Corbin mayor speaks at Southern Kentucky Chamber May luncheon
The event brought together local business leaders, elected officials, and community members for an afternoon of networking and updates on regional growth.
Highlighting the luncheon was guest speaker Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus. Razmus spoke on current developments in the city, community initiatives, and future plans in economic and civic progress.
'We did a great job this year with Scott Williamson at the helm. We decreased our debt by $500,000 in a year,' said Razmus. 'I think that's pretty impressive.'
Scott Williamson is Corbin's City Manager. Williamson was also the former mayor of the city, who served from 1993 to 2004.
Razmus emphasized on the tremendous growth in the community, and related it to having good infrastructure.
'You have to have good infrastructure,' Razmus stated. 'Having that in place is what makes us able to support these businesses, and homes.'
An update on US 25E was also given. Construction workers are gearing up to do the final coat on the North exit, which will be the final step to completion of the project.
Mayor Razmus then referenced back to the audit that was presented at last month's City Commissioners meeting.
'We had a clean audit,' said Razmus. 'We really got great marks all the way around.'
Razmus also stated the negative findings within The Corbin Arena of the past fiscal year, but emphasized that those issues have swiftly been solved.
'Everything is going really well there. We take your tax dollars very seriously, and we want to make sure that we use them to the best of everybody's benefit,' she said.
An expansion project for the Corbin Center was also revealed at the luncheon.
'Hopefully this time next year, this building will be double the size,' Razmus stated.
Senate President Robert Stivers has played a key role in the center's expansion project, helping secure funding that will allow the facility to double in size.
An update on the new hotel that is under construction next to the Corbin Center was also provided. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is expected to be available sometime in November, and is promised to be a state-of-the-art facility.
'This is a multi-million dollar project. This will draw a lot more traffic in the convention and trade show business,' said Razmus.
The SOAR Summit is set to return to Corbin August 25-26, bringing a renewed focus on economic growth and innovation in Eastern Kentucky.
During the luncheon, Mayor Razmus encouraged attendees to take part in the event and explore the many opportunities and initiatives offered by the nonprofit organization.
The introduction of new members of the chamber were then presented with plaques by those on the board.
Despite being unable to attend the afternoon luncheon, Cosmetology Elite Academy and The HoneyMill Event Venue were among those recognized.
Then the Ossoli Club of Corbin was recognized. Nettie Sosh and June Martin were recognized for their dedication to the area. Both were praised for their continued efforts in planning and presenting the annual May Day Festival.
Drives and Conveyors was the next to be recognized by the board. This business is a distributer for power transmissions that services the bourbon industry, coal, and lumber.
They also have another shop called D&C Machine, which is where they do welding and fabrication.
Julie Farris and Jason Allen were recognized on behalf of Drivers and Conveyors.
Lastly, Express Employment Professionals was recognized. This company is a staffing agency that helps connect job seekers with employers across a wide range of industries. Some of these industries include manufacturing, skilled trades, warehousing, and much more.
Operations Manager Raphael Baeta was in attendance on behalf of the company, and was presented with the plaque given by the chamber.
Tuesday's luncheon was sponsored by The Mint Gaming Hall in Williamsburg. Attendees enjoyed a catered lunch provided by Old Town Grill.
For more information on upcoming events or how to get involved, community members can visit the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce website or contact their office at (606) 528-6390.
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