2022 Chamber Magazine & Directory

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

06 ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

08 22 THINGS TO DO IN 2022

10 CYNTHIANA AT A GLANCE

12 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS

16 SEEKING OPPORTUNITY IN A SMALL TOWN

by Theresa Wagner Brandenburg

20 POISED FOR SUCCESS, 6 TRENDS TO IMPACT OUR FUTURE

by James Smith

24 CYNTHIANA ICONS

40 JOE JOE HINTON

42 OPEN FOR BUSINESS - THE SURGE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Emerson Steel Boutique

54 MEMBER DIRECTORY



JOIN WHY SHOULD I JOIN

TODAY! THE CHAMBER?

"THIS IS A QUESTION WE
What do our members in Cynthiana and Harrison County get for
their investment? On top of the many benefits you have seen

HEAR OFTEN, AND THE
before, members get a group of people who wake up in the
morning and go to sleep at night thinking of ways to help their
QUESTION REALLY IS, businesses or organizations find new markets. They get an

'WHY SHOULDN’T I JOIN
organization that watches trends and regulations locally and

THE CHAMBER?' nationally, works to communicate these things to them, and
connects them with city hall, the courthouse, Frankfort, and

Washington D.C on items that impact their bottom line. They get

CHAMBERS ARE GOOD
to belong to an association of over 230 other businesses and

FOR BUSINESS. PERIOD." organizations that believe that together, their voice is stronger
and that prosperity and success are contagious.

WRITTEN BY Throughout the years, our chamber has been a driving force
TOMI JEAN CLIFFORD behind some of the most exciting, groundbreaking, and time-
tested community changes, projects, initiatives, and ideas. We
work closely with Cynthiana Main Street, City and County
Government, and Economic Development to both grow our
community economically and increase the quality of life.

Becoming a member of our chamber is more than just joining an
organization - It's investing in your community, in the future, and
in the growth of your business or organization.

pg. 2

Donate Today!

CYNTHIANA HARRISON COUNTY Pictured: Tomi Jean Clifford, Mandy Thornton, Bonnie Teater,
CHAMBER FOUNDATION Zack Fryman, Jessi Ahlers, Brett Hines, Not Pictured Rebecca Jenkins.

The Cynthiana Harrison County Chamber There are several ways to donate

Foundation was founded in March of 2019 to
promote, support, and encourage community towards the splash pad project.

outreach and development. The foundation is a

501c3 branch of the Cynthiana Harrison County Visit Online today at:
Chamber of Commerce, with a separate board of

directors. bgcf.givingfuel.com/donate-now

In 2019, the board of directors created a five-year & select the Cynthiana
strategic plan for the foundation. The first part of

the plan was to aid in the development of a splash Harrison County Chamber

pad at Flat Run Veterans Park here in Cynthiana. Splash Pad Fund.
The foundation has raised $110,000 towards the

project to date and in addition to the $100,000

City of Cynthiana commitment and the $87,500 You can also go to

matching grant through the Land and Water smile.amazon.com
Conservation Fund, a total of $297,968 has been

raised. The foundation has also applied for several & select the Cynthiana Harrison

grants to assist in the development. The current County Chamber Trust Inc
estimate for the splash pad is between

$500-$750,000. The foundation has been working as your charity.

closely with city and county officials to hopefully For each purchase made,
develop the splash pad by spring of 2023. The
goal is to provide a free, community splash pad at Amazon will donate a percentage


Flat Run Veteran’s Park that will benefit Cynthiana to our foundation.

and Harrison County for years to come. pg. 3

Developing Future Leaders

Leadership Harrison County is a leadership program designed for community members who are interested
in strengthening their leadership skills and investing in their community. This nine-month program introduces
participants to different business sectors in the community as well as develops leadership skill sets. The
program meets one day each month from September through May. An overnight retreat is held in
September where classmates stay at Camp McKee in Mt Sterling and participate in a ropes course, learn
their leadership styles and work on problem-solving. After that, each day in the following months is divided
into morning class work where the focus is on supervising skills, conflict management, developing a
presentation for public speaking, and other leadership skills.

Growth

& Development

The afternoon is spent touring different facilities around the
community to learn more about Cynthiana and Harrison
County and all that they have to offer. Throughout the year,
the class also works together on a class project, a project
they choose that will make an impact in the community. In
2018, the class chose to develop the Cynthiana sign at the
roundabout. In 2019, the class created a nice music stage
trailer to be used by the community for events such as the
summer concert series, relay for life, and other live music
events. The program ends with a class trip to Cincinnati and
a graduation ceremony at the May Chamber Luncheon.

If you are interested in enhancing
your leadership skill set to grow within your company,
applications/nominations open in May of each year.
You can access the application or nomination form via
our website, www.cynthianakychamber.com

pg. 4

The
Chamber
Ambassador
Program

The Chamber Ambassador

Program is a way to

encourage your employees to

be more present in the

community and volunteer with

the chamber throughout the

year. Ambassadors often help

pass out information to

businesses, volunteer at events

throughout the year and

attend luncheons.

Get
Involved
Today!

Ambassadors are the spokesmen and women of

the chamber and encourage others to join and

get involved with the chamber and the

community. An Ambassador of the Year award is

given each year at our annual awards ceremony.
If you are interested in becoming an

ambassador, email [email protected]

pg. 5

April July October

April 27th- Chamber Legislative Breakfast July 2nd-Rotary’s Fabulous Fourth
October 1st-Witches Night Out
Celebration
April 30th- Chamber Meet the Candidates October 17-21 Cynthiana Chamber Week
Event- 4H Grounds July 8th- Cynthiana Summer Concert Series

featuring HoneyChild Thriller on Main
April 23 & 24 - Cynthiana Home & Garden
Show July 16th-23rd-Harrison County Fair Events every weekend throughout

October
July 30th-Cynthiana Bike Fest
Cynthiana Ghost Walks-Fridays/Saturdays

in October

May August November

May 13th- Bogey’s and Stogies Chamber
August 12th- Cynthiana Summer Concert
November 4th and 5th-Downtown Open

Golf Scramble Series featuring Boogie G and the
House
May 13th- Cynthiana Summer Concert
Titantics November 5th-Harvesting for the

Series featuring Five Below August 27th-Cynthiana Rod Run Holidays Festival
November 7-13th- National Kindness

June September Week- Cynthiana Stands Together Week
November 26th-Shop Small Saturday
June 10th- Cynthiana Summer Concert
September 9th-Cynthiana Main

Series featuring The Swerve. Street’s Farm to Table Dinner December
June 22nd - Ashford Acres After Hours
September 13th- Chamber Breakout

Networking Event Leadership Conference- Rohs Opera
December 2nd-Annual Tree Lighting
House December 3rd-Annual Christmas Parade

pg. 6

pg. 7

22 THINGS

1. Canoe or Kayak the scenic Licking River. Pick up a Licking River
Brochure from the brochure rack outside of the Chamber office or
Courthouse. Keep a lookout for our newly placed historical distillery
markers along the way!

2. Take a Walking Tour from Award-Winning Storytellers at Rohs.
Rohs Opera House offers a History and Headstones tour, Beyond the
Bricks tour, Behind the Curtains tour, and seasonal Ghost Walk. For
more information visit their website at www.rohsoperahouse.com

3. Visit the Cynthiana Harrison County Museum. Spend hours
stepping back into history at our local museum, located on Walnut
Street. It’s a must-see!

4. Take a Hike at Quiet Trails Nature Preserve. Located off of
Pughs Ferry Road, This mile trek down to the Licking River is beautiful
any time of the year. Pack a picnic and stop at the picnic shelter on
the way down.

5. Visit the Harrison County Farmers Market. Located at Flat Run
Veterans Park, the Farmers Market has everything from soaps to
vegetables and meats available from May-October, Every Saturday
Morning 9am-1pm.

6. Play a round of disc golf at Flat Run Veterans Park. Grab your
discs and head out to compete with friends! Need to borrow a disc
set? You can check them out at the Cynthiana Harrison County Public
Library with your library card!

7. Take the Historical Churches Tour. This self-guided tour takes
you to several historical churches throughout the downtown area.
You can find brochures outside of the Chamber office or the
courthouse.

8. Visit the Sunflower Field and Stepping Stone Farm. Peak
sunflower time is late June through July each year. Perfect for photos
and a sight to see!

9. Walk the Main Street Mile. Beginning at the Main Street Pocket
Park, this Cynthiana Main Street Program takes you around
downtown and past the local eateries and boutiques in a one-mile
walk.

10. Visit Griffith Woods. Griffith Woods boasts the state’s largest
Chinquapin Oak tree at 309 inches in circumference and 69 feet tall!

11. Find your Dream Car at Cynthiana Rod Run. This annual cruise
boasts over 1500 classic cars, motorcycles, and more in downtown
Cynthiana in August.

pg. 8

TO DO IN 2022

TO DO IN 2022

12. Go Geocaching. Take up geocaching! A fun treasure hunt that has
locations around the world. There are over thirty active geocaches right
here in Harrison County.

13. Attend the County Fair. Nothing says, "rural small town", like the
County Fair. Catch a greased pig, eat a funnel cake, and relive your
childhood in July at the Harrison County Fair.

14. Visit Walking Dead locations with our site map tour. Pick up a
brochure from outside of the Chamber office or the courthouse and
visit key locations from the original comic book series, 'The Walking
Dead.'

15. Attend the Cynthiana Summer Concert Series. Concerts take
place on the second Friday of each month, running from May till August
in downtown Cynthiana. Live music, great food and drinks, a kid's area,
and more! One of the most well-attended events of the year.

16. Take a scenic drive in the fall to check out the foliage. Cynthiana
is the #1 Fall destination in Kentucky for a reason. Take the country
roads to view the leaves and finish with a drive through town to see
over 500 skeletons on display.

17. Take a food/drink tour around town. Create your own food/drink
tour by trying out the signature food or drinks at our locally-owned
restaurants. Ask them their favorites- you will likely find a new favorite
for yourself!

18. Take a tour of the old jail located on Pike Street. This jail was still
in use in the 1980s. Learn more about the history of the jail and take a
step back in time.

19. Do the Muraled City tour. There are over thirty murals in
downtown Cynthiana. Grab a brochure and get those Instagram photos
with friends!

20. Picnic in the Park. Pack a picnic or pick up food from a local
restaurant and have a picnic at one of our four public parks.

21. Plan a Visit to Ashford Acres Inn for Christmas on the Farm-This
annual event in December is straight out of a Hallmark Movie, with
vendors, a petting zoo, lights, food, carriage rides, and more.

22. Be the Main Character. Live that main character lifestyle as you sip
coffee at our local independent bookstore, The Next Chapter, then stroll
down the streets while music plays through the downtown speaker
system. Cynthiana is the perfect backdrop for those social posts and
daydreaming!

pg. 9

CYNTHIANA
1. aatt aa ggllaannccee

Cynthiana Population: 6,333
Harrison County Population:

18,692

2.

Median Home Price: $146,800

3.

Median Household Income:
In Cynthiana, $38,526
In Harrison County, $50,270

4.

30 miles from Lexington,
75 miles from Cincinnati & Louisville

5.

60% of US Population is
within 600 miles of Cynthiana

pg. 10

MHaI SrTkO ReIrC A LI
nD IiStTiIaL LtEiRvYe

In 2018, The Cynthiana-Harrison

County Chamber of Commerce

began the process of establishing

historical markers for our four

historic distillery locations in

Harrison County. Funds were raised

for the project by selling limited-

edition T-shirts with the original

labels of the four historic and most

well-known Harrison County

distilleries: Poindexter, Vanhook, Old

A.Keller, and Old Lewis Hunter.

In 2020, the markers went into

production with Riverbend Designs

and were installed in the Spring of

2021 with the help of the Mayor of

Cynthiana and the Harrison County

Road Department. The markers go

hand in hand with the featured

Distillery Mural, located on Walnut

Street. The Mural was commissioned

by the Cynthiana Arts Council and

completed by Lexington artist,

Jerielle Hanlon. Hanlon used only
three base colors
to complete the
replica mural.





To View The Historical Markers:



Start at the Distillery Mural:
218 South Walnut Street
in downtown Cynthiana.



Vanhook Distillery Marker:
104 Water Works Avenue,
behind Field and Main Bank.



Old Lewis Hunter: 5094 Old Lair Rd.



Poindexter: 3301 Poindexter Rd.



A.Keller: 925 A.Keller Dam Rd

Heartbeat Award Business Of The Year
BRIAN KINNEY PRIMO SMILES DENTAL

Citizen Of The Year Health Care Professional 2021 Presidential Recognition
LOURENA JUDY Of The Year GINNI MARSHALL

DR. GREGORY COOPER



IMCPOAMCMT AUWNAITRYDS

Educator Agriculturalists Public Safety

Of The Year Of The Year Professional Of The Year
JEAN JONES
THOMAS FARMS, LLC NATHAN LINVILLE

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS

2
0
2
1

pg. 14

pg. 15

SEEKING OPPORTUNITY

in a small town

by Theresa Wagner Brandenburg

Some may scratch their heads at that

statement, because very often we hear of

people moving away from here in search of

opportunity, believing that this small town has

no opportunity to offer. And I get that because

I lived here from 1989-2004 and I used to agree.

However, after moving away to Lexington and

then to Cincinnati, I realized I’d not have had

any of the opportunities I’ve had in my life if it

weren’t for the hard work of people in

Cynthiana, who provided opportunities for our

town. I was among the first group of people to

attend Maysville Community College’s Licking

Valley Campus. Back then, we didn’t have a big

building to visit. We attended classes at various

locations throughout town. I attended part-time

because as a single mom, I had to work while I

took classes. As others may understand, I had

government assistance at that time, and my

caseworker helped me get a part-time job filing

papers at the Harrison County Child Support

Office and later as a Biology lab assistant at
MCTC. Thanks to these people and their
support, I graduated and received a partial

scholarship to the University of Kentucky, which

led me to move to Lexington, where I became a

middle school teacher.

"This is opportunity.

The best part is that it is an opportunity within a vibrant


community that is eager to reach out to support others."

After living in Lexington for seven years, I


moved to Cincinnati, excited to move to a “real


city with so much to do.” That’s where I met my


husband, Kevin. What I learned there was


invaluable and I’d not trade it for the world, but


do you know what comes with “so much to do?”


Traffic, noise, and overcrowding. We loved


Cincinnati and always will, but being there made


us realize that having things to do isn’t as fun


without community.

During my time away, I often came back to visit


family and friends in Cynthiana. In 2016, I began


talking about moving back. At that time, Kevin


wasn't sure about it. He had a great clientele


base in the Greater Cincinnati area and at that


time he wasn’t sure we should move. I’d nod,


pray some more, and continue searching and


saving properties on Zillow and let the idea go.
"After moving away to Lexington and

My husband always talked about opening a

shop of his own again and I’d occasionally
then to Cincinnati, I realized I’d not

suggest Cynthiana as an option.

One day in 2021, we took a day trip to
have had any of the opportunities I’ve

Cynthiana so Kevin could see what was


happening here. We walked around downtown, had in my life if it weren’t for the

ate lunch at The Burley Market, shopped at a

few of the shops in town, and met Stan and


Toby at Uniques. We had a wonderful time
hard work of people in Cynthiana."
visiting!

That day, as we were driving home, he asked, “Do you really think we could do well here?” I told him I did. I saw people

here working hard to build community and more opportunities here and I told him I thought we should be part of it. That’s

when he said, “Let’s do it.”
In June 2022, we put our old farmhouse by the Ohio River on the market. We found our old house on Miller Street that

was beautifully restored by Mark Taylor and moved in on July 1. We made fast friends with our neighbors. Breanna Moss

made us a delicious chocolate eclair cake to welcome us back home. Debbie Biddle is always an absolute joy who often

leaves fun surprises on our porch for our daughter and grandchildren. Taryn Wilson never fails to smile and chat with us

when she sees us. Because of Taryn, we were connected with Mary Todd Ashbrook who connected us with Josh and A.C.

Vest and now we have opened Pike Street Tattoo and Radicle Concepts, across from Rohs Opera House. This would have

been impossible to accomplish in less than a year in the Cincinnati area and impossible to accomplish without the

community support here.
Our daughter is homeschooled and has asked for years to volunteer at an animal shelter. Where we lived, it was very

difficult to get connected or to even find out whether children could volunteer, so after sending several emails, we

eventually gave up. Here, she was graciously welcome by the people at Flora Shropshire Animal Shelter and Helping

Hounds Find Homes. She’s taking art classes with local artist Shane Hunt and has plans to take martial arts classes at

Larry Mattox’s dojo on Pike Street. She’s a reptile enthusiast and Eastside Elementary School has graciously invited her to
do a reptile show for the children there.
This is opportunity.
The best part is that it is an opportunity within a vibrant community that is eager to reach out to support others. This is

why our story isn’t just about us and the opportunity we were seeking. We could do that anywhere. Our story also includes

the people mentioned here, along with many more. No one gets anywhere on their own. We sure haven’t. Community

matters and we are immensely grateful for the community here.
Kevin has been amazed by the kindness and generosity of the people here and I just smile at him and say, “Well, Honey,

that’s Cynthiana for you.”

CHAMBER PROMOTIONS

The Cynthiana-Harrison County

Chamber of Commerce holds
several promotions throughout

the year to increase foot traffic

and visibility for businesses.

Promotional Events:

JANUARY - MARCH:
Cynthiana Influencer

Contest

AUGUST:
Back to School Shopping

Event with Cynthiana Main

Street

OCTOBER:
Shelley the Skelly
Cynthiana Chamber Week

NOVEMBER:
Shop Small Promotion
World Kindness

Week/Cynthiana Stands

Together

DECEMBER:
Henley the Chamber Elf



For more information on how to participate,

email us at [email protected]
or visit our website at

www.cynthianakychamber.com

pg. 18

BULLARD SMITH INSURERS BATTLE GROVE
CEMETERY

Rohs Opera House - 151 years CYNTENNIAL
Harrison Memorial Hospital - 116 years
CLUB
Poindexter Lumber Company-114 years

Vanhook Hardware - 119 years
Cynthiana Democrat- 154 years
Smith Insurers - 122 years
Bianckes - 128 years
Kentucky Farm Bureau - 103 years
Bullard - 124 years
Battle Grove Cemetery - 154 years




HARRISON MEMORIAL

HOSPITAL

ROHS OPERA HOUSE POINDEXTER CYNTHIANA
LUMBER COMPANY DEMOCRAT

KENTUCKY BIANCKE'S VANHOOKS
FARM BUREAU HARDWARE

FPOOISRED
SUCCESS

6 TRENDS TO IMPACT

OUR FUTURE

written by James Smith

Cynthiana, Ky has experienced a revival over the last seven
to nine years with a local economy that was growing at
approximately 7% per year prior to COVID. Even during the
years of COVID (2020-2021), Cynthiana continued to add
new businesses and new jobs. What was once a
deteriorating and empty downtown business district has
bounced back and is almost at capacity with new businesses
opening monthly. Manufacturing has expanded along with
the retail sector in the US 27 South area. More lots in the
Cynthiana-Harrison County business park have sold in the
last few years than in similar time periods since opening.

NO GOING BACK DOWNTOWN IS Sometimes maintaining momentum is harder than
COOL AGAIN getting a recovery going. Can Cynthiana grow even
RISE IN THE
more? Can the recovery continue? Local leaders are
ENTREPRENEUR QUALITY OF
hopeful because of trends that are not just fueling the
MILLENNIALS
PLACE IS DRIVING
turnaround but driving it as well. In a local presentation
RISING ECONOMIC
to the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor James Smith
FOCUS ON LOCAL DEVELOPMENT listed 6 trends that are impacting Cynthiana and should
continue to shape the Maiden City’s future growth and
development.

pg. 20

Trend # 1 - No Going Back - Change is Here to Stay! Over the last few years, Cynthiana has embraced change and that has fueled
a new enthusiasm for growth. Coffee shops, boutiques, and even a microbrewery are new businesses that are attracting young
professionals to return “home” and settle down. Many of these new businesses are connecting with changes in technologies that
didn’t exist a few decades ago. It may have taken change a while to come, but now that it’s here there is no going back.

Trend # 2 - The Rise of the Entrepreneur! In 2016, small businesses employed almost 44% of the Kentucky workforce. Over the
last few years, small businesses created more net jobs than larger employers. Small towns, like Cynthiana, are well suited for
small businesses. Much of the economic growth Cynthiana has experienced recently has been from entrepreneurs starting in a
small business. Even though 20% of most small businesses fail within 1 year nationally, Cynthiana seems to be bucking that trend
as businesses take root and grow. Many small businesses started in just the last few years are already expanding, even during the
COVID years which have been tough on businesses of all sizes.

Trend # 3 - Millennials Rising! After the Baby Boomer generation, the next largest
generation of Americans are the Millennials, born between 1981 to 1996. As the
Boomers begin to retire in larger numbers, Millennials are becoming the economic
powerhouses that will power cities like Cynthiana for the next several decades. This
generation is in the stage of life where they are establishing families, opening up
businesses, moving back to small towns, and getting involved. They are already
exerting their tastes and likes on the housing market, on the retail market, and in the
quality-of-life areas that distinguish small towns. COVID has served to accelerate
their move back to small towns as they have found that towns like Cynthiana have
the slower pace of life that a pandemic showed their life in the bigger cities was
lacking.

Trend # 4 - Quality of Place is Driving Economic Development! For years it was
thought that only larger cities could provide the quality of life that would attract
economic investment. Many people moved to larger cities but had trouble finding
those quality places within the hustle and bustle of urban areas. At the same time,
cities like Cynthiana started to focus on quality-of-life issues. Cynthiana is ahead of
the game. Varied activities, a thriving nightlife, parks and recreation opportunities,
entertainment, murals, and ever-expanding broadband has made small towns a
quality place to live, work, and raise a family. With a greater need to connect with
others, small towns like Cynthiana are pulling people back together into a place that’s
small enough for you to get to know your neighbors and see friends every time you
go to the store or to the local theater.



Trend # 5 - Focus on Local! How many times have we seen or heard the plea to “shop local?” It’s be
come a national rallying cry. Studies have
shown that 90% of consumers will switch brands to support a good cause. With customers wanting to shop small and shop local, towns like
Cynthiana and the myriad of small businesses that they boast are poised to capitalize on this “focus of local.” How much more local can you get
than buying from your neighbor’s store or the person you sit next to at church?

Trend # 6 - Downtown is Cool Again! In the 80’s and 90’s the downtowns of rural communities across America were dying. Many had more
empty storefronts than thriving businesses and many were full of rundown, dilapidated buildings that owners refused to put more money into
to keep in good repair. That began to change a few years ago in Cynthiana and similar small towns. Younger people began to move to
downtown and property owners changed. Roofs started to be fixed and fronts started to be repaired and painted. Downtown became cool
again. It’s where people wanted to live, shop, eat, and play. Events started to happen again. This trend will continue as more and more
buildings are rehabbed and more “cool” places to go are opened.

It is difficult to deny the
fact that Cynthiana has
changed greatly over the
last six to seven years. A
civic pride has returned
that is noticeable. How
far can Cynthiana ride
the waves of this
recovery? Only time will
tell. If the above 6
trends continue to fuel
the Maiden City’s
comeback, Cynthiana
will continue to grow
and prosper.





“It had always been a dream of
Ashford Acres Inn is an historic central Kentucky wedding venue and
mine to renovate an old house.
bed and breakfast. Hosting guests since 2016, the Inn has prevailed
When Annastasia told me she was
as a must-stop destination for out-of-state tourists, a top-rated event
interested in pursuing event
venue for engaged couples, and a hub for local residents to gather.
planning after graduating from
Occupying a house built in 1858, sitting on 64 acres of rolling
bluegrass hills, the inn is the perfect backdrop for the quintessential
college, I jumped on the
Kentucky memory.
opportunity to do something

together with this home. We had
Sonia Kirkman purchased the property in 2015 and immediately
one conversation and never
began planning the renovation of the house and building a new
business with her sister and Inn Executive Director, Annastasia Hicks.
looked back!”
“It had always been a dream of mine to renovate an old house. When
Sonia Kirkman - Owner Annastasia told me she was interested in pursuing event planning
after graduating from college, I jumped on the opportunity to do
Cynthiana Icons something together with this home. We had one conversation and
never looked back!” said Kirkman.

The completely renovated main house has four bedroom suites all
with private bathrooms. Detached from the main house is a Garden
Suite, which sits on the lawn occupying the space where the
smokehouse once stood. All rooms have king beds with the option of
adding a connecting room to the Maple Suite. Breakfast is
complimentary to all overnight guests, who are welcome to enjoy
their meal at a table in one of the dining rooms or in their suite. Often
guests are found relaxing on the veranda or the front porch while
they enjoy the Kentucky scenery, or they may be found wandering
down a path toward the back of the property past a large, ancient
tobacco barn to a quaint pond. If guests would like to enjoy dinner
during their stay, that is an opportunity not to pass up! With an
extensive menu and an allowance for all food preferences and
allergies, the Inn staff works hard to make sure each guest enjoys
every bite in a luxurious, and often private, atmosphere.

pg. 24

In 2018 Hicks and Kirkman decided to add another structure to the property in order to better serve wedding
clients. The towering, white and black Event Barn now stands to the left of the main house, providing a versatile
space for wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as private events. With a large veranda, a commercial
kitchen, and public bathrooms, the space can hold up to 300 guests.

“The Event Barn really elevated the options we are able to provide to our wedding clients. In 2021 we hosted 56
weddings! It was a crazy year and a lot of hard work, but I was so proud of our staff for successfully pulling it off.
This year we added a gazebo to our side lawn, which is another ceremony location. It has always been important to
us that we give our clients options to choose from. It’s what sets us apart. Our wedding clients can really build a
completely unique wedding weekend that matches their vision.” Said Hicks

The wedding weekend is an experience that truly distinguishes Ashford Acres Inn from other wedding venues. Many
of their wedding clients will reserve the entire property beginning Friday, hosting their rehearsal dinner there and
dividing the suites among out-of-town family and wedding guests. On the wedding day, the entire house is bustling
with excited energy as the wedding party gets ready in the suites, a brunch buffet is set up and photographers and
make-up artists perform their magic. After the big party in the Event Barn or on the lawn, the wedding couple
joyfully retreats to the Garden Suite, (which the inn provides for free to couples on their wedding night) and the next
morning they join some of their guests again in the dining rooms for an intimate breakfast before departing.

A quick look at their online reviews shows that their clients appreciate the unique experience and the range of
options they had at Ashford Acres.

“I literally could not have asked for a better wedding venue! It was a stress-free experience and I had the best
weekend with my loved ones.” Said Nikki Robey in her review on Weddingwire.com. Nikki was married at Ashford
Acres on April 24, 2021.

Johnna Carey had her wedding at Ashford Acres Inn on June 26, 2021, and left a review on TheKnot.com stating,
“The planning experience was smooth, but seeing our dream come to life for an entire weekend was beyond. Every
detail was perfection. I didn't have to worry about ANYTHING. The staff is so efficient and so on top of things.”

There is no question that Ashford Acres Inn has created a concept for tourism and events that is unique and offers its
customers an answer to the age-old question that successful businesses always face – what can we do to improve
the lives of our customers? At this business, the answer is most certainly to provide a stress-free space where they
can relax and create memories. There is no question that visitors to the inn, whether they are traveling, hosting an
event or enjoying a meal in one of the dining rooms, find stress-free relaxation within this essential Kentucky
experience.

“I literally could not have

asked for asked for a better


wedding venue! It was a

stress-free experience and I

had the best weekend with


my loved ones."

Nikki Robey - Client

pg. 25 ashfordacresinn.com

Bullard® has been part of the Cynthiana Bullard is a fifth-generation family-owned
and Harrison County community since company that began as a supplier of
1972, when the company and carbide lamps to gold and copper miners.
headquarters moved their production Bullard’s relentless pursuit of
facilities from California to Kentucky. The understanding our customers’ problems
company later moved to its current led Bullard to inventing the Hard Boiled®
building on Safety Way in 1993. Bullard “hard hat” in 1919. Bullard was sought
has since been on a mission is to enable out by engineers designing and working
long, healthy, productive lives through on iconic landmarks such as the Golden
innovative solutions and has been a Gate Bridge and Hoover Dam to help
leader in the safety industry since its protect workers in a time before Personal
inception in 1898. Protective Equipment (PPE) was a staple
on jobsites.

Cynthiana Icons pg. 26

Today, lead by Edward D. Bullard’s Bullard designs and manufactures a

great-granddaughter, Wells Bullard, we diversified portfolio of PPE and tools

continue that tradition by staying close serving pharmaceutical manufacturers,

to our customers, observing them work healthcare workers, firefighters,

and understanding their challenges. construction workers, abrasive blasters,

Much has changed in 124 years with and many other industrialized industries.

material science, technology, We are fortunate to have a team of

automation, and regulations and creative, hardworking, and caring

Bullard continues to be on the individuals from the area. Cheers to the

forefront of these changes. next 50 years.

Our vision is to advance human safety to enable long, healthy, productive

lives through innovative solutions.

bullard.com

We are globally scaled from Cynthiana .

and Lexington to Europe, Latin America,

Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.The

Cynthiana and Harrison County

community and surrounding educational

institutions have been an integral part in

Bullard’s success in protecting essential

workers for the past 50 years.

pg. 27 bullard.com

ROHS OPERA HOUSE

Rohs Opera House is a destination location…
150 years after founding

When whiskey baron TJ Megibbon and a group of
citizens built the Aeolian Music Hall in 1871, it is
doubtful that they could have foreseen what their
dream would become 150 years later. Renamed the
Rohs Opera House in 1891, the "Rohs" is going stronger
than ever under new leadership with a vision that's
made this old theater a destination location for arts
and entertainment lovers. Their tireless pursuit of such
a vision has fueled a downtown revival and is bringing
visitors from all over for one of a kind experiences.

When lifelong friends James Smith and Roger Slade
saw that the old Rohs Opera House was closing it's
doors in the summer of 2006, they immediately went
into action. In just a few months they had rallied
"friends of the Rohs", their families, and a few friends
to get the old theater open and showing movies again.
They recruited a fellow classmate, Phillip Nickerson,
to join them in the rescue operation and the journey
began to take an old, failing movie theater and turn it
into a destination for arts and entertainment for the
region. Sixteen years later, they've added a partner
in CJ Clifford and made the Rohs Opera House into a
destination for visitors from throughout central
Kentucky and surrounding states.

Cynthiana Icons pg. 28

Great Things are Happening at the Rohs Opera House,
Come Be a Part of Them.

Today, the Rohs shows first run movies on a
state-of-the-art digital movie projector
and new silver screen, boasts two to three
live plays a year from the Rohs Theatre
Company, provides multiple Walking Tours
(including the 15-year running Cynthiana
Ghost Walk which attracts 1,000
participants to town each October), has an
escape room experience, hosts overnight
parties and ghost hunts, live concerts, and
frequently has one of a kind experiences
like their Polar Express Experience and
Superhero Breakfast.

A visit inside this historic theater, the

oldest continuously running theater in the

state, offers a plethora of unique

experiences. The original Aeolian Music

Hall is on the 2nd floor, the main theater

still has the Art Deco style of the 1930s,

and inside contains the mural stylings of

local artist Wylie Caudill. While visiting,

make sure to see the largest Walking Dead

mural in the world, painted by nationally

renown artist Sergio Odeith as a homage

thhtKoeiitrRtk

ohlchaeosnmcdOiiptcayenrbwadohHToioockunhsyseweMharaoisesotstrhoeeb.oyfbfei rrntahtpi lac e of the
ves Ro bert

Visitors can discover all
by visiting their website at www.rohsoperahouse.com. As their motto says,
"Great Things are Happening at the Rohs Opera House, Come Be a Part of Them."

pg. 29 rohsoperahouse.com

From humble beginnings… Getting Started
Retired educator, Bruce

Florence had a vision of what
With her approved mission in hand, Mrs. Florence set off with little
a community college campus
more than her “can-do” attitude and a car trunk full of textbooks to
could do for her small
bring locally served higher education opportunities to Cynthiana.
Cynthiana, KY community. She

shared her idea with the
The first classes were held in 1989 at the local 3M Company, then later
administration of regional
expanded to include sessions at Harrison County High School and a few
institution Maysville
local churches.
Community College and the

rest, as they say…is history. But, by 1992, Florence and her then small staff including current Licking
Valley Campus Director, Lori Gaunce and college Financial Aid Director,
Sandy Power moved into their own office space located on Oddville
Avenue.

Seeing Growth

Flash forward to nearly a decade later, the college’s Cynthiana expansion was once again looking to grow. This
time the team planned to increase their curriculum and knew they needed a new facility to accommodate their
additional class offerings. In 2001, the Licking Valley Campus, with an initial investment of $2.5 Million and the
support of Kentucky Governor Paul Patton, officially broke ground on Webster Avenue across the street from the
local high school and overlooking the Licking River and downtown Cynthiana.

More than three decades later, Mrs. Florence has since retired from the college, but her vision lives on through the
campus's 24 current faculty and staff and more importantly the 450+ students they serve every year. The campus
has awarded approximately 3,000 credentials to area students in its 30-plus-year history since those humble
beginnings.

Cynthiana Icons pg. 30

Career & Technical Education Transfer Studies

The campus offers career-focused courses for Credits earned at the Licking Valley Campus easily
opportunities in healthcare, business administration, transfer to all Kentucky four-year colleges or
and more. They also provide classes in industrial universities, making Maysville Community & Technical
maintenance and welding through the Harrison County College the perfect place to begin when seeking a
Area Technology Center located adjacent to the campus Bachelor's Degree. Area high school graduates and non-
facility. The Registered Nursing program at the Licking traditional students alike have recognized the campus
Valley Campus has developed a reputation for building as a valuable resource for achieving their educational
excellent nurses to help supply the growing demand for and career goals. For some students, classes at the
healthcare providers in and around the Harrison County Licking Valley Campus begin before high school
community. The program was ranked the #1 Registered graduation in the form of Dual-Credit classes, allowing
Nursing program in the state of Kentucky by them the opportunity to simultaneously earn credits
RegisterdNursing.org in 2020 and has held that rank for towards both a high school diploma and a college
2021. The recognition comes in part to the program’s degree. By taking advantage of the local options, these
graduate’s ability to pass the National Council Licensure students also enjoy a much lower tuition rate as well as
Examination or NCLEX on their first attempt. The RN the college’s smaller class sizes. The Licking Valley
program at Licking Valley Campus boasts a nearly Campus team knows that for many prospective
perfect first attempt pass rate since 2015. students the thought of attending college can be
intimidating. They work diligently to create and
Community Service maintain an environment that helps ensure student
success. Wrap-around student services such as free
The faculty and staff, as well as the students of the tutoring, student success coaches, on-campus
Licking Valley Campus, are encouraged to be active counseling, and career services help students resolve
members of the Cynthiana community. Not only is the issues both at school as well as at home.
campus a common meeting place for local community
group events and activities, but its employees are active Workforce Training
in their community as well. Many hold local board
positions as well as participate in area charity and As the community and industrial base surrounding
community-building endeavors. The campus was Harrison County have grown, the need for specialized
recently invited to participate as a co-applicant in the workforce training has also risen in demand. The
21st Century Grant with local Westside Elementary. The Workforce Solutions department at the college
grant has allowed the organizations to partner and specializes in providing the necessary training to help
create “Colts Corner” in the Community Learning Center local employers keep their workers up to date on a
at the school. Colts Corner is a place where students can variety of continuing education and certifications
come to learn the joys of literacy and also be given a necessary for today’s modern workplace. Workforce
little help with homework when it is needed. Solutions added a Lineworker program to the campus
offerings in the Spring of 2020. The 10-week program
allows each new cohort the ability to gain a new skill set
in a short amount of time with a nearly 100% job
placement rate in a high-wage, high-demand career
field upon completion.

The “College on the Hill” MCTC Licking Valley Campus
319 Webster Ave.
Locals often refer to the Licking Valley Campus as the “college on the hill." Cynthiana, KY
But for those lucky alumni who have walked its hallways, they know it's 859-234-8626
more than that - it was an opportunity for a better life. maysville.kctcs.edu

For many, LVC was an opportunity to become a first-generation college Campus Director - Lori Gaunce
graduate, an educator, healthcare worker, business owner, elected official, Admissions - Lauren Mattox
or any number of other professional career paths. Financial Aid - Sandy Power
Workforce Solutions - Lenora Kinney
Contact a representative today to learn more about the opportunities and
training offerings at the Maysville Community & Technical College Licking
Valley Campus.

pg. 31 maysville.kctcs.edu

VANHOOK
HARDWARE

A fixture of Cynthiana

for over 119 years

written by Tomi Jean Clifford

Vanhook Hardware is housed in a building that has
been a hardware store since 1903. Before that, this
hardware store was used for whiskey storage and for
two years, a grocery store. In March 1908, Rolla
Vanhook bought interest in the company, eventually
purchasing other shares and renaming the store
Vanhook and Son Hardware (eventually shortening to
just Vanhook Hardware). In 1918, Taylena Cason
Burgan’s grandfather Taylor Cason purchased shares,
eventually leading to the complete purchase in 1947.
Cason sold a share to his son, Taylor Cason Jr
(Taylena's father), who owned it until he passed.
Taylena then inherited the family business in 1990 and
now her and her husband, Kent Burgan, carry on the
family legacy.

“I grew up between these shelves,” Taylena shared,
glancing around Vanhooks.

Vanhook Hardware is located in the heart of downtown
Cynthiana. This three story building (not including the
basement) has been a fixture of Cynthiana for over 119
years. When asked how Vanhook’s continues to thrive
as a small town hardware store, Taylena responded,
“Items and demand change with time. You have to learn
to adapt to the changes to stay relevant.” And relevant
they are.

Cynthiana Icons pg. 32 NOMADIC  |  24

In 1999, Vanhook’s began carrying Porter Paint products. In 2001, Stihl chainsaw products and services
were added to meet the needs of her customers. In 2007, Taylena saw a need for a fabric shop. Tay’s
Cloth Peddler soon became one of the top fabric retailers in our area, with customers traveling from
northern Kentucky and Cinncinati to purchase fabric. Taylena and Kent completely remodeled the store
fronts of two dilapidated buildings, helping drive the continued growth and resurgence of beautification
efforts in downtown Cynthiana.

In 2013, Taylena and Kent purchased Galactic Bowling Alley. The bowling alley had been closed for
eight months prior to the purchase. They both are avid bowlers and couldn’t stand the thought of losing
the bowling alley, so they took matters into their own hands.

“We are one of the last small towns with a bowling alley for entertainment and we hope to have it for
years to come,” Kent stated.

When asked what advice she had for small businesses, Taylena said, “I’ve been doing this business for
over forty years. In my time, I’ve seen many businesses come and go. My best advice is to set your
hours for the public, not for what you would like to work. Our hours are 8 am-6 pm Monday-Friday and 8
am-5 pm on Saturdays and never change. We like to be predictable; people love to know they can come
into town and we will be here. I hope we are always here to do that.”

A note from Tomi Jean Clifford:

"When you step into Vanhook’s, you step back into a simpler, slower time. As a little girl, I can

remember going to Vanhooks with my Dad and my Granddaddy on Saturday mornings. I used

to love to ride the elevator up with whoever would take me with them. I often take my girls in

with me now, where they love to talk to the real star of Vanhooks, Me Too, the cat. Vanhook's


is a true Cynthiana Icon, with the longevity and family legacy it brings to downtown

Cynthiana."

pg. 33 NOMADIC  |  24





Cynthiana
Influencer

INFLUENCER:

One who exerts influence;
a person who inspires

or guides the actions of others.

In 2021, The Chamber hosted the first Cynthiana Laura Beth King, 2022 Cynthiana Influencer
Influencer Contest. The Cynthiana Influencer is a
person who actively promotes local businesses in Cynthiana Influencer POINT SYSTEM:
the community. January through March are
notoriously slower months for our retail and Tag a Business on Social Media = 1 pt
restaurant industries. We were looking for a way Post a Photo to Facebook or Instagram = 3 pts
to show the community what we had to offer in Write a Facebook Review = 5 pts
the way of retail, and restaurant opportunities. Write a Google/Yelp/TripAdvisor Review = 7 pts
Anyone can be an Influencer! To participate, all Post a Video or Tik Tok = 10 pts
that is required is to post about a business, tag
that business, and write a review or make a
Tiktok. By doing this, you are not only promoting
the local business, but also Cynthiana. The contest
runs from January to the first week in March.
In addition to potentially winning the award

as the Cynthiana Influencer, you will also earn

points that determine the overall winner of the

contest. Our point system is as follows:

photo by Shonda Judy

Participants also need to tag the

Chamber and use the

#cyninfluencer for us to be able to

see the posts.
Reviews can be sent to

[email protected].
So besides bragging rights, what

exactly does our Cynthiana

Influencer of the Year receive?
Not only do they receive exclusive

access to all of our chamber

events, but also a Cynthiana

Influencer card full of amazing

perks thanks to local businesses.

They also get exclusive access to

our Cynthiana Influencer Instagram,

where they can continue to post

about the perks throughout the

year. It’s a pretty sweet deal!
For more information, visit our

website at

www.cynthianainfluencer.com

Savannah Hedges, 2021 Cynthiana Influencer

*2021 KCCE Innovation Award Winning Program*





JOE JOE

HINTON

Hometown Legend, Cynthiana Success Story.

If you are from Cynthiana, there is a good chance you know Joe Joe Hinton. Born and raised in Cynthiana by
Linda and the late Willie Hinton, and the proud grandson of Jeannie Willis, Joe Joe is a 2005 Harrison County
High School graduate. After high school, he attended BCTC and lived in both Lexington and Georgetown for a
short time. Like many others of his generation, he soon decided that big towns weren’t for him and he moved
back to his hometown of Cynthiana where he married Sherese Hinton in 2018. Joe Joe is a great example of a
common trend of young adults moving back to their hometowns and having an immediate impact. Cynthiana is
fast becoming a community where young men and women like Joe Joe are making their mark on life here.

Joe Joe has always had a connection to sports- he started coaching youth sports at eighteen years old, helping
out with rec league baseball, basketball, and Pee Wee football. Soon after, he was asked to coach middle school
football for Harrison County. During that time, Joe Joe also began a venture of Hinton’s Mowing. He started
mowing a couple of lawns here and there for extra money.

That quickly took off as Hinton’s Lawn Care and customer "I really take pride in

service began to spread in the community. What began what I do - my dad

with just a couple of yards, soon grew to where Joe Joe was always loved to cook,

mowing around 25-30 yards a week. With his business and I grew up watching

growing, along with the demands of coaching football, him and realized I

baseball and basketball, he knew he couldn’t continue to wanted to do that too -

maintain the quality of work with his business and coach to provide a service I

he had come to expect, so he made the tough choice to could be proud of.”
resign from coaching middle school football after four
years. Joe Joe Hinton

pg. 40

As his business kept growing, Joe Joe’s love for sports and helping the youth grow in sportsmanship couldn’t
keep him away from the coaching side of his life. He returned to coaching when he accepted a position with
the HCMS boys basketball team and coach of the 6th and 7th grade teams and also assisted with the HCHS
Fillies. He then moved on to help coach the HCHS boys basketball team as head freshman coach for the last
five years.

Joe Joe Hinton’s guiding values are rooted in family and in
caring for people. He strives to create a sense of comradery
with others. One weekend before a home football game, Joe
Joe and Randolph Thomas, with the encouragement of Dr.
Arnold, decided to bring out the grill and create a fun tailgate
cookout experience before the game. The response was
overwhelming. They began to set up before every Harrison
County High School home football game with a donation box
while they cook so they can supply even more food for each
home game free to the public. Everyone loved their cooking
and they began to cook out before each home game that
season.
When they realized how supported their food was, they
decided to branch out with Thomas and Hinton Grease and
Grill. Another business was born and they started setting up
at the Chamber’s Summer Concert Series, selling out of
everything within the hour. They began setting up at other
local events, including charity events to help out when they
could. Now, when people in the community hear that
Thomas and Hinton are setting up somewhere around town,
it is guaranteed that there’s a line waiting for their fish,
burgers and steak. Speaking of his cooking, Joe Joe said, “I
really take pride in what I do - my dad always loved to cook
and I grew up watching him and realized I wanted to do that
too - to provide a service I could be proud of."
It is that pride in providing a great quality service that has
made Joe Joe a local, hometown success story. He may just
be one of the busiest people in Harrison County and he’s not
done. When asked where he thinks he will be in 5 years, he
said his goal is to open up a restaurant here in Cynthiana
and continue to provide good food and service. Joe Joe
would to like to thank the citizens of Cynthiana and Harrison
County for always supporting Hinton Lawn Care and Thomas
and Hinton Grease and Grill and God for allowing him the
opportunities to provide these services to the community.
We can’t wait to see what else this young entrepreneur has
planned, we know it will be a great addition to Cynthiana.

Open ForEMERSONSTEEL Business
Kaylee Hernandez is the
current owner of Emerson
Steel Boutique here in
Cynthiana. Kaylee was born
and raised in Cynthiana and
is a 2019 graduate of Harrison
County High School. In the fall
of 2019, the previous owners
of Emerson Steel announced
they would be closing the
boutique. Kaylee, who was
currently enrolled at MCTC
and a recent graduate, was
heartbroken. Emerson Steel
had been her "go-to"
shopping spot downtown
since it had opened its doors
in Cynthiana.

Not thinking it could be a possibility, she reached out to the owners asking if they
would be interested in selling the business. The rest is history. Kaylee began her
journey as the owner of Emerson Steel in November of 2019. She continued her
education through MCTC as she learned the ropes of running her own business. “I was
worried about me being so young that it would be a failure,” Kaylee said. “I said many
prayers through that time and had my family's support to keep going.”

Kaylee graduated from MCTC with her associate's
degree in business in May of 2021. “The
community's support has been amazing,” Kaylee
said. “Emerson Steel’s mission for me has always
been to give back to the community as much as
possible through charitable giving. We serve and
support those in need by lifting them up in prayer
and providing monetary donations. When
shopping at Emerson Steel Boutique, you are
assisting in feeding the hungry, clothing the
disadvantaged, supporting those suffering from
illness, and assisting in animal rescue and
relocation.”
In November of 2021, an opportunity to purchase
her own building became available downtown. The
building was completely renovated and contains
pieces of history throughout the store including tin
ceiling tiles from the old Village Inn Restaurant that
was on Pike Street, reclaimed wood from barns in
the county, an antique water pump and so many
more touches that make Emerson Steel stand out
from the crowd.
Kaylee and Emerson Steel Boutique reopened in their new location in February of
2022, with expanded clothing options and a men’s section. For Kaylee, there was
never any doubt that if she was going to open a business, it was going to be in
Cynthiana. “The opportunities we have available here continue to grow every day
and I knew I wanted to be a part of the growth of my hometown. I chose to attend
college here and open my business here and I can’t wait to see where Cynthiana
goes next.”





Available for purchase
at the Chamber Gift Shop,
Molly B's Boutique, Flower Depot,
and the Next Chapter Bookstore