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Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass

Expanding the capacity of emerging leaders to perform in leadership roles within Central Kentucky
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass prepares emerging leaders to perform in leadership roles within Central Kentucky through professional development, community education and networking. Monthly sessions are geared towards aspiring leaders focused on personal growth, leadership and learning how to make an impact in the community. This program is a great way to expand your network by meeting other goal-oriented young professionals and by being mentored by established leaders. 

Annual Pass Structure:
Purchase your Annual Pass today and begin expanding  your capacity through professional development, networking and community education opportunities. Annual passes give you access to 12+ events per year and are transferable, meaning that if you cannot attend an event, another person in your company can attend in your place. Companies can also purchase multiple passes allowing for employees to attend events together. 

​$100 for Commerce Lexington Inc. members
$125 for non-members
$50 for students

PURCHASE AN ANNUAL PASS
PURCHASE A GIFT PASS FOR SOMEONE

2023 Emerging Leader Scholarships Now Available for June Leadership Visit to Grand Rapids, MI 

Learn More or Apply Here

​Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass kicks off a new year for Annual Pass Holders

A Day at the Races
Celebrate the new year of Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass at Keeneland on Friday, April 28th from Noon - 6:00 pm. Annual Pass holders will have access to register for this exclusive event which includes: 

•  Enjoy an afternoon of racing in the historic Keeneland Clubhouse
•  Receive a $20 food voucher and program 
•  Meet with a Keeneland BETologist and learn how to place a winning bet!
•  Place a bet with a $2 betting voucher
•  Go on a tour of the grounds with a Keeneland tour guide

*Space is limited, and attendees must check in by 2pm. Those unable to arrive by 2pm should not reserve a ticket for this event. 
PRESENTED BY:
Keeneland logo
SILVER SPONSORS:
Blue & Co logo
Blue Grass Comm Foundation
CCU logo
LG&E KU logo
Melia Realty Group logo
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PROFESSIONAL
​DEVELOPMENT SPONSOR:
Executrain logo
MEDIA SPONSOR:
Mahan Multimedia

Upcoming Events & Programming:

March 23, 2023 3:30 – 5:00PM: Professional Development
Sending Signals: Understanding How Your Body Language Impacts Your Communication 

There are many kinds of non- verbal messages that you can send with your body to help people understand you and want to listen to you.  Likewise, are you reading other’s body language to that might be telling you more than you think.  In this workshop, you will apply your knowledge of body language to improve communication.  We will also explore nuances of body language to help build trust and rapport. This workshop facilitated by ExecuTrain will be held at Wise Bird Cider in the distillery district on March 23, 2023 from 3:30-5:00Pm. RSVP
Events are for Annual Passholders only. CLICK HERE to purchase a pass.

Highlights from Past ELBG Events:

Photos of Breeders' Cup 101 session at Keeneland by Mark Mahan, Mahan Multimedia.
MENTORING MINGLE
Mentoring Mingle was held on Tuesday, August 23rd at Big Ass Fans, 2348 Innovation Drive.  It opened up with a brief, inspirational talk about the benefits for mentees and mentors of the mentoring relationship by Vitale Buford.  Then, the event transitioned into a ‘speed dating’ style of networking where potential mentees and mentors got to know each other. After the event attendees had an opportunity to officially sign up for mentoring and identify anyone they met at the event that they would like to develop a relationship with over the few months. 

Networking With Our Nonprofits:
On June 23rd Emerging Leaders had the opportunity to meet representatives from Commerce Lexington’s Non-profit Members.  They heard from 10 local non-profits, who currently have open positions on their Board of Directors or open volunteer positions.  Each organization had approximately 3 minutes to pitch their mission and open opportunities to attendees, and then there was dedicated time for Emerging Leaders to visit one-on-one with the representatives in order to take the next step to get involved. ​

Own Your Career:
Our panel discussion focused on career advancement featured Candra Bryant (Chief Operating Officer of Hanna Resource Group), Ray Clere (Director of University of Kentucky’s Stuckert Career Center) and April Spellman (Manager of People and Culture at Gray Solutions).  Dedicated time for networking followed the panel with an opportunity for you to share your own career history as well as career ambitions with other emerging leaders in attendance.

Emerging Leaders in Nonprofit Leadership:
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass presented by Keeneland gathered for an informal panel featuring nonprofit leaders who just happen to be emerging leaders on Thursday, February 17th at 4pm at The Campbell House. Attendees learned about the nonprofit leaders’ varying challenges and opportunities, especially in light of the pandemic with many of them new to their leadership roles. They also discussed how to get involved with local nonprofits and what leaders look for in volunteers and board members. The panel was moderated by Timothy Johnson, President & CEO of United Way of the Bluegrass. Panelists included Chaquenta Neal, Executive Director of FoodChain, Tony Higgins, President/CEO Opportunity for Work & Learning, and Lori Clemons, Executive Director at Arbor Youth Services. ​
Lex Leader Talk with Shannon Bishop Arvin, Keeneland 
This series features prominent local leaders interviewed by emerging leaders.  Leadership and learning go hand in hand and our community’s most interesting leaders have leadership lessons to share on pivoting, leading through change and failing forward.  Find out more about these headline-makers’ backgrounds, careers, community impact and plans for the future.  Interviewed by Keeneland’s Employee Engagement Manager Betsy May,  Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Steering Committee.   ​VISIT HERE TO WATCH
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Lex Talk About Mentoring
This community education event highlighted mentoring programs and relationships that lead to individual success.  Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills mentees can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides socialization and personal support to facilitate success in school and beyond.  Ultimately the practice of mentoring benefits the community because we are investing in children, students and young professionals who are Lexington’s future leaders.  VISIT HERE TO WATCH​

Did You Miss These Growth Opportunities?
Sign up now and purchase your annual Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass access pass to participate in upcoming events.

PAST EMERGING LEADERS OF THE BLUEGRASS EVENTS:
Middle Tech podcast Live Interview with SpaceTango at Planetarium 
Conflict Resolution Workshop
Team Building at ACTIVATE GAMES
​"Design Thinking: A Creative Approach to Problem Solving" 
Breeders’ Cup 101
Investment Session
​Networking with our Nonprofits

​Own Your Career
2022-2023 Season Kickoff: A Day at the Races
​​Emerging Leaders in Nonprofit Leadership
2-Part Stress Management Program 
Wild Health Founder, Dr. Matt Dawson
"Introverts in Leadership" with Todd Stoltzfus, University of Kentucky
A Morning at Keeneland’s Yearling Sale 
Intrapreneruship Lunch and Learn with Awesome Inc.
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Networking Happy Hour
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Presents "Policy and Pints"
2021-2022 Season Kickoff - A Morning at Keeneland
"Lex Leader Talk" with Shannon Bishop Arvin, Keeneland 
"Lex Talk About Mentoring"
"Get Your Groove Back – How to Prevent or Re-Energize After Burnout"
"Lex Leader Talk" Series Featuring Ray Daniels (Equity Solutions Group)
“Lex Talk About Housing Affordability,” part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series 
“Perseverance” facilitated by Crinda Franke with ExecuTrain
“Leading Yourself”, part of the Leading in Lex Series with Dr. Virgil Grant
“Lex Talk About Voting”, part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series
“Maximizing Productivity” facilitated by Mark Little with ExecuTrain
“Staying Balanced in a Shifting World” facilitated by Nancy Piatt with ExecuTrain
​"Leading in the Community" to help people explore opportunities for service to the community.
"The Enneagram Workshop" facilitated by Dr. Virgil Grant.
“Leading in the Community,” part of the Leading in Lex Series
“Lex Talk About Culinary Culture & Diversity,” part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series ​
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Copyright © 2023 Commerce Lexington Inc., all rights reserved.
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447  |  Fax: (859) 233-3304
  • About
    • Message from the Board Chair
    • President's Message
    • Top Investors
    • Board of Directors
    • Racial Equity Pledge
    • Staff Directory
    • Find Our Offices | Parking
    • NEWS
  • Do Business
    • Business Directory
    • Economic Development
    • Minority Business Development >
      • Minority Business Directory
      • Procurement Opportunities
    • Business & Education Network
    • Resources >
      • Start a Business
      • Relocate a Business
      • Funding & Financing
      • Publications
  • Live & Work
    • Relocation Guide
    • Job Openings
    • Getting Around
    • Demographics
    • Cost of Living
    • Lexington History
    • Lexington Rankings
    • Education >
      • Public Education
      • Private Education
    • Health Care
  • Advocacy
    • About Public Policy
    • Your Government >
      • Local
      • State
      • Federal
    • Policy Statements & Key Issues
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Discounts
    • Member News
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • JOIN
  • Events
    • Commerce Lexington Events Calendar
    • Community Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • An Evening With Commerce Lexington
    • EMERGE 2023 >
      • EMERGE Breakouts
      • Speakers
      • Agenda
    • Leadership Visit >
      • Grand Rapids 2023
      • Impact
      • Past Trips >
        • Tampa-St. Petersburg 2022
        • Austin 2021
        • Raleigh 2019
    • Portugal 2023
    • Regional Summit
    • Washington Fly-In
    • Salute to Small Business >
      • Nominate a Business
      • Award Categories
      • Small Business Awards Application
      • Past Award Winners
  • Connect
    • Become a Member
    • Peer Programming >
      • Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB)
      • Peer Groups
    • Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass
    • Leadership Development >
      • Leadership Lexington >
        • Application
        • Class Roster
        • Class Projects
        • Steering Committee
        • Alumni
      • Leadership Central Kentucky >
        • Class Roster
        • Board of Directors
        • LCK Alumni
    • Ambassador Program