East Kentucky Small Business Development Center 

Symposium a great success!

 

The East Kentucky Small Business Development Center at Morehead State University presented its 14th Annual Big Sandy Women’s Business Symposium at the Wilkinson-Stumbo Convention Center in Prestonsburg on Feb. 26. This event celebrates the accomplishments of women in business today. Morning keynote Jean Hale, president, CEO and chairman of Community Trust Bank, kicked off the symposium as she addressed the opportunities available to employees when starting with a company and growing with that company. Hale has been with CTB for 43 years and emphasized the importance of one’s actions and how those actions influence others. 

 
Jill Fraley, with East Kentucky Broadcasting, led the symposium as the master of ceremonies. She anchors the morning show “Coal Country in the Mornings with David and Jill” that is heard throughout Kentucky, West Virginia and Western Virginia. 

 
Symposium participants were informed of local economic developments in two workshops held during the symposium. “Commercial Air Service-Innovative Business Development” was presented by Jared Arnett and Jim Workman of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, and “Dawkins Rails to Trails-Providing Small Business Opportunities” presented by Denise Thomas with the Big Sandy Economic Development District.

Lunchtime entertainment was provided by the gals of “Coaltown Dixie” of Pike County. The ladies first met during a front porch pickin a couple of years ago, putting a song together then performing it during the event. Everyone thought they were an established band so they became one. They have opened for legends like Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and recently graced the cover of Music Entertainment Magazine. 

 
Afternoon keynote Martha Lanier came to us from Atlanta and ended the symposium by speaking on “The Power of Influence,” the theme of this year’s event. Lanier, a breast cancer and heart attack survivor, discussed how both experiences have lead her to become the business woman she is today. At the age of 50, she was influenced by her daughter to jump out of a perfectly good airplane and how she was inspired to run an iron girl triathlon at age 60. Often referred to as a Jamie Lee Curtis look alike with a Carol Burnett personality, Lanier kept symposium participants glued to their seats, intrigued by her inspiring presentation.

Each year Community Trust Bank sponsors 20 FBLA students from area school systems. This year students from Shelby Valley High School FBLA and Martin County ATC FBLA chapters took in the events of the day. This is a wonderful experience for our youth to have yet a glance of the opportunities for them after graduation. 

Networking is key during the symposium with the room being filled with booths ranging from cosmetics to banking exhibits. Most exhibitors have been with our event since its inception 14 years ago.

From all of us at the Small Business Development Center at Morehead State University, thank you for your support of this wonderful event. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

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