Hundreds of eastern Kentucky officials are participating in the annual Shaping Our Appalachian Region Summit. The leaders represent government, business, tourism, and education fields, as well as community advocates. Darryl Billings is with Tanner Chrysler Products in Powell County. He’s been involved with SOAR for many years. He admits there has been some impatience when it comes to furthering economic development in the region.
“I just think that we need to be a little more patient with what’s going on. Again, those things don’t happen overnight. But, there still needs to be awareness of it on a day-to-day basis and I think sometimes we put that aside and don’t really bring it up until it’s time for the next conference,” said Billings.
Billings said he knows that’s not the case, but it can be the perception. He said broadband expansion remains the key to furthering economic development in eastern Kentucky. Billings thinks there is potential for industrial growth, because of what he labels as a “fabulous workforce.”
Joe Jacobs is economic director for the Big Sandy Area Development District. Jacobs said COVID has impacted strategies aimed at bringing more jobs to the region
“It’s great to be back in person for these sorts of events. It’s an awesome networking opportunity. It really helps you to get face to face with folks that you might not have had a relationship with previously, that are going to be able to connect you with other projects and opportunities,” said Jacobs.
On Wednesday morning, Jacobs said he connected with four people face-to-face on upcoming projects. The ADD official noted much of the state grant money continues to go for infrastructure improvements like water and sewer lines plus building upgrades.
