When you think of Eastern Kentucky leaders and visionaries, Elmer K. Whitaker comes to mind.

That’s why we are thrilled to have him join us for the SOAR FOCUS Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The two-day event is presented by Kentucky Power and will take place in Hazard on June 23- 24 at the First Federal Center on the campus of Hazard Community and Technical College. 

Whitaker will speak on the role entrepreneurship and innovation play in the revitalization of Eastern Kentucky. 

A Mountain Success Story

Whitaker, a Perry County native, is the President and CEO of Whitaker Bank, Inc. and President of Whitaker Bank Corporation of Kentucky.  The bank has $2.05 billion in total assets with 450 employees across 45 locations in 17 Kentucky counties.  In 2011, he became the first member of the Whitaker family to serve as CEO of Whitaker Bank.

The Whitaker family’s roots run deep in Eastern Kentucky.  For more than 40 years, Whitaker Bank has served the business community throughout the region.

Advocate for Leadership

Equally as important, is Elmer K. Whitaker’s passion for leadership and giving back.  He helped launch, through the generous support of the Whitaker Foundation, the BRIGHT Kentucky program.  BRIGHT Kentucky is designed to build the capacity of next-generation leaders in Kentucky’s 54 Appalachian counties.  The program, which is a part of Leadership Kentucky, engages bright, entrepreneurial minds from all sectors within the Appalachian region of Kentucky to offer ethical leadership training.

Whitaker has served on the Executive Committee for Leadership Kentucky for the past 15 years.  Each year, during the BRIGHT Kentucky program, Whitaker is a staple at the sessions, providing leadership and mentorship to the region’s next generation of leaders.

Join us in Hazard

We are thrilled to have Whitaker join us in Hazard.  His experience, knowledge, and leadership will inspire us to dream bigger and reach higher. 

Registration is just $35! It’s all inclusive and includes:

• All Programming, Presented by Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky
• The SOAR Focus Summit Reception, Presented By KY Innovation and Entertainment Sponsored By Perry Distributors
• Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition, Presented by Community Trust Bancorp.
• Breakfast (Sponsored by https://www.hazardperrytourism.com/) and Lunch (Sponsored by KY Innovation) on June 24

Check out our updated agenda and register now!