When it comes to building Kentucky’s future in the creative economy, Lindy Casebier is both a champion and a connector. As Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, he stands at the intersection of policy, culture, and opportunity.
He works to ensure that the Commonwealth’s artistic and tourism assets are not only celebrated but also leveraged for economic growth.
And this year, he’s playing a pivotal role in shaping the 2025 SOAR Summit sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission and Appalachian Wireless.
Secretary Casebier’s presence will be felt throughout the event as he participates in two sessions and delivers brief remarks during the August 28th plenary.
Building a Film-Friendly Kentucky
In a panel alongside Senate President Robert Stivers, Visit Lex President Mary Quinn Ramor, and Lousia, KY Mayor Harold Slone, Secretary Casebier will discuss the impact of Senate Bill 1, which establishes a Kentucky Film Office and Film Leadership Council.
The initiative streamlines incentives for filmmakers while unlocking economic opportunities for rural communities.
From crew development to downtown revitalization, he sees the film industry as a driver for tourism, small business growth, and job creation.
You can listen in on this conversation on August 26 at 11 a.m. by purchasing a two-day, three-day, or full-week SOAR Summit ticket.
From Breathitt to the Big Screen: A Fireside Chat with Jeffrey Reddick
Switching gears from policy to personal, Secretary Casebier will moderate a conversation with Eastern Kentucky native and Final Destination film creator Jeffrey Reddick. This intimate discussion will explore how Reddick’s Breathitt County roots shaped his storytelling and inspired his journey to Hollywood success.
You can grab a seat for this unique conversation on August 26 at 1:45 P.M by purchasing a SOAR Summit ticket.
Don’t Miss Secretary Casebier at the 2025 SOAR Summit
Appointed by Governor Andy Beshear in February 2023, Casebier brings decades of experience as an educator, administrator, legislator, and nonprofit leader to his role. For 18 years, he represented Louisville in the Kentucky General Assembly, chairing the Senate Education Committee.
His career also includes serving two previous governors in senior roles within the same Cabinet he now leads. He currently serves on the boards of AmeriCorps, the Louisville Waterfront Development Corporation, and United Way of Kentucky.
Whether guiding state-level policy, amplifying the voices of Kentucky’s homegrown talent, or sharing his vision for the state’s tourism and creative future from the plenary stage, Secretary Casebier is proving that the Commonwealth can lead in the modern creative economy.
Don’t miss Secretary Casebier at this year’s SOAR Summit — see the full schedule and purchase your ticket today!
What to Expect at the 2025 SOAR Summit
The 2025 SOAR Summit will be held August 26–29 at the Corbin Arena in Corbin, Kentucky. It is Appalachia’s premier event, drawing more than 1,200 attendees from across sectors, including economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce, education, health, and policy.
This year’s SOAR Summit isn’t just a conference. It’s a gathering of people who boldly believe in this region and are building what comes next.
Here’s what ticketholders can expect (and what you don’t want to miss):
- Aug. 26: Final Destination: Movie Screening + Q&A with Creator Jeffrey Reddick.
- Aug. 27-28: The EKY Experience Exhibit & Expo Hall, presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare, brings together the region’s most impactful organizations to showcase the innovation and resilience happening in every corner of Eastern Kentucky.
- Aug. 27: PurposeWorks Public Job and Resource Fair, presented by Goodwill Kentucky and Branscum Construction.
- Aug. 27: SOAR Inspires Awards presented by KCTCS at the Corbin Arena.
- Aug 28: Taste of Corbin presented by Whitaker Bank, with a Toast to Corbin sponsored by Corbin Tourism and powered by Ale-8-One.
- Multiple Plenary Sessions featuring nationally recognized speakers
- Dozens of breakout sessions, interactive exhibits, and meaningful networking opportunities
You can see the full schedule here.
You can also choose between three flexible and affordable ticket options.
- All-Access Pass – $300: Full access from August 26–29, including all programming, plenaries, EKY Experience, SOAR Inspires Awards, Taste of Corbin, and meals.
- 2-Day Programming Pass (August 26–27) – $150: Includes sessions, EKY Experience, SOAR Inspires Awards, and meals for two days
- 2-Day Plenary Pass (August 28–29) – $200: Includes Plenary Sessions, Taste of Corbin reception, and breakfast both days
Don’t Miss This Moment
Eastern Kentucky’s future is being written now. And the Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Lindy Casebier will share how state policy can help turn vision into action.
Join us in Corbin this August.
Come for the ideas. Stay for the inspiration. Leave ready to help shape what’s next.
Purpose. Prosperity. Potential. It starts here.
Register now at www.soar-ky.org/summit.