Orascom Group will be part of the Invest 606 Showcase on April 2.

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Think tank to tackle private sector business issues in Pikeville

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Western Auto in Whitesburg is closing shop after nearly 80 years serving customers.

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We sat down with Blake Moss to discuss his goal to connect small business owners in Poland with those in eastern Kentucky.

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The Pizza & Pitch event gave people the opportunity to share business ideas, network, eat pizza, and win money.

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Pikeville Medical Center has purchased the Town and Country Shopping Center in Pikeville with future plans to put in a childcare center for employees.

The hospital expects The Appalachian Valley Angel Academy, or AVA Academy, to have a need for more than 300 seats, based on a survey of employees.

The shopping center and future location currently includes the Super Dollar grocery store and 13 additional tenants.

There have been discussions throughout the community about an impending purchase of the property over the past several weeks and its possible impact on existing businesses, something Pikeville Medical Center President and CEO Donovan Blackburn mentioned in a media briefing Tuesday.

“Our intent has always been to support local businesses and tenants,” Blackburn said. “We are offering favorable terms and longer lease options while maintaining their current lease rates to ensure the support and continued stability for these small businesses.”

Hospital officials said Friday, “The only portion of the shopping center that will be impacted by creating the AVA Academy will be the area where the Super Dollar store is located and one other tenant that is within the boundaries.”

There are now six vacant store fronts without tenants.

Blackburn, who said the region could currently be considered a “childcare desert,” said the daycare would first look to offer childcare options to PMC employees and then see if in the future that could be expanded on.

According to a hospital press release, “The region’s childcare facilities have extensive waiting lists, underscoring the limited availability of quality childcare options in the local market.”
Blackburn said Tuesday, there could be a possible ripple effect that will see seats opening in daycares throughout the area.

PMC has also leased the Pikeville Scholar House, located at the former YMCA daycare site to provide an interim childcare option as of November 1. This new facility is expected to offer up to 75 childcare seats for children ages 12 weeks to five years for PMC families.

The AVA Academy is expected to be operational in January.

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Ethema Health by ARC following FBI investigation into the company’s Medicaid practices.

The post Addiction Recovery Care to be purchased by Florida-based behavioral health group appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

The Little Caesars in Pikeville has been closed and is looking to relocate due to the potential threat of a rock slide.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville Coleman College of Business honored the 2025 inductees at the Burlin Coleman Hall of Fame Induction Dinner held on Oct. 15 in Bears Tower.

Since 2022, UPike has recognized business leaders each year whose dedication to excellence, innovation and service has made a lasting impact on their industries and communities. The Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who exemplify the values of the Coleman College of Business and serve as role models for future generations of business professionals.

This year’s inductees included Pamela Pack Gilliam of Pikeville, Rick Newsom of Pikeville and David B. Short of Lexington.  

Pamela Pack Gilliam, MBA, Ed.D., joined Pikeville College’s business faculty in 1977 and taught undergraduate management and marketing courses for 44 years, later contributing to UPike’s MBA program after earning her doctorate in higher education leadership. She served in leadership roles, including acting chair of the business department and acting dean of the Coleman College of Business, and was actively involved with student organizations such as the Student Government Association, Phi Beta Lambda and Sigma Beta Delta. Beyond academia, Gilliam engaged with the Pikeville community through Rotary International, United Helping Hands, and her church, where she held multiple leadership positions. In 2018, she became UPike’s first assistant provost, overseeing university policies and faculty mentoring programs. A recipient of numerous teaching and leadership awards, including the UPike Presidential Medal, Gilliam resides in Pikeville with her husband Steve and is a proud grandmother, with children and a bonus daughter working in healthcare and business leadership roles.

Rick Newsom began his banking career with Pikeville National Bank and Trust Company in 1976, progressing from teller to president and director of Community Trust Bank, Inc. in 2022 after 47 years with the company. A Pikeville College graduate, he enhanced his expertise through leadership programs at the University of Virginia and East Carolina University. Active in the Pikeville community, Newsom serves as an elder at Cornerstone Christian Church and has held leadership roles with the Pikeville Rotary Club, Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and City of Pikeville Community Foundation Board. Married to retired educator Janie Justice Newsom, they have two children and two grandchildren. Known as a servant leader, Newsom credits his mentors, Burlin Coleman and Jean Hale, for shaping his approach to leadership, which he has shared through local leadership programs.

David B. Short is managing partner of Investments & Financial Planning, LLC, a registered investment advisor managing more than $300 million in assets. A University of Pikeville honors graduate with degrees in accounting and management, Short holds multiple financial credentials, including CFP®, ChFC®, CFS®, and RICP®, and earned a master’s in financial services. Raised in Fleming-Neon, he is recognized for his collaborative approach to financial planning and leadership, as demonstrated through his early roles in college and ongoing personal development with coaches such as Tony Robbins. An elder at Salem Presbyterian Church in Winchester, Ky., Short has received honors such as UPIKE’s Rising Young Alumni Award and the Kentucky Colonel. He lives on a family farm in Lexington with his wife, Tonya, their two daughters and two dogs.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Cornerstone Investment Group has announced that Ronnie Spence, a dedicated financial advisor and expert in social security strategies, has successfully completed the National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) certification program. This designation signifies that Spence is now equipped with advanced knowledge and tools to assist clients in navigating the complexities of Social Security.

With numerous individuals and families facing challenges related to their Social Security benefits, Spence is now fully prepared to tackle a variety of pressing questions, including:

• What is the optimal age to begin claiming Social Security benefits?
• How can clients maximize their benefits based on their retirement plans?
• What impact does working while receiving Social Security have on benefits?
• How can couples strategically coordinate benefits to enhance overall retirement income?
• What lesser-known Social Security provisions might benefit clients?

Spence has undergone rigorous social security training to ensure that he understands the fundamental and intricate aspects of Social Security. This knowledge empowers him to provide tailored solutions for his clients, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.

“Earning the NSSA designation has significantly enhanced my ability to serve my clients,” Spence said. “Social Security is a critical component of retirement for many, and I am committed to helping them navigate their options effectively.”

As part of Cornerstone Investment Group, Spence is dedicated to providing comprehensive financial planning that incorporates Social Security strategies into holistic retirement solutions.

For more information about Ronnie Spence and how he can assist you with your Social Security needs, please contact Cornerstone Investment Group directly.

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