Chamber Holds Ribbon Cutting for the Law Offices of Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, November 25, 2024 for new members, Law Offices of Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward. The ribbon cutting celebrated the new location of the law firm, now located at 225 Hambley Blvd in Pikeville, next to Tudor’s Biscuit World.
Founded in 1992, Vanover, Hall, Bartley, & Ward has served clients across eastern Kentucky with a focus on personal injury, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and more. With offices in Pikeville and Prestonsburg, the firm’s attorneys are known for their dedication to client advocacy and comprehensive legal expertise.
The firm’s commitment goes beyond legal representation, as they ensure clients only pay fees
upon receiving settlements, reflecting their dedication to accessible, compassionate service. Their seasoned attorneys have over 80 years of combined experience, making them trusted advocates for injury victims throughout Kentucky.
“We are honored to celebrate the continued success of Vanover, Hall, Bartley, & Ward,” said Southeast Kentucky Chamber President & CEO, Jordan Gibson.
“Their dedication to justice, integrity, and service truly exemplifies the values of our community, and we are proud to support their ongoing impact in eastern Kentucky.”
For more information on the Law Offices of Vanover, Hall, Bartley & Ward, please visit www.vhblaw.com or call 606.437.4003.
Angie Reynolds is a powerhouse of a woman. All on her own she planted the seed for TEK Center, watered it and pruned it until it grew into something bigger and better than she intended. What she planted has borne beautiful fruit, and it’s a testament to her tenacity and insane work ethic.
TEK Center grew out of a need for heavy equipment operators at the company Angie used to work for. It was her job to find them, so she had the idea of launching a small training center to help her get people into the jobs she needed to fill. First, she tried the Floyd County School of Innovation to get students from their heavy equipment program. But she realized they didn’t have enough hands-on experience to be at the level of employability she needed. She had to find another way. Angie quickly realized this project was going to be bigger than she initially thought, so she got to work. It didn’t matter that this was all new to her; she sat down and put together a business proposal, wrote policies and procedures, a handbook, and manual. Word of mouth was spreading, and people were coming to her wanting to teach more than just heavy equipment operation; they were plumbers and welders looking to train students. This was really starting to snowball into something bigger than she expected. Now mind you, all of this was going on while she was still working her full-time job at a company that
needed heavy equipment operators. But now things were moving with the training center idea and quickly growing, so she had to make a choice. Should she stay in her career, or focus on opening a new training school? As you can see, she chose the school, and it was clearly the right choice.
The idea of having a small training center with just one pathway has now exploded into a state-licensed, post-secondary, non-profit, private institution. Angie’s running a full-blown college these days, and there are now six pathways at TEK Center: Heavy Equipment Operation, Electrical, Industrial Mechanic, Plumbing, Masonry, and Welding. There are even plans to add two more pathways in the coming years.
Classes started in July of 2023, with 27 graduates last year, most of whom are now working in the industry they trained in. TEK Center has partnered with several local businesses to equip students for future success, and Angie has even hosted a job fair exclusively for TEK Center students to match them with potential employers. She can’t promise them a job, but she gives her students every tool she can to help them get one. She even helps students build their resume, do interview prep, and strengthen their communication skills. Further, the way TEK Center operates instills strong work ethic in students, in that going to school operates like going to a real job. When students are on campus,
the Month: TEK Center
they’re expected to be accountable for the full eight hours. They get docked for being late or leaving early. To have a passing grade, students must maintain above a 70% grade average. She holds them to a higher standard than a traditional college, but without the traditional college setting.
Unlike a traditional college, for example, TEK Center graduates are walking away with at least 4-6 certifications; some pathways offer more, such as with heavy equipment operation—they’re trained and certified on eleven different pieces of equipment, ranging from forklifts to back hoes, loaders, dozers, and excavators. Another way TEK Center stands apart from the traditional college setting is that students are only required to be on campus two days of the week. Angie structured TEK Center this way because she knows what it’s like to have to raise a family and maintain a full-time job while trying to put yourself through school.
Students at TEK Center receive the quickest, most affordable, most in-depth training in the state, not to mention they’re the only ones who offer masonry and plumbing pathways. The biggest thing about TEK Center, though, is its affordability. Tuition is $10,000 (lower than other schools) but they offer scholarships that will cover about $7,000 and there are also opportunities through Voc Rehab (Vocational Rehabilitation Office) to cover the rest, which means students who can graduate debt
free! Try that at any other college.
As a result, TEK Center is quickly outgrowing their current space at Inez in Martin County. Enrollment was up 40% over last year and retention is up 5%. TEK Center recently received an AMLER grant (Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization) to the tune of $3,180,000. These funds are going toward building a brand new 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility at Magoffin County’s Gifford Road Industrial Complex, which will more than double their current size and allow for a total of eight training pathways and give them the ability to train up to 400 students at one time.
For Angie, it’s all about the students and setting them up for success. That’s what makes all the long days and late nights worth it. She told me about one student who wrote to her, “You don’t know how much you’ve changed my life for the better. You kept me from going down a bad path.”
And that is why Angie is so passionate about this. She is able to give back to her community in a transformative and healing way. People who are desperate to work and make a living wage to support their family—TEK Center is their chance to do exactly that, and then some. For more information about TEK Center, visit www. tekcenterky.org or call 606.534.3688. You can also stay up to date with their latest happenings by giving them a follow on Facebook.
Patton Leadership Holds Second Session in Magoffin County
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Patton Leadership Institute (PLI) held its second session for the Class of 2025 in Magoffin County on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The cohort visits a different county for each session. PLI will visit Martin County on December 5, 2024.
The Class of 2025 met at the Magoffin County Health Department where they heard from Health Department Director Dr. Pete Shepherd about the various harm reduction programs the county offers to residents, as well as how Magoffin County has changed over the years. Economic Director Jimmy Salyer spoke on the county’s efforts to attract businesses into the region and adventure tourism. Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matthew Wireman gave a presentation on the history of Magoffin County and how leadership is the power of influence. Peoples Bank Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager and PLI Class of 2024 participant, Cody Prater, spoke on his experience in PLI and how it helped him grow as a leader.
Lunch was generously provided by Peoples Bank. The cohort then travelled the Magoffin County Historical Society where President Todd Preston showed participants his handmade hunting equipment and led them on a tour of the Pioneer Village. Historic log cabins from across the region have been carefully disassembled, relocated, and reconstructed here, preserving a slice
of the past for generations to enjoy. Todd Preston, along with a dedicated team of history enthusiasts, meticulously sought out, dismantled, transported, and reassembled each cabin by hand. During their visit, PLI participants had the unique opportunity to explore a variety of preserved structures, including an old post office, a workshop, living quarters, and even a oneroom schoolhouse. Each building has been beautifully restored and staged as if it were still in use.
“Our first two sessions with the Patton Leadership Institute have been inspiring for me as a leader and as an East Kentuckian,” said Stacie Taylor, Executive Director of Program Management for Pikeville Medical Center and participant in PLI Class of 2025. “I have gained new insight into meaningful work throughout our region, and I am grateful to network with so many leaders who have the best interests of our communities at heart. I look forward to learning even more and putting that knowledge to work in my organization and community.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to our speakers, our hosts, and Peoples Bank for providing lunch for the Patton Leadership Institute’s Class of 2025,” said Katie Belt of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. “It’s inspiring to see this year’s class come together, and we can’t wait to see the growth and achievements that lie ahead in the rest of the program!”
November Lunch & Learn:
BSCTC’s Dr. Samuel Todd Brand
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 with Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) Interim President, Samuel Todd Brand, Ph.D.
The event was well-attended by local business and community leaders, representing organizations such as Amazon Hub, Eastern Telephone & Technologies, Brightview, One East Kentucky, and Pikeville Medical Center.
Dr. Brand’s presentation focused on the work they’re doing at BSCTC to innovate higher education in eastern Kentucky. He addressed problems of lower workforce participation, the rise of artificial intelligence, and lack of interest in attending college, and what BSCTC is doing to adapt to these changes. Dr. Brand pointed out that by 2031 there will be around 2.1 million jobs available in Kentucky, over 1 million of which will require some form of higher education; BSCTC can train students for 700,000 of those jobs that will become available. Dr. Brand explained the changes being implemented at BSCTC. The college has increased enrollment this fall,
introduced the Prison Education Program, revamped the class schedule to better accommodate students and their needs, and is bringing in new programming such as food truck entrepreneurship and music production. As Interim President, Dr. Brand is ineligible to apply for the full time position, but that will not stop him from making the biggest impact he can. To conclude his presentation, Dr. Brand said, “We’ve got 365 days. I’m almost halfway into it and we’ve accomplished some things, we have much yet to accomplish, we’re going to keep running hard.”
“We’re so grateful to Dr. Brand for speaking at our Lunch & Learn and telling us all about the great things happening at BSCTC,” said Katie Belt, Programs & Media Manager for the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. “It’s exciting to hear about the innovative changes happening at the college and to see the impact this will have on Eastern Kentucky. To watch a recording of Dr. Brand’s presentation, you can login to the Chamber’s Member Information Center by going to www.business.sekchamber.com/login
Plaque Presentation: Infinity Design and Construction Group
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Infinity Design and Construction Group, Inc. as a new member. A membership plaque was presented to the company on Friday, November 22, 2024. Founded by Keith McKinney, Kris Furlong, and Elliott Taulbee, the company is a full-service mechanical contractor specializing in pipe fabrication, piping installation, plumbing services, and HVAC installation and maintenance. With a strong reputation for innovation and integrity, Infinity provides high-quality solutions to complex mechanical projects across Eastern Kentucky.
Infinity Design and Construction Group is committed to delivering exceptional value through cuttingedge technologies like 3D laser scanning, advanced AutoCAD design, and meticulous MEP coordination. These capabilities enable them to handle intricate projects efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring their clients receive top-tier service. As the company expands operations at its Langley fabrication shop, they plan to enhance these offerings further, contributing to local economic development and employment opportunities. Beyond their technical expertise, Infinity emphasizes a family-oriented work culture that prioritizes employee
well-being and fosters a positive, inclusive environment. Over the past five years, they have employed more than 300 people under collective bargaining agreements, demonstrating their commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality jobs. Their mission aligns with the Chamber’s goals of promoting local business growth and building stronger communities.
Jordan Gibson, President of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: “Infinity Design and Construction Group exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that drives growth in our region. We are excited to support their vision and see the impact they will make on our community and local economy.”
The Chamber looks forward to supporting Infinity Design and Construction Group as they continue to bring innovative mechanical solutions and valuable employment opportunities to the region. This partnership marks an exciting step toward fostering economic growth and enhancing industry standards in Southeast Kentucky.
For more information on Infinity Design and Construction Group, Inc., please visit www.infinitydcg.com or call 502.244.2235.
Surprise Patrol: Kinzer Drilling and Stockton
Mortgage
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recently visited Kinzer Drilling and Stockton Mortgage as part of its Surprise Patrol initiative. Both businesses were surprised with balloons and cupcakes to honor their significant contributions and dedication to the community.
Kinzer Drilling has long been a cornerstone in the energy sector, delivering essential services that fuel regional growth and stability. Stockton Mortgage, renowned for its personalized home financing solutions, has helped
numerous families achieve their homeownership dreams, strengthening local communities. The Chamber celebrates the positive impact these businesses have made, recognizing their role in driving economic prosperity and community development. Initiatives like the Surprise Patrol highlight the Chamber’s commitment to supporting its members, and it looks forward to recognizing more businesses in future visits, fostering continued local engagement and growth.
