Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program cut the ribbon Tuesday, Sept. 10 on its new headquarters in Hazard, celebrating not only a modern office space but also record-breaking results for the region’s workforce.
The new headquarters brings EKCEP’s leadership and administrative staff into a professional, accessible facility designed to serve the 23-county service area more effectively. Dozens of community leaders, board members, elected officials, and partners joined the ceremony.
“This new space reflects who we are as an organization and the pride we take in serving Eastern Kentucky,” said Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. “It’s a symbol of growth and commitment to the people we’ve been honored to serve for more than five decades.”
The celebration comes as EKCEP announced strong results based on an independent analysis of its Program Year 2023 (July 1, 2023 – June 20, 2024) performance conducted by Lightcast, a national leader in labor market analytics. According to the report, participants in EKCEP programs experienced $61.7 million in increased earnings during PY23. Those gains are projected to generate an additional $91.9 million in future state tax revenues, underscoring the long-term return on investment of workforce development in Eastern Kentucky.
“This is proof of the power of investing in people,” Carnes-Miller said. “Each dollar entrusted to our programs does more than connect someone to a job—it sparks lasting economic growth that strengthens families, supports employers, and uplifts entire communities across Eastern Kentucky.”
EKCEP Board Chair Gilbert Holland praised the significance of both the new office and the recent performance results during the agency’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Every dollar invested in EKCEP delivers a measurable impact,” Holland said. “For families across Eastern Kentucky, that means higher earnings, stronger job placements, and greater long-term opportunity. Today’s ribbon-cutting and these results together demonstrate a bright future for our region’s workforce.”
While EKCEP’s headquarters are based in Hazard, its impact extends across 23 Eastern Kentucky counties. That reach is made possible through the dedication of nine Community Action agency partners, which deliver direct career and employment services to job seekers and employers through the region’s Kentucky Career Center network.
“Our Community Action partners are essential to everything we do,” Carnes-Miller said. “They are the ones meeting people where they are—helping job seekers take their next step and helping employers find the talent they need. Their work makes our regional success possible.”
If you’re looking for work—or if your business needs help finding and retaining employees—contact your local Community Action agency. To learn more, visit ekcep.org.
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. EKCEP is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, along with various federal and state grants and private donations, and is a proud partner in the American Job Center network. Learn more at ekcep.org.