For a quarter of a century, Eastern Kentuckians have gathered to discuss progress in their region. Today and Tomorrow (Friday), they gather in Prestonsburg. This year’s East Kentucky Leadership Conference will compare the economies of two Appalachian states. East Kentucky Leadership Foundation Director Bill Weinberg says studies show 70 percent of east Kentucky’s counties are distressed while only four percent are distressed in Appalachian Virginia. The longtime east Kentucky activist says Virginia might have better education and infrastructure, but, in some ways, the differences are minimal.