KCCE
Event of the
Year
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KCCE
Newsletter
Of the Year
0909-10
2009
Pikeville, Kentucky
Business Call
Volume 8, Issue 8
February, 2010
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We’re on the Web: www.pikecountychamber.org
Business Call
Call
Business
A Pike County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Volume 8 - Issue 8
www.pikecountychamber.or
February, 2010
Chamber Education Foundation announces grant award winners
T
he Pike County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the awarding of grants from the Chamber’s Foundation for Education.
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce Foundation for Education was formed in April, 2008 in order to enhance educational opportunities for students in the various school systems in Pike County. The Foundation is governed by an independent Education Foundation Committee.
“Throughout a two month application period in the fall, any teacher or administrator in the Pike County or Pikeville Independent school
systems was able to contact the Chamber and fill out an application for whatever needs they may have for their classrooms (books, technology, lab equipment, etc.),” said Chamber President Brad Hall. “We fulfilled as many of these requests as possible with the money that was
raised through various fundraisers throughout the year.”
Fundraisers included the annual Golf Scramble for Education as well as a silent auction held at the annual Chamber Awards Dinner and
Awards Ceremony, among others.
The Chamber Foundation for Education Committee chose four recipients of the grants from the many that were submitted.
BELFRY MIDDLE SCHOOL: Belfry Middle School was one of the winning schools based upon the application of teacher Megan Smith
who wrote a proposal for the school to receive The Discovery Education Science for Middle School Program to work hand-in-hand with the
virtual labs that have been added to all three of the school’s science classrooms. The Discovery Program offers students and teachers the
opportunity to include interactive videos, integrated science simulations, virtual labs, videos, and scientific exploration projects. All 570 students at the middle school will use this program during their science classes. Pictured is Smith with representatives of the Chamber
(including Board Members and Education Committee Members), and local officials: (from left) Rosalind Stanley, Kaye Baird, Jim Workman,
Tammy Riley, Elizabeth Cole, Representative W. Keith Hall, Smith, Representative Leslie Combs, Chamber President Brad N. Hall, Joel VanHoose, Trina Allen, Joe Adams, Betty Fransisco, Lynette Schindler, Ruth Cox, and Tracy Syck.
BEVINS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Bevins Elementary School was a winning school based upon the application of Family Resource Coordinator Vanessia Gillespie who wrote a proposal for the school to offer more engaging history instruction through The Kentucky Chautauqua
Project. Under the direction of the Kentucky Humanities Council, this student interactive program provides a network of thirteen historical
Pike County Chamber Business Call
3
historical character performances portrayed by various artists. Bevins Elementary students will now have the privilege of seeing portrayals of
our state’s historical figures such as Daniel Boone, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Thomas Walker. The project would culminate with a field trip
for students to the state capital. Pictured is Gillespie with representatives of the Chamber (including Board Members and Education Committee Members), and local officials: (from left) Rosalind Stanley, Kaye Baird, Jim Workman, Tammy Riley, Elizabeth Cole, Representative W.
Keith Hall, Gillespie, Representative Leslie Combs, Chamber President Brad N. Hall, Joel VanHoose, Trina Allen, Joe Adams, Betty Fransisco,
Lynette Schindler, Ruth Cox, and Tracy Syck.
PIKEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Pikeville High School was chosen as a grant recipient based upon the application of teacher Traci
Tackett who wrote a proposal to assist the school in reaching out to their Gifted & Talented students and those who are taking technology
and business classes. The grant will be used to help students train and prepare for a future career in digital photography or videography. By
purchasing digital cameras, recorders, and video cameras, students of PHS will learn to use digital technology for the purpose of news reporting, journalism, photo journalism, and filmography. Pictured are PHS Principal Royce Mayo and Tackett with representatives of the
Chamber (including Board Members and Education Committee Members), and local officials: (from left) Rosalind Stanley, Kaye Baird, Jim
Workman, Tammy Riley, Elizabeth Cole, Representative W. Keith Hall, Mayo, Tackett, Representative Leslie Combs, Chamber President Brad
N. Hall, Joel VanHoose, Trina Allen, Joe Adams, Betty Fransisco, Lynette Schindler, Ruth Cox, and Tracy Syck.
PIKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: Pike Central High School science teachers Johnna Compton and Jaime Layne submitted a grant
proposal to the chamber asking for help in purchasing a mobile formative assessment tool. The Quizdom Student Response Remotes have
been proven to help to improve state and national testing performance in all science content areas. The system, consisting of thirty handheld student remotes will allow the teacher to choose questions, for which the students can immediately respond and get immediate feedback regarding the correct answer. It provides a means for all students to actively participate in class and improve their scientific knowledge.
In addition, future programs could be purchased to enable the Quizdom Remotes to be used in other subject areas. Pictured are Layne and
Compton with representatives of the Chamber (including Board Members and Education Committee Members), and local officials: (from left)
Rosalind Stanley, Kaye Baird, Jim Workman, Tammy Riley, Elizabeth Cole, Representative W. Keith Hall, Layne, Compton, Representative
Leslie Combs, Chamber President Brad N. Hall, Joel VanHoose, Trina Allen, Joe Adams, Betty Fransisco, Lynette Schindler, Ruth Cox, and
Tracy Syck.
Make Plans NOW to be a part of the Chamber’s Foundation for Education
GOLF SCRAMBLE
Monday, May 17th; Green Meadows Country Club; Play & Raise Money for Education!
4
Pike County Chamber Business Call
Chamber encourages all members to support
Business After Hours; Launches COMMERCE V.I.P.,
a refreshed business after hours program
We’re rolling out the Red Carpet...
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce
is working to revitalize and renew their
Business After Hours program in 2010
with...
COMMERCE VIP:
Business After Hours
So, we’re “rolling out the red carpet” to present the “behind the scenes” workings of
our very successful Chamber member businesses.
Beginning with SouthEast Telephone and
The Appalachian News Express, our Chamber members can take a look at how these
businesses work, network with other business representatives and leaders while
there, enjoy refreshments, facility tours, and
more!
As we bring this exciting new program to our
members, we hope you will be one to take
advantage of attending these events, and
also possibly allowing your business to host
a COMMERCE VIP Event.
Not only can you be present to celebrate the
success of your fellow Chamber member
businesses, but your business could shine
as a host to COMMERCE VIP.
Please join us as we host our first events at
SouthEast Telephone & the News Express.
The Pike County Chamber and The Appalachian News Express
HOST A
COMMERCE VIP: Business After Hours
Thursday, March 4; 5:30 - 7:00 PM
at the Appalachian News Express location
on the corner of 2nd St. and Caroline Ave.
Come & See the “Behind the Scenes” workings
Of our local newspaper including tours of the design facilities and
the Printing Press
Every person in attendance will have a published photo in
the Appalachian News Express. Let your business be
represented! Don’t miss this “red carpet” event!
5
Pike County Chamber Business Call
New Member Highlight: Cochran Technology
C
ochran Technology Solutions (CTS) is
a locally owned and operated technology small business serving the needs of
other small businesses, and the Pike
County Chamber of Commerce is pleased
to announce the business as one of our
newest members.
CTS’s commitment to its customers
has allowed the company to grow exponentially in the recent months, offering
CALL THE CHAMBER OFFICE
TODAY TO SIGN UP FOR THESE
UNBEATABLE DISCOUNTS
(606) 432-5504
services in both Pike and Floyd counties.
CTS has earned an enviable reputation with
70% of its work coming from repeat customers.
“Every solution CTS produces is cutting
edge, utilizing the latest technology available,” said owner Sam Cochran. “We offer
an extensive list of services to keep your
small business running at maximum efficiency.”
Offering complete hardware and software support, preventative maintenance,
virus/spyware removal and networking services, CTS can provide the solutions technology problems and service needs. CTS’s
services do not stop there; CTS offers personalized training courses in several areas
including Microsoft Office, Intuit QuickBooks,
and online training.
Thanks to CTS. it is now possible to get
the latest technology at an affordable price.
CTS sales and services a variety of top brand
names such as Acer, Dell, Hewlett-Packard
and more.
Cochran, owner of CTS, has over 10
years of IT experience, and with his customer-first commitment you will not be disappointed. “Let CTS provide the solutions to
your technology problems,” Cochran said.
“We are here to serve the customer and to
help with any technology troubles or needs
your business may have.” You may contact
Sam Cochran at 606-653-2008 or visit CTS
on the web at www.ctsky.biz.
Pike County Chamber Business Call
6
Chamber welcomes UNITE Pike
T
he Pike County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that
UNITE Pike is now a part of our growing
membership roster.
“UNITE Pike is a coalition of individuals, institutions, agencies and businesses
that have consolidated their efforts to
combat the epidemic of substance abuse
in Pike County,” said new UNITE Pike Coordinator Melanie Stevens.
UNITE Pike is a nonprofit coalition
that was established in 2003 to coordinate, enhance and increase substance
abuse prevention activities in the areas of
education, treatment and enforcement.
“One in three of us will face the problem of substance abuse personally in our
lives, whether it is through a friend, family
member, or a problem we face ourselves,”
Stevens said. “UNITE Pike is your community Anti-drug coalition and our goal is to
change the culture of substance abuse in
Pike County.”
Stevens commented on the fact that
substance abuse is increasing at alarming
rates within Pike County. “In addition to
alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and
prescription drug abuse, we now face the
challenges of methamphetamine crossing
into our county.”
“Pike County is located in the Appalachian HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) and we are one of five states in
the U.S. identified as the ‘Marijuana Belt’,
by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration.) Eastern Kentucky leads the nation in
the number of grams of narcotic pain
medication on a per capita basis. These
statistics have resulted in substance
abuse being of epidemic proportions in our
county,” Stevens added.
Many Pike County residents and leaders have realized that our citizens and
Melanie Stevens
especially our youth need attention now and
that the penal system is not always the answer. “UNITE Pike is there to help those
affected by substance abuse while reclaiming our communities,” Stephens stated.
The UNITE Pike office is located at 5279
North Mayo Trail, in Northpoint Academy
(formally Mullins School). For more information or if UNITE Pike may assist you, call
UNITE Pike Coordinator Melanie Stevens at
606-432-4533. You may visit UNITE Pike
online at www.unitepike.com.
Don’t Miss the Chamber’s
Upcoming Town Hall Forum
on the state of the
Eastern Kentucky Economy
Tues., Feb. 23rd, 5 PM
Landmark Inn, 4th Floor
Business Call Production Staff
Editor: Brad N. Hall
Layout & Design
Laura Ford Hall
Writers
Laura Ford Hall
Rachel Adams
Photography
Laura Ford Hall;
Rachel Adams
7
Pike County Chamber Business Call
Chamber spotlights Clark Akers Wrecker Service and
Body Shop at Robinson Creek
Chamber Welcomes
New Members
Annie E. Young Cemetery
Larry Thacker, Owner
Chloe Rd. (606) 432-1800
Century 21 Unlimited Realty
Jim Gambill, Realtor
Pikeville, (606) 509-2100
Clark Akers Wrecker Service &
Body Shop
Robinson Creek, Virgie
(606) 639-3008
T
he Pike Chamber spotlights Clark
Akers Wrecker Service & Body Shop
In 1960, Tom Akers began a wrecker service that offered excellent customer service
and customer care in Pike County. Now,
50 years later, his son, Clark Akers, is continuing the family tradition as he has revitalized his family’s wrecker service business: Clark Akers Wrecker Service & Body
Shop.
Shop
Akers’ business specializes in towing
and recovery of autos to medium duty
trucks. “We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, on holidays, and in any weather
with very prompt response,” Akers said.
The business also provides services in auto
body painting and repair, collision, antique
auto restoration, custom hot rod work,
custom motorcycle paint, and road service.
“I was inspired to carry on this business tradition of my family after my wife,
Melody Akers passed away of breast cancer in 2008. I realized even more how
important family is and I wanted to be
close to home and close to my roots. I
grew up in this business and I decided to
continue the heritage.”
Akers only son, Trent, age 20, helps
him with the business and also attends
college.
Akers enjoys his field of work stating
that he likes helping people and takes
pride in his work. “I like meeting new people, making new friends and helping old
ones. I want to help change the way people view towing companies. We are here to
help in any way we can with the best customer service possible,” Akers said.
Though cost is rising in a time of a
struggling economy, Clark Akers Wrecker
Service & Body Shop is striving to keep cost
down to be a competitive and professional service company with ‘a personal touch.’
Akers chose to join the Chamber because
he wants to be a part of a growing Pike County.
“The Chamber does a lot of positive work for
local business and is helping the county grow.
Pike County is where I live and grew up. I am
proud to be from this region and will be here for
the rest of my life.”
Clark Akers Wrecker Service & Body Shop is
located at 6730 Robinson Creek Road – ¾ mile
from Shelby Valley High School on Old Robinson
creek Road 122, just past the Robinson Creek
Post Office on the left. For quotes on body
work, towing service, or emergency tows, please
call Akers at (606) 639-3008.
Coupons and more information for Akers’
Wrecker Service can be found on Google Maps
at http://maps.google.com , where you should
search for “Clark Akers” or “Clark Akers Wrecker
Service and Body Shop.”
Mary Kay Consultant
Virginia Williamson Jones
(606) 339-5556
www.marykay.com/vawilliamson
Monumental Life
Barry Clark, Manager
Pikeville, (606) 432-5555
Thacker Funeral Home
Larry Thacker, Owner
South Mayo Trail
(606) 432-1800
Thacker Memorial
Larry Thacker, Owner
South Mayo Trail
(606) 432-1800
The Men's Corner
Better Menswear/Clothing
Jerry Bishop, Owner
Weddington Plaza
(606) 433-1707
The Raven Company
Mining Services
Nancy Johnson, Owner
Toler, (606) 538-9009
The Shirt Gallery
Clothing/Printing/Custom Wear & Design
Gina Lafferty, Manager
Martin, 1-800-442-2133
UNITE Pike
Melanie Stevens, Director
Mullins, Northpoint Academy
(606) 432-4533
Pike County Chamber Business Call
8
Pike Chamber spotlights new member Sound House Music
T
he Pike County Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member,
Sound House Music. Sound House Music is Eastern Kentucky’s most complete
retailer of musical equipment and multimedia consultation and installation.
Their showroom is located just north
of Pikeville in the Weddington Plaza just
off of US 23. It features a floor plan conducive to instrument demonstration and
a lively atmosphere. “Sound House Music takes pride in allowing their customers to experience their instrument before
purchasing it,” said owner Dwain Stevens. “We offer a wide range of instruments from electric guitars to digital
pianos to mandolins from the industry’s
biggest brands at the market’s most
competitive prices.”
Sound House Music has a “price
matching guarantee” that ensures the
lowest price available.
Since its current ownership, Sound
House Music has been attracting the
attention of every gamut of musicians
from beginners to professionals and
classicalists to rockers. “We aim to pro-
vide one stop shopping for the musician
with all essential items always in
stock,” Stevens said.
Stevens purchased the former KC
Music in 1997 and thereafter changed
the name to Sound House Music. The
changes and growth have yet to
cease. He has built the store into a
local powerhouse. The store has added
a growing private music lesson program, a multimedia installation department, and increased retail sells nearly
fourfold. He has over ten years of experience in professional audio services
including consulting, installing and
training.
“We not only want to provide musical instruments to the people of eastern Kentucky, but we also strive to provide music education opportunities as
well with our experienced private instructors,” Stevens said.
You may stop by and visit Stevens
and his experienced staff Monday
through Saturday between 10 a.m. and
6 p.m. or contact them by phone at 606
-437-4155 for all of your musical equipment and multimedia needs.
For additional information visit
Sound House Music is on the web at
www.soundhousemusic.com
T
To our friends and fellow Chamber Members at the...
he Chamber wishes to congratulate A.N.E. for receiving
numerous awards from the Kentucky Press Association
at the annual KPA convention held recently in Lexington. A variety of awards were won for pictures, stories, and editorials
including the 1st Place Prize for Best Editorial by Jerry Boggs.
The Appalachian News Express won 13 awards total, with 9
different journalists/staff members winning 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or
honorable mention awards. Our congratulations go out to Publisher Jeff Vanderbeck, Editor Jerry Boggs, & the A.N.E. Family.
9
Pike County Chamber Business Call
Chamber Member Directory
Spotlight
Officers & Executive Board Members
2009-2010
Chairman: James D. England
(Wells Fargo Insurance Services)
Chairman Elect: J.R. Blackburn
(Merrill Lynch)
Vice-Chairman: Tracy Syck
(Shred-All Documents)
Treasurer: Lynette Schindler
(Lynette Schindler, CPA)
Secretary: Shadd Walters
(Community Trust Bank)
Immediate Past Chairman: Danny VanHoose
(Appalachian Wireless)
Betty Fransisco (Busy Bee Septic Systems)
Ruth Cox (Individual Member)
Tim Deskins (First Commonwealth Bank)
Jim Workman (Pikeville College)
Board of Directors
Betty Francisco (Busy Bee Septic Systems)
Cindy May Johnson (East Kentucky Broadcasting)
Dennis Rohrer (Interstate Natural Gas)
Eva Ratliff (First National Bank)
Gail Blackburn (Abode Reality)
Jennifer Brown (Redd, Brown, & Williams)
Jerry Johnson (Pikeville Medical Center)
Jim Workman (Pikeville College)
Joe Adams (Coca Cola of Pikeville)
Joel Thornbury (Care More)
John Blackburn (Family Bank)
J.R. Blackburn (Merrill Lynch)
Lester LeMaster (Action Outdoor/Faith Signs)
Pam Howard (Pike County Physical Therapy)
Patricia Smallwood (US Bank)
Randy Walters (Walters Automotive)
Ronnie Paul Newsome (Citizens National Bank)
Ruth Cox (Individual Member)
Sherry Spradlin (East Kentucky Medical Billing)
Susan Collins (Food City)
Tim Deskins (First Commonwealth Bank)
Tracy Syck (Shred-All Documents)
Trina Allen (Office of Employment)
Chamber Staff
Brad N. Hall: President/CEO; Laura Ford Hall,
Hall Marketing Dir.
Debbie Clevinger: Office Manager; Pam Mullins: Accounts
Manager; Rachel Adams: Membership Development Manager
Apartment Rental Services
Carl D. Perkins Apartments
200 Douglas Parkway
Pikeville, KY 41501
606-639-8280
Fax 606-639-8318
Mellowbrook Apartments
7 Stacy St
Harold, KY 41635
606-478-8000
Fax 606-478-4808
Pike Villa Apartments
130 Clair Lane #803
Pikeville, KY 41501
606-432-3286
Fax 606-432-3286
Ridge Cliff Apartments
680 Hambley Blvd
Pikeville, KY 41501
606-432-8304
Fax 606-432-8304
Riverside Point, Inc.
8 Poplar Hill Dr
Charleston, WV 25311
304-343-2881
Fax 304-235-4079
Roger Ratliff Apartment Rentals
PO Box 2407
Pikeville, KY 41502
Upcoming Chamber Events
• Feb 3rd; Energy Legislative Reception, Buffalo Trace, 6:00 p.m.
• Feb 11th; Leadership Pike County, South Williamson, 8:30 a.m.
• Feb 11th; COMMERCE VIP:
VIP Business After Hours, SouthEast Telephone, 5:30 p.m.
• Feb 13th; Rotary Club Valentine Gala
• Feb
15th;
Education Committee, 8:30 a.m.
• Feb
16th;
Economic Development Committee, 8:30 a.m.
• Feb 16th; Paul Patton Inauguration, PC 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Feb 23rd; Town Hall, Status of Local Economy, Landmark, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Feb 25th; Executive Committee Meeting, Chamber, 8:30 a.m.
• Feb 25th; Board of Directors Meeting, BSCTC, 5:30 p.m.
• Mar 4th; COMMERCE VIP:
VIP Business After Hours, Appalachian News-Express, 5:30–7 p.m.
• Apr 6th; Pike County Works – Career Fair
• Mar 23rd; Membership Breakfast – Tax Changes or Healthcare Changes Expo, 8 a.m.
• May 17th; Chamber Education Golf Tournament, Green Meadows Country Club
• Jul 17th; Annual Dinner, Eastern Kentucky Expo Center
RESTAURANT
At the Weddington Square
ANNOUNCES
The Grand Opening
of their new
Hibachi Steak House
Monday
Feb. 22nd
Time of Grand
Opening &
Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony
To Be Announced
437-6788
PIKE COUNTY CHAMBER Business
Pike County Chamber
787 Hambley Boulevard
Pikeville, KY 41501
PRST STD
Call
Many Thanks
US Postage Paid
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce thanks ChamPikeville, KY
ber volunteer and board member Betty Francisco of
Permit No. 20
Busy Bee Septic Services. Throughout the years, Betty
has served on the board,
has held the role of secretary, has consistently
helped with the Annual
Dinner, has served on
many other committees
and participated and
helped with many other
Chamber activities. For all
you do, Betty, thank you.
Town Hall Forum on state of the local economy to be held Feb. 23rd
A
fter a very successful Town Hall Forum on the economy/recession in
Feb., 2009, the Pike County Chamber of
Commerce will hold a follow-up Town Hall
Forum on the Local Economy on Tues.,
Feb. 23, at 5 PM on the 4th floor of The
Landmark Inn in Pikeville. The Town Hall
Forum series serves to foster the relationship between the business community
and our elected officials.
“The Town Hall Forums give the citizens of our Pike County communities the
opportunity to interact with their local and
state government officials, leaders, and
business experts.” said Pike Chamber
President Brad N. Hall. “This particular
forum will give anyone and everyone the
opportunity to come, hear, and discuss
the current state of the economy in eastern Kentucky.”
The forum's focus will be on the current local economy… how it compares to
the rest of the state and nation and how
our economy is faring this year compared
to the reports we heard one year ago at
the Chamber’s economic forum.
Hear
787 Hambley Blvd.—Pikeville, KY 41501
the answers from those
who know: Mark Gooch,
President of Community
Trust Bank (will discuss
banking;/loans); Randy
Walters of Walter’s
Automotive Group (will
discuss how the recession has affected car
sales); Dennis Hatfield,
President of Booth Energy (will discuss the
current coal industry);
and Robert Damron,
Local business leaders discuss the state of the
former President of
Economy at the Economic Town Hall Forum in 2009
East Ky. Realtors Association (will discuss the
question and answer session will be held for
Pike Co. housing market), and Jerry Johnthose in the audience. Heavy hors d'oeuvres
son, COO Pikeville Medical Center (will diswill be served. The event is free and everyone
cuss healthcare).
is invited to attend.
The Forum will be mediated by Keith
“We hope that members of our commuCasebolt of East Kentucky Broadcasting.
nity will come out to hear from these local busiThose in attendance will have the opnessmen,” Hall concluded. “We are happy that
portunity to ask questions and get answers.
the Chamber can bring the Town Hall Forums
Each panel member will speak and questo Pike County and we truly thank our sponsor
tions will be posed by the moderator and a
AT&T who makes these events possible.”
www.pikecountychamber.org
(606) 432-5504 - FAX: (606) 432-7295