Cumberland Valley Area Development District

03/17/2026

As an agency with a strong focus on economic development, we see how crucial networking within and between our local communities is. Those of you in Harlan County now have a relaxed monthly get together to forge those relationships and explore collective visions for the future of Harlan and Harlan County.

If you don't live in Harlan County, do you know of any similar informal gatherings among business people in your community? If so, post it in our comment section. It doesn't have to be just business people; many community leaders - ministers, professionals like doctors and engineers, line workers, etc - often provide valuable insight into a community's needs that business owners may not have considered. Working together always accomplishes more than working against each other.

☕ Start Your Morning with Coffee & Connections!

Join the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce for our next Coffee & Connections, a relaxed networking event designed to bring together professionals, business owners, and community leaders from across Harlan County.

📅 Friday, March 20, 2026
⏰ 8:30 – 9:30 AM
📍 Moonbow Tipple
119 S. Main Street | Harlan, KY

This monthly gathering is a great way to build meaningful connections, strengthen your professional network, and learn more about opportunities in our community.

Whether you’re a longtime Chamber member or just looking to meet new people in the local business community, we’d love to see you there!

A special thank you to Bridge Builders for hosting this month’s event.

If your business would like to host a future Coffee & Connections, contact Beckie Smith at 770-601-9644 for more information.

☕ Bring a friend, grab a cup of coffee, and come connect with us!

03/11/2026

Photography can be a career, a hobby, a way of keeping record of families, a creative outlet - so many things. Most of us can point and click, but aren't sure how to go from taking nice photos to taking beautiful, engaging photos that pull a viewer in.

If that's you, The Center at Kentucky Highlands is hosting a two-hour class on Photography 101 for only $35. The instructors have both received accolades for their work and are well qualified to get you on the right path. See below for the two available dates and the way to register.

Who knows? Photography could be the economic opportunity you've been looking for.

03/10/2026

If you find yourself in Clay County on Friday, April 3rd, be sure to stop by The Excel Center with your children at 5:30 p.m.!

Behind McDonald's, at 40 KY 687, Manchester, 40962.

03/10/2026

Know a high school student fired up to be an entrepreneur? Or one who already has started a business? Check out this opportunity for high school students ready for the market. Deadline is MARCH 31!

🚨 Applications Now Open! 🚨

Students in grades 9–11 are invited to apply for the new Rogers LEADS program! This opportunity is designed for students who live in our 45-county service area and are ready to grow their entrepreneurial and leadership skills, explore new opportunities, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Eligibility Requirements:
✅ Currently in 9th–11th grade
✅ 2.5 GPA or higher
✅ Live within our 45-county service area

📅 Application Deadline: March 31

🔗 www.centeryouthprograms.com

03/10/2026

Need a physical for sports? Or just a general wellness visit? If you're near Barbourville, the ARH Mobile Clinic will be in your area monthly to help.

🚐The Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Mobile Clinic will begin services at KCEOC's Main Office on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

📍 Where: KCEOC Main Office| 5448 N US HWY 25E, Gray, KY 40734
⏰ Next Visit: Wed, March 25th from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
No appointment is needed—walk-ins are welcome!

⭐ Available services include:
💙Wellness Exams & Health Screenings 💙Primary Care Services 💙Chronic Disease Management 💙School, Sports, and Employment Physicals💙 Vaccines

Take a moment for your health and stop by to see the ARH team!
For more information, you can also visit arh.org.

Barbourville ARH Hospital

03/10/2026

Seven of CVADD's eight counties are in the Kentucky Utilities service area. If that includes you or your community, this is for you.

Two of Kentucky's utilities, Kentucky Power & Kentucky Utilities recently had rate increases approved by the KY Public Service Commission.

As a formal intervenor in the cases, we will have more information out soon about our perspective and impacts on ratepayers.

Our initial overview of the LGE-KU impacts is available now. One of our biggest concerns is for large commercial users like our schools & grocers. 📢 https://mtassociation.org/energy/lge-ku-rate-case-update/

If you are concerned about rate increases on your business or organization, Mountain Association energy experts can provide a free billing review and savings consultation.

Comment for details.

03/09/2026

Be alert for severe weather, and pull over safely if the rain is coming down too hard to see well. And don't stop under overpasses.

Strong to severe storms are possible Wednesday in association with a strong cold front expected to cross the area. Warm and windy conditions are also expected ahead of the cold front. Stay weather aware and check back for forecast updates as this potential event approaches.

03/09/2026

Know about ISO? Here's a place for you.

DTS Industries, LLC

03/09/2026

Be safe in thunderstorms. We get a lot of them, especially this time of year.

If we know one thing about Eastern Kentucky, it is that we are a community that cares deeply about each other! When severe weather is in the forecast, help your loved ones and neighbors prepare. Even actions as simple as sharing an official severe weather graphic to your social media feed or passing along watch/warning information on the phone call can make a difference. We are !

03/05/2026

Too often the need for good mental health isn't understood or valued. But it's something we all need to function well in our daily lives. Here is an opportunity to learn more and seek out help if you need it. We all do, sometimes.

Our March Mental Health Newsletter is now available! Scan the QR Code or visit this link:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/621f7b93ef071c7a6184b6af/t/69a89acbfc5bd375d08f8e41/1772657357697/Mental+Health+Matters-+March.pdf

03/05/2026

Wow! Take some time to admire the talent of our community in Harlan County, where nature is the focus.

🌸 The “Bloom Where You Are Planted” Exhibit Is Now Open! 🌸

The gallery is officially up and ready — and Harlan County, the talent is something special.

We invited artists to celebrate the natural beauty of Harlan County through canvas, sculpture, and digital art… and they delivered. From bold interpretations of our mountains to delicate, personal reflections of home, this exhibit is a reminder that creativity runs deep in our community.

Now it’s your turn.

🗳 Voting is open and takes place in person at the Harlan Center.
Stop by during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM) to view the exhibit and cast your vote for your favorite pieces.

The exhibit will remain on display through mid-April, with cash prizes awarded to the top three works:
🥇 1st Place – $150
🥈 2nd Place – $100
🥉 3rd Place – $50

We are incredibly proud of the artists who chose to share their vision of Harlan and what it means to bloom where you are planted. The creativity, heart, and skill on display truly showcase the beauty of our community.

Come see it. Support local art. Cast your vote. 🌿