Because of an economic recession, Bell County saw many business closures and layoffs. But it wasn’t all bad news. Tri-state businesses continued to fight, changing their outlook and their strategies. Several businesses opened their doors for the first time, and many larger institutions hired new leaders.

It was also a time for coming together and planning for the future. A series of Bell County Economic Summits were held this year, pulling together a wide range of the county’s businesses and political leaders

The tri-state welcomed a host of new business leaders this year.

Bell County hired Rob Lincks as the new Chamber of Commerce Director.

Lee County hired Bob Bost as the director of the Lee County Area Chamber of Commerce.

Middlesboro’s Appalachian Regional Hospital (ARH) hired Mike Slusher as their new CEO.

Lincoln Memorial University hired Dr. B. James Dawson as their Chief Operating Officer.

The City of Middlesboro hired Kassie Hauser as the Main Street Manager.

The City of Pineville hired Joanna Foley as their Main Street Manager.

Wilderness Road State Park hired Jonathan Tustin as their new Manager.

Several new businesses were started in Middlesboro this year as well.

Tractor and Supply opened a new store just outside of the city limits this fall.

Walgreens opened in Pineville recently.

The shell building in Rose Hill’s Constitutional Oaks Industrial Park was finally completed and ready for an industry to move into it.

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) announced the expansion of the Kentucky Safety-Training Institute (KSTI).

Dairy Queen in Middlesboro was torn down in order to be rebuilt to new specifications. The Pineville store was renovated.

But because of the economic recession, there were also several major business closures.

At the beginning of the year, Middlesboro saw one of its largest businesses close down.

The Knoxville-based Goody’s Family Clothing closed all of its remaining stores.

General Motors cutbacks affected local dealers.