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Ingredients for Entrepreneurship in EKY: Lessons from Eastern Light | SOAR Innovation
What does it really take to turn a business idea into something real in Eastern Kentucky?
Join SOAR Innovation and our partners in Morehead on Wednesday, September 9, for a candid conversation about the people, partnerships, and persistence behind Eastern Light Distilling.
Caleb Kilburn, Master Distiller and Co-founder of Eastern Light Distilling, will sit down with the local leaders who helped move the project forward to share what worked, who stepped up, and what other entrepreneurs and communities can learn from their experience.
Event Details
What: Ingredients for Entrepreneurship in EKY: Lessons from Eastern Light
When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
Where: Morehead Conference Center | 111 E. First St., Morehead, KY 40351
Parking: Available on site
Cost: Free | Lunch provided
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, aspiring founders, community leaders, economic development professionals, and anyone interested in building a stronger environment for entrepreneurship in Eastern Kentucky.
Why Attend?
- Hear the story behind Eastern Light Distilling and what it took to move the business forward.
- Learn how local leadership can support entrepreneurship through connections, resources, and collaboration.
- Hear directly from the people involved about what worked, what they learned, and what they would tell other entrepreneurs.
- Build connections with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners from across the region.
About the Event
Great businesses aren’t built in isolation. Bringing a vision to life often takes the right combination of entrepreneurial drive, local leadership, trusted relationships, and a community willing to work together.
Ingredients for Entrepreneurship in EKY: Lessons from Eastern Light brings together the people behind the journey of Eastern Light Distilling for a conversation about what it takes to turn an idea into a growing Eastern Kentucky business.
Caleb Kilburn, Master Distiller of Eastern Light Distilling, will share the entrepreneur’s perspective alongside Rowan County Judge Executive Harry T. Clark; Jason Slone, President/CEO of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce; and Bob Helton, Project Consultant with Dry Branch Consulting.
Together, they’ll discuss the roles that local government, business organizations, outside expertise, and strong relationships can play in helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and move opportunities forward.
The event will also feature highlights from SOAR Innovation and its work to help entrepreneurs across Eastern Kentucky start, grow, and strengthen their businesses.
Agenda
12:00–12:30 p.m. ET | Lunch
Sponsored by SOAR – Shaping Our Appalachian Region
12:30–12:45 p.m. ET | SOAR Highlights
Danna Barnett | Director of Entrepreneurship, SOAR | BRIGHT Alum 2025
12:45–1:30 p.m. ET | Panel Discussion
Ingredients for Entrepreneurship in EKY: Lessons from Eastern Light
Caleb Kilburn | Master Distiller, Eastern Light Distilling
Harry T. Clark | County Judge Executive, Rowan County
Jason Slone | President/CEO, Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce
Bob Helton | Project Consultant, Dry Branch Consulting
Meet the Panel
Caleb Kilburn
Master Distiller | Eastern Light Distilling
Kilburn brings the entrepreneur’s perspective to the conversation, sharing the story behind Eastern Light Distilling and the relationships, resources, and decisions that helped move the business forward.
Harry T. Clark
County Judge Executive | Rowan County
Clark will share the local government perspective and discuss how communities can help create an environment where entrepreneurs and businesses have opportunities to succeed.
Jason Slone
President/CEO | Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce
Slone will discuss the role chambers and local business organizations can play in connecting entrepreneurs with the people, resources, and relationships they need.
Bob Helton
Project Consultant | Dry Branch Consulting
Helton will share the importance of outside expertise and strategic guidance in helping entrepreneurs navigate important decisions as they bring a project to life.
Presented in Partnership
Presented by SOAR Innovation with Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT, the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, and Morehead State University.
Thank you to our partners for investing in Eastern Kentucky and the people building its future.
Supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative.
Save Your Seat
Come for lunch. Leave with new connections, practical insights, and a better understanding of what it takes to move entrepreneurship forward in Eastern Kentucky.
Lunch is provided and registration is free. Save your seat today!
