Patton Leadership Institute
Ribbon Cutting: Twn Mtn Troubadour
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 18, 2024, for Twn Mtn Troubadour, an innovative hospitality collective rooted in Appalachian culture. The event marked the official opening of this exciting new business, which combines unique accommodations, dining, retail, and community events to create an elevated experience in Pikeville.
Located in the historic Log Cabin restaurant, Twn Mtn Troubadour offers a five-suite inn, each uniquely themed to honor Eastern Kentucky musicians. In addition to the inn, the collective features a gathering lodge, restaurant, cocktail lounge, and retail space. The business operates under four core concepts—eat, shop, gather, and stay— providing both locals and travelers with a one-of-a-kind destination to connect with Appalachian culture.
Owner Taryn Guerra, a civil engineer who specializes in construction and real estate development, and her mother, Kelli Thompson, a retired educator and owner of the popular shop GRAZE, combined their talents and passions to bring Twn Mtn Troubadour to life.
“This project felt like a natural fit for us, blending our skills to create a space that uplifts other entrepreneurs, especially women, and showcases the beauty of our region,” said Guerra.
While state permitting delayed the original 2023 construction timeline, the business successfully
navigated a phased opening, launching with the guest suites and event venue. Additional phases—such as the GRAZE retail shop and a speakeasy-style lounge—will open in the coming months, adding even more offerings to this vibrant space.
Twn Mtn Troubadour has already become known for hosting unique events, including charcuterie board workshops, wine and bourbon pairings, wreath-making classes, outdoor movie nights, and more. The owners are also planning an inaugural Christmas market for Small Business Saturday that will feature local vendors, food trucks, live music, and holiday festivities.
“Our vision is to make Twn Mtn Troubadour a staple in the community—a place where people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments, just as they did at the Log Cabin for decades,” said Guerra. “We’ve already seen incredible moments here, from grooms sharing smiles with their brides to families reuniting in our suites and neighbors gathering around our garden firepit.”
“This is an incredible addition to Pikeville,” said Jordan Gibson, President & CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “Twn Mtn Troubadour combines tradition with innovation, giving our community a new destination to celebrate and connect. We’re proud to have them as a member and can’t wait to see all they achieve.”
Lunch & Learn with Secretary Jeff Noel
On October 8, 2024, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch & Learn event featuring Jeff Noel, Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. Noel provided valuable insights into the importance of job creation and fostering partnerships between businesses to attract investment to Kentucky.
The Lunch & Learn was well-attended by over 30 business and community leaders representing Pike County Fiscal Court, EKCEP, Kentucky Career Center, One East Kentucky, Appalachian Wireless, and Eastern Telephone & Technologies, and more.
During his presentation, Noel emphasized the significance of international outreach in securing foreign investment for the state. He highlighted his recent travels to Asia and Europe, where he was joined by Governor Andy Beshear to promote Kentucky as a destination for business expansion. These efforts reflect the state’s ongoing commitment to building a robust economy through international collaboration and partnerships.
Sec. Noel shared highlights from a recent trip to Germany, where state representatives connected with over 100 companies and influencers. This included 17 individual meetings with key industry players, many of whom are already significant employers in Kentucky. Companies such as BOSK, LOTTE Aluminum, Mitsubishi,
and Hitachi—who together employ more than 15,000 Kentuckians—were part of the outreach efforts.
The Secretary also discussed Kentucky’s innovative initiatives. Through partnerships with KY Innovation, KSTC, and private nonprofits, the state has developed six regional KY Innovation Hubs. This initiative, launched through a competitive RFP process, is designed to spur entrepreneurial growth and support startups across the state.
“In just two years, Kentucky has launched 260 startups, created 2,100 startup jobs, and raised $550 million in capital,” Noel noted. “With $200 million appropriated for grant funds, we are committed to empowering economic development and innovation across all regions.”
“The Lunch & Learn provided our members with insights into Kentucky’s future economic strategies, reaffirming the importance of partnerships to drive regional and state-wide economic growth,” said Chamber President & CEO, Jordan Gibson. “We’re grateful to Sec. Noel for his time and expertise in discussing Kentucky’s economic initiatives and international outreach efforts.”
Patton Leadership Holds Opening
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held Patton Leadership Institute’s (PLI) Opening Retreat for the Class of 2025 at Breaks Interstate Park on October 1011, 2024. The retreat featured Chamber staff members Tiffany Coleman and Katie Belt, as well as Culture Docs Chief Engagement Officer, Jeff Peden as facilitators. The opening retreat featured discussions on communication styles, historic moments that impacted the region, issues we face, and the future of Southeast Kentucky. The cohort also had numerous opportunities for networking, including a guided hike and icebreaker activities and games.
PLI remains committed to developing leadership skills
and empowering individuals to drive meaningful change. Through hands-on experiences, the program equips participants with practical knowledge and valuable insights that prepare them for future success.
“The opening retreat for the PLI was a motivating and fun experience that helped us connect with each other while learning important leadership skills,” said Ashley DeLong, Graphic Designer for Appalachian Wireless and participant in the PLI Class of 2025. “Through interactive discussions and group activities, it laid a solid foundation for personal and professional growth during our time together. I’m really excited for the year ahead with PLI!”
Opening Retreat for Class of 2025
Patton Leadership Institute is sponsored by Food City, Appalachian Wireless, Kentucky Power, and the University of Pikeville.
Patton Leadership Institute is a leadership development program of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. PLI is made up of leaders from across the Chamber’s eight-county region. Participants attend nine sessions over a nine-month period, and the curriculum weaves together topics crucial to the development of community such as education, economic development, healthcare, energy, tourism, and government. Leadership skills are integrated into each session.
Patton Leadership Institute Class of 2025 includes:
• Crystal Allen – Peoples Bank
• Brad Barnett – OVP Health
• John Cantrell – Food City
• Patty Clatworthy – double kwik
• Ashley DeLong – Appalachian Wireless
• Joni Fields – Pikeville Medical Center
• Jeremy Goodson – Big Sandy CT College
• Jessica Hall – Appalachian Regional Healthcare
• Justin Hazlewood – University of Pikeville
• Ryan Howell – Kentucky Power
• Dorian Moe – Kentucky Chamber Foundation
• Ezalee Pigman – Appalachian Regional Healthcare
• Libby Ratliff – Appalachian Wireless
• Melissa Rhodes – Community Trust Bank
• Tanner Slone – Food City
• Tyler Syck – University of Pikeville
• Edgar Tackett – Food City
• Stacie Taylor – Pikeville Medical Center
• Ray Terry – Big Sandy Area Development District
• Shumaila Tunio – University of Pikeville
You’ve probably heard of the personal injury attorneys Vanover, Hall, Bartley, & Ward on the radio, bringing you the latest traffic and accident updates, which is a very clever marketing strategy given the type of law they practice. However, they do so much more. Not only does the law firm help with personal injury and car accidents, but they also tackle workers comp cases, social security, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse. Basically, if you’ve been wronged, Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward can make it right!
Walking into the law firm that’s located on Hambley Blvd right next to Tudor’s Biscuit World, I was expecting a busy office with uptight people rushing around in suits and stuffy business attire, so I was surprised to find how laid back and relaxed everyone was at the office. Alex Ward, one of the partners, was wearing sneakers and shorts; Tina Tackett, the Office Manager and her ladies were in jeans and t-shirts. I immediately felt at ease. When Alex and I sat down to talk, he gave me an overview of who the partners are and what they all do. He laid out some basic facts about each one of the partners, like how Jim Vanover is a founding partner, Keith Bartley mainly works out of the Prestonsburg office, Adam Hall serves as Assistant County Attorney, and Alex worked
Law Offices of Vanover,
for a large defense firm for 15 years before joining the firm. All of them have known each other for years, some since high school, and have been in eastern Kentucky their whole lives.
Their roots to this region and each other run deep, and that’s how the firm has been so successful. Every case at the firm is handled personally by one of the partners, which is something that sets them apart from larger law firms. Their main priority is representing local folks when they need help, because they’re local folks, too. Their clients are their friends and neighbors, so in knowing the people they’re helping, they’re invested in getting them the justice they deserve, not because of dollar signs, but because these are people they care about.
At Vanover, Hall, Bartley, & Ward, they aren’t just law partners, they’re more like a big family, which explains the relaxed office atmosphere. Alex said, “We offer professional results with a family environment.” The thing that stands out as proof that they’re like a family is how long they have all known and worked with each other. Office manager Tina Tackett has worked with Jim Vanover and the partners for 21 years, and she’s not looking to retire anytime soon. 5 years ago, they brought on Tina’s sister-in-law Nolita. All four partners
Month:
Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward
have practiced together for at least 6 years, some for way longer than that. They’ve had time to develop strong relationships with each other and their clients. When I visited the office, Tina, Nolita, and Crystal were sweet as honey and opened up to me about who they are, some of the struggles they’ve encountered, and how all of the partners and everyone at the firm have supported each other over the years. When Tina got sick with cervical cancer, the partners gave her ample time off to get better and focus on her recovery. There’s a picture on Tina’s wall of a peaceful beach scene with the message, “God is greater than your highs and lows.” I could tell that everyone in the office shares a deep and special bond, a bond that could only be made by getting through hard times together.
The office is so family-friendly, in fact, that they have an office dog named Gus! He has a bed in Tina’s office and sometimes clients will visit just to play with him! Alex initially got him for his family, but once he was introduced to the office staff, Tina now claims joint custody. She told me about how he helped heal her heart after losing a longtime pet and how he helps with the stressors of everyday work. She quipped, “He’s just a little spoiled but we love him.”
The focus at Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward is their desire to help their clients. Alex said, “Sure, we’ve had a lot of wins, but it’s not necessarily about that. The best feeling is when we’re able to help people who have been to 4 or 5 firms who haven’t been able to help.” And it’s not just that they want to help, it’s that they’re really good at it, too. They’re able to help people who have unique cases that even other law firms can’t do. Word of mouth is huge for the law firm, helping them get new referrals not just from past clients, but from other law firms as well.
The folks at this law firm are truly Appalachian in the sense that they believe strongly in helping their neighbor. They know how to take it easy, but they also know when to suit up and turn on the heat. Being Appalachian themselves, they know how to best help their own people, which is a big thing that sets them apart from larger competing law firms that span multiple states. They’re not your typical law firm, and I highly recommend you let Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward help you the next time you need representation for personal injury, workers comp, car accidents, and more. For more information, visit them online at www.vhblaw. com or call 606.437.4003. Stay in the know by following
Ribbon Cutting: Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is pleased to announce Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital as a new member. A ribbon cutting was held for the radio station on October 22, 2024.
Forcht’s radio stations, WXKQ and WTCW in Whitesburg, have been dedicated to serving Whitesburg and parts of Eastern Kentucky for over 60 years. As local, hometown radio stations, they prioritize keeping our communities informed and safe while delivering great Lite Rock and Country music hits.
Owned by Terry E. Forcht, Chairman of the Forcht Group of Kentucky, Forcht Broadcasting encompasses 26 radio stations across 9 markets in 3 states, with their radio and digital marketing group headquartered in Kentucky.
The radio stations are accessible beyond the traditional airwaves. Listeners can enjoy their broadcasts online, through a free mobile app, and via Alexa Skills, ensuring a great listening experience from anywhere.
In addition to Forcht Broadcasting’s engaging music and programming, they offer on-air radio promotion campaigns tailored for local businesses and provide public service announcement (PSA) services for many local non-profit organizations.
Forcht Broadcasting is not just about radio; they are also a comprehensive digital marketing company. Their services include display and social programmatic advertising, OTT and Connected TV, streaming audio, SEM, geo-targeting, website design, content creation, social media management, and logo and graphic design. Forcht Broadcasting is committed to helping local businesses thrive with a wide array of marketing solutions.
One of the top priorities at Forcht Broadcasting Radio
& Digital includes ensuring the safety of their listeners and communities, delivering relevant and timely programming, and playing great music. They are dedicated to supporting their radio and digital teams, serving our local communities, and providing marketing solutions that enable local businesses to flourish within their communities.
“I know I speak for our President/CEO, for the General Manager and staff at WXKQ and WTCW, and for everyone on the Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital team when we say our Whitesburg radio stations, WXKQ FM and WTCW AM/FM, have a love for Eastern Kentucky and its people. It’s our privilege to be the soundtrack to our listeners’ days, and we want to give back to our communities with our radio and digital marketing experiences to help our local businesses grow and succeed. We want Eastern Kentucky to think of us when they have radio and digital marketing needs, and we are proud to now be members of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce,” said Amy Stroud, Senior Vice President, Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital to the Chamber,” said Jordan Gibson, Southeast Kentucky Chamber President & CEO. “Forcht Broadcasting’s longstanding commitment to serving the communities of Eastern Kentucky aligns perfectly with our mission to support and promote local businesses. Their dedication to providing quality programming and innovative digital marketing solutions is invaluable. We look forward to a strong partnership and are excited about the positive impact Forcht Broadcasting will continue to have on our region.”
Southeast Ky Chamber brings back National Civics Bee
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Eastern Kentucky will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel of judges review the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The Southeast Kentucky Chamber will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including prizes worth at least $500 for the first-place student.
Participants in the National Civics Bee® will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious prizes throughout
the competition. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship. Winners from each of the local competitions across Kentucky will be invited to take part in the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the Fall of 2025.
“We’re excited to bring the National Civics Bee back to Eastern Kentucky,” said Southeast Kentucky Chamber President & CEO, Jordan Gibson. “The state champion for the last two years has been from our region, and we’re very proud of that. We’re thrilled to give civic-minded students a platform to thrive.”
“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee® provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
Plaque Presentation: Jeremy Justice Films
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Jeremy Justice Films as a new member. A membership plaque was presented to owner and operator Jeremy Justice on October 21, 2024. Jeremy Justice Films is a professional video production company specializing in cinematic storytelling for luxury weddings, corporate promotions, commercials, and creative content. Known for its keen attention to detail and commitment to crafting visually stunning narratives, the company delivers high-quality video projects designed to exceed client expectations. From concept to completion, each project is fully customized to capture the unique essence of every moment or brand message.
Founded in 2023, Jeremy Justice Films has quickly grown from a passion project into a thriving business. What began as a hobby while working in the news turned into a full-time career when he realized that stories could be just as impactful visually. Demand for his work grew from just one inquiry a month to several per week, and that’s when he knew it was time to take the leap and launch his business.
Beyond creating cinematic films, Jeremy Justice is passionate about mentoring younger filmmakers and building a thriving creative community in Eastern Kentucky. Justice’s goal over the next five years is to continue growing his business while mentoring others,
showing these many talented individuals who start production companies in our region that they do not need to move away to tell their stories or build successful careers.
Jeremy’s work has already earned widespread recognition, including second place in the Kentucky Travel Industry Association Awards Conference for the video series “When I Say I’m From Kentucky,” produced in partnership with Prestonsburg Tourism. His videos have also been featured on CNN during the 2022 flooding disaster, on the Outdoor Channel’s show “Driven with Pat & Nicole,” and as part of a series for WD-40.
“I’ve learned that true creativity doesn’t come from the size of the place you’re in, but from the fire inside you.,” said Justice. “It’s that passion that turns ordinary moments into unforgettable memories and keeps me searching for the perfect shot every single day.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jeremy Justice Films to the Southeast Kentucky Chamber,” said President & CEO, Jordan Gibson. “Jeremy’s passion for storytelling and commitment to fostering creativity in our region align perfectly with our mission to support local businesses and drive growth. We look forward to seeing his impact both in our community and beyond.”
For more information about Jeremy Justice Films, visit www.jeremyjusticefilms.com or follow their social media channels for the latest updates and video projects.
Surprise Patrol: Edward Jones - Sarah M. Hyden & Legacy Financial Investment Services - Raymond James
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recently stopped by Edward Jones - Sarah M. Hyden and Legacy Financial Investment Services - Raymond James as part of its Surprise Patrol initiative. Both businesses were surprised with balloons and cupcakes in recognition of their dedication to the community and contributions to the region’s economic growth.
Edward Jones - Sarah M. Hyden provides personalized financial services, helping individuals and families plan for the future, while Legacy Financial Investment
Services - Raymond James offers expert investment management and advisory services. The Chamber is proud to recognize both businesses for their commitment to supporting local clients and fostering financial wellness in Eastern Kentucky.
The Surprise Patrol is the Chamber’s way of thanking members for their ongoing involvement and positive impact on the community. The Chamber looks forward to more visits like these, celebrating members who make a difference every day.
