We are counting down the days to host our first-ever EKY Gala, presented by Kentucky Power, on April 29, 2023, at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg!
You can still lock in your seats HERE.
Here is a breakdown of what is planned for that day:
1:30 p.m. | Doors open and walk the red carpet (optional)
3 p.m. | Awards Ceremony in the Mountain Arts Center Theatre
4:30 p.m. | Networking Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar
Experience a fun networking experience with others from our region, hosted by KY innovation.
Be a part of a fun and delightful reception celebrating with those who were just awarded, hosted by King’s Daughters Medical Center.
Enjoy an entertaining award ceremony celebrating those making a difference in our region, presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
On this afternoon, we will be honoring individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses working to create a brighter tomorrow across the region that YOU helped nominate!
Here is the list of awards planned to be distributed this night!
Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Rajant Corporation
This award recognizes a person in Appalachia Kentucky who has devoted a lifetime of service to advancing Eastern Kentucky. It’s that simple. Someone whose work will impact generations to come.
Business Person of the Year presented by Gearheart Communications
This award recognizes a business leader whose leadership has led to the growth of their business or company.
Appalachia Leadership Award presented by BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky
This award is given to an individual who has provided leadership to make an impact at the regional level.
EKY Humanitarian Award presented by People’s Bank
This award recognizes the work of an individual or organization working to advance social causes across Appalachia. This would include but is not limited to poverty, food insecurity, housing, educational access, etc.
City of the Year presented by MakeMyMove
This award recognizes a city or municipal government working to create opportunities for citizens and attracting new citizens, talent, and industries in creative and collaborative ways.
County of the Year presented by Addiction Recovery Care
This award recognizes a county government that is working to create opportunities for citizens and attracting new citizens, talent, and industries in creative and collaborative ways.
EKY Connect Award presented by the Center for Rural Development
This award recognizes an individual, group, or organization working to advance broadband connectivity through increasing digital equity, adoption rates, remote work, digital literacy, etc.
Healthy Communities Award presented by Pikeville Medical Center
This award recognizes an individual, group, or organization that is working to address health disparities in Eastern Kentucky.
Downtown of the Year presented by Qk4
This award recognizes a downtown or Main Street organization working to support existing businesses and attract new businesses, as well as working on collaborative beautification efforts and downtown Wi-Fi access.
EKY Tourism Organization of the Year presented by Creative Media of KY
This award recognizes a local or regional tourism agency working creatively to promote current tourism assets while building capacity to create new opportunities to attract tourists to Eastern Kentucky.
Startup of the Year presented by KY Innovation
This award is given to a small business/startup that has launched or scaled by leveraging technology and connectivity to reach customers beyond Eastern Kentucky.
EKY Recovery Award presented by Operation UNITE
This award is given to an individual, group, or organization that is working on the frontlines to provide opportunities for recovery for those impacted by Substance Use Disorder. This award is designed to recognize efforts to train, employ, establish educational pathways, serve families, and impact communities through the power of collaborative efforts and innovative thinking.
EKY Student of the Year presented by KCTCS
This award is given to a high school or college student who has impacted their school, college/university, and/or community through academic excellence and community service.
EKY Teacher of the Year presented by The Prichard Committee
This award is given to a high school or college teacher who has impacted their school, college/university, and/or community by inspiring students and giving back to their community.
Please don’t miss this chance to celebrate Appalachia
Join us in Prestonsburg on April 29 for an afternoon of networking, food, fun, entertainment, and awards at the EKY Gala.
Tickets are limited and are available HERE.