This week’s roundup features flood relief efforts, expansion projects, and upcoming events around the region!
Let’s dive in.
Appalachia Rises: Come Hell or High Water telethon raises over $150K for flood relief
Eastern Kentucky musicians used their talents to help raise money for flood relief at the Appalachia Rises: Come Hell or High Water telethon at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.
Among those in attendance included host T. Graham Brown, the duo Halfway to Hazard, Tyler Booth, and Taylor Austin Dye. There were also performances and messages from Wynonna Judd, Lee Greenwood, and others.
WYMT Vice President and General Manager Neil Middleton announced during the program that, not counting online donations, the telethon raised more than $150,000. He said that donations are still rolling in and you can still donate here!
Hazard’s Appalachian Apparel Co. raises over $150K for flood relief
After the flooding that has devastated many in Eastern Kentucky, communities, businesses, and organizations across the region have been stepping up in regard to relief efforts. KY Inno recently featured Appalachian Apparel Co., a clothing company based in Hazard, after they raised over $150,000 for flood relief.
With the goal to raise $5,000-$10,000, the company sold two designs of their printed t-shirts and donated 100% of the profits to relief efforts. It is safe to say that goal was greatly surpassed!
Click here to read the full feature on Appalachian Apparel Co.
SOAR’s Eastern Kentucky Student Relief Fund
We recently launched the Eastern Kentucky Student Relief Fund to help students overcome barriers created by the flooding as they return to the classroom. The fund supports the needs of students including:
- School supplies
- Household appliances
- Bedding
- Computers/Laptops/Chromebooks
- Internet
- Rental assistance
- Gas cards for transportation to and from school
- Other needs as they arise and are communicated by school districts
More than $60,000 has already been distributed to schools in Breathitt, Knott, and Perry counties.
Here’s where the funds went:
Hindman Elementary School (Knott County) | $35,730
Funds will go to purchase 90 laptops to replace those destroyed by the flood.
Letcher County Schools | $14,840
Funds will go to purchase 56 Chromebooks destroyed by flooding.
Riverside Christian School (Breathitt County) | $9,850
School officials in impacted counties have communicated remaining needs related to students and teachers are in the millions of dollars. Because of this, we will keep the fund open for the long term until all gaps are closed.
Information on eligibility and how to donate can be found here. Schools in need should contact us by emailing students@soar-ky.org.
State announces Build-Ready site in Somerset
Governor Andy Beshear announced a new Build-Ready-certified site at Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) Commerce Park in Pulaski County.
The tract, located in Somerset, adds to the growing list of sites certified by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and is available statewide for companies looking to quickly begin construction and start operation as soon as possible.
Including the new site in Somerset, the commonwealth is home to nearly 20 Build-Ready sites. This new site furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.
More information on Build-Ready sites in Kentucky can be found here.
Gov. Beshear, leaders break ground on Mountain Parkway expansion
Governor Andy Beshear recently broke ground on a section of Eastern Kentucky’s Mountain Parkway expansion.
The project will widen 11 miles of the parkway in Wolfe County. The new expansion is part of a 46-mile project from Campton to Prestonsburg that is expected to be completed in 2027.
Read the full story here.
SOAR releases preliminary agenda for 2022 Focus Summit
We’ve just released our preliminary agenda for the Summit on October 19-20 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.
This year’s Summit is all about Focus. We want to focus on the future and create a 10-year vision for the region with help from all of you.
Check out this blog post for some key information about the Summit including some changes we have made to make this the best one yet!
2022 Northeast Regional Workforce Conference
The Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Maysville-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, and Fleming County Chamber of Commerce have partnered up to provide you with an exciting and informative 2-day conference on workforce-related issues, programs, and solutions.
The 2022 Northeast Regional Workforce Conference will be held September 6-7 at the Morehead Conference Center.
Register here!
Invest 606 Accelerator Program
Applications are open for the Invest 606 Accelerator.
Invest 606 is a nonprofit that works to catalyze growth in the 606 area code connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed today and grow tomorrow. We recently featured Invest 606 in a video. You can view it here.
The Invest 606 Accelerator is an intensive six-month program. Finalists earn a minimum of 300 points through activities such as training and meetings, mentoring sessions, online courses, and other activities. This culminates with the Invest 606 Challenge, where finalists will pitch for a $15,000 grand prize. Second place is $8,000, and third place $4,000.
The deadline to apply for this program is September 25. Apply here.
Upcoming Events
- Northeast Kentucky Small Business Awards | September 9 | Ashland
- 2022 Northeast Regional Workforce Conference | September 6-7 | Morehead
- SOAR Summit | October 19-20 | Pikeville
- SOAR eKY Gala | January 26 | Prestonsburg
Want us to know about an event? Email michaela@soar-ky.org