Day 1 of the SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, is a wrap. 

More than 1,500 attendees from 60 counties converged on the Appalachian Wireless Arena for Appalachia’s Premier Event. 

SOAR Co-Principal Officers Hal Rogers and Andy Beshear made announcements of 12 projects funded through the Abandoned Mine Lands Pilot Program. The projects totaled $24.4 million. 

Some other highlights from Day 1, included:

• Mark Rembert, from the Center on Rural Innovation, spoke about the importance of remote work from a regional context. He also shared how remote work can be a talent attraction tool for connected communities in Eastern Kentucky. 
• Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition Winner Dakota Hoskins passionately motivated the audience to dream big for Eastern Kentucky, “If your dreams don’t scare you, then you are not dreaming big enough.”
• SOAR Executive Director Colby Hall discussed SOAR’s 10-year vision, and the steps needed to achieve such goals at a community and regional level. 

Check out a Photo Album from today’s event.