*** The deadline to fill out a nomination form is now closed ***

It will be an afternoon to celebrate the good in Appalachia Kentucky and all those working to make that happen. The first-ever EKY Gala, presented by Kentucky Power, will take place on April 29, 2023, at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. Lock in your seats here. 

On this afternoon, we’ll honor individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses working to create a brighter tomorrow across the region. 

The deadline for nominations was Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

Stay tuned for our award nominees!

Lifetime Achievement Award

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. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

Business Person of the Year

This award recognizes a business leader whose leadership has led to the growth of their business or company. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

Appalachia Leadership Award

This award is given to an individual who has provided leadership to make an impact at the regional level. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

EKY Humanitarian Award

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.

Make your nomination HERE. 

City of the Year

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. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

County of the Year

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. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

EKY Connect Award

This award recognizes an individual, group, or organization working to advance broadband connectivity through increasing digital equity, adoption rates, remote work, digital literacy, etc. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

Healthy Community Award

This award recognizes an individual, group, or organization that is working to address health disparities in Eastern Kentucky.

Make your nomination HERE. 

Downtown of the Year 

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. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

EKY Tourism Organization of the Year

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. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

Startup of the Year

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. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

EKY Recovery Award

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. 

Make your nomination HERE. 

EKY Student of the Year

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.

Make your nomination HERE. 

EKY Teacher of the Year

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.

Make your nomination HERE. 

Join us in Celebrating Appalachia

Join us in Prestonsburg on January 26 for an afternoon of networking, food, fun, entertainment, and awards at the EKY Gala. Tickets are limited and are available HERE.