hiring Kentuckians. “If we were to rely solely on state government funding to get this project off the ground, it would take years, if not decades. Those kinds of tax dollars just aren’t available,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today we are celebrating how fast we’ve been able to put this project together by working with the private sector.” “The KentuckyWired project is big news for the Commonwealth and I’m pleased to see it begin here in East Kentucky,” Senate President Robert Stivers said. “Increasing Internet access will provide for greater economic, educational and cultural opportunities not just in this region but for all of Kentucky.” “Reliable, fast-speed Internet is absolutely critical in making sure our businesses, schools and homes have the online access they need to thrive today,” House Speaker Greg Stumbo said. “This project is on track to be a true game-changer, especially for eastern Kentucky, and it will level the playing field in ways we can only dream about today. I’m proud other legislators and I could play a role in making this possible.” “This broadband project is a fed-
eral investment in Kentucky’s economic future,” said Earl Gohl, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. “It will strengthen Kentucky’s rural communities and create opportunities for the next generation of Kentuckians.” “Access to high-speed, broadband Internet resources is vital to students, teachers, business people and commerce,” said Bob King, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education. “High-speed access eliminates physical, geographic and academic isolation and will open up the SOAR region to the world. Network Authority to Oversee Project, Protect Taxpayer Interests Since first announced in December of last year, the Finance and Administration Cabinet has been working closely with the Macquarie team on negotiating details and meeting with stakeholders to devise the best plan to bring the project to fruition, including using existing infrastructure when possible.
The first beneficiaries of the state’s broadband network will include nearly 1,100 government facilities. Communities are expected to then continue the “build-out” of the last mile connecting fiber to individual homes and businesses. The newly created Kentucky Communications Network Authority and its governing board will manage the KentuckyWired open-access broadband network by overseeing the public-private partnership master agreement with consortium partners. Gov. Beshear created the authority by executive order and attached it to the Office of the Governor.
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PRST STD US Postage Paid Pikeville, KY Permit No. 20
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events October 2015 7 Work Ethic Award Presentation - Pikeville High School, 9 a.m.
8 Work Ethic Award Presentation - Pike Central High School, 9 a.m.
15-16 Patton Leadership Institute Opening Retreat, Breaks Convention Center
20 Chamber Executive Meeting, Chamber Office 11:30 a.m.
22 Chamber Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. 28 Eggs & Issues, 8 a.m. November 2015 Small Business Appreciation Month
CHAMBER EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES Vice President of Operations Membership Development Manager
For more information concerning Chamber employment, please visit www.business.sekchamber.com/ jobs
12 PLI Education Session 20 Education Committee Meeting - Chamber Office, 8:30 a.m.
26-27 Chamber Offices Closed 178 College Street | Pikeville, KY 41501 www.sekchamber.com Phone: (606) 432-5504 FAX: (606) 432-7295
