Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA)

Somerset-Pulaski County once again has a seat at the table in discussing economic growth in Kentucky — this time, at the 2024 SOAR Summit! SPEDA President and CEO Chris Girdler and Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB Executive Director Michelle Spencer Allen (who also serves as SPEDA board vice chair) will join fellow leaders in exploring innovative solutions to growing the region. Girdler will participate in the "Remote Worker Attraction in Eastern Kentucky" Fireside Chat, while Allen will give a Tourism TenTalk on Lake Town Tourism. The SOAR Summit is Oct. 16-18 in Pikeville. Get tickets here >> https://lnkd.in/gDrKRpaT #SOARSummit2024 #EasternKY #somersetleads #PulaskiProud #thecapitaloflakecumberland #seelc

In our largest intern-led focus group yet, local high school students and recent graduates echoed what past focus groups have identified as a significant need for young people in this community — an indoor sports facility. This year’s interns — Pulaski County High School senior Sam Mink and Somerset High School graduate Allie Elise Baird — gathered 14 students and graduates from across the county for their capstone project. In addition to building an indoor sports complex, they discussed ways to enhance quality of life, including expanding the arts, creating more diverse job opportunities, and providing more options for shopping and entertainment. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gGtrVHNc #somersetleads #PulaskiProud #makingbusinessaboutpeople

Another Lake Cumberland Air Show is in the books! These stunning photos capture Saturday's air entertainment, which thousands of people experienced at our beautiful Lake Cumberland Regional Airport. We are especially grateful to Lake Cumberland Air Show President David Morris, Lake Cumberland Regional Airport Manager Kellie Baker and team, Aerotainment Solutions Consultant Luke Carrico, Somerset Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bobby Clue, all of the air show sponsors, and the fantastic staff members, ambassadors and volunteers who make this event possible! #somersetleads #PulaskiProud #thecapitaloflakecumberland

L.G. Colyer may never have envisioned that the farmland he purchased in Woodstock, Kentucky, just before the Great Depression, would eventually be a place where more than 700 lavender plants grow. But his daughter, Mary Ann May, and granddaughter, Allison May Horseman, think he would be proud of how they honor this land and their family’s heritage. This mother-daughter duo is now making a difference through agriculture on the Colyer farm. In addition to special events and seasonal open farm days for fresh cutting, Woodstock Lavender Co. creates a robust line of responsibly sourced products for home and body that are now sold in 38 states. They have built a thriving agritourism business in Pulaski County, contributing to this community’s No. 1 economy while offering visitors educational opportunities through projects like a butterfly house funded in part by a SPEDA mini-grant. This is Woodstock Lavender's story. #spedaentrepreneurseries #somersetleads #PulaskiProud

UPDATE >> Following a competitive request for proposal process, Dream Big Burnside Authority has selected Chicago consulting firm Hunden Partners to prepare a feasibility study and market analysis for developing General Burnside Island as a public-private partnership. The Dream Big Authority — a City of Burnside agency with representatives from the City of Somerset, Pulaski County Government and SPEDA — issued the RFP in July after receiving funding from the Kentucky General Assembly to pursue the project. The group has been working to create a plan for developing the island since its inception in 2021. Read more about Hunden Partners and the process: https://lnkd.in/gU8xki-B #somersetleads #PulaskiProud #thecapitaloflakecumberland

LOCAL ARTISTS ❗️ There are just a few weeks left to respond to the Call for Artists for the Ride the Wave Community Art Project! Here's what you need to know: >> Visit https://lnkd.in/gxV7DBcY to fill out the Artist Expression of Interest Form by 5 p.m. EST Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. >> The Ride the Wave Committee will share expressions of interest with sculpture buyers. >> Buyers have until 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 to select an artist and notify artist and the committee of their selection. >> Buyers are responsible for negotiating and paying fees/honorariums to artists. Please thoroughly review the Call for Artist guidelines, the buyer/artist contract, and the project calendar on SPEDA’s website! Questions? Call 606.425.5409 or email Jessica Carlton at jessica@speda.org. #somersetleads #PulaskiProud #RideTheWave #thecapitaloflakecumberland

PROFILE >> Michelle Gambill and Sarah Leigh met in 2018 while exercising at a local fitness facility. Upon becoming neighbors and quickly learning about their shared passion for fitness, health and wellness, the two decided to combine their expertise. They leased what is known as the old YMCA or City Fit building on Maple Street — a building they have since purchased and are renovating — and Method: A Sweat Studio was born. What began in a small room with only three Pilates reformers and various props quickly grew to occupy the entire building. Today, Leigh, Gambill and their team of instructors serve more than 500 clients with a robust class menu for men and women, young and old — most days, every hour on the hour. And with the help of a SPEDA mini-grant, they are now able to offer private and group Pilates instruction simultaneously without interrupting the studio's full class schedule. Read more about Method, one of four SPEDA mini-grant recipients we will highlight in the coming months! https://lnkd.in/g9vsB_EV #somersetleads #PulaskiProud #makingbusinessaboutpeople

It was an honor and privilege to join the Somerset-Pulaski County Special Response / KY Haz-Mat 12 Team this morning to remember the tragic events that occurred in our country 23 years ago today. During the ceremony, the SRT team dedicated a beautiful 9/11 memorial outside its headquarters that holds a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. We are proud that the SPEDA Community Foundation could help facilitate such a significant display of patriotism and remembrance and are grateful to the many donors who made it possible. May we never forget what happened that fateful day, nor the sacrifices made by so many to keep our country safe and free. You can watch today's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony here: https://lnkd.in/gsadf2J7 #somersetleads #PulaskiProud #makingbusinessaboutpeople

>> Should Highway 461 become part of a scenic corridor project to help tourism and economic development efforts? Tell us what you think in this survey: https://lnkd.in/e3xcUsWm (PLEASE NOTE: Responses in the comments section WILL NOT BE INCLUDED. Please respond to the survey only.) As shared by Kentucky journalist Al Cross during a recent Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce presentation, if you were going to a Braves game in Atlanta, which way would you go? It takes about five hours any of the three ways on the map you see here. However, one of these options — by Albany, KY, and on Tennessee Highway 111 to U.S. 27 and I-75 to Chattanooga — is a popular way for motorists to enjoy a scenic route that avoids Pine Mountain and Knoxville. This route is one of the greatest, longest and relatively unspoiled scenic routes in the Eastern United States, but few recognize it because it is not labeled on a map or road signage. A group of advocates from the area is interested in seeing this route become federal highway U.S. 111 from Chattanooga to Exit 62 in Mount Vernon on I-75. That would include Highways 90, 1247, 914, 80 and 461 in Pulaski County, and would necessitate changing the route number of Highway 461 to U.S. 111. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials makes decisions on federal route numbers, and highway officials in Kentucky and Tennessee are considering asking that group to create U.S. 111. Doing so would create a scenic corridor that could increase tourism and economic development for all communities along this path. To gather important feedback from our community on this endeavor and allow our residents’ voices to be heard, SPEDA is conducting a survey to learn how changing this route number would affect people living and working along Highway 461. If this includes you, or if you live or work in Pulaski County and have an opinion on this issue, please take this short survey so we can include your thoughts. ** ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE: Any feedback provided in the comments section will NOT be included, so please give feedback in this survey. ** You can find the survey here or by scanning the QR code in the graphic: https://lnkd.in/e3xcUsWm Thank you for your participation!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! 📣 If you are an artist in the Lake Cumberland region and are interested in participating in our newly launched Ride the Wave Boat Sculpture Project, we want to hear from you! Signing up is simple: 1️⃣ Visit https://lnkd.in/gxV7DBcY to fill out the Artist Expression of Interest Form by 5 p.m. EST Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. 2️⃣ The Ride the Wave Committee will share expressions of interest with sculpture buyers. 3️⃣ Buyers have until 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, to select an artist and notify the artist and the committee of their selection. Buyers are responsible for negotiating and paying fees/honorariums to artists. Please review the Call for Artist guidelines, the buyer/artist contract, and the project calendar on SPEDA’s website. If you have questions, call 606.425.5409. Don't miss the chance to be a part of this amazing project, which will become a sculpture trail for residents and visitors to enjoy! Please SHARE!