Written by: Candace Tingen, Copperhead Creatives 

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Russell Springs, KY, Leadership Kentucky’s BRIGHT Class of 2024 was reunited for its second session. Despite meeting only once just a few weeks ago, the room was filled with excited greetings, a sense of community, and camaraderie as our cohort filtered in and found our seats.  

The group wasted no time diving into sharing the various successes and challenges we’d encountered in the weeks since we were last together. Support and cheers filled the room as we celebrated many wins and held space for vulnerable shares of challenges. There wasn’t a soul unmoved as one classmate shared the news that needs no other explanation, “CANCER FREE!” The exercise was a beautiful reminder of our humanity and the way strong communities are forged, through acknowledgment, mutual support, and simply taking a moment to care. 

Finishing up what was started during the first session, a final group of classmates shared about themselves, their community, and their reason for pursuing BRIGHT in the “Beyond Your Bio” exercise. With each share, in sessions one and two, many common threads began to emerge accented by beautiful differences and diverse experiences. One thing is for certain, this class cares deeply about Eastern Kentucky and is motivated to do the work required to help it flourish. 

As the class moved through the day we heard from Dr. Jason Roop about his Trait-Based Transformation Model. This astounding method for identifying how our unique traits can both serve and hinder us depending on our intentions, environment, and self-awareness is an eye-opening and empowering way for individuals and organizations to assess themselves and identify opportunities to grow. Next, we were introduced to Waylon Wright, Executive Director LCADD, and Lyndsey Brown, Deputy Executive Director LCADD who generously shared their time with us to discuss the ways that the Lake Cumberland Area Development District serves its community through various initiatives like services for the aging as well as community and economic development work. Our final activity before checking into the hotel and meeting for dinner consisted of small group discussions, organized by the service area of our respective Area Development Districts, to identify and make note of regional challenges. Finally, over dinner at The Black Stallion Steakhouse, we were introduced to the Young Professionals of Lake Cumberland and several of their board members to hear more about the benefits of a like-minded community and the importance of involvement in your community as a young leader. 

The next morning was an early start to make sure we didn’t miss a bit of our jam-packed day. We were on the bus by 7:15 am and settled in for an insightful panel on Tapping Into Regional Resources by 8 am. Before heading out for our field experiences, we continued our small group discussions about regional challenges by identifying possible solutions before sharing them with the group. Shortly after, we were off to learn and explore at the Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery and Wolf Creek Dam. Both of these contribute in unique ways to the quality of life, economic sustainability, and ecosystem of the surrounding region. Lunch by the river was provided by Big Daddy’s Eats and Treats. We then made our way to the Russell County Public Library for a discussion about the importance of public libraries and a few more panels. Our panel on Collaboration across County and Municipal Government was facilitated by the Mayor of Middlesboro and our very own classmate Boone Bowling! In the panel about Resourceful Roots our classmate Andrew Beal’s business, Nutty Nana’s, was represented by its co-founder TJ Rayhill who is also a former BRIGHT alum. We refueled with coffee and treats at Reel Java before heading to ArtWorks, a Community Arts Education Center in Downtown Jamestown, KY. It was beautiful to see the impact that creative movement, fitness, and visual arts have had on the community through this organization. We ended the night with dinner back at Reel Java and a surprise reveal of a birthday cake for our beloved Karen Butcher’s belated birthday! During our free time in the evening, many in the group made their way to Campbellsville to experience the beautiful Oak & Match, a cocktail lounge and tobacconist club owned by our classmate Kasey Childers Moss. 

We wrapped up session two on Friday with a visit and tour of Tarter Gate Company. We heard from another one of our classmates, Dillon Curtin, about the tremendous growth Tarter is seeing in its digital marketing channels. A good reminder of the benefits of having a variety of marketing approaches. It was incredible to consider the numbers and realize the economic impact of a successful family-owned business that has grown to employ a significant portion of the local community, providing opportunities for residents of Eastern Kentucky to thrive and grow. 

I would be remiss not to mention that our incredible experiences, thus far and to come, would not be possible without Leadership Kentucky, our mentors and facilitators, and our sponsors. Thank you to Janice Way, Karen Butcher, Elmer Whitaker, Jennifer Phelps, and Carrie Truitt. The time and energy you have already given us have been path-altering in the best of ways. An additional thanks is due to our sponsors as well: Appalachian Regional Commission, Whitaker Foundation, Kentucky Power, and American Electric Power Foundation. 

As we rapidly approach session three, I anxiously anticipate the progress that this group will facilitate in Eastern Kentucky and the Appalachian Region at large. Keep an eye out for this dynamic group of leaders. We are so excited to be here!