About Us

We sincerely hope you enjoy the Chamber's Web site and introduction to some of the people, places, businesses, and organizations which are part of Pike County's appeal. Through words and pictures, we have tried to convey the intangible yet vividly apparent spirit of the people of the region - their optimistic outlook strongly tempered with acknowledgment of reality, their abiding generosity seamlessly blended with an unapologetic belief in self-reliance, and their unfailing faith in family, friendships, and the grace of God. At the very least, we hope it is apparent to you that an effort to tell everything about Pike County would require volumes, far more space than we have available. So please remember, this is not an exhaustive presentation, only a "taste" of the feast of sights and experiences existing within our county's borders.

The Chamber's Board of Directors is an extraordinary group of people who dedicate their time, talents, and civic concern to wise development of the area's economy and quality of life. By being active in partnerships with governmental agencies, educational facilities, and other civic groups, they work to bring the county to full realization of its limitless potential. As a group and along with Chamber members, the Board assists in attracting new business and supporting growth and expansion of existing businesses by creating a healthy business environment, encourages educational excellence by participating in school programs at every level from elementary to post-graduate school, and attempts to create an environment throughout the county which nourishes new ideas and creativity among its citizens of all ages.

Each year, the Chamber hosts several county-wide events. The first one most people think of is the annual Hillbilly Days Festival. Held the third weekend of April, the town of Pikeville is host to over 80,000 visitors over the 3-day period of the event. Vendors from as far as Washington state, Canada, Oklahoma, New York, and Florida come to entice Festival-attendees from across the country to buy their crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and fresh-cooked foods. A partnership among the Chamber, county, city of Pikeville, and the local Shriners, a majority of the profit from vendor fees in contributed to the Shriners Children's Hospital and Burn Center in Lexington, KY. Over $200,000 has been donated over the past four years.

During the holiday season, the Chamber partners with the Breaks Interstate Park to sponsor a unique display of holiday lights. Held at the Breaks every night during November and December, the light displays are uniquely designed to represent scenes typical of our mountain lifestyle - backpacking, whitewater rafting, hiking, and an occasional bear and butterfly! Mountain Top Lights has become a holiday tradition for families from the three states of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The Chamber is specifically supportive of education in our community and sponsors two programs which encourage students to set high goals for themselves and to use school as a training ground for life. In May, approximately 500 fifth-grade students from schools throughout the county and cities participate in the Chamber's Career Day program. Held on the campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College, the students are treated to a "hands on" exploration of careers by local business people representing 30-40 occupations which can be pursued here in Pike County.

At the high school level, the Chamber's Work Ethic Award is designed to encourage high school seniors in the development of lifestyle habits which will serve them well in both their professional and personal lives. Businesses throughout the county display window stickers supporting the program which adds to the value of the award. Categories emphasized are attendance, dependability, punctuality, respectfulness, cooperation, and community service. Those students successfully completing the program receive a Certificate of Merit and a bronze medallion on their school's Awards Night.

In addition to the high profile events hosted by the Chamber, many smaller occasions for getting together are held throughout the year. A Chamber Membership Luncheon with a keynote speaker discussing issues of interest is held every other month. Business After Hours are networking opportunities looked forward to by members and their guests. Held at member businesses, participants are given a chance to exchange information and business cards.

The Chamber publishes a map of the county, a monthly newsletter Business Call, and the Pikeville/Pike County Profile Book and Membership Directory. All of these, and individual information regarding our members, are included in the hundreds of relocation and information packets which the staff sends out each year.

The Chamber's directors, members, and staff are working hard to keep Pike County on the leading edge of the development of the county's economic, educational, social, and recreational resources. We invite you to join us. For more information, give us a call at 606-432-5504, or visit our website at www.pikecountychamber.org. Or best of all, come visit us at 787 Hambley Boulevard.