Ashland — The Northeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is set to host its inaugural dinner meeting on Thursday, featuring a business expo at the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center. This event marks the first annual meeting since the organization officially rebranded from the Ashland Alliance earlier this year.
Scott Martin, President and CEO of the Chamber, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “It’s our first annual meeting as NEKY Chamber of Commerce.” The dinner will include a keynote address from Ashli Watts, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss the vital role that a vibrant chamber plays in supporting both businesses and the local community.
The dinner will be held on the fourth floor of the museum, with the business expo scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. on the first floor. Martin encouraged participating businesses from Boyd and Greenup counties to engage meaningfully, suggesting that they focus on networking rather than directly selling products. “Don’t bring a chair, set up information about your business. Don’t sit there with it. Wander around the room and talk to other businesses,” he stated.
Martin noted that a variety of local businesses, including banks, credit unions, and tourism boards from Greenup and Ashland, will host tables at the expo. The event is designed to foster connections among regional businesses and encourage collaboration.
For chamber members, the cost to set up a table is complimentary, while non-members are charged $200. Notably, this fee can be applied toward a basic membership to the chamber, which is priced at $225. Martin highlighted the chamber’s growth this year, noting an uptick in membership and community engagement.
Tickets for the dinner are available at $75 for members and $95 for non-members. The organization will accept requests for tables and ticket sales until Wednesday. For further inquiries, interested parties can reach out to the Chamber office at 324-5111 or visit their website.
As the Chamber embarks on this new chapter, Martin expressed optimism about the future, stating, “I’m proud of how our members are coming together and working. It’s going to be a cool night.”
