PIKEVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 10, 2018) — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (SEKC) bestowed its 2018 Business Person of the Year award on Deirdre Lyons, co-founder of Alltech, during its annual awards night, held Aug. 9 at the East Kentucky Expo Center. The award is given to an individual who has demonstrated support for the advancement and development of business in Eastern Kentucky.
Lyons and the late Dr. Pearse Lyons initiated the development of Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery in Pikeville with an eye toward promoting tourism to the region and creating jobs for its residents. Lyons, director of corporate image and design at Alltech, applied her impeccable attention to detail to the facility, overseeing its design and construction, and working tirelessly to ensure that Dueling Barrels provides an unforgettable visitor experience.
Surrounded by community and state leaders, Lyons cut the ribbon on Eastern Kentucky’s first combined beer, bourbon and moonshine operation on June 27, 2018. The nearly 30,000-s.f. facility currently employs 13 full-time staff members, all of whom hail from the region, including “storytellers” who share Appalachia’s history and culture with visitors.
Dueling Barrels is expected to join the Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience in January 2019, extending the famed trail 142 miles east into Pikeville. The additional tourism could help boost the economy in Pikeville, which has undergone a revitalization in recent years, particularly downtown.
“SEKC is proud to have Mrs. Lyons as an advocate for the region,” said the SEKC in a statement. “The effects of her dedication to advancement and progress resonate throughout the state.”
Lyons will discuss boosting economic growth, tourism and international publicity in Eastern Kentucky and share the story of Dueling Barrels at the upcoming Alltech Idea Pub: News & Brews event. The public is invited to enjoy thought-provoking conversation, light bites and Dueling Barrels Pikeville Ale for guests ages 21 and older.
The event is free and will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Ky. For more information, visit https://go.alltech.com/newsandbrews or the Alltech News & Brews Facebook event page.
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