Tri-Cities Heritage looks at restructuring economy

Feb. 17--The Tri-Cities Heritage Development Economic Restructuring Committee discussed restructuring the area's economy with potential for new jobs and businesses for the Tri-Cities and Harlan County.

Opening the meeting was Tri-Cities Heritage President Cleon Cornett, who presented a list of suggestions of things most important to Harlan County and the Tri-Cities area.

He asked members to prioritize suggestions in order of importance. The results presented were: (1) More tourists motel rooms, more arts projects and retirement homes; (2) motorcycle and bike tours and absentee land owners; (3) U.S. 421; (4) broadband services; (5) U.S. 119 four lane to Pineville; (6) new retail businesses; (7) more team work among cities and more business/employees; (8) infrastructure; and (9) combining city services.

Roland Cornett, committee chair, reported the Blair Service Station property was being purchased to open an oil change, small auto repair and wrecker service business.

Freddie Terry reported his family purchased the Nova Theatre and old Modern Electric buildings in Cumberland where they will be hosting conferences for youth groups from various churches. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m., followed by an open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Lynch City Clerk Erica Eldridge reported the Lamp House Coffee Shop will be opening across from Portal 31 in Lynch during March. She said the coffee packaging will have the history of the Lamp House as a souvenir.

Kentucky Highlands Representative Lonnie Riley reported a water park company is interested in looking at the Lynch West Main Street Park as a possibility of opening a facility there.

Riley said Lynch Mayor Johnny Adams will be communicating with the company.

He also reported a Humana representative will be in Lynch on Saturday, looking at the clinic building as a possibility for a call center for Humana Insurance customers.

Riley reported the Kentucky State Park System has agreed to give permission for a horse stable to be built inside Kingdom Come State Park, connecting to Little Shepherd Trail.

Kentucky Community and Technical College Systems (KCTCS) Small Business Administrator Sam Coleman told the group he is available to give a class to help anyone wanting to start a new business. He said he will offer a "Quick Books Class" free to anyone interested. Contact him at the Middlesboro campus for an appointment.

Lige Buell, an employee of KCTCS, reported the SECC Foundation is working on several grants for the Rowlett property and other projects connected with the college. He said he, too, is willing to assist new business prospects in their plans and guide them to assistance from other groups at the Cumberland campus of SKCTC.

Mary Creech reported her husband, Jim, now owners of Durham Printing in Harlan, will be moving that business to Benham. She encouraged everyone to shop locally.

Others participating in the meeting included Adams, Magistrate David Kennedy, Cumberland Tourism Director Tracy Bailey, Jim Sneed and Main Street Heritage Director Bobbie Gothard.

Nola Sizemore may be reached at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, or on Twitter @Nola_hde

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