The Hazard–Perry County Chamber of Commerce used its annual business appreciation luncheon Oct. 29 to spotlight local firms and residents who have helped the county recover from this year’s flooding and to underscore the broader role of private-sector leadership in Perry County’s economy. Chamber President Janet Smith emphasized celebrating the people "who do so much for our area," framing the event as a recognition of both immediate recovery work and long-term civic commitment.

Among those publicly honored were 1st Trust Bank, which received Best Service Business in the large/medium category, and Coal Fields Landscaping, awarded Best Service Business in the small category. Organizers said the awards were intended as a morale boost as the county continues rebuilding and growing, calling attention to persistence and community support across sectors.

The recognition of a regional bank and a small landscaping firm underscores two pillars of local recovery: access to finance and on-the-ground capacity to restore property and infrastructure. Financial institutions like 1st Trust Bank serve as liquidity providers during recovery phases, facilitating insurance payouts, reconstruction loans, and business lines of credit. Small service businesses such as Coal Fields Landscaping have been instrumental in clearing properties, repairing yards and public green spaces, and reestablishing jobs for seasonal and local workers. Together, these functions help restart local supply chains and support employment while taxable economic activity returns.

For residents of Perry County, the awards carry practical significance. Rebuilding generates demand for construction and maintenance services, which can translate into temporary and permanent employment opportunities. Reliable banking relationships ease access to capital for homeowners and small-business owners who must bridge insurance delays or cover upfront repair costs. Local recognition by the Chamber also raises visibility for businesses that may secure new contracts, helping to retain economic activity within the county rather than outsourcing recovery work.

Policy implications flow from the luncheon’s message. The pattern of repeated flooding highlights a continuing need for public investment in resilience: improved stormwater systems, riverbank stabilization, and updated zoning or buyout programs for the most vulnerable properties. Stronger public-private coordination can speed recovery and reduce long-term costs—Chamber-aligned initiatives that connect banks, contractors, and local government can help channel funds and technical assistance where they are most needed. In addition, promoting flood insurance uptake and small-business emergency planning will be important to limit future disruptions to employment and services.

Longer-term trends in Perry County’s economy will hinge on the ability of local firms to adapt and scale while policymakers invest in mitigation. Community recognition events like the Chamber luncheon provide more than applause; they help knit together civic networks essential for rebuilding. As the county moves from immediate recovery into a period of reconstruction and potential growth, strengthening financial access, supporting service-sector capacity, and investing in resilience will shape whether Perry County can convert this year’s adversity into sustained economic renewal.