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How to avoid
the pitfalls of Estate Planning
 The
February regular meeting featured Steve Simmerman, Merrill Lynch
CPA, with tips on how to approach the daunting task of estate
planning. Simmerman's talk described ten common mistakes including
underestimating the size of an estate, having too simple a Will,
placing too much faith in a revocable living trust, dangers of
leaving all to your spouse or trying to avoid probate hassles
by putting everything in joint names with survivorship, owning
life insurance in your own name, forgetting to make provisions
for estates taxes and neglecting to update your plan regularly.
"A Mirror
of Memories" Memory Days theme
 Congratulations
to Kenneth Rice! Rice's entry was chosen as the theme for Grayson
Memory Days 2001. He receives $25, a tee shirt and button that
proclaim his theme and he will be recognized for his creativity
during the events opening ceremonies. Mark your calendars and
get the guest room ready as visitors old and new will be coming
to our community during the celebration that will last from May
19 - 27. Contact Robert Caummisar, Memory Days Coordinator, if
you have questions about this wonderful event.
Executive
Secretary retires after 14 years
 After
many years of faithful and effective service to our Chamber of
Commerce, our long time Executive Secretary C. W. Stevens has
resigned. Stevens' tenure with the organization spanned fourteen
years. During this time, his insight and leadership helped set
the stage for many new businesses to open their doors in Grayson.
We salute his many contributions to the economic growth of our
community and thank him for his dedication to the Chamber's mission
and goals.
Program describes
State of School District
 Superintendent
of Carter County Schools Larry Prichard treated the Chamber to
a comprehensive review of the accomplishments and goals of the
county's education system. The largest employer in the county
with 785 employees, the school system generates a payroll of
nearly $20.04 annually into the county.
Prichard described
the proficiency standards and performance expectations by which
students and schools are evaluated. A highlight of the presentation
was the degree to which computers and technology have been integrated
and their impact upon students and learning potential.
Kentucky Afield host delivers keynote
 The Annual Awards Banquet
of the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce was an elegant evening
of celebration and community spirit. Tim Farmer, host of KET's
Kentucky Afield, was the featured speaker at the event
which honors citizens for their outstanding contributions to
the Grayson community. Click here to read about the Year 2000 honorees.
Beyond the lights
of the camera, Farmer has overcome obstacles with a mix of determination
and humor. The host, a native of Carter County, was happy to
share stories of his travels with the Chamber.Click
here
to learn more about Kentucky Afield.
Motivation key point of November address
 Bob Gunung of Fitness
Trainers delivered a powerful and inspirational talk to the members
at the November regular meeting. Genung described the benefits
of taking control of your life, your health and your time. He
suggested members determine what is important to them and create
a workable plan -- just as you would when approaching a task
at business -- to work toward those goals. Our thanks to Mr.
Gunung for sharing his insight and encouraging members to explore
the benefits that come from adopting a positive outlook toward
all aspects of life and work.
Harvest Adopt-a-Spot
winners announced
 Winners
of the Harvest theme in the Grayson Beautification contest were
presented awards November 1, 2000. The entrants were judged by
the Bud-n-Bloom Garden Club of Grayson.The GACC thanks President
Lisa Mohrman and club members for their enthusiasm and participation
with this year long program. Ross Realty was the winner of the
best business display (amateur) and Cooke's Florist took top
honors in the business professional division. Prichard Elementary
garnered the award among schools and Oak Grove Church of Christ
nabbed the unique "Beautification Birdhouse" trophy
among area churches. The next contest will be for the Holiday
theme and will be judged December 3 - 9, 2000. Click here to jump to details about
entering the upcoming competition.
Fiscal court
denies library district: 6 - 0
 Magistrate
Jack Dinkins voiced the motion that killed the opportunity for
Carter County to join the ranks of the other 118 counties in
the Commonwealth who have publicly funded libraries. The unanimous
vote, five magistrates plus that of Judge Executive Alice J.
Binion, was rendered November 3, 2000 at a special session of
the Carter County Fiscal Court. The magistrates began the meeting
by entering additional facts into the record. The "findings
of fact" adopted by the court are the basis by which they
make their decision. County Attorney Michael Fox once again described
the importance that certifiable and quantifiable data be used
in their decision making process. Fox stressed that while public
opinion on the issue was an important factor that other elements
must be considered as well to keep the court's decision from
being overturned.
The Grayson Area
Chamber of Commerce supports the formation of a library district
and recognizes the impact such institutions would have on the
economic and cultural future of our communities. Click here to jump to the addresses
and phone numbers of your local magistrates to express your opinion
on the courts ruling.
October meeting
gets back to nature
 Frogs,
snakes and the beauty of native orchids were presented at the
October meeting by a team of biologists from East Kentucky Power
Cooperative in Winchester, Ky. Jeff Hohman and Joy O'Keefe described
the cooperatives efforts to catalog and preserve the habitats
of the various species of flora and fauna that live beneath the
company's power lines. Chamber members were treated to a beautiful
slide presentation and received posters featuring the plants
and animals discussed. The event was so popular that WGOH Go
Radio featured some native frog calls the next day on their morning
show. The program was sponsored by Grayson Rural Electric Cooperative
Corporation a Touchstone Energy Cooperative™.
Funds &
projects reach Carter and Elliott
 Rocky
Adkins, State Representative of the 99th District and the Elliott
County Chamber of Commerce were honored guests at the September
regular meeting. Representative Adkins remarks centered on the
importance of cities and counties thinking and acting regionally
to bring about the changes necessary for Eastern Kentucky communities
to compete with more urban areas for business and industry. He
also discussed items included in the 2000 budget that are coming
to our part of the state. "It helps to have people in Frankfort
who know where Hitchins, Olive Hill and Grayson are," he
said.
Grayson industrial
opportunities overlooked
 A
recent search of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development's
web site for information on industrial sites showed no mention
of Grayson or Carter County. The city's close proximity to the
EastPark site as well as the Industrial Parkway I-64 exit being
in Carter County was overlooked. Data about the facility was
only available via Boyd and Greenup searches. There was no mention
of the Johnson-Goble site which sits directly off I-64 and within
the city limits.
Thanks to Representative
Robin Webb and Chamber President Roger Fannin the woefully inadequate
listing has been brought up to date. Click
here
to read all about the four Carter County sites.
Interstate
64 overpass to become six lanes
 The
bridge that carries 1 & 7 traffic over Interstate 64 will
be extended to support six lanes. The lowest bid for the job,
$3,684,253.76 was submitted by Judy Construction Company. Expect
work to begin as soon as telephone lines and other utilities
are relocated for the project. Much of the construction is expected
to take place at night.
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Vote for your favorite Grayson slogan in the Chamber Web Poll! Click the icon to jump to the Public Relations page and cast your ballot! Don't worry -- it's 100% butterfly free.
Congratulations to our Honorees! Click here to read the distinguished list.
This Daily Independent Editorial describes the positive, progressive message that the creation of a library district would send to business and industry considering relocating in Carter County.
