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Weekly roundup: Highlighting big developments around the region

Posted on 3 years ago

This week’s roundup features some big developments. 

Literally. 

From high-tech agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, and an Emmy, yes that’s no typo, we have a lot to celebrate.

We also have a lot to reflect upon.

Many of our communities are still picking up the pieces from the catastrophic flooding. If you would like to support flood relief efforts in communities, here are some ways to give:

  • Team Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
  • Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Appalachian Crisis Aid Fund
  • SOAR Student Relief Fund

UPIKE lands big grant from AgTech facility

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced a $4.4 million competitive grant awarded to the University of Pikeville (UPIKE).

The University plans to use this grant to help build the new UPIKE AgTech Innovation Center of Excellence. The goal of this project is to bring the innovative industry to the area and promote job growth while enhancing educational opportunities for UPIKE students. 

This is great news for UPIKE and our region!

AppHarvest Projects 

AppHarvest recently landed $50 million in the form of two loans guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through Greater Commercial Lending (GCL). The Morehead based agritech company will use the funding to support the development of its high-tech indoor berry farm in Somerset. The farm is already 80% complete and anticipated to be operating by the end of the year!

In addition to the high-tech farm, AppHarvest also has two other projects in the works including a 15-acre salad greens facility in Berea and a 60-acre tomato facility in Richmond.

With the construction of these projects AppHarvest is expecting a very successful year. Click here to read all about it! 

CHS Foundation and National Agriculture in the Classroom Grants 

The CHS Foundation and National Agriculture in the Classroom provide $500 grants each year to pre-kindergarten-12th grade teachers who have classroom projects that use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing, math, science, social studies and more.

The CHS Classroom Grant guidelines and application are now available and applications are due September 15th.

Berea College’s Justin Skeens wins three Emmys

Congratulations to Berea College Director of Digital Storytelling Justin Skeens, who won three Emmy Awards during the 58th Annual Ohio Valley Regional ceremony in Columbus, Ohio!

Skeens won in all three categories for which he was nominated. Two of those Emmys were for his video “A Craft Story: Emerson” which won the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion–Short Form or Long Form Content category and for photography in the Short Form or Long Form Content category. Skeens also won in the Editor–Short Form Content category for his video “The Birds of America at the Hutchins Library.” 

Read more about Skeens’s story here!

PLA selects Johnson and Martin County Libraries as hosts for digital literacy workshops 

The Public Library Association (PLA) has selected 160 public libraries across the country to host digital literacy workshops. Two of these 160 include Johnson and Martin County Libraries. 

The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T through $1.1 million in contributions, is designed to support public libraries in their efforts to boost digital skills for all members of their communities. The workshops leverage online digital literacy courses that are available to anyone! 

More information on these workshops can be found here. 

Fleming County Entrepreneur featured in Kentucky Living

Small businesses have become a vital part of Kentucky’s economy and we have learned that you are never too young for success in the small business world!  Kentucky Living featured three young entrepreneurs, including Jenna Utterback from Fleming County.

Jenna, a recent Fleming County High School graduate, is the owner of Utterback Creations, a Western-themed shop that sells customizable items like t-shirts, car air fresheners, coasters, and license plates. 

Exhibit Hall Applications now open for SOAR Summit 

Applications for the SOAR Summit Exhibit Hall, presented by MAI Management Advisors, are open now!

The Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, will be held on October 19-20 in Pikeville at the Appalachian Wireless Arena. 

The application deadline is Friday, September 2nd!

Upcoming Events 

  • SOAR/CORI Grant Workshop | August 25 | online
  • Northeast Kentucky Small Business Awards | September 9th | Ashland 
  • SOAR Summit | October 19-20th | Pikeville
  • SOAR eKY Gala | January 26th | Prestonsburg

Want us to know about an event? Email michaela@soar-ky.org. 

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