Kentuckians continue to sign up in droves for next month’s “SOAR: Shaping Our Appalachian Region” Summit, an effort spearheaded by Gov. Steve Beshear and U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers to focus on the future success of southern and eastern Kentucky. 

More than 1,000 people have now registered for the event, which will be held on Monday, Dec. 9 at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville. 

The SOAR Summit is open to any individual who cares about Kentucky’s Appalachian region and is willing to share new ideas and recommendations about how to move the region forward. Participation is free, but registration is required athttps://kydlgweb.ky.gov.

Kentuckians can also participate in SOAR by following the latest updates through social media:  “Like” the Official SOAR Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurAppalachianRegion and follow SOAR on Twitter @SOAR_EKY, using the hashtags #SOAR and #SOARSummit.

Gov. Beshear, U.S. Rep. Rogers, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker Greg Stumbo and other leaders announced plans for the summit last month. The Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI), a national policy institute dedicated to fostering solutions to the challenges facing rural regions, will facilitate discussions at the Dec. 9 event. Other national agencies supporting the SOAR effort include the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

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