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Resolution Opposed To The Exploitation of The Culture and People From The Appalachian Region of The United States
Submitted by the Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Middlesboro and Pineville, Kentucky
January 29, 2003
Whereas, the Bell County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization created in 1926 to promote, expand, develop and market the existing and potential tourism industry, business and economic development opportunities, and represent the business community at large in order to contribute to the economic and cultural growth of Bell County, Kentucky; and,
Whereas, the Bell County Chamber of Commerce essentially serves a multi-county/tri-state area consisting of the Appalachian Kentucky county of Bell, partnering with surrounding Kentucky counties of Clay, Harlan, Knox, Leslie, and Whitley; as well as Lee County, Virginia; and Claiborne and Campbell Counties of Tennessee; and,
Whereas, the Bell County Chamber of Commerce is working to bring attention to the great strides made in the education and workforce skills of our people; and
Whereas, the Bell County Chamber of Commerce is striving to highlight the economic development, industrial and manufacturing opportunities of our region; and
Whereas, the Bell County Chamber of Commerce is working to portray the tourism offerings of our beautiful, pristine landscape and cultural heritage in a unique and positive way; and
Whereas, Bell County has received national and international media attention for its tourism attractions, been featured in national magazines for its quality of life offerings, and had numerous articles written by nationally known writers communicating very specific messages regarding the desirability of the region as a travel and lifestyle destination;
Now Therefore, let it be resolved that during the December 12, 2002 Bell County Chamber board meeting, the Bell County Chamber Board of Directors vehemently opposed the exploitation of the culture of people from the Appalachian region of the United States that includes eastern Kentucky for the purpose of financial gain, and opposes any company that endorses such exploitation, specifically to include the development and airing of a television show that singles out any culture for public ridicule and mockery.
Karla Lutz Bowling, Executive Director
Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Steve Obermann, President
Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Katherine Reese Cawood, Vice President,
Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Ken Jones, Treasurer,
Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Read the letter that the Chamber sent to CBS.
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