News for Community
Monday, May 11, 2026
PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY: Mark A. Gooch, Chairman, President and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., is pleased to announce that Brandee R. Johnson holds the position of Vice President, Manager of Training and Development at Community Trust Bank, Inc.Ms. Johnson’s duties as the Manager of Training and Development include leading training and development strategies that strengthen leadership, ...read more
Categories: Community, Chamber, Press Release
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Tuesday, May 05, 2026
JENKINS, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly joined community leaders, families, and Chamber members on Friday, May 1, to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Shining Stars Daycare, a new childcare center serving families in Jenkins and the surrounding area.The event welcomed guests and allowed them to experience refreshments from nearby Coal City Coffee, tours of ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Education, Press Release
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
PRESTONSBURG, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted the National Civics Bee Regional Competition on April 23. 2026, at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, welcoming middle school students from across the region for a day of civic engagement and academic competition.The live competition featured thirteen 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, representing three Eastern Kentucky ...read more
Categories: Education, Chamber, Community, Press Release
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Tuesday, April 07, 2026
PAINTSVILLE, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Patton Leadership Institute visited Johnson County on April 2 for a day focused on the regional impact of education and workforce development.The session began at the Big Sandy Community & Technical College Mayo Campus in Paintsville, where participants were welcomed by Dr. Todd Brand, president and CEO of BSCTC. Brand shared his ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Education, Press Release
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
The SBA reports that one in four businesses won't reopen after a disaster — and that figure doesn't account for whether a business had a plan. Pike County doesn't need a hypothetical to understand this risk. The February 2025 storms brought severe flooding, straight-line winds, and landslides across Southeast Kentucky, cutting off access routes and shuttering businesses across the region. A ...read more
Categories: Chamber, General News Article, Press Release, Community
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
PIKEVILLE, KY — The Pikeville Rotary Club hosted the 2026 Empowering Girls of Appalachia Symposium on March 12, 2026, at the University of Pikeville, bringing together freshman girls from area high schools for a day centered on leadership, confidence-building, and career exploration.
The event, sponsored by the University of Pikeville, Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, and the ...read more
Categories: Education, Community, Press Release
Monday, March 09, 2026
Internal security failures — weak access controls, untrained employees, missing breach policies — are behind most small business losses. 41% of small businesses were hit by a cyberattack in 2023, a steep hit for any operation with a median cost of $8,300 per incident. For businesses across Southeast Kentucky navigating a shifting economy, the threat often isn't coming from somewhere far away. ...read more
Categories: Economic, General News Article, Press Release, Chamber, Community
Community Trust Bank Announces Tracy A. Wesley Promoted to EVP, Chief Intenal Audit and Risk Officer
Monday, March 02, 2026
PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY: Mark A. Gooch, Chairman, President and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., is pleased to announce that Tracy A. Wesley has been promoted to the position of EVP, Chief Internal Audit and Risk Officer of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Ms. Wesley’s responsibilities include oversight and management of the enterprise-wide risk management program, internal audit, loan review ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Friday, February 13, 2026
PIKEVILLE, KY — Judi’s Place for Kids, a member of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, is currently seeking sponsors for their upcoming Run with Courage 5K, scheduled for April 25, 2026, at Pikeville City Park. The annual event serves as one of the organization’s primary fundraisers, supporting critical services for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.Judi’s Place for Kids is ...read more
Categories: Community, Chamber, Press Release
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
PIKEVILLE, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted its February Lunch & Learn program in partnership with Pikeville Medical Center, with Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Erich Blackburn, as the featured speaker. The event, held in recognition of American Heart Month, highlighted PMC’s expanding role in advancing healthcare access, workforce development, and ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Education, Press Release
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026
KNOTT COUNTY, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Patton Leadership Institute traveled to Knott County recently as part of its ongoing leadership development program, marking the first time the Institute has been able to return to the area since the historic flooding of July 2022, which deeply impacted the community.The day began on the campus of Alice Lloyd College, where PLI participants were ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Education, Press Release
Friday, February 06, 2026
PIKEVILLE, KY: Mark A. Gooch, Chairman, President and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., is pleased to announce that Zachary Thacker has been promoted to the position of Tug Valley Market President of Community Trust Bank, Inc.
Mr. Thacker's responsibilities include providing consumer, residential, and commercial lending options to new and existing clients, as well as offering a variety of ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Community
Thursday, February 05, 2026
Businesses don’t operate in isolation. Local government policies—from zoning rules to employment regulations—directly influence how companies grow, hire, and innovate. Yet, many organizations only pay attention when a change is already in effect, missing valuable time to adapt strategically. Staying aware of local policy shifts isn’t just a compliance move; it’s a competitive advantage.What You ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, General News Article, Press Release
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Tuesday, February 03, 2026
PIKEVILLE, KY — February 3, 2026 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber announced today that the essay submission deadline for the 2026 National Civics Bee has been extended to Monday, February 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM, due to widespread winter weather. This extension will allow middle school students additional time to participate and submit their essays.The National Civics Bee, organized in partnership ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Education, Community, Press Release
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Wednesday, January 14, 2026
PIKEVILLE, KY — January 13, 2026 — Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce welcomed members and community leaders to their January Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, Jan. 13, featuring American Red Cross with a presentation by Stacy Taylor, Community Outreach and Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator for the organization.
Held at the Garfield House in Pikeville, the event provided attendees with an ...read more
Categories: Press Release, Chamber, Community
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY — December 12, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber recently hosted a Lunch & Learn event featuring Senator Phillip Wheeler and Commonwealth Alliances, providing Chamber members and community leaders with the opportunity to hear directly from a state legislator and engage in meaningful discussion about issues impacting Eastern Kentucky. During the event, Senator Wheeler and ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Community
Monday, December 15, 2025
LOUISA, KY — December 4, 2025 — The Patton Leadership Institute, a program of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, traveled to Lawrence County on December 4 as part of the ongoing leadership development program’s focus on regional collaboration, economic development, and community engagement.Participants began the day at Kentucky Power’s Big Sandy Power Plant, where they toured the facility and ...read more
Categories: Education, Community, Press Release, Chamber
Friday, December 12, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY – For the 17th consecutive year, Community Trust Bank, Inc. has earned the "Gold Lender Award" from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) as Kentucky's top volume SBA 7(a) Community Bank lender in federal fiscal year 2024–2025.
SBA approved 60 guaranteed 7(a) loans for Community Trust Bank customers in Kentucky totaling $12,596,200, in the fiscal year. CTBI ...read more
Categories: Community, Economic, Press Release
Friday, November 14, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY — November 14, 2025 —Local organizations and community members will come together on Tuesday, November 19th for the Feed the Need for Change Walk, an event designed to raise awareness of hunger and homelessness in Eastern Kentucky while collecting non-perishable food donations for the WestCare Perry Cline Emergency Shelter.The walk is part of Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, a ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Community, Press Release
Monday, November 10, 2025
INEZ, KY — November 6, 2025 —The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Patton Leadership Institute Class of 2026 visited Martin County on Thursday, November 6, for their first official session following the program’s Opening Retreat held in October at Breaks Interstate Park.The day began at the Martin County Library inside the Roy F. Collier Community Center, where participants heard from a ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, Education
Monday, November 10, 2025
PRESTONSBURG, KY — November 8, 2025 —The Floyd County Homeless Shelter’s annual Dancing for Shelter fundraiser lit up the stage at the Mountain Arts Center on Saturday, November 8, raising over $40,000 in support of the Maddiwar House of Hope.Modeled after everyone’s favorite professional dancing reality competition, Dancing for Shelter pairs local community leaders and volunteers with experienced ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025
PRESTONSBURG, KY — October 28, 2025 —The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce joined officials from Appalachian Regional Healthcare on Tuesday, October 28, to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand reopening of the newly renovated ARH Home Medical Store, located by Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg.The freshly updated facility is now open and ready to serve the home medical ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, Economic
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
HINDMAN, KY — October 29, 2025 —The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce joined Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation (MCHC) on Tuesday, October 29, to celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the new Knott County Optometry Office in Hindman, KY.The celebration took place during an Open House of the facility with hot dogs fresh off the grill, giveaways, and goodies curtesy of MCHC ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Economic, Press Release
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
PRESTONSBURG, KY — October 7, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce joined Commonwealth Credit Union on October 7, to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its newest branch, located at 550 North Lake Drive in Prestonsburg.The newest branch represents Commonwealth Credit Union’s continued investment in Eastern Kentucky, bringing expanded access to financial services and ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, Economic
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Tuesday, September 30, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY – September 30, 2025 — This past weekend, downtown Pikeville came alive with color, music, and compassion as the Pikeville Pride Festival 2025 welcomed thousands of attendees to Main Street and the Appalachian Wireless Arena Plaza.The annual festival, hosted by Pikeville Pride, featured live entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors, and community organizations that highlighted the ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, Entertainment
Friday, September 12, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY – September 5, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 5, to celebrate the official grand opening of Laundry Den, Inc. and UV 10 Tanning, located on Hambley Blvd. in Pikeville.The business, now under the leadership of new owners, has undergone significant renovations to better serve customers. Updates include the ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Community
Friday, August 08, 2025
FLOYD COUNTY, KY — August 7, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce was honored to join Big Sandy Health Care, Inc. and community members on Thursday, August 7, to celebrate the Grand Opening and Homecoming for the new Eula Hall Health Center, located in the heart of Floyd County’s Mud Creek community.The event welcomed local leaders, healthcare professionals, and residents to honor the ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
Tuesday, August 05, 2025
As the traditional benefits model frays at the edges, a wave of inventive ideas is taking its place. Employers aren't just reacting to demands for flexibility or wellness—they’re rethinking the nature of support altogether. The new breed of benefits goes far beyond insurance packages or ping-pong tables, tapping into a deeper understanding of what makes people feel whole and valued at work. With ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, July 24, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY — July 23, 2025 — Pikeville Pride is inviting the community to support its mission of inclusion, celebration, and advocacy through a Facebook Silent Auction fundraiser happening this week. The auction, which features more than 30 donated items, will run through Friday, July 25th at 7:00 PM, with all proceeds going directly to fund the 2025 Pikeville Pride Festival in September.The ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Plaque Presented During Bring a Ball Campaign with Operation UNITEPIKEVILLE, KY – July 14, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed the American Heart Association as a new member during a special plaque presentation held as the association presented Operation UNITE with sports balls provided through their Bring a Ball to the Ball campaign.The American Heart Association is ...read more
Categories: Community, Chamber, Press Release
Monday, July 14, 2025
HUNTINGTON, WV – July 1, 2025 – Valley Health Systems Inc. is proud to announce a generous donation of 22,000 medical supply items to Sunflower Seeds - Tri-State Aid for Ukraine, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to providing critical medical aid and humanitarian assistance in Ukraine. This donation will be sent to Ukraine to support small groups of defenders and civilian ...read more
Categories: Press Release, Community
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Starting a restaurant is one of the most thrilling business ventures, but it’s also one of the most expensive. As any restaurateur knows, managing costs early on can make the difference between surviving and thriving. Smart, actionable strategies can help you keep costs low without compromising on quality, giving your restaurant the best chance to succeed.Choose the Right Business ...read more
Categories: Community, Chamber, Press Release, General News Article
Monday, July 07, 2025
HUNTINGTON, WV (July 1, 2025) - Valley Health Systems, Inc. congratulates Dr. Andrea Marcum Vallejos, Vice President of Health Informatics and Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) on her election to the Epic Obstetrics Specialty Steering Board. Vallejos will serve a two-year term on this national advisory group beginning July 1, 2025. The steering board’s mission is to improve electronic ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
HUNTINGTON, WV (June 25, 2025) – Valley Health is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Valley Health Minority Health Care Scholarships and the 2025 Cokey Muth Nursing Scholarship. Four outstanding students, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional commitment to pursuing careers in healthcare, were awarded a total of $17,000 in scholarships.The recipients of the 2025 Valley Health ...read more
Categories: Community, Education, Press Release
Friday, June 27, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY (June 27th, 2025): Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTBI) is pleased to announce the appointment of David L. Baird to its Board of Directors.
A native of Pikeville, Kentucky, Mr. Baird is an attorney and shareholder at Baird & Baird, P.S.C. in Pikeville, Kentucky. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Richard T. Farmer School of Business at Miami University ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Community, Press Release
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY — June 20, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 20th to celebrate the grand opening of Blue Diamond Pools and Spas, a new business turning a once-vacant property into a vibrant addition to the community.
Located in the former Happy Mart on North Mayo Trail, the team at Blue Diamond Pools and Spas have completely ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, Economic
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY — June 19, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber proudly presented Hillbilly Clan 1 Outhouse 2 with a check for $75,500 on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The presentation took place at the Garfield House in downtown Pikeville, with representatives from the Shriners and Southeast Kentucky Chamber representatives in attendance. The proceeds will be donated to Shriners Children’s Hospital in ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
PIKEVILLE, KY — June 16, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Biz Blaster Classifieds as one of the newest members of the Chamber’s growing network of businesses and organizations.
Based in Hindman, Biz Blaster Classifieds offers shared direct mail marketing services that allows businesses and individuals to expand their audience through classified ads, job ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
Monday, March 10, 2025
Southeast Kentucky Chamber Announces Back to Business Grant RecipientsUPDATED: 3/10/2025PIKEVILLE, KY – An anonymous member of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber has made a $3,000 donation to the Chamber, in support of the Back to Business Grant Program. The additional funds will provide six additional businesses with flood relief. The additional donation brings the total funding amount to $28,250 in ...read more
Categories: Community, Chamber, Press Release
Thursday, December 12, 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes.
While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible ...read more
Categories: Chamber, Press Release, Community
Wednesday, November 06, 2024
As regulatory demands grow more complex, the pressure to adopt innovative audit solutions intensifies. Transforming manual auditing into efficient, technology-driven processes redefines how audits are approached. Advanced tools can detect anomalies and automate compliance tasks, creating a smoother, more precise system. These modern solutions elevate compliance efforts and sharpen a business’s ...read more
Categories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, General News Article
Thursday, October 03, 2024
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, staying competitive requires more than just keeping up with the latest trends. It demands a proactive approach to employee development that integrates cutting-edge technological advancements and industry insights. Imagine your team not just keeping pace with change but mastering it, driving your company forward as innovators and leaders. Embracing ...read more
Categories: General News Article, Community, Press Release
