Ambassador Program
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT (MAY 2022):
Alyssa Ethington, Promo Assets
As an account executive at Promo Assets, Alyssa Ethington is responsible for building and maintaining client relationships while crafting custom branded merchandise solutions to meet their unique needs. She said, “I strive to help my clients gift branded merchandise that sparks excitement and strengthens relationships.”
A University of Kentucky graduate with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communication and a minor in Visual Studies, Ethington was looking for a job that would allow her to apply her creative strategy knowledge while connecting with people. “I have always had a passion for all things creative,” she added. “My position at Promo Assets is just that.”
“Through Commerce Lexington, I am able to connect with community business leaders and help them propel their business. As a Lexington native, it’s rewarding to see businesses I’ve grown up around prosper after implementing our branded merchandise strategy,” said Alyssa.
Although this is the first year she has served as a Commerce Lexington Ambassador, she said, “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all the members of this committee and working with them to ensure all Commerce Lexington members know about their membership benefits and resources at their disposal.”
She also said her favorite Commerce Lexington event is Net90, because “the strict time structure allows for you to meet with everyone in a fast-paced, upbeat rhythm.”
Contact Alyssa at [email protected].
Alyssa Ethington, Promo Assets
As an account executive at Promo Assets, Alyssa Ethington is responsible for building and maintaining client relationships while crafting custom branded merchandise solutions to meet their unique needs. She said, “I strive to help my clients gift branded merchandise that sparks excitement and strengthens relationships.”
A University of Kentucky graduate with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communication and a minor in Visual Studies, Ethington was looking for a job that would allow her to apply her creative strategy knowledge while connecting with people. “I have always had a passion for all things creative,” she added. “My position at Promo Assets is just that.”
“Through Commerce Lexington, I am able to connect with community business leaders and help them propel their business. As a Lexington native, it’s rewarding to see businesses I’ve grown up around prosper after implementing our branded merchandise strategy,” said Alyssa.
Although this is the first year she has served as a Commerce Lexington Ambassador, she said, “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all the members of this committee and working with them to ensure all Commerce Lexington members know about their membership benefits and resources at their disposal.”
She also said her favorite Commerce Lexington event is Net90, because “the strict time structure allows for you to meet with everyone in a fast-paced, upbeat rhythm.”
Contact Alyssa at [email protected].
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT (APRIL 2022):
Lindy Hester, The Foster Care Council
As the director of business development for The Foster Care Council, Lindy Hester is responsible for the development of strategies to help fundraise, as well as “friend raise,” for the organization. She said, “I have enjoyed working with our community partners to increase visibility in our region and state which in turn has enabled us to raise the awareness and funding we need to expand our programming to support foster children in Kentucky.”
A native of western Kentucky, Hester said she always knew that Lexington was where she wanted to be. “There’s not a better place to live, work and raise a family,” she added. “Our community is so very generous and has a reputation of working closely with nonprofits to ensure that they are supported properly.”
Lindy is a first-year Commerce Lexington Ambassador, but she said, “I am loving getting to know all the people in this fantastic group. We are all working together to ensure that members are utilizing all the tools available with their membership. I have had great calls with members whose enthusiasm is re-ignited when we discuss all the great opportunities offered to them with their membership.”
Hester is deeply involved in the community, working to to create partnerships that will help The Foster Care Council expand its mission to provide resources and programming for even more foster children in Kentucky. Contact Lindy Hester at [email protected].
Lindy Hester, The Foster Care Council
As the director of business development for The Foster Care Council, Lindy Hester is responsible for the development of strategies to help fundraise, as well as “friend raise,” for the organization. She said, “I have enjoyed working with our community partners to increase visibility in our region and state which in turn has enabled us to raise the awareness and funding we need to expand our programming to support foster children in Kentucky.”
A native of western Kentucky, Hester said she always knew that Lexington was where she wanted to be. “There’s not a better place to live, work and raise a family,” she added. “Our community is so very generous and has a reputation of working closely with nonprofits to ensure that they are supported properly.”
Lindy is a first-year Commerce Lexington Ambassador, but she said, “I am loving getting to know all the people in this fantastic group. We are all working together to ensure that members are utilizing all the tools available with their membership. I have had great calls with members whose enthusiasm is re-ignited when we discuss all the great opportunities offered to them with their membership.”
Hester is deeply involved in the community, working to to create partnerships that will help The Foster Care Council expand its mission to provide resources and programming for even more foster children in Kentucky. Contact Lindy Hester at [email protected].
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT (MARCH 2022):
Sheila Carmack, Central Bank & Trust Co.
Central Bank is a locally owned community bank that operates in numerous markets, including Louisville, Central Kentucky, and Northern Kentucky. As a retail lending officer at Central Bank’s Tates Creek Centre branch, Sheila Carmack helps satisfy the borrowing needs of the businesses and individuals in the Tates Creek Centre area. She also introduces her clients to the Central Investment, Central Insurance, Central Bank Mortgage, Wealth Management, and Private Banking departments in order to provide them with solutions for any additional financial needs they may have.
Sheila said, “I have worked in banking centers throughout Lexington for the past 15 years. I enjoy helping my clients navigate each stage of their financial life. Some of the daily challenges we face in the retail area are staffing and the changing volume of transactions.” She also added that during the pandemic, many Central Bank customers have adapted to using the bank's digital tools to help them accomplish tasks that they used to do in person.
When asked about her involvement in Commerce Lexington, she said, “I enjoy helping businesses get connected with others to create win-win scenarios. Commerce Lexington helps all of us in Central Kentucky win by working together with business owners and leaders to make our community an excellent place to live and work.”
Sheila moved to Lexington over 30 years ago, when her husband's manufacturing career brought them to the area. She said, "I am very thankful to call Lexington home. We have raised three children here, and each of them chose to go to college within our wonderful network of state colleges."
Now in her second year of serving as an Ambassador, Sheila said she enjoyed getting to know the exceptional Commerce Lexington staff members and other Ambassadors last year, and is looking forward to meeting more members in person and helping them get the most from their membership in 2022. Contact Sheila Carmack at Central Bank at 859-253-6386.
Sheila Carmack, Central Bank & Trust Co.
Central Bank is a locally owned community bank that operates in numerous markets, including Louisville, Central Kentucky, and Northern Kentucky. As a retail lending officer at Central Bank’s Tates Creek Centre branch, Sheila Carmack helps satisfy the borrowing needs of the businesses and individuals in the Tates Creek Centre area. She also introduces her clients to the Central Investment, Central Insurance, Central Bank Mortgage, Wealth Management, and Private Banking departments in order to provide them with solutions for any additional financial needs they may have.
Sheila said, “I have worked in banking centers throughout Lexington for the past 15 years. I enjoy helping my clients navigate each stage of their financial life. Some of the daily challenges we face in the retail area are staffing and the changing volume of transactions.” She also added that during the pandemic, many Central Bank customers have adapted to using the bank's digital tools to help them accomplish tasks that they used to do in person.
When asked about her involvement in Commerce Lexington, she said, “I enjoy helping businesses get connected with others to create win-win scenarios. Commerce Lexington helps all of us in Central Kentucky win by working together with business owners and leaders to make our community an excellent place to live and work.”
Sheila moved to Lexington over 30 years ago, when her husband's manufacturing career brought them to the area. She said, "I am very thankful to call Lexington home. We have raised three children here, and each of them chose to go to college within our wonderful network of state colleges."
Now in her second year of serving as an Ambassador, Sheila said she enjoyed getting to know the exceptional Commerce Lexington staff members and other Ambassadors last year, and is looking forward to meeting more members in person and helping them get the most from their membership in 2022. Contact Sheila Carmack at Central Bank at 859-253-6386.
Jeff Morrett Named 2021 Ambassador of the Year
Each year, a Commerce Lexington Ambassador of the Year is selected based on a point system of involvement, as well as their effectiveness and contributions to the committee. The 2021 Ambassador of the Year is Jeff Morrett from Parsons & Howard Insurance Group.
Jeff is an insurance broker who helps people with their insurance needs. They offer a full line of personal, commercial and life insurance. He works with individuals and business owners on saving them money and making sure all of their coverages are the correct limits.
He said, “The main reason I love insurance so much is I am able to help people with their most prized possessions, protect them, and help them in their time of need. Insurance is very confusing if you don’t have someone like me who lives and breathes it on a daily basis. Also, when someone has an accident or loss, I take them through everything and make sure they know what’s going on. It can be very scary and concerning to go through a claim, however, I go through this everyday and want to let the customer know that everything will be ok and taken care of, because of the planning and attention to details in the beginning.”
Jeff said that serving as an Ambassador and representing Commerce Lexington has been a great honor. “Being that direct link between the members and the chamber has been very informative. I have enjoyed meeting business owners and being able to connect people as well. There have been numerous times over the past year that I have been able to connect members who normally wouldn’t have met and helped them meet and work together.”
"The community is only as good as the people in it," added Morrett. "We try to have the servant’s mentality in all aspects of our life. Being an Ambassador I hope has been able to help showcase businesses for ribbon cuttings, bring more people together, and be a direct connection for Commerce Lexington." In addition to being an Ambassador, Jeff is also active in Rotary of Lexington and coaching youth sports.
Jeff will serve as Chair of the 2022 Ambassador Committee. Contact Jeff Morrett at 859-624-9199.
Each year, a Commerce Lexington Ambassador of the Year is selected based on a point system of involvement, as well as their effectiveness and contributions to the committee. The 2021 Ambassador of the Year is Jeff Morrett from Parsons & Howard Insurance Group.
Jeff is an insurance broker who helps people with their insurance needs. They offer a full line of personal, commercial and life insurance. He works with individuals and business owners on saving them money and making sure all of their coverages are the correct limits.
He said, “The main reason I love insurance so much is I am able to help people with their most prized possessions, protect them, and help them in their time of need. Insurance is very confusing if you don’t have someone like me who lives and breathes it on a daily basis. Also, when someone has an accident or loss, I take them through everything and make sure they know what’s going on. It can be very scary and concerning to go through a claim, however, I go through this everyday and want to let the customer know that everything will be ok and taken care of, because of the planning and attention to details in the beginning.”
Jeff said that serving as an Ambassador and representing Commerce Lexington has been a great honor. “Being that direct link between the members and the chamber has been very informative. I have enjoyed meeting business owners and being able to connect people as well. There have been numerous times over the past year that I have been able to connect members who normally wouldn’t have met and helped them meet and work together.”
"The community is only as good as the people in it," added Morrett. "We try to have the servant’s mentality in all aspects of our life. Being an Ambassador I hope has been able to help showcase businesses for ribbon cuttings, bring more people together, and be a direct connection for Commerce Lexington." In addition to being an Ambassador, Jeff is also active in Rotary of Lexington and coaching youth sports.
Jeff will serve as Chair of the 2022 Ambassador Committee. Contact Jeff Morrett at 859-624-9199.
ABOUT THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM:
Ambassadors are active members of Commerce Lexington who volunteer their time to assist with Commerce Lexington’s member relations and retention efforts. The role of the Ambassador is to serve as a mentor to members and to help members make business connections through Commerce Lexington. Ambassadors are required to call their assigned member contacts, to meet them at Commerce Lexington events and ensure their involvement and participation—the keys to member satisfaction. Ambassadors also represent Commerce Lexington at community ribbon cutting and grand opening events.
Ambassadors welcome new members to events and help them connect with other members while promoting their respective businesses. Ambassadors are easily recognized at events by their Commerce Lexington Ambassador name badges.
Inherent in this role is an understanding that Ambassadors educate members on the benefits available to them through their membership. Therefore, each Ambassador must have a good understanding of the benefits of Commerce Lexington, including personal experience with networking events.
Active Ambassadors gain exposure for themselves and their companies and are eligible for prizes and recognition awards.
Selection for the committee is based on the following criteria:
In addition to the criteria above we require the following:
2022 COMMERCE LEXINGTON AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE:
Jennifer Ambs, The Lafayette
Shawn Blades, Truist
Brandy Borchers, Builders Exchange of KY
Sarah Brock, Forcht Bank
Sheila Carmack, Central Bank and Trust
Brandy Drakeford, AD-IOS Digital Marketing Co.
Cheryl Eadens, Bluegrass Office Systems
Alyssa Ethington, Promo Assets
Vicki Evans, Tops Marketing
Lesley Fluke, HSLC - Home Savings and Loan Company
Caroline Francis, University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services
Jamie Hall, WDKY FOX 56
Lindy Hester, The Foster Care Council
Gina Miller, Community Trust Bank
Jeff Morrett, Parsons & Howard Insurance Group [2022 Committee Chair]
JP Newsome, J.P. Morgan
Crystal Newton, 46Solutions
Jessica Pfister, Heartland Payroll & HR
Luca Setti, FocalPoint of the Blue Grass LLC
David Snyder, Cumberland Valley National Bank
Peyton Tierney, Todd & Gaines Integrated Wealth Planning
Kelly Tudor, CHI Saint Joseph Health Partners
Brooke Wheatley, WLEX TV
Mark Wiemer, WesBanco Bank
Ambassadors are active members of Commerce Lexington who volunteer their time to assist with Commerce Lexington’s member relations and retention efforts. The role of the Ambassador is to serve as a mentor to members and to help members make business connections through Commerce Lexington. Ambassadors are required to call their assigned member contacts, to meet them at Commerce Lexington events and ensure their involvement and participation—the keys to member satisfaction. Ambassadors also represent Commerce Lexington at community ribbon cutting and grand opening events.
Ambassadors welcome new members to events and help them connect with other members while promoting their respective businesses. Ambassadors are easily recognized at events by their Commerce Lexington Ambassador name badges.
Inherent in this role is an understanding that Ambassadors educate members on the benefits available to them through their membership. Therefore, each Ambassador must have a good understanding of the benefits of Commerce Lexington, including personal experience with networking events.
Active Ambassadors gain exposure for themselves and their companies and are eligible for prizes and recognition awards.
Selection for the committee is based on the following criteria:
- History and level of participation in Commerce Lexington (heavily weighted)
- Occupation/Industry (to achieve diversity on the Committee)
- Willingness to mentor
- Enthusiasm
In addition to the criteria above we require the following:
- Applicant’s employer must be an active member of Commerce Lexington
- Applicant must have been active with Commerce Lexington for at least a year
- Only one employee per company can serve on the committee
2022 COMMERCE LEXINGTON AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE:
Jennifer Ambs, The Lafayette
Shawn Blades, Truist
Brandy Borchers, Builders Exchange of KY
Sarah Brock, Forcht Bank
Sheila Carmack, Central Bank and Trust
Brandy Drakeford, AD-IOS Digital Marketing Co.
Cheryl Eadens, Bluegrass Office Systems
Alyssa Ethington, Promo Assets
Vicki Evans, Tops Marketing
Lesley Fluke, HSLC - Home Savings and Loan Company
Caroline Francis, University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services
Jamie Hall, WDKY FOX 56
Lindy Hester, The Foster Care Council
Gina Miller, Community Trust Bank
Jeff Morrett, Parsons & Howard Insurance Group [2022 Committee Chair]
JP Newsome, J.P. Morgan
Crystal Newton, 46Solutions
Jessica Pfister, Heartland Payroll & HR
Luca Setti, FocalPoint of the Blue Grass LLC
David Snyder, Cumberland Valley National Bank
Peyton Tierney, Todd & Gaines Integrated Wealth Planning
Kelly Tudor, CHI Saint Joseph Health Partners
Brooke Wheatley, WLEX TV
Mark Wiemer, WesBanco Bank
