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London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
This newsletter is
Sponsored by:
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Edward Jones Investments Mike Fiechter
Forcht Bank
Hotwire Productions.net
Jackson Energy Cooperative
London Community Center
McKnight Properties
FEB
2016
Next Chamber Luncheon
Thursday, Feb. 18th
12:00 noon
London Community Center
$10.00 per person
Sponsored by
Thank you!
Don’t miss the Chamber of Commerce. . .
Thursday, March 3rd
6 pm
London Community Center
2016 ANNUAL BANQUET SPONSORS
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
Steve Brogan to provide entertainment at Annual Banquet
Steve Brogan is a comedian and a ventriloquist. His interest in ventriloquism
started at an early age. Through the performances of his uncle, Bill Spake, Steve’s
interest was sparked to learn more about how to be a ventriloquist. He now speaks
and performs across the country for a variety of different events each year.
Steve has developed the talent God gave him to the level of a skilled professional
and has won national awards in ventriloquism throughout the years. “I feel very fortunate to be able to make people laugh for my living.” says Steve. “I not only enjoy
my work, but get paid to have fun, watch
others laugh and teach about God’s great
love for us. What kind of job could be better?” It’s safe to say, Steve Brogan knows
what his future holds: it seems to be working with dummies.
Make plans now to attend the
Chamber’s Annual Banquet on
March 3rd. You will not want to
miss Steve and his hilariously
funny “friends”!
AUCTION ITEMS FOR THE
CHAMBER’S ANNUAL BANQUET
Our Chamber Annual Banquet is one of our
biggest fund-raisers of the year.
Please consider a donation for our SILENT AUCTION.
To donate, contact the Chamber office
or any Chamber Ambassador TODAY!
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
The Chamber is pleased to welcome our newest members:
PB&J TShirt Company
 Premier Caregiver Services
Vietnam Veterans of America - Chapter 1050
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Renewing Chamber Members
Accent Bath Concepts Inc.
American Cancer Society
Baymont Inn & Suites
Benge Farm Supply Inc.
Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc.
Business Connections, LLC
Century 21 Advantage Realty
Christian Sturgeon & Associates, PSC
Citizens Guaranty Bank
Cloyd & Associates, PSC
Commercial Bank
Condo Association of Sheffield Place
Country Inn & Suites
Cumberland Valley Insurance Mgmt. Inc.
Cumberland Valley Surgical Center
Delta Natural Gas Co. Inc.
Edward Jones Investments David R. Vickers
Fangmin T. McQueen, CPA
Finley's Fun Center, LLC
First National Bank and Trust
Forcht Broadcasting SAM 103.9/ 96.7
Kool Gold
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Hometown Bank
House Oil Co. Inc.
House-Rawlings Funeral Home
Information Capture Solutions, LLC
J & J Enterprises
Jackson Energy Cooperative
Judy Phelps State Farm Insurance
Kentucky Outdoorsman
Kentucky Surveys, Inc.
Kentucky Utilities
Larry Jamieson
Laurel Community Lions Club
Laurel County Public Schools
Laurel County Water District #2
Laurel Grocery Company
Laurel-London Optimist Club
Little Caesars Pizza
London Auto Truck Center
London Foods, Inc. DBA D.Q. Grill & Chill
London Rotary Club
March of Dimes Foundation
McKnight & Associates, Inc.
Miss Cumberland Falls/SEKY Scholarship
Pageant
Mountain Valley Insurance
OET-Office of Employment & Training
Old Blue dba Sonic – South
Ormsby Hardware
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company
PNC Bank
Ryser's Flooring, Inc.
Safelite Auto Glass Corp.
Schneider National, Inc.
Southeast Banking Systems
The Sentinel-Echo
The White Lily Florals & Gifts, Inc.
Wendy's
Wendy's South
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Center For Innovation
CFI Students Becoming Skilled Technicians
Students in the Industrial Maintenance Technology (IMT) program at the Center for Innovation (CFI)
are learning skills that will enable them to become industrial technicians which are identified by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics as higher-wage, higher-demand careers. The IMT program at the CFI is a
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) accredited program which provides students who successfully complete the program the training qualifications required to take the
national certification exam to become an Electrical Technician. Students will become multi-skilled technicians and will be able to pursue exciting career pathways in advanced manufacturing.
Students in the IMT program learn the principles of electrical technology, motor control operations,
programmable logic controls, robotics and automation, welding, hydraulics, as well as facility operations with their specialized on-site industrial learning laboratory to include HVAC, Water, Electrical,
Geothermal, and the Photovoltaic production systems.
Beginning in the fall of 2016 a new career pathway in Electrical Engineering will be offered to students
at the CFI, indicated Mrs. Chandra Lawson, instructor for Engineering Technology. The significant
advantage of this new pathway is that students will be able to take courses from either of the two existing programs of study: Industrial Technology (IMT) and Engineering Technology (ENG) allowing students to choose from courses in Engineering Design, Digital Electronics, Electrical Motor Controls,
Principles of Electrical Technology, and Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) that can apply toward
their becoming preparatory for careers remarked Mr. Gary Karr, instructor of Industrial Technology at
the CFI.
Students who participate in the IMT program at the CFI can earn up to 22 college credits for courses
completed through an established articulation agreement with Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College to earn the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as well as become candidates for
the KY-FAME program after graduation from high school.
We are pleased to be implementing a new six unit welding technology lab for students at the CFI for
training on MIG, TIG, and metal fabrication processes. This offers a hybridized training regimen to
meet the diverse needs and aptitudes of students to include design thinking processes, kinesthetic
learning activities, and project development competencies to “Design, Create, and Demonstrate”, said
Dr. James M. Davis, CFI Principal.
For more information about the programs of study at the Laurel
County Center for Innovation please contact the school or
visit their web page at http://www.laurel.kyschools.us/19/home
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
March 5, 2016
10 am—4 pm
All Republicans will vote at the
Laurel-London Optimist Club
For more information, contact Joyce Parker 606-682-9477 or Daniel Carmack 606-524-7894
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The London-Laurel County Tourist
Commission is hosting 37 tourism
events in 2016. In addition to annual
events such as the World Chicken
Festival, Redbud Ride and the ASA
Archery Tournament the Tourist
Commission is bringing a host of
new tourism events to London and
Laurel County. A small sampling of the new events follows:
The Bluegrass Yakmasters Kayak Fishing Tournament
This is not your traditional fishing tournament. Instead of expensive bass
boats, the competitors will be required to fish from canoes or kayaks.
The tournament will be held at Laurel River Lake on April 30.
America Frontier History Expedition
Did you know that Boone’s Trace, the footpath blazed by Daniel Boone,
and the famous Wilderness Road crossed in what is now Levi Jackson
Wilderness Road State Park? On May 21st and 22nd the Boone Society
will sponsor the America Frontier History Expedition. You will be able
to talk with historians in period clothing about what it was like for our
ancestors to travel these historic trails during the late 1700s and early
1800s.
Hurricane Golf Tour
Due to the success with our American Junior Golf Association (AJGA)
tour event, we will now be hosting a 2nd junior golf tournament. The
Hurricane Tour is very competitive and professionally run with knowledgeable staff. They choose only great venues like Laurel County’s
Crooked Creek Golf Club. The tournament will be held June 29th & 30th.
Kentucky Points Series Mountain Bike Race
Kentucky Points Series is a ten race series representing Kentucky mountain bike athletes. The final race for the 2016 Kentucky Points Series
will be held at Laurel County’s own Laurel River Lake Trail on
August 28.
Wildcat Adventures Offroad Park
Wildcat Adventures will host 12 events for out of town guests as well as
local citizens. These events kick off with the Wildcat Obstacle Course
Time-Trial on March 5 and finish with the Toys for Tots Ride on November 5. Not all the Wildcat Adventures events are just for off roaders.
A good example is the Wildcat Adventures Concert and Fireworks on
July 2nd.
For a complete list of all the 2016 London-Laurel County tourism events
visit our website at www.laurelkytourism.com or stop by the LondonLaurel County Visitor Information Center located just off I-75 exit 41.
Chamber Business After Hours
Laurel County Public Library
Monday, April 11th
4 to 6 pm
Mark your calendar and make plans to join us!
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
January Luncheon Photos
Special Thanks to our January
Luncheon Sponsor
Pictured Left: Erica Ooten, Branch Manager for L&N
Federal Credit Union addresses the luncheon attendees
with help from Donnie Smith, Kristi Mills and Calvin Capps.
Jim Isman with the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet speaks
to Chamber members.
Dave Harmon, also with the
Kentucky Transportation
Cabinet assisted in the
presentation.
Daniel Carmack speaks to
luncheon attendees about the
upcoming Republican
Presidential Caucus on
March 5th.
The Chamber would like to thank the following businesses
that donated prizes at our January luncheon. . .
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Cheddar’s
Eastern Kentucky University—Corbin Campus
Hotwire Productions.net
Jackson Energy Cooperative
L&N Federal Credit Union
Regency Cinema 8
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
Excellence: It’s Elementary
When we hear “college and career ready” our first thought may be that a student is ready to graduate. We tend to focus attention on the upper grades and all
of the accomplishments of the older students. But a student’s success doesn’t
begin in grade 12 or even in high school, it begins much earlier with a strong
foundation that is essential for his or her ultimate success.
In Laurel County that strong foundation is “elementary.” It is built at every level of our elementary
programs. For the past six years, at least, every student in grades K-3 has received two hours a day of
targeted instruction in reading with grades 4 and 5 spending at least one hour daily. From this practice,
the data shows great gains in reading, a foundational learning tool. Math also is a major focus with a
commitment of an hour, or more, of instruction per day. Science and Social Studies instruction is
included daily for Kindergarten through 5th grade students. Additionally, handwriting, the arts and
even Spanish is taught to every elementary student at every elementary school. In fact, a Laurel
County student whose family may move from one elementary school geographic area to another,
would make a fairly seamless transition in academic content and curriculum.
Some students qualify for extra activities through our Gifted and Talented program. They are challenged to achieve above and beyond the regular classroom with project-based learning. In addition,
they participate in activities and events to enhance and promote their gifts and talents. A recent visit
to our Center for Innovation gave them time to experiment with the myriad applications of robotics.
Every elementary school provides opportunity for students to display their creative side. From
visual art to drama and music, multiple displays and performances occur in schools throughout the
county. If you have a child or grandchild in school, you probably know about these events. If you
don’t have someone involved, check the district and school websites and make it a point to support the
events in the school nearest you. There are budding stars, outstanding and talented students throughout the county. And who knows, one of them may be the next big “Voice” from Kentucky.
In grades 4 and 5 students have the opportunity to participate on Academic Teams. Can you answer these questions: “(1) What is the least common multiple of 12 and 15? (2) What is the name of
the city that is a state capital and began as a trading post at the falls of the James River? It was that
river’s head of navigation—the point at which vessels could not proceed upstream. It is also one of the
last confederate strongholds to fall in the Civil War.” If these questions don’t stump you, you may be
as smart as a Laurel County elementary student. These Academic Teams compete locally in quick
recall and written assessments in the content areas of reading, math, science and social studies. Their
tournament begins late February with a district level meet and proceeds through region, culminating
with state competition in March.
If you can spell “’amorphous”—and know what it means--you could possibly compete with a Laurel County elementary student. Every year, students in grades 4 through 8 compete to find the best
speller. This year, weather permitting, the District Wide Spelling Bee will be held at South Laurel
Middle School on February 11th and the champion will be determined from among the qualifiers from
every elementary and the two middle schools. The district winner will then go on to compete at the
state level for a chance to advance to the National Spelling Bee.
A brand new event, instituted last year to challenge our elementary students was the first annual
Science and Invention Fair held at each school. Finalists from each elementary assembled for a day of
display and judging at the Garland Building with a Grand Prize Winner being named. From “Remote
Control Pet Feeders” to “Hands-Free Reading-in-Bed Equipment”, the participants proved age is no
factor when wielding imagination to solve a problem. The 2015-2016 edition of the Fair will be held
at the newly opened Center for Innovation on March 29 th.
Whether it’s happening in the regular classroom and or during the various extra-curricular academic opportunities in Laurel County schools, “Excellence is Elementary”! High standards and expectations daily challenge all students to achieve their best. There certainly isn’t room within one article to
cite everything available to our elementary students, but there is no lack of opportunity for students to
acquire the foundational strengths needed to succeed in the secondary and post-secondary levels and
to become “college and career” ready. And, by the way, the answers to the questions above are: (1)
60 and (2) Richmond, Virginia. We would not want you to have to ask for help from one of our elementary students!
Article submitted by the Laurel County School District
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
Teacher of the Year Nominations are In!
In early January, the Chamber delivered Teacher of the Year nomination forms to all
Laurel County schools. A week later the nominations began to roll in for all the awesome
teachers that encourage and inspire our students each and every day.
Now comes the hard part for our Education Committee, who must go through each nomination and decide which well-deserving teachers will be selected as Teacher of the Year.
Teachers will be selected in these categories: Elementary,
Middle and High School. The winners will be presented at the
Chamber’s Annual Banquet on March 3rd and will each receive a check for $1000. This monetary award is sponsored by
L&N Federal Credit Union.
The London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce has
been recognizing Laurel County’s outstanding teachers since
2002 and hopes to continue this tradition in the future.
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
The Ambassador Patrol Strikes Again!
The Chamber Ambassadors continued their “patrol” last month and
surprised four of our members with balloons and cookies in hand. Each
business was also presented a “free lunch” certificate to our general membership luncheon. The purpose of the Ambassador Patrol is to let our
members know that we appreciate their commitment and support of our
Chamber and to encourage further participation in Chamber events.
Be on the lookout. . . next month they might be visiting you!
Vinland Energy LLC
Located at 104 Fortress Properties, Ste. 1
Taylor, Keller &
Oswald, PLLC
Located at 1306 West 5th Street
Suite 100
Sunrise Children’s
Services
Located at 60 Bennett Circle
Mardis Jewelry &
Pawn
Located at 1228 South Main Street
London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEB
2016
Chamber Calendar
Feb. 17—Go Red for Women 11 am at LCC
Feb. 18 — Chamber Luncheon at 12 noon
London Community Center
Feb. 19 — March for Babies Kickoff 12 noon at LCC
Feb. 23— Women in Business Breakfast 8:30 am
Feb. 23— Leadership Tri-County Banquet
5:30 am at London Community Center
Feb. 27 — “I Said Yes!” Bridal Extravaganza
10 am—2 pm London Community Ctr.
Mar. 5 — Republican Presidential Caucus 10 to 4
April 11 — Chamber Business After Hours
4—6 pm at Laurel Co. Public Library
For more information on any of these events, contact the
Chamber office at 864-4789 or info@londonlaurelchamber.com
Chamber Business After Hours
God’s Pantry Food Bank
Tuesday, May 3rd 4—6 pm
Your Chamber
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
President
Haskew Hayes | Cumberland Valley National Bank
Vice-President
Michael Sliter | Hotwire Productions.net
Secretary
Lisa Baker | Jackson Energy Cooperative
Treasurer
Directors
Sharon Benge | Benge Farm Supply
Garry Conley | Minuteman Press
Larry Corum | London Corbin Airport
Terry Deis | Saint Joseph London
Donna Gregorich | Century 21 Advantage Realty
Winston Griffin | Laurel Grocery Company
Dana Johnson | L & N Federal Credit Union
Willie Sawyers | The Sentinel-Echo
Donnie Cox | Christian Sturgeon & Associates, PSC Bud Stuber | The Computer Place
Scott Webster | Messer & Webster, PLLC
Kenny Woodruff | Mr. Electric & Nite Time Decor