A workshop on copy writing for business web sites related to the recently launched Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails project will be held Wednesday, Nov. 8 for businesses who wish to participate in the driving tour.

The free event, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Eastern Kentucky University's Perkins Building, is the last in a series of educational workshops.

It is open to those employed in several types of businesses in Madison, Estill, Jackson and Rockcastle counties: artisan studios, galleries, antique shops, bed and breakfasts, inns, and regional food restaurants, as well as historic sites and organizers of festivals and other community events.

The KAHT project, which is expected to draw attention to the rich artisan and cultural heritage of the area, connects Madison, Estill, Jackson and Rockcastle counties via the creation of a rural tourism program designed to attract visitors, enhance community and economic development and creative jobs.

The project will feature a driving tour focused on the natural scenery; craft shopes, galleries and artist studios; historics sites, homes and businesses;bed and breakfast operations; regional good restaurants; events, festivals and community celebrations; and other potential tourist attractions.

EKU's Center for Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and Technology is working with several campus departments and local and state officials to facilitate the prohect.

CEDET received a $64,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and an additional $70,000 in matching funds and in-kind contributions from a variety of public and private sources to administer the project.

The grant was announced through the offices of Congressman Hal Rogers and Ernie Fletcher of the Fifth and Sixth Congressional Districts, respectively.

The proposed Appalachian/Kentucky Artisan Gateway Center ub Verea wukk serve as a starting point of the tour.

Dr. Kathy Werking, an assistant professor of speech communication at EKU and a team leader for the project, suggested that anyone who wants to participate in the project should plan to attend the workshop.