250Lex: August is Business Month!
The chamber of commerce has been part of Lexington almost since its inception with roots dating back to 1797. The chamber that you know today (Commerce Lexington) got its start in 1881. In the early 1900’s, the chamber considered issues like water, housing, traffic, taxes, coal, transportation, sanitary sewers, fire protection, and efforts to attract a creamery, dairy packaging company, buggy and spoke manufacturing plants, and even an oil refinery. Business has played a critical role in Lexington’s history. There are a lot of interesting, educational, and fun things going on this month to celebrate 250Lex's Business Month.
Lex Talk History Podcast: Let's Get Down to Business
250 Lex is shining the spotlight on Lexington's business history and so are we. WUKY news director, Alan Lytle, and Mandy Higgins, Ph.D., executive director of the Lexington History Museum, return with this fresh episode of Lex Talk History and their special guests are Commerce Lexington president and CEO Bob Quick and chief communications officer Mark Turner. The Lexington Chamber of Commerce has been a part of our city almost from the very beginning fostering growth and innovation in the business community. Plus, Alan and Mandy recap a very busy July of museum happenings, let you know what's happening now, and give a sneak preview of September events.
Help Us Celebrate Small Business August 11-15, 2025
Since 1986, Commerce Lexington has been honoring and recognizing the significant impact of small businesses on our organization and the regional economy through its annual Salute to Small Business Awards presented by Forcht Bank. Their impact has only intensified since the pandemic, with surges nationally in new business formations (19 million new applications from the end of 2020) and job growth (71% of total job growth since 2019).
Commerce Lexington is excited to announce the 2025 award winners, including BACK Construction, DV8 Kitchen & Bakery, and the Hope Center. Throughout the week of August 11 – 15, we’ll showcase our top small businesses and one outstanding nonprofit organization through a variety of events, video vignettes, and Facebook Live segments, culminating on Friday, August 15, with the announcement of the new Small Business of the Year at an awards luncheon, beginning at noon at Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington.
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS EVENT SCHEDULE:
Commerce Lexington is excited to announce the 2025 award winners, including BACK Construction, DV8 Kitchen & Bakery, and the Hope Center. Throughout the week of August 11 – 15, we’ll showcase our top small businesses and one outstanding nonprofit organization through a variety of events, video vignettes, and Facebook Live segments, culminating on Friday, August 15, with the announcement of the new Small Business of the Year at an awards luncheon, beginning at noon at Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington.
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS EVENT SCHEDULE:
- August 11-15: An entire week dedicated to celebrating and getting to know our award winners. Including daily Facebook & Instagram Live interviews with our featured businesses.
- August 12: Join us for a special @330 event hosted at 46Solutions, where the winners will share their inspiring stories and insights on a special panel.
- August 13: Join us at Legends Field for Salute to Small Business Night at the ballpark. Award winners will be honored with a ceremonial first pitch and as a part of 250Lex Business Month celebration.
- August 15: The grand finale! Don’t miss the Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon at the Central Bank Center from noon to 1:30 p.m., where we will announce the 2025 Small Business of the Year!
Growing Forward: A Workshop for Small Business by Small Business
CMI Consulting and Commerce Lexington have teamed up to bring you Grow Forward: A Workshop for Small Business, by Small Business—a half-day, high-impact workshop designed to help you unlock better performance, build a culture that retains talent, and turn your team into a sales-driving force. The workshop will take place Thursday, August 28th from 8:00 am - 11:30 am at Commerce Lexington and is perfect for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Leadership Teams ready to build connected teams and stronger customer result. The cost to attend this half-day workshop is $65 and includes a light breakfast. [MORE DETAILS ON THE AGENDA]