Mountain Association

10/08/2026

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is generating interest across rural America, but is it the right fit for your community?

Join us in a free online workshop on Wednesday, November 4 from 11am-12pm for an honest conversation about the pros and cons of EV charger installations in Rural Kentucky.

Hear from Powell County and about other rural KY communities, along with Mountain Association’s energy experts, on their firsthand experience planning, funding, installing, and operating EV charging stations. Learn what worked, what didn’t, and the best paths forward!

Designed for community & business leaders, economic development and tourism professionals, and community stakeholders.

Register here 📣 https://mtassociation.org/ev/

10/08/2026

We’re celebrating 50 years of service in Eastern Kentucky by raising $50,000!

When 1,000 people give $50, it helps:

🏗️ A new business get one-on-one support to open its doors.
💵 An existing business keep its doors open via our energy saving services.
📣 A community project get off the ground.

And it allows the new story about Appalachia to take root.

Give today 👉 mtassociation.org/donate

10/06/2026

Kentucky small business owners 📣

Join us Monday, October 12 from 3:30-4:30PM for a free online workshop: “What 40 Hours Did for My Business.”

This workshop will feature business owner Courtney Allen, the owner of Believe Fitness Studio in London, as well as two Kentucky-based business consultants. This discussion will highlight how Courtney has been able to use 40+ hours of expert assistance through Mountain Association to take her business to the next level with branding, diversifying revenue sources, and business coaching.

Register here 👉 https://mtassociation.org/workshop/

Want a preview before hearing directly from Courtney at our October workshop? Check out our latest client highlight! 👉 https://mtassociation.org/business-support/what-40-hours-did-for-my-business-a-client-highlight/

10/05/2026

"Appalachia has often been defined by what it lacks. Those of us who call it home know a different story. We are creative, determined, ingenious, and generous. We are innovators and problem-solvers, workers, and builders. Above all, we are neighbors, bound together by a deep commitment to one another and to this place.

The challenges facing our region are real. But Mountain Association was founded on a belief that remains just as powerful today as it was in 1976: local people, equipped with the right resources and opportunities, can build stronger communities and a more prosperous future."

Hear more reflections from Robin Gabbard, Mountain Association's President, in this new piece 🌄

Like many Appalachians, my story is woven into the history of our mountains and the communities that call them home. I chose to spend my career serving Eastern Kentucky because I believe in the people and places that shaped me.

10/03/2026

HAZARD, KY -- Join K4ED and community partners on 11/12 (Thursday) at the Perry County Public Library for our next data center community workshop to learn the facts, ask questions, and explore how we can participate in upcoming decisions that shape our entire community.

During this workshop, we'll discuss:
⚡ What data centers are
🏘️ How they may impact local communities, energy use, and infrastructure
🗣️How residents can be a part of the local data center regulation process
✅ Practical ways to stay informed and engaged

Registration is not required, but is encourages so we may plan accordingly. To register, simply visit our ActionNetwork link at: https://tinyurl.com/K4EDPerryDC2

Dinner will be provided!
This event is free and open to the public.
Please feel free to message us if you have any accessibility accommodations.

Bring a friend and join us for an evening of learning and conversation about the future of our communities!

10/01/2026

For 50 years, the Mountain Association has worked alongside people across Appalachia—supporting the big ideas coming from our hills and hollers.

Across the region, we are:

🏗️Building thriving small businesses
💵Restoring local economies
⭐Investing in new energy and resiliency
💪Creating stronger, more connected communities

Now, we’re celebrating 50 years of service to this work by setting a goal to raise $50,000.

Give $50 and be part of what comes next.

👉 mtassociation.org/donate

09/30/2026

⚡ PSC DENIES FULL PARTICIPATION TO GROUPS REPRESENTING KENTUCKY POWER CUSTOMERS

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has denied a request from three stakeholder groups to intervene as full parties in an upcoming audit of Kentucky Power’s management and operations. The groups are the Appalachian Citizens' Law Center, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth and Mountain Association. The PSC’s docket confirms the groups sought full intervention in August.

The decision means the groups will not be able to participate as intervenors by filing testimony and presenting evidence during the audit process. They will not be entirely excluded, however. The PSC included provisions for the independent auditor to interview the groups as the scope of the audit is developed.

The organizations say they represent low-income and energy-burdened residents, along with churches, volunteer fire departments and small businesses in Kentucky Power’s Eastern Kentucky service territory. The same groups have participated in previous Kentucky Power proceedings before the PSC.

Source: Kentucky Lantern

09/30/2026

What can 40+ hours of expert business support do for a small business? 👀

For Courtney Allen, owner of Believe Fitness Studio in London, Kentucky, it has brought a stronger brand and new systems, and a foundation for future growth.

Through Mountain Association's Business Support program, Courtney partnered with local experts at S Media and Misty Lakes Coaching to refresh her brand, launch new digital tools for members, strengthen team communication, streamline operations, and develop a CEO mindset.

Join us to hear firsthand from Courtney and her consultants, Monday, October 12 from 3:30-4:30 PM at our FREE workshop.🔗 Register today: https://mtassociation.org/workshop

Want a preview before hearing directly from Courtney at our October workshop? Check out our latest client highlight 👉 https://mtassociation.org/business-support/what-40-hours-did-for-my-business-a-client-highlight/

09/28/2026

We're excited to help host this tour on October 15 in Floyd County! 🚌🚌

What's Next EKY introduces Learning Journeys, day-long gatherings that bring our network to a community to learn, connect, and be inspired by what neighbors across Eastern Kentucky are building.

Our first stop: Floyd County. Floyd County has powerful stories of recovery and reinvention. We're going to hear their story from the people who know it best, local residents, community leaders, and changemakers who've been doing this work through the hardest of times.

📅 October 15, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Mountain Arts Center, Prestonsburg

Join us! Space is limited. Registration is $25; scholarships are available. Lunch and tour transportation included.

This Learning Journey is supported by Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange, a statewide network uniting Kentuckians in common purpose. Thank you RUX!

Register: mtassociation.tfaforms.net/5002785?tfa_3=701Ut00001FfSf7

09/25/2026

Coming up in Whitesburg! Let's find ways to save!

Do you own a small business or sit on leadership on a local church?

Come join us for our last First Tuesdays Conversations of the year. This month we will hear from Josh Bills with Mountain Association. Hope you will come join us for dinner on October 6 at the Letcher County Extension Office.