Pikeville, KY. – Hey Google, welcome to Eastern Kentucky!

The global tech giant plans to host the first-ever Grow With Google event for businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs on Tuesday, November 12 at Bit Source, located at 375 Hambley Boulevard in Pikeville, Ky.  The free event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Light food and refreshments will be provided.

“Connectivity is at the core of our work at SOAR,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR).  “Our Blueprint for the Future of Appalachia has seven goals.  Connectivity is the first goal and the other six goals are how we plan to leverage connectivity to transform our region. With investments made in our digital infrastructure, such as that of KentuckyWired, we have the ability to create new businesses, expand existing businesses, and reach markets across the globe. To have the opportunity to bring Google to the area to share their services and to see firsthand the work of our partners and communities is truly remarkable.”

SOAR and Bit Source, who is co-hosting the event, are Grow With Google Partners.

“Google is the primary search engine used by your customers and when they’re looking for your product or service the first thing they do is ask Google. We think that having control of your Google my Business listing and leveraging that data is the first step in optimizing your digital presence. Many people are unaware of the amount of free services Google offers and how valuable that analytics can be – that’s what this event is all about,” said Bit Source Chief Operating Officer Payton May.

Bit Source Co-Founder Rusty Justice often refers to Bit Source as the first “SOAR-inspired company.”  On a visit to another community, Justice and Lynn Parrish, Bit Source’s other co-founder, saw the comparison to the critical thinking and analytical skills of computer programmers to those who worked in the coal industry.

And Bit Source was created.

Bit Source has garnered national attention for its innovative training model.  Moreover, they are leveraging technology by providing services to companies across the country with Appalachia Kentucky ingenuity.

“Bit Source is a great testament of what can be achieved in eastern Kentucky by leveraging technology to access the global market,” said Ryan Jones, director of SOAR Innovation.

Bit Source has garnered national attention for its innovative training model.  Moreover, they are leveraging technology by providing services to companies across the country with Appalachia Kentucky ingenuity.

Those attending the Grow With Google event will learn and get a better understanding of Google’s variety of services, including:

·         Create and claim your Business Profile on Google

·         Manage business information across Google search and maps platforms

·         Use Google My Business to connect with potential customers

·         Create a free website using info from your Business Profile.

Earlier this year, SOAR launched SOAR Innovation, a partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s KY Innovation Office.  Through this initiative, SOAR has Business and Innovation Champions located throughout the region assisting existing small businesses and startups that wish to expand their reach through leveraging technology to reach new customers.

Seating is limited for the Grow With Google event.  Please pre-register at https://www.soarinnovation.tech/grow-with-google.  While laptops will be available, those attending are encouraged to bring their own laptop.

For more information on the Grow With Google event, contact Ryan Jones, director of SOAR Innovation, at (606) 766-1160 or email ryan@soar-ky.org.

To learn more about SOAR, visit www.soar-ky.org.