Headquartered in downtown Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Heartland Communications Consultants was founded in 2006 by U.S. Army veterans Beth Avey and Conrad Curry, both of whom brought extensive experience in marketing and public relations to the firm. Avey honed her communications skills as an Army Public Affairs Officer and chose to move back to the Greater Fort Knox Region following her military service, while Curry developed his skills serving as Chief of the Advertising Division for the Strategic Outreach Directorate at the now-inactive Army Accessions Command, which had elements located on Fort Knox.
Through their new endeavor, Avey and Curry leveraged their expertise in marketing and public relations, along with their military experience, to assist local businesses and organizations navigate Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) processes that were affecting operations on Fort Knox at the time of HCC’s formation. BRAC 2005 was the catalyst for several major changes at Fort Knox and the surrounding region, bringing approximately 5,000 military and civilian personnel as well as contractors to the area.
As the region navigated these changes, HCC formed business relationships with a variety of area economic, workforce and community development organizations, many of whom are still clients to this day. Now, HCC has an ever-growing client portfolio made up of well-established and emerging businesses and organizations throughout Central Kentucky and beyond.
In 2018, Kenny Rambo, who joined Team HCC as a managing partner in 2007, became President and CEO as Avey transitioned to a new role with the Knox Regional Development Alliance. Managing partner Stephanie Apple, who now serves as Vice President, joined the firm in 2012 following Curry’s retirement.
Today, Team HCC is made up of nearly 20 dedicated professionals who are committed to creating meaningful brand experiences that help clients stand out and build authenticity.
