Kentucky governor to visit Corbin June 19

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear will be visiting Corbin in just less than two weeks, and local officials are already making plans and possible alternate arrangements for what is sure to be a high interest event.

Beshear will be speaking at the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce monthly membership luncheon Tues., June 19 at the Corbin Center for Technology and Community Activities.

"We are very fortunate that the governor is going to be able to speak to our chamber and our region," said Bruce Carpenter, Executive Director of the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

"We extend an invitation to everyone in our region to attend and participate."

Carpenter said he hopes Beshear will speak discuss economic development and his efforts in bringing new industry to the state, but added other topics would likely be discussed.

Officials do not yet know if there will be a question an answer session at the end of Beshear’s speech.

Corbin Mayor Willard McBurney said he was excited to hear Beshear is visiting the city, and said the governor is always genuine and caring during meetings city officials have with him.

"He seems like he really cares, not only about our area but about all of Kentucky," McBurney said. "He’s been real receptive of us when we’ve talked to him about different issues. He’s very easy to talk to."

McBurney said there were no plans for city officials to give Beshear a tour of the city, but Carpenter is hoping there will be time in the governor’s schedule to discuss projects and ideas that are of concern in the area.

"We are hoping to have some time prior to our meeting to meet with him and give him an update on our region and our community and get his input," Carpenter said.

The Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s membership luncheon will begin at 11:45 a.m. Anyone planning to attend should RSVP by calling 606-528-6390 or emailing info@southernkychamber.com. Tickets for the event are $15 per person in advance, or $20 at the door.

Officials said that if attendance for the event appears to be more than the current venue can handle, it will be moved to The Arena.