Mike Calhoun

The Center for Rural Development announces the appointment of Michael Calhoun of Lexington to the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors.

Calhoun, special assistant for alumni relations at Georgetown College, will serve a three-year term as an “at-large” member of the Executive Committee.

The committee is comprised of regional and state leaders charged with the responsibility of working with The Center’s full Board of Directors, which includes representatives from each of the 42 counties in the non-profit organization’s primary service area in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

“It is an honor to serve on The Center’s Executive Committee and work with this administration and staff,” Calhoun said. “Under the leadership of Congressman Hal Rogers, Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center, and Board Chairman Clay Davis, the Board and staff of The Center are well-respected statewide and nationally.”

Calhoun, a Georgetown College graduate and former basketball player for the Georgetown Tigers, returned to his alma mater in 1998 after a lengthy basketball coaching career. He served as assistant basketball coach at Samford University, Murray State University, Indiana State University, and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) before he was elevated to head basketball coach of EKU’s Colonels in 1992.

“We are extremely pleased Mike has chosen to serve The Center through his appointment to our Executive Committee,” Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center, said. “We will all benefit from his expertise and perspective as we work together to improve the lives of citizens across our region.”

Calhoun holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and physical education and master’s degree in secondary education.

He also serves on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics of Kentucky and has been a Special Olympics volunteer from 1980-2011.

Calhoun and his wife, the former Sharon Dotson, have three children and three granddaughters. Their children are: Kevin Calhoun, 36; Kristen Lilge, 34; and Karen Fardo, 32.

The redesigned website incorporates the latest social media platforms and new web-based technologies to better inform and educate the business community and Chamber members about all of the programs and offerings available through the local chamber office.

“The Center for Rural Development has been an invaluable tool in the design and implementation of our new website,” said Bobby Clue, executive director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. “From the outset of the project, The Center’s team took lots of time to meet us and really get an understanding of what we wanted from a revamped site.”

The website, www.somersetpulaskichamber.com, launched in February after months of planning and preparation, and viewing some of the top websites around the nation in order to build a custom website that meets the Chamber’s overall needs.

“The Center’s Web Department made numerous practical suggestions for our website,” Clue said. “I was impressed with their knowledge—not just of the latest web technologies, but on what makes the difference between an attractive website and a well-designed website that delivers a rewarding and engaging user experience.”

New features include a revamped “Business Directory” section, more information about local events, as well as quick and easy access to business stories, and information on how to become involved in the Chamber Ambassador program.

Additionally, the site provides members the advantage of a cutting-edge marketing tool with numerous, enhanced advertising opportunities for local businesses.

For more information on The Center’s business services, which include website development, contact Larry Combs, director of business services, at 606-677-6000 or via email lrcombs@centertech.com.

The awards recognition program—honoring excellence since 2001— is adding a new Sponsoring Partner and a new, fifth business awards category

that will recognize a top young entrepreneur who is currently running a successful business in the region.

Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED), a nonprofit economic development organization based in Somerset, will be joining Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Business and Technology, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, and The Center for Rural Development as one of EIEA’s Sponsoring Partners.

Additionally, EIEA will add a fifth award category in 2012 for businesspeople who are 25 years of age and younger. The “Young Entrepreneur” business award will be added to the four existing award categories.

Award categories for the 2012 EIEA program and onward are:

• Business (in existence five or more years with greater than 25 employees)
• Small Business (in existence five or more years with 25 or less employees)
• Start-Up (in existence less than five years)
• Not-for-Profit Entity (in existence at least six months)
• Young Entrepreneur (for businesspeople who are 25 years of age and younger)

More information on how to nominate local businesspeople for each 2012 EIEA category will be released in the coming weeks online at www.centertech.com and www.eiea.eku.edu.

“At the start of EIEA’s second decade, Kentucky Highlands and the other EIEA partners are excited to see the EIEA program expand this year to add an additional sponsor and award category,” said Stephen Taylor, EIEA committee chairman and development director for Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation.

“EIEA’s newest sponsor, SKED, is a steadfast supporter of entrepreneurial endeavors,” Taylor added. “The new Young Entrepreneur category will recognize the energy and creativity of entrepreneurs up to 25 years old who are already running their own business. We heartily embrace these changes to better highlight entrepreneurial excellence in the region.”

SKED, an affiliate of The Center, was created by U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) in 1986 to serve 42 counties in Southeast Kentucky. SKED works directly with individual companies, their consultants, and advisors to provide a wide range of business-related services.

“SKED has been working with entrepreneurs and small business owners for more than 25 years through its business recruitment, expansion and lending services,” said Greg Jones, SKED executive director. “We see firsthand their contribution to our economy and their role in keeping the business community flourishing.”

“In 2012, SKED is dedicated to encouraging entrepreneurs to develop their dreams and pursue them with perfection,” Jones added. “We are pleased to become a sponsor of EIEA and the excellent work it does in Southeast Kentucky.”

EIEA honors small business leaders and entrepreneurs in 55 Southern and Eastern Kentucky counties for their efforts in exemplifying America’s spirit of entrepreneurship. Nominees are judged on the economic success of the enterprise, contributions to the community, job creation, and operational achievement as measured by innovative business practices, superior safety achievement, and superior technology.

The top three finalists in each of the five EIEA business categories will be recognized—and the award winners announced—on Sept. 10 at the 2012 EIEA awards luncheon hosted at The Center in Somerset.

For more information on EIEA, contact The Center for Rural Development at 606-677-6000 or EKU’s College of Business and Technology at 859-622-2334 or via email cbt.eiea@eku.edu.

 Click here to download the application form for the 2012 summer sessions of Rogers Explorers at the University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, and Morehead State University.

More middle school students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky than ever before will be able to experience life on a college campus this summer—all while pursuing their math, science, and technology skills—through The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Explorers youth leadership program.

The Center is expanding this year’s Rogers Explorers program to include an additional summer session from July 22-24 on the campus of Morehead State University (MSU) in Rowan County.

The additional host site will allow a record 120 rising ninth-grade students to attend one of four Rogers Explorers summer sessions and start their journey toward building careers in some of the region’s top in-demand fields.

The four 2012 Rogers Explorers sessions are scheduled for:

• June 3-5, Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia
• June 6-8, University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg
• July 18-20, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Richmond
• July 22-24, Morehead State University (MSU), Morehead

Current eighth-grade students from within The Center’s 42-county primary service area are eligible to apply for Rogers Explorers. Applications for the 2012 Rogers Explorers summer sessions at all four participating college campuses will be accepted through March 21.

All application forms must be printed, completed, postmarked and mailed to The Center, 2292 South U.S. 27, Suite 300, Somerset, Ky., by the March 21 deadline.

“Rogers Explorers gives students a one-of-a-kind learning experience to see what it is like to live and study on a college campus and work toward pursuing their career goals,” said Lonnie Lawson, CEO and president of The Center. “Students develop a network of friends and resources throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky that will help them seize their potential as the region’s next generation of future leaders.”

Rogers Explorers spend three days and two nights on campus at some of Kentucky top colleges and universities, where experts guide participants in hands-on assignments, all of which encourage creative thinking and teamwork and build leadership skills.

Thirty students will be selected to attend each of the four 2012 Rogers Explorers summer sessions. All lodging, meals, and program expenses (with the exception of transportation to and from the campus host site) are provided free of charge to participating students.

Rogers Explorers, developed, coordinated and supervised by The Center, a nonprofit economic development organization in Somerset, is presented in partnership with the University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, and Morehead State University.

Since 2006, 330 students have graduated from Rogers Explorers and have been encouraged to work toward building their future careers in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

The artwork created by the latest participants in the residency program—including a former 2010 residency artist—is the newest exhibit on display at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.

The exhibit, entitled “FOUR,” features original works of art from the 2011 Faubush Artist Residency by Somerset artists Sue Burkett and Cece Butcher, juried members of the Sheltowee Artisans; mixed media artists Megan Leong, Kansas City, Mo., and Shannon Maisel, of Allendale, Mich., and guest artist Darlene Hensley-Libbey, a painter and assistant professor of art at Somerset Community College, whose work on display was completed during the previous summer residency.

“We are excited to showcase their artwork at The Center and give the community an opportunity to see and appreciate their creative talents,” said Dianna Winstead, associate director of arts, culture, and events. “All of these women are talented artists and their work is truly unique and special.”

Burkett, a painter who works with mixed media, started the residency program four years ago to give Kentucky and non-Kentucky artists a place to explore their creativity in the visual arts.

“At the residency, artists are encouraged to interact with each other while developing their concepts and creating their work,” Burkett said. “The residency gives artists a secure place to take risks and pursue new projects.”

The public may view the exhibit free of charge through March 28 during normal business hours and extended evening and weekend hours when The Center, located at 2292 South U.S. 27 (at Traffic Light 15) in Somerset, is open for special events.

For more information about the exhibit, or to inquire about purchasing selected pieces in the exhibit, contact Dianna Winstead at 606-677-6000. For more information about the Faubush Artist Residency, contact Sue Burkett through her website at www.sueburkettart.com.

You can enjoy the show too!

Make plans to be at The Center on Friday night for the Children’s Prime Time Theatre performance of “The Three Little Pigs,” one of America’s favorite storybook tales.

Come early for a Pre-Show Event with “piglet” crafts and an optional kid-friendly dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in The Center’s Front Lobby!

Tickets are $4 for children 12 and younger and $7 for adults and children over 12.

Purchase tickets at the Box Office in the front lobby of The Center, located at 2292 South U.S.27 (at Traffic Light 15) in Somerset.

But educators now have a new weapon at their disposal in that battle that can encourage more students to stay in school and use education as a stepping stone to pursue successful career goals.

More than 40 educators from 15 Southern and Eastern Kentucky counties were introduced to the “Stay in School Toolkit” dropout prevention video and discussion guide just released by Forward in the Fifth and The Center for Rural Development at a regional training session on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at The Center in Somerset.

Laura Kamperman, community education specialist for Forward in the Fifth, presented the video project and shared some of the real-life stories recorded by individuals in the video. The “‘Stay in School Toolkit” contains personal testimonies from eight individuals from rural Appalachia and how choices they made positively—and in some cases negatively—impacted their education and future.

A discussion guide also is included with the resource that encourages students to freely discuss messages in the video sessions and how those situations apply to their lives.

Educators in attendance said the new video and guide will be valuable assets as they work to encourage success in their classrooms and schools.

“The ‘Stay in School Toolkit’ sends a strong message to not only students, but to educators,” Linda Rudolph, a high school guidance counselor from Garrard County High School, said after watching one of the video segments. “It reminds us that we are dealing with people, not numbers. Each interview focuses on the diverse needs of students.”

In the video, people from all walks of life, including a professional baseball player, successful entrepreneur, Kentucky National Guard sergeant, and district court judge, talk about how they used education to advance their career goals. Conversely, students will also see a candid message from high school dropout Nick Slovin, who is serving prison time after squandering his education and a promising basketball career on drugs.

“If students could hear Nick tell his story, then it just might change their lives,” said Gregory Chaney, program director for dropout prevention in Monticello Independent Schools. “Despite your circumstances, you can excel.”

“Real situations allow opportunities for students to discuss very personal experiences in hopes that students will realize the importance of education and staying in school,” added Angela Bray, director of exceptional programs for the Pulaski County Board of Education. “The ‘Stay in School Toolkit’ is a great tool with real people from our area demonstrating a variety of experiences and successes.”

Forward in the Fifth, a nonprofit organization and affiliate of The Center, was created by U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) and other leaders in 1986 to help advance educational attainment levels in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

“It is critical to provide our young people with relevant examples of the value an education has today,” said Jim Tackett, executive director of Forward in the Fifth. “As educators and community leaders alike, we must understand the multiple issues our students deal with in pursuit of a high school education.”

The “Stay in School Toolkit” is being released across the region and beyond, in conjunction with training, to assist in discussion and problem-solving of boosting high school graduation rates.

 Other upcoming training sessions are planned for:

•  Feb. 16 at The Forum at The Harold Rogers Center (in front of Hazard High School in Hazard)
• Feb. 24, University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg
• Feb. 28, Mountain Arts Center, Prestonsburg
• March 20, Morehead State University, Morehead

To pre-register for these sessions, click here and complete the registration form. All participants must pre-register prior to any of the scheduled sessions. Session times will be determined based on the number of participants, and registrants will be notified of those times.

Educators must attend one of these training sessions before they can receive and use the “Stay in School Toolkit” in their communities to help lower dropout rates.

For more information about the “Stay in School Toolkit,” call 606-677-6000 or email fif@centertech.com.

Click here to register online for the upcoming regional session for nonprofit organizations in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. All registrations must be received by Feb. 28.

If you represent a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Bell, Clay, Knox, Magoffin, or Whitley counties, an upcoming regional session on Feb. 29 will show you how to take awareness of your programs and giving to your organization to the next level.

Blue Grass Community Foundation and The Center for Rural Development will outline a trio of tools for nonprofits—the GoodGiving.net website, Appalachian Rural Development Philanthropy Initiative (ARDPI), and the Endow Kentucky Tax Credit—at the session, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 29, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation headquarters at 362 Old Whitley Road, London.

Attendance is free and open to staff and board members of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the five counties.

Topics to be covered include:

GoodGiving.net

GoodGiving.net is a new online resource for nonprofits to inform, empower, and enrich charitable giving in the region. Visitors will be able to access information you provide and make credit card contributions to your organization. To date, 185 Kentucky nonprofits have already discovered the many benefits of GoodGiving.net, a free online resource.

ARDPI

According to the Kentucky Philanthropy Initiative’s 2010 Transfer of Wealth study, a reinvestment of just 5 percent of the $707 billion set to transfer from Kentuckians to the next generation over the next 50 years could have a significant, long-lasting impact on economic development and quality of life.

The new Appalachian Rural Development Philanthropy Initiative (ARDPI) aims to push toward that goal by building and expanding permanent charitable community endowments in partnership with Eastern Kentucky communities that will work to stop the outmigration of the region’s wealth and secure local assets to provide long-term resources for their communities.

Endow Kentucky Tax Credit

The Endow Kentucky Tax Credit program offers taxpayers an opportunity to help their community and receive a tax credit toward their Kentucky Income Tax. For a contribution to endowed permanent funds at qualified community foundations, a taxpayer may receive 20 percent income tax credit not to exceed $10,000 per donor per taxable year. $500,000 in tax credits was authorized for fiscal years 2011 and 2012.

The Center and Blue Grass Community Foundation are two of seven Kentucky-based partners in ARDPI. Others include the Brushy Fork Institute, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc., Kentucky Philanthropy Initiative, and the Endow Kentucky Commission.

ARDPI’s goal is to build and expand permanent charitable endowments in partnership with Eastern Kentucky communities.

“The Center for Rural Development strongly believes in the mission of all of these nonprofit tools because they work in different ways to keep the wealth of our region here in our region,” said Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center for Rural Development.

“We are excited about the potential of this partnership to grow charitable giving and citizen engagement across the region—helping communities to better guide their own destinies,” said Lisa Adkins, president and CEO of Blue Grass Community Foundation. “We are committed to ensuring that philanthropy is simple, effective, locally-directed and accessible to all.”

Lawson cited as an example the success of a Nebraska community that—despite having only 700 citizens—raised charitable endowments of $2 million. The community now uses interest from these endowments, in part, to offer college scholarships to all of the community’s youth.

“If we can do something similar in Southern and Eastern Kentucky through the power of community foundations and charitable endowments,” Lawson said, “we can help fund existing and potential programs and services that will benefit our citizens and stimulate the economies of our counties for decades to come.”

For more information on the Feb. 29 session or ARDPI, contact Mable Duke, ARDPI consultant at The Center, at 606-677-6082. For more information on GoodGiving.net, contact Barbara A. Fischer at Blue Grass Community Foundation at 859-225-3343.

Click here for more information and links to download the Request for Proposals (RFP), grant guidelines, and a form to be used to apply for this round of ARDPI mini-grants.

Communities in 34 Southern and Eastern Kentucky counties are now eligible to apply for grant funding through the Appalachian Rural Development Philanthropy Initiative (ARDPI) to help advance philanthropic work and charitable giving throughout the region.

Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center for Rural Development, and Peter Hille, director of the Brushy Fork Institute, announced the organizations will be awarding ARDPI mini-grants funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in order to build and expand permanent charitable endowments in partnership with communities as a means to stop the outmigration of the region’s wealth.

Eligible communities in the 34 counties may apply for up to $10,000 in ARC funding support for community foundation capacity building mini-grant projects during this funding cycle.

These counties include: Those counties include: Adair, Bath, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Green, Harlan, Hart, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Lewis, Lincoln, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Robertson, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne, and Wolfe.

Counties participating in ARDPI efforts must fit ARC’s classification as a “distressed” county.

The ARDPI mini-grants fit into the mission of the newly created initiative, which will work to encourage the building and expanding of permanent charitable endowments in partnership with Eastern Kentucky communities that will work to stop the outmigration of the region’s wealth and secure local assets to provide long-term resources for their communities.

The Center and Brushy Fork Institute are two of seven Kentucky-based partners in ARDPI. Others include the Blue Grass Community Foundation, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc., Kentucky Philanthropy Initiative, and the Endow Kentucky Commission.

A community receiving ARDPI mini-grant funding should be advancing that community in developing a culture around philanthropy by one or more of the following:

• Forming an organized committee or an advisory board for community philanthropy, representing a cross section of the community
• Setting up a fund devoted to the community with an existing community foundation
• Becoming an affiliate of an existing foundation
• Engaging in other activities that specifically advance their community philanthropy goals

These communities will be encouraged to consider existing or established community foundations as a local resource and engage them in helping move the community forward during this process. ARDPI partners should be viewed as additional resources.

Grant proposals will be accepted through March 2, 2012, and must be submitted by mail to The Center for Rural Development, Attn: ARDPI/Patti Simpson, 2292 South Highway 27, Suite 300, Somerset, KY 42501. Notification of approval will be announced by March 30, 2012.

For more information on ARDPI mini-grant guidelines, contact Patti Simpson at The Center at 606-677-6000 or via email at arc@centertech.com, or Jane Higgins at the Brushy Fork Institute at 859-985-3436 or via email at higginsj@berea.edu.

All ARDPI projects awarded funding during this funding cycle must be completed within six months, beginning April 1 through Sept. 30, 2012.

This issue includes:

• Coverage on teh Fall 2011 Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute
• The Center success at the 2011 Kentucky Association of Government Communicators Awards of Excellence
• The Center receiving a Microsoft technology grant
• Application deadlines for Rogers Scholars and ELI 212
• February entertainment at The Center