East Kentucky Works Podcast

In this week's episode we're talking workforce with Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman. Listen to the East Kentucky Works podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and Spotify. To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, visit https://www.ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode host Trish Adams is speaking with Sgt. Michael Murriell and Trooper Derrick Combs about career opportunities within Kentucky State Police, including the benefits that go along with serving local communities as a state trooper. KSP is currently recruiting new troopers, and encourages anyone interested in learning more to visit kentuckystatepolice.org, or apply directly for a career at joinksp.com. To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to https://www.ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The week on the pod, we talk music, business, and Culture of Recovery with Doug Naselroad of the Appalachian School of Luthiery in downtown Hindman, Ky. Doug joins host Trish Adams via Zoom to discuss the school's effort to launch a new business venture and how they're helping folks in recovery from substance use issues get back on track.Learn more about the school online at https://www.appalachianluthiery.org/, and the artisan center at http://artisancenter.net/.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to https://www.ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

This week on the podcast we're talking community economic development with John Justice, president of CEDAR, which has traditionally existed as a coal education organization but recently pivoted to begin working with Eastern Kentucky schools with a mission to help youth seek economic opportunities within the region.Learn more about CEDAR online at fwa.cedarinc.org. To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to https://www.ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

This week on the pod we're talking about the CREATE Bridges initiative and its work to develop retail and hospitality industries in Eastern Kentucky counties. Host Trish Adams is talking with Mercedes Maness, senior extension associate with CREATE Bridges and the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK).To learn more about CREATE Bridges, visit https://cedik.ca.uky.edu/createbridges, and you can reach Mercedes via email at mercedes.maness@uky.edu.  To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to https://www.ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In our latest episode of the pod, host Trish Adams is talking apprenticeships with Scott Elder, apprenticeship program coordinator with Hazard Community and Technical College, and KTECH Director Tim Koogler. For more information about apprenticeship opportunities in Eastern Kentucky through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, contact the following:HCTC: Scott Elcer at scott.elder@kctcs.eduSoutheast Kentucky CTC: Sandra Brown at SBROWN0249@kctcs.eduBig Sandy CTC: Carl Wilson at cwilson0418@kctcs.eduOr visit www.apprenticeship.gov and educationcabinet.ky.gov/Initiatives/apprenticeship.This episode was recorded virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, November 10 due to state and federal recommendations regarding social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to https://www.ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

UPDATE: In light of new and heightened recommendations from state and national health experts discouraging large gatherings in wake of the COVID-19, or coronavirus, the first-ever Appalachia Cyber Summit, this subject of this podcast episode, has been POSTPONED.  A new date will be announced soon. Check www.thereisafuture.org/cybersummit for updates. A lot of thought and effort is being put into the development of a tech sector in Appalachian Kentucky, and that includes a focus on cybersecurity. EKCEP is partnering with Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), Eastern Telephone & Technologies, Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and Four 18 Intelligence to bring the first-ever Appalachia Cyber Summit to Eastern Kentucky.Sponsored by Amazon Web Services, the Summit will focus on the threat of cyber crimes to local and regional businesses and government entities, and also the solutions that are in place to help keep these businesses and organizations safe. Joining us this week on the podcast is Joshua Ball, associate executive director of SOAR; Darrell Maynard, CEO of Eastern Telephone & Technologies; and Michael Cornett, EKCEP's director of agency expansion and Teleworks USA. They're discussing the summit, its benefit for area organizations, and the potential for digital economy job opportunities related to cybersecurity.This episode of the East Kentucky Works podcast was recorded at SOAR's offices in downtown Pikeville, Ky. Learn more about SOAR at their website: https://www.soar-ky.org/Learn more about Eastern Telephone & Technologies online: http://www.ettky.com/To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to https://www.ekcep.orgIntro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 

This week we're talking with Pat Murphy, chairman of the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB). The KWIB serves as an advisory board to the Governor on workforce training and development issues, and is also charged with creating a statewide vision for workforce development and adopting a plan to move Kentucky forward through workforce training and development.You can learn more about the KWIB online at https://kwib.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspxThis episode was recorded onsite at the Mayo-Underwood state office building in Frankfort, Ky.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to https://www.ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

This week we're talking Kentucky Skills U with Executive Director Reecie Stagnolia and Regional Coordinator Janet Slayden as they discuss efforts to connect adults to career and educational opportunities, and assist folks with earning their GED, or high school equivalency degree.Learn more online at https://kyskillsu.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspxThis episode was recorded onsite at the Mayo-Underwood state office building in Frankfort, Ky.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

With our first new episode of 2020, we're talking about the UPS LOOP program and opportunities for Eastern Kentucky residents to earn wages and educational benefits from UPS while attending Jefferson Community and Technical College.We'll hear from Bill Geiger, UPS workforce planning manager in Louisville; Recruiting Supervisor Brittany McConnell; Workforce Planning Manager Pat Murphy, who also serves as chairman of the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board; and Kelly Cummins, who retired from UPS and also worked in state government.Learn more about the UPS LOOP program online at https://www.jobs-ups.com/earn-and-learnThis episode was recorded onsite at the Mayo-Underwood state office building in Frankfort, Ky.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) is a 600-member association that represents 355 unique companies in the Commonwealth and "works with the Cabinet for Economic Development and other state organizations that support economic development," according to its website.Floyd County native Matthew Tackett is the association's president and CEO and joins EKCEP Industry Liaison Trish Adams for this week's episode of the East Kentucky Works podcast. Learn more about the KAED online: kaedonline.org/This episode was recorded at the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program's (EKCEP) offices in Hazard, Ky.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Mountain Enterprises is a very recognizable asphalt and paving company and one of the largest employers in Eastern Kentucky. Angie Reynolds is the human resources manager with Mountain Enterprises, and in this episode she discusses the company's efforts with registered apprenticeships and on-the-job training. She is also joined by Tonya Boyd, human resources generalist. You can learn more about Mountain Enterprises online at http://www.mountaincompanies.com/This episode was recorded onsite at the Mountain Enterprises office in Hager Hill, Ky. To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

David Ledford is the president and CEO of the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation and working to open the Boone Ridge wildlife center in Bell County by 2021. The center will be the first of its kind in the region, and set to capitalize on the region's natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. In this episode, Ledford and host Trish Adams discuss the foundation's work to bring Boone Ridge to fruition, and how the center will be a tourism draw for the area. This episode was recorded onsite at the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation's office in Corbin, Ky. You can learn more about the foundation online at http://www.appalachianwildlife.com/To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In early 2019 the Eastern Kentucky Addiction and Recovery Training (eKART) program launched to help bridge the gap between addiction recovery and participation in the workforce. The eKART program provides services to Kentucky employers and partners by developing positive practices in response to the opioid abuse epidemic and related workplace challenges. It provides a full array of training, technical assistance, case management, and support services to assist people in recovery who are seeking employment and training. In this week's episode, eKART Project Manager Missie Quillen joins the podcast to talk about the program and ongoing efforts. This episode was recorded onsite at the EKCEP offices in Hazard, Ky. To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

When the coal industry crashed a few years ago, Tim Rice was forced to retool his business, RT Welding & Fabrication in Harlan County. Rice is currently looking to expand his company and working with organizations such as Advantage Kentucky Alliance, Small Business Development Center, and EKCEP to help make it happen. In this week's episode, Rice and his quality assurance manager, Jamie Stewart, discuss their work in Eastern Kentucky and how their efforts can result in a more diverse clientele for the company. Rice, who is also active in local community development initiatives, also discusses his views on a more diverse economy, as well. This episode was recorded onsite at RT Welding & Fabrication. Learn more about the business online: https://www.rtweldingandfab.com/To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College serves students in multiple counties of the region and offers a variety of degree programs and technical certifications. SKCTC President Dr. Vic Adams joins the East Kentucky Works podcast this week to discuss ongoing initiatives and fast-track trainings available for students in the region. This episode was recorded onsite at SKCTC's campus in Middlesboro, Ky. Visit SKCTC online at https://southeast.kctcs.edu/.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Headquartered in Louisa, Ky., Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) has grown over the past three years to operate a network of 35 drug treatment programs in 13 Kentucky counties. The organization is currently treating approximately 1,100 people with addiction issues daily, and their efforts are gaining national attention.ARC Chief of Staff Matt Brown and Deputy Chief of Staff for Development and Projects Kayla Parsons join Eastern Kentucky CEP Industry Liaison Trish Adams to discuss addiction and how regional partnerships with organizations in sectors ranging from workforce and economic development to healthcare are making a difference in recovery. Learn more about ARC at https://www.arccenters.com/To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hazard Community and Technical College President Dr. Jennifer Lindon and Workforce Solutions Director Keila Miller join host Trish Adams to discuss fast-track training and degree and certification options within HCTC's five-county service area. This episode was recorded onsite at HCTC's technical campus in Hazard, Ky. To learn more about HCTC, log on to https://hazard.kctcs.edu/.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The Appalachian School of Luthiery in Hindman, Ky., "teaches stringed instrument construction to students and apprentices of all ages," according to its website. Part of the Appalachian Artisan Center, the school is a jewel in downtown Hindman, and during this week's episode we discuss the school's history and plans for the future, including the Troublesome Creek Stringed Instruments Company and the Knott Downtown Radio Hour. Host Trish Adams is joined by Director Doug Naselroad, instructor Paul Williams, and Bill Weinberg, a member of the artisan center's board of directors. This episode was recorded onsite at the Appalachian School of Luthiery. Learn more about the school online at https://www.appalachianluthiery.org/, and the artisan center at http://artisancenter.net/.To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Intro music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this week's episode of the East Kentucky Works podcast, we're featuring a recent airing of WYMT-TV's "Issues & Answers" program as host Steve Hensley discusses employment and retraining options available to miners affected by the recent Blackjewel mining company shutdown.Hensley is joined in the discussion by EKCEP Executive Director Jeff Whitehead, Industry Liaison Trish Adams, and Research and Program Effectiveness Manager Bridget Back. This discussion was recorded at the WYMT studio in Hazard, Ky. The video can be viewed at https://www.wymt.com/content/news/Issues-and-Answers-Eastern-Kentucky-CEP-513367811.htmlTo learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, log on to ekcep.org.Music from https://filmmusic.io"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)