September 2023
Bank of the Bluegrass Introduces Bluegrass Business Rewards
Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. today announced the introduction of a patent-pending new checking account product developed intentionally to meet the needs of small business owners. This new account, Bluegrass Business Rewards™, offers significant benefits, including 1% cash back on qualifying debit card purchases. With nothing similar available to clients in this market today, Bank of the Bluegrass is making waves in the banking industry.
After more than 50 years serving the Lexington community, Bank of the Bluegrass has become familiar with the unique challenges small business owners face. Banks have historically missed the mark as bank accounts are typically created for individuals or large organizations. Local, growing businesses have unique cash flow needs, and the bank created this account to put more money back into business owners’ pockets.
“We are proud of the work we have done to create a checking account that specifically supports small business owners in Kentucky,” said Tom Greinke, President of Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. and University of Kentucky MBA graduate. “Small businesses are an essential part of a healthy, thriving economy. We built an account specifically for these businesses, and it’s the first account of its kind in the nation! This proprietary account actually rewards small business customers based on debit card usage; this is money they can put back into their business in any number of ways. We are excited to be the sole provider of this new account!”
The bank has completed a six-month beta-test process and is now opening Bluegrass Business Rewards to all local businesses. Account benefits and additional details can be found here.
In addition to banking and cash back advantages, the account also easily integrates with several accounting platforms, like Quickbooks®, allowing owners to easily track expenses. It also offers options for additional users, free access to the bank’s mobile app, and more.
“We are pleased to make this proprietary account offering available to small business owners,” said Bill Allen, Chief Executive Officer at Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. “As far as we have found, not a single bank in the country offers a small-business-centric checking account like Bluegrass Business Rewards. We are delighted to be paving the way and leading a revolution in the banking industry.”
Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. today announced the introduction of a patent-pending new checking account product developed intentionally to meet the needs of small business owners. This new account, Bluegrass Business Rewards™, offers significant benefits, including 1% cash back on qualifying debit card purchases. With nothing similar available to clients in this market today, Bank of the Bluegrass is making waves in the banking industry.
After more than 50 years serving the Lexington community, Bank of the Bluegrass has become familiar with the unique challenges small business owners face. Banks have historically missed the mark as bank accounts are typically created for individuals or large organizations. Local, growing businesses have unique cash flow needs, and the bank created this account to put more money back into business owners’ pockets.
“We are proud of the work we have done to create a checking account that specifically supports small business owners in Kentucky,” said Tom Greinke, President of Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. and University of Kentucky MBA graduate. “Small businesses are an essential part of a healthy, thriving economy. We built an account specifically for these businesses, and it’s the first account of its kind in the nation! This proprietary account actually rewards small business customers based on debit card usage; this is money they can put back into their business in any number of ways. We are excited to be the sole provider of this new account!”
The bank has completed a six-month beta-test process and is now opening Bluegrass Business Rewards to all local businesses. Account benefits and additional details can be found here.
In addition to banking and cash back advantages, the account also easily integrates with several accounting platforms, like Quickbooks®, allowing owners to easily track expenses. It also offers options for additional users, free access to the bank’s mobile app, and more.
“We are pleased to make this proprietary account offering available to small business owners,” said Bill Allen, Chief Executive Officer at Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. “As far as we have found, not a single bank in the country offers a small-business-centric checking account like Bluegrass Business Rewards. We are delighted to be paving the way and leading a revolution in the banking industry.”
June 2023
Ayoroa Simmons Announces SBA 8(a) Certification Achievement
Ayoroa Simmons, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D Laser Scanning Provider has just been awarded the SBA 8(a) certification. With over 200 successful projects in the private sector, the firm plans to use this opportunity to create more highly skilled jobs, to build new partnerships, and collaborate with other federal contractors in the AECO industry.
Founded in 2016, Ayoroa Simmons has quickly built a name in the Architectural, Engineering, Construction, and Owner/Operator (AECO) Industry. The company specializes in providing data-driven BIM solutions to architects, engineers, contractors, and other industry professionals. Ayoroa Simmons services include high-definition surveying, 3D laser scanning, measured drawings, 3D building model development (virtual construction), and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) coordination.
What is the SBA 8(a) Certification and What Does it Do for Our Industry?
Established by Congress in 1978 as Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, the SBA 8(a) certification is part of a business assistance program for small, disadvantaged businesses controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Advantages of being 8(a) certified:
Ayoroa Simmons applied for 8(a) certification with hopes to build collaborative partnerships and establish teaming arrangements with other companies that are currently serving the federal market. Ayoroa Simmons invites interested firms to contact Josh Ayoroa. To learn more about Ayoroa Simmons, VISIT HERE.
Ayoroa Simmons, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D Laser Scanning Provider has just been awarded the SBA 8(a) certification. With over 200 successful projects in the private sector, the firm plans to use this opportunity to create more highly skilled jobs, to build new partnerships, and collaborate with other federal contractors in the AECO industry.
Founded in 2016, Ayoroa Simmons has quickly built a name in the Architectural, Engineering, Construction, and Owner/Operator (AECO) Industry. The company specializes in providing data-driven BIM solutions to architects, engineers, contractors, and other industry professionals. Ayoroa Simmons services include high-definition surveying, 3D laser scanning, measured drawings, 3D building model development (virtual construction), and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) coordination.
What is the SBA 8(a) Certification and What Does it Do for Our Industry?
Established by Congress in 1978 as Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, the SBA 8(a) certification is part of a business assistance program for small, disadvantaged businesses controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Advantages of being 8(a) certified:
- Participants can receive sole-source contracts, up to $4.5 million for goods and services, and $7.5 million for manufacturing
- Competitive contract opportunities
- 8(a) firms are able to form joint ventures and teams to bid on contracts, enhancing the ability of the firm to perform larger prime contracts
Ayoroa Simmons applied for 8(a) certification with hopes to build collaborative partnerships and establish teaming arrangements with other companies that are currently serving the federal market. Ayoroa Simmons invites interested firms to contact Josh Ayoroa. To learn more about Ayoroa Simmons, VISIT HERE.
Matrix Integration Achieves SOC 2® - TYPE 2, Validating Compliance with Nationally-Recognized Security Framework
Matrix Integration, a strategic IT infrastructure partner for more than 1,000 businesses and schools in the Midwest and beyond, announced today that the company has received SOC 2® - Type 2 (Service Organization Controls), a designation awarded to organizations that have proven their ability to oversee and safeguard their own and their clients’ data. The credential, granted by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), is becoming more critical than ever. In addition to safeguarding their own data, businesses – especially industries dealing with personal, confidential information (such as with the finance and healthcare industry) – need to make sure the partners they work with keep their data safe, along with proving to insurers and customers that they are working with partners that meet specific and rigorous compliance standards. The SOC 2 - Type 2 designation validates that these requirements exist and are being adhered to.
Vendors More Vulnerable Than Ever
Meeting the standards of SOC 2 - Type 2 which can take up to a year to achieve, is a major weapon against cybercrime, which has targeted more vendors in recent years. In the last three years, KPMG reports that 73 percent of businesses have experienced a significant disruption due to a third-party cyberattack.* Technology vendors are the most-common target for third-party attacks because hackers can exploit their access to reach even more targets.** In addition, cybersecurity insurance rates continue to rise*** and policies are becoming more difficult to acquire. When a company can verify their technology vendors have SOC 2 - Type 2 or other industry-accepted credentials, they have a better chance of securing a policy and potentially reducing the cost of that policy. For more information on Matrix Integration or the importance of third-party security credentials, VISIT HERE.
* Third-Party Risk Management Outlook, KPMG
** Third Party Breach Report: Trends, Shifts and Lessons Learned from 2022, Black Kite
*** Cyber Rates Continue Rise, Though at Slower Pace, Marsh
Matrix Integration, a strategic IT infrastructure partner for more than 1,000 businesses and schools in the Midwest and beyond, announced today that the company has received SOC 2® - Type 2 (Service Organization Controls), a designation awarded to organizations that have proven their ability to oversee and safeguard their own and their clients’ data. The credential, granted by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), is becoming more critical than ever. In addition to safeguarding their own data, businesses – especially industries dealing with personal, confidential information (such as with the finance and healthcare industry) – need to make sure the partners they work with keep their data safe, along with proving to insurers and customers that they are working with partners that meet specific and rigorous compliance standards. The SOC 2 - Type 2 designation validates that these requirements exist and are being adhered to.
Vendors More Vulnerable Than Ever
Meeting the standards of SOC 2 - Type 2 which can take up to a year to achieve, is a major weapon against cybercrime, which has targeted more vendors in recent years. In the last three years, KPMG reports that 73 percent of businesses have experienced a significant disruption due to a third-party cyberattack.* Technology vendors are the most-common target for third-party attacks because hackers can exploit their access to reach even more targets.** In addition, cybersecurity insurance rates continue to rise*** and policies are becoming more difficult to acquire. When a company can verify their technology vendors have SOC 2 - Type 2 or other industry-accepted credentials, they have a better chance of securing a policy and potentially reducing the cost of that policy. For more information on Matrix Integration or the importance of third-party security credentials, VISIT HERE.
* Third-Party Risk Management Outlook, KPMG
** Third Party Breach Report: Trends, Shifts and Lessons Learned from 2022, Black Kite
*** Cyber Rates Continue Rise, Though at Slower Pace, Marsh
Photovoice Project to Bring Awareness to Mental Health; Enrollment Deadline is June 21st
Through the Lexington-Fayette Co. Health Department, an exciting new addition called Photovoice is being incorporated into our community health improvement planning process focused on mental health. Photovoice invites participants to share their perspectives on mental health through photography, reflection and action. We are seeking participants who live and/or work in Lexington-Fayette County to participate in 4 weekly Zoom sessions, 1 ½-2 hours per week, led by a trained facilitator in July 2023.
After an orientation session, participants will be asked to take photos (with a smart phone or digital camera) related to mental health in Lexington-Fayette County. The photos are then shared and discussed during the weekly sessions. Sessions will be scheduled to meet the needs of participants as much as possible (day and evening sessions), and participants will receive a raffle ticket for each session they attend. The enrollment deadline is Wednesday, June 21. VISIT HERE TO SIGN UP!
Through the Lexington-Fayette Co. Health Department, an exciting new addition called Photovoice is being incorporated into our community health improvement planning process focused on mental health. Photovoice invites participants to share their perspectives on mental health through photography, reflection and action. We are seeking participants who live and/or work in Lexington-Fayette County to participate in 4 weekly Zoom sessions, 1 ½-2 hours per week, led by a trained facilitator in July 2023.
After an orientation session, participants will be asked to take photos (with a smart phone or digital camera) related to mental health in Lexington-Fayette County. The photos are then shared and discussed during the weekly sessions. Sessions will be scheduled to meet the needs of participants as much as possible (day and evening sessions), and participants will receive a raffle ticket for each session they attend. The enrollment deadline is Wednesday, June 21. VISIT HERE TO SIGN UP!
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March 2023
Longship Expands to Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida Area
Longship, America’s freight concierge, has expanded its footprint and opened its third location in St. Petersburg, Florida. The doors officially opened on March 13, 2023, with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for this summer with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Tampa and St. Petersburg communities,” said Kenny Ray Schomp, President of Longship. “We chose this location to meet the growing demands of our client base by recruiting the best talent – it’s an exciting time, and none of this would be possible without our clients, carriers, and people.”
Longship’s Tampa area office is located at 400 Carillon Parkway Suite 301, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, with seven employees opening the office. Six of them relocated from their Lexington headquarters, and the other are new hires, with plans to fill 10 positions locally over the next year.
“Our mission is to set the standard in the transportation industry through a commitment to exceptional client service, innovation, and unmatched opportunities for our people,” said Courtney Putthoff, Longship Chief of Staff. “Opening our Tampa office embodies who we are and what we do – and we cannot wait to better serve our clients from our new location.”
Longship, America’s freight concierge, has expanded its footprint and opened its third location in St. Petersburg, Florida. The doors officially opened on March 13, 2023, with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for this summer with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Tampa and St. Petersburg communities,” said Kenny Ray Schomp, President of Longship. “We chose this location to meet the growing demands of our client base by recruiting the best talent – it’s an exciting time, and none of this would be possible without our clients, carriers, and people.”
Longship’s Tampa area office is located at 400 Carillon Parkway Suite 301, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, with seven employees opening the office. Six of them relocated from their Lexington headquarters, and the other are new hires, with plans to fill 10 positions locally over the next year.
“Our mission is to set the standard in the transportation industry through a commitment to exceptional client service, innovation, and unmatched opportunities for our people,” said Courtney Putthoff, Longship Chief of Staff. “Opening our Tampa office embodies who we are and what we do – and we cannot wait to better serve our clients from our new location.”
FOX 56 News Launches New Local Lifestyle Show
The Central Kentucky lifestyle economy is thriving; and new shops and restaurants are opening all over our community,” said Monte Costes, General Manager of FOX 56. “Local television isn’t really covering the lifestyle story and that’s why we’re launching LIVE FROM CHEVY CHASE. It’s a different kind of local morning show starting with our hosts, The Kentucky Tastebuds. Tamara Schneider and Leigh Jordan will bring their successful radio show to FOX 56, weekday mornings at 9:00 am beginning Monday, March 27.” On Monday, March 27, FOX 56 is also launching the FOX Morning News at 9:30 am to follow Live From Chevy Chase. The 30-minute newscast will be anchored by Krista Spadaccini and Chief Meteorologist Justin Logan.
The Central Kentucky lifestyle economy is thriving; and new shops and restaurants are opening all over our community,” said Monte Costes, General Manager of FOX 56. “Local television isn’t really covering the lifestyle story and that’s why we’re launching LIVE FROM CHEVY CHASE. It’s a different kind of local morning show starting with our hosts, The Kentucky Tastebuds. Tamara Schneider and Leigh Jordan will bring their successful radio show to FOX 56, weekday mornings at 9:00 am beginning Monday, March 27.” On Monday, March 27, FOX 56 is also launching the FOX Morning News at 9:30 am to follow Live From Chevy Chase. The 30-minute newscast will be anchored by Krista Spadaccini and Chief Meteorologist Justin Logan.
Synergy Home, LLC of Lexington Acquires Sorg Heating and Cooling in Frankfort
Jamie Clark, the owner of Synergy Home, LLC of Lexington, announced the acquisition of Sorg Heating and Cooling, LLC in Frankfort. Synergy Home is excited to extend its top-notch customer service in heating and cooling to the Frankfort area. Sorg will now also offer additional Synergy Home services: solar power, back-up power generators, spray foam insulation, and crawl space encapsulation.
Sorg is one of the oldest heating and cooling companies in Kentucky. Originally founded in 1939, they were the first in the area to offer home air-conditioning systems in 1949, and the first to install heat pump systems in the early 1950s. Brandon Sorg, the 3rd generation owner, will remain involved with both Sorg and Synergy Home as a residential estimator. Sorg’s current location will remain the Frankfort headquarters under the direction of Tom Wunderlich, the company’s longtime General Manager.
“Synergy has many friends and customers in the Frankfort market. Frankfort is a great community with deep roots, and I felt if we were to have a larger presence there, we would need to partner with an existing local contractor. I’ve had a friendly, respectful business relationship with the team at Sorg for over 20 years, so this merger was a natural fit,” said Jamie Clark.
Synergy Home was founded by Clark in 2014 to offer central Kentucky homeowners with a wholistic approach to home comfort and energy efficiency. With this acquisition, Synergy has grown to over 40 employees with a fleet of nearly 30 trucks on the road. This makes them the largest provider of solar power in Kentucky, and one of the largest privately owned HVAC companies in the market.
Jamie Clark, the owner of Synergy Home, LLC of Lexington, announced the acquisition of Sorg Heating and Cooling, LLC in Frankfort. Synergy Home is excited to extend its top-notch customer service in heating and cooling to the Frankfort area. Sorg will now also offer additional Synergy Home services: solar power, back-up power generators, spray foam insulation, and crawl space encapsulation.
Sorg is one of the oldest heating and cooling companies in Kentucky. Originally founded in 1939, they were the first in the area to offer home air-conditioning systems in 1949, and the first to install heat pump systems in the early 1950s. Brandon Sorg, the 3rd generation owner, will remain involved with both Sorg and Synergy Home as a residential estimator. Sorg’s current location will remain the Frankfort headquarters under the direction of Tom Wunderlich, the company’s longtime General Manager.
“Synergy has many friends and customers in the Frankfort market. Frankfort is a great community with deep roots, and I felt if we were to have a larger presence there, we would need to partner with an existing local contractor. I’ve had a friendly, respectful business relationship with the team at Sorg for over 20 years, so this merger was a natural fit,” said Jamie Clark.
Synergy Home was founded by Clark in 2014 to offer central Kentucky homeowners with a wholistic approach to home comfort and energy efficiency. With this acquisition, Synergy has grown to over 40 employees with a fleet of nearly 30 trucks on the road. This makes them the largest provider of solar power in Kentucky, and one of the largest privately owned HVAC companies in the market.
ManpowerGroup Announces Employment Outlook Survey Results for Second Quarter of 2023
The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey results for the second quarter of 2023 are now available! This highly anticipated survey measures employers’ intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees on their payrolls in Q2. This quarter, we also included questions regarding the ongoing talent shortage.
ManpowerGroup surveyed more than 6,000 U.S. employers about their employment plans for April-June. The good news is, hiring intentions continue to be strong with a Net Employment Outlook of +30%. This is the difference between the number of employers planning to hire minus those who plan to decrease staff or make no changes. Hiring intentions were one point higher than last quarter and 5 percentage points lower than last year at this time.
The report breaks down the results by region and industry:
The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey results for the second quarter of 2023 are now available! This highly anticipated survey measures employers’ intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees on their payrolls in Q2. This quarter, we also included questions regarding the ongoing talent shortage.
ManpowerGroup surveyed more than 6,000 U.S. employers about their employment plans for April-June. The good news is, hiring intentions continue to be strong with a Net Employment Outlook of +30%. This is the difference between the number of employers planning to hire minus those who plan to decrease staff or make no changes. Hiring intentions were one point higher than last quarter and 5 percentage points lower than last year at this time.
The report breaks down the results by region and industry:
- Top sector is once again Information Technology with a NEO of +45%
- The sector with the largest increase since the previous quarter is Transport, Logistics & Automotive with a change of 24 percentage points
- American organizations in all 13 U.S. regions expect increasing staffing levels in Q2 2023.
- Talent shortages continue across all industries
February 2023
Photo courtesy of Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University Launches High-Demand Degree Program in Manufacturing Engineering
EKU students will soon have the opportunity to pursue a degree in the high-demand field of manufacturing engineering. With an anticipated 32,400 new manufacturing engineering jobs nationally by 2029, EKU’s bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering addresses an expanding need within the state and beyond.
With recent announcements of the construction of two new electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants in Kentucky, job growth within the manufacturing sector in the state is expected to increase. The Council on Postsecondary Education released The Engineering Sector Gap Analysis, reporting a need in Kentucky to graduate manufacturing engineers and provide talent for the continued growth of manufacturing companies. Furthermore, the American Society for Engineering Education shows that Kentucky graduates fewer bachelor’s degree engineers per capita than any of the adjacent states. EKU’s new program in manufacturing engineering will help to fill those gaps.
EKU’s new program, along with well-established programs in engineering technology management, occupational safety, global supply chain management, and risk management and insurance, positions the university as the hub of the state’s growing manufacturing industry. As EKU’s first engineering program, the manufacturing engineering degree begins in Fall 2023 and will prepare graduates to become practicing manufacturing engineers. For more information about EKU’s Manufacturing Engineering degree program, VISIT ON-LINE HERE.
EKU students will soon have the opportunity to pursue a degree in the high-demand field of manufacturing engineering. With an anticipated 32,400 new manufacturing engineering jobs nationally by 2029, EKU’s bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering addresses an expanding need within the state and beyond.
With recent announcements of the construction of two new electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants in Kentucky, job growth within the manufacturing sector in the state is expected to increase. The Council on Postsecondary Education released The Engineering Sector Gap Analysis, reporting a need in Kentucky to graduate manufacturing engineers and provide talent for the continued growth of manufacturing companies. Furthermore, the American Society for Engineering Education shows that Kentucky graduates fewer bachelor’s degree engineers per capita than any of the adjacent states. EKU’s new program in manufacturing engineering will help to fill those gaps.
EKU’s new program, along with well-established programs in engineering technology management, occupational safety, global supply chain management, and risk management and insurance, positions the university as the hub of the state’s growing manufacturing industry. As EKU’s first engineering program, the manufacturing engineering degree begins in Fall 2023 and will prepare graduates to become practicing manufacturing engineers. For more information about EKU’s Manufacturing Engineering degree program, VISIT ON-LINE HERE.
OUTDATED TECH? WHAT BUSINESSES CAN LEARN FROM THE AIRLINE FIASCOS IN 2023
Three Top Trends CEOs and IT Directors Need to Know to Avoid IT Disasters
Within the last several weeks, old and outdated tech has grounded planes and snarled airline traffic nationwide. If maintaining IT infrastructure and updating IT systems is so difficult for some of the most essential services in the country, how can everyday businesses and services expect to keep up? The answer is getting proactive, according to the expert team of engineers at Matrix Integration, a strategic IT infrastructure partner for more than 1,000 businesses and schools in the Midwest and beyond. Working closely with their clients, Matrix’s engineers have identified three major trends that businesses need to address in 2023 to keep their systems up to date and avoid major shutdowns that could cost millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Stay Proactive to Combat These Market Trends
Outdated IT and infrastructure have been identified as a major reason for the air traffic issues in recent days and weeks. The engineers at Matrix Integration have recognized three major challenges that are trending in their clients’ businesses, and recommend a number of ways to stay ahead of technology meltdowns.
1. Supply chain issues are making it difficult to replace old equipment.
2. Cybersecurity insurance is demanding more.
3. The “Edge” requires updates in almost every area of IT.
For more information on Matrix Integration or trends in enterprise-level IT, visit matrixintegration.com.
Three Top Trends CEOs and IT Directors Need to Know to Avoid IT Disasters
Within the last several weeks, old and outdated tech has grounded planes and snarled airline traffic nationwide. If maintaining IT infrastructure and updating IT systems is so difficult for some of the most essential services in the country, how can everyday businesses and services expect to keep up? The answer is getting proactive, according to the expert team of engineers at Matrix Integration, a strategic IT infrastructure partner for more than 1,000 businesses and schools in the Midwest and beyond. Working closely with their clients, Matrix’s engineers have identified three major trends that businesses need to address in 2023 to keep their systems up to date and avoid major shutdowns that could cost millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Stay Proactive to Combat These Market Trends
Outdated IT and infrastructure have been identified as a major reason for the air traffic issues in recent days and weeks. The engineers at Matrix Integration have recognized three major challenges that are trending in their clients’ businesses, and recommend a number of ways to stay ahead of technology meltdowns.
1. Supply chain issues are making it difficult to replace old equipment.
2. Cybersecurity insurance is demanding more.
3. The “Edge” requires updates in almost every area of IT.
For more information on Matrix Integration or trends in enterprise-level IT, visit matrixintegration.com.
December 2022
MCF Announces Duncan, Smith & Stilz, PSC to Join the MCF Team
MCF Advisors LLC (MCF) announced that Lexington-based Duncan, Smith & Stilz (DSS) Certified Public Accounting firm will join the MCF team on January 1, 2023. This furthers MCF’s depth and ability to offer a wide range of financial expertise to its clients. MCF’s Tax & Accounting service offering has substantially grown since it began offering these services two years ago. MCF offers clients added value through the Financial Advisor also leading the client’s tax needs. This allows for real-time financial decisions that considers tax implications.
“We believe we can best serve our clients through a holistic view of their entire financial life. Of course, this includes financial planning, investments, and estate planning; however, managing all of these aspects through the complex and ever-changing lens of tax is imperative,” says Natalie Schuler, Manager of Tax & Accounting Services at MCF.
Established in 1978, DSS will bring over 44 years of knowledge and experience to the team, which will immediately benefit MCF clients. Joining the MCF team from DSS includes Stewart Smith, CPA; Jim Stilz, CPA; Andy Smith, CPA; and Jeret Farmer, Accountant.
“Our clients’ response to expanding our tax, accounting and personal CFO services has been amazing, which is why we are thrilled the team members from DSS are joining the MCF family to continue to deliver exceptional client experiences,” says Dave Harris, CEO of MCF.
Today’s environment makes it an ongoing challenge to stay on top of tax laws and regulations. MCF does the hard work for its clients by offering tax advice and preparation services. For tax clients, MCF strives to be deeply engaged in their tax planning to be equipped to help them make the best decisions possible.
MCF Advisors LLC (MCF) announced that Lexington-based Duncan, Smith & Stilz (DSS) Certified Public Accounting firm will join the MCF team on January 1, 2023. This furthers MCF’s depth and ability to offer a wide range of financial expertise to its clients. MCF’s Tax & Accounting service offering has substantially grown since it began offering these services two years ago. MCF offers clients added value through the Financial Advisor also leading the client’s tax needs. This allows for real-time financial decisions that considers tax implications.
“We believe we can best serve our clients through a holistic view of their entire financial life. Of course, this includes financial planning, investments, and estate planning; however, managing all of these aspects through the complex and ever-changing lens of tax is imperative,” says Natalie Schuler, Manager of Tax & Accounting Services at MCF.
Established in 1978, DSS will bring over 44 years of knowledge and experience to the team, which will immediately benefit MCF clients. Joining the MCF team from DSS includes Stewart Smith, CPA; Jim Stilz, CPA; Andy Smith, CPA; and Jeret Farmer, Accountant.
“Our clients’ response to expanding our tax, accounting and personal CFO services has been amazing, which is why we are thrilled the team members from DSS are joining the MCF family to continue to deliver exceptional client experiences,” says Dave Harris, CEO of MCF.
Today’s environment makes it an ongoing challenge to stay on top of tax laws and regulations. MCF does the hard work for its clients by offering tax advice and preparation services. For tax clients, MCF strives to be deeply engaged in their tax planning to be equipped to help them make the best decisions possible.
October 2022
Sterling Thompson Company Celebrates Expansion Into Lexington Market
In response to rapid growth within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Sterling Thompson Company celebrated its new Lexington office location, 3399 Tates Creek Road, Suite 210, Lexington, KY 40502, during today’s ribbon cutting ceremony. Sterling Thompson Company has a significant client presence in Fayette County and surrounding areas through their strong Farm and Equine Division as well as their Personal and Business Insurance departments. This will be their first brick and mortar location in Fayette County.
Bob Quick, President and CEO - Commerce Lexington, Inc. stated, “Sterling Thompson Company has shown a commitment to independence and a commitment to serve all their community partners. We are even more excited to know this commitment to service has expanded to Lexington.”
With this new physical presence in Lexington, Sterling Thompson Company looks forward to not only supporting their local client base, but the Lexington and surrounding communities at large.
Councilmember Hannah LeGris, LFUCG 3rd District stated, “We’re excited to welcome Sterling Thompson Company’s first Fayette County brick and mortar location to Lexington’s 3rd District – and pleased that their growth as an agency has been reflected here in our community.”
For more information about Sterling Thompson Company, visit sterlingthompson.com.
In response to rapid growth within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Sterling Thompson Company celebrated its new Lexington office location, 3399 Tates Creek Road, Suite 210, Lexington, KY 40502, during today’s ribbon cutting ceremony. Sterling Thompson Company has a significant client presence in Fayette County and surrounding areas through their strong Farm and Equine Division as well as their Personal and Business Insurance departments. This will be their first brick and mortar location in Fayette County.
Bob Quick, President and CEO - Commerce Lexington, Inc. stated, “Sterling Thompson Company has shown a commitment to independence and a commitment to serve all their community partners. We are even more excited to know this commitment to service has expanded to Lexington.”
With this new physical presence in Lexington, Sterling Thompson Company looks forward to not only supporting their local client base, but the Lexington and surrounding communities at large.
Councilmember Hannah LeGris, LFUCG 3rd District stated, “We’re excited to welcome Sterling Thompson Company’s first Fayette County brick and mortar location to Lexington’s 3rd District – and pleased that their growth as an agency has been reflected here in our community.”
For more information about Sterling Thompson Company, visit sterlingthompson.com.
LifePath Behavioral Health Clinic, Division of Employment Solutions, Opens New Facility
On Tuesday, October 11th, a Ribbon Cutting was held for the new LifePath Behavioral Health Clinic on its campus at 1165 Centre Parkway. The event featured remarks from Congressman Andy Barr as well as Councilmember Fred Brown and Dr. Aime Kunes. LifePath is a division of Employment Solutions, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983. This newest division offers a comprehensive menu of services designed to promote mental and emotional wellness, lifestyle health, and recovery to individuals, couples and families seeking our services.
Bob Quick, CEO & President of Commerce Lexington stated: “Thank you to Rick, Aime and the entire LifePath team for your dedication and commitment to providing services that are critical to people throughout Central Kentucky and will encourage a healthy workforce and community.”
According to LifePath Director Amie Kunes, “LifePath will address a growing gap in behavioral health services within Central Kentucky for both availability and affordability, this lack of service adequacy has been rendered evermore conspicuous as a consequence of the Covid pandemic.”
LifePath is addressing unmet needs by providing a range of therapeutic offerings, including medication management and outpatient substance abuse treatment, while honoring most forms of insurance including Medicaid and accepting people into treatment within 48-hours of request with no waiting lists. These features will come at a cost.
On Tuesday, October 11th, a Ribbon Cutting was held for the new LifePath Behavioral Health Clinic on its campus at 1165 Centre Parkway. The event featured remarks from Congressman Andy Barr as well as Councilmember Fred Brown and Dr. Aime Kunes. LifePath is a division of Employment Solutions, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983. This newest division offers a comprehensive menu of services designed to promote mental and emotional wellness, lifestyle health, and recovery to individuals, couples and families seeking our services.
Bob Quick, CEO & President of Commerce Lexington stated: “Thank you to Rick, Aime and the entire LifePath team for your dedication and commitment to providing services that are critical to people throughout Central Kentucky and will encourage a healthy workforce and community.”
According to LifePath Director Amie Kunes, “LifePath will address a growing gap in behavioral health services within Central Kentucky for both availability and affordability, this lack of service adequacy has been rendered evermore conspicuous as a consequence of the Covid pandemic.”
LifePath is addressing unmet needs by providing a range of therapeutic offerings, including medication management and outpatient substance abuse treatment, while honoring most forms of insurance including Medicaid and accepting people into treatment within 48-hours of request with no waiting lists. These features will come at a cost.
September 2022
Aetna Building Solutions Acquires Lexington's Hardwood Specialties, Inc.
Aetna Building Solutions, Inc., the Midwest’s leading wholesale distributor of building materials for commercial and residential applications, today announced the acquisition of Hardwood Specialties, Inc., a Lexington, KY building materials wholesaler.
Hardwood Specialties is the latest strategic addition to Aetna Building Solutions, which expands a Midwest market reach that now includes the major metropolitan areas of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and portions of Iowa, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky.
“Hardwood Specialties owners Bobby Mastin and Jeff Hall have, for over 25 years, built a reputation for providing exceptional products and services to the Lexington area, making it the perfect complement to Aetna’s fast-growing Midwest presence,” says Jon Minnaert, Aetna President. “By expanding into the greater Lexington region, customers in the area now can take advantage of Aetna’s much larger inventories and a much wider product assortment. These include hardwood plywood, hardwood lumber, butcher block, particle board, MDF, melamine, and hardware sold to a variety of market segment manufacturers including cabinet and case good, closets, store fixture, countertop, office and residential furniture, exhibit, and architectural millwork.”
The acquisition went into effect September 1. The company will continue to operate at Hardwood Specialties' current location at 2433 MacKinwood Dr. Lexington, KY 40510, and maintain its Hardwood Specialties brand.
About Aetna Building Solutions
What began as a modest enterprise over 85 years ago, has today become one of the Midwest's largest distributors of hardwood lumber, plywood, wood panels, laminate, solid surface and hardware. Aetna’s dedicated team of professionals deliver service excellence and timely product fulfillment from its operations, warehouses and deep product inventories in Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Rockford, IL and now Lexington, KY.
Aetna Building Solutions, Inc., the Midwest’s leading wholesale distributor of building materials for commercial and residential applications, today announced the acquisition of Hardwood Specialties, Inc., a Lexington, KY building materials wholesaler.
Hardwood Specialties is the latest strategic addition to Aetna Building Solutions, which expands a Midwest market reach that now includes the major metropolitan areas of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and portions of Iowa, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky.
“Hardwood Specialties owners Bobby Mastin and Jeff Hall have, for over 25 years, built a reputation for providing exceptional products and services to the Lexington area, making it the perfect complement to Aetna’s fast-growing Midwest presence,” says Jon Minnaert, Aetna President. “By expanding into the greater Lexington region, customers in the area now can take advantage of Aetna’s much larger inventories and a much wider product assortment. These include hardwood plywood, hardwood lumber, butcher block, particle board, MDF, melamine, and hardware sold to a variety of market segment manufacturers including cabinet and case good, closets, store fixture, countertop, office and residential furniture, exhibit, and architectural millwork.”
The acquisition went into effect September 1. The company will continue to operate at Hardwood Specialties' current location at 2433 MacKinwood Dr. Lexington, KY 40510, and maintain its Hardwood Specialties brand.
About Aetna Building Solutions
What began as a modest enterprise over 85 years ago, has today become one of the Midwest's largest distributors of hardwood lumber, plywood, wood panels, laminate, solid surface and hardware. Aetna’s dedicated team of professionals deliver service excellence and timely product fulfillment from its operations, warehouses and deep product inventories in Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Rockford, IL and now Lexington, KY.
Lexington Manufacturing Center Celebrates Opening of New Expanded Building
Lexington Manufacturing Center, LMC, moved its operations to a new facility better suited to meet their manufacturing and warehousing needs. Commerce Lexington Inc. joined LMC and parent company Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL) executives to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s new facility in Lexington.
The Lexington Manufacturing Center (LMC) is a for-profit company owned by OWL that provides a variety of manufacturing services on the local, national, and international level. LMC also serves as a training ground for OWL program participants when appropriate- allowing them to earn income, gain work experience, and receive real world skills training.
“Over the last decade, our capabilities and opportunities increased, requiring us to seek a more suitable space for continued growth,” Tony Higgins, President, and CEO, said of the move.
On September 1, 1961, Opportunity Workshop of Lexington, Inc. (OWL) was established as a workshop for individuals with severe disabilities, operating in a humble 3,500 square foot warehouse in downtown Lexington. By 2003, OWL had successfully met requirements for its Quality Management System for ISO- 9001:2000 Certification and the manufacturing department was renamed Lexington Manufacturing Center. In 2016, LMC became a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of OWL. This allowed for LMC to become a community-based integrated employer.
With 63,000 square feet of space, 30-foot clear height throughout, and multiple docks, this new facility better suits the manufacturing and warehousing services LMC provides. This move increased warehousing capabilities from 1500 pallet locations to 5000, and created new jobs, adding 26 new employees. LMC is currently used by companies such as Schneider Electric, Webasto, SRC Lexington, Cintas, and others.
For more information about OWL and LMC, visit www.owlinc.net.
Lexington Manufacturing Center, LMC, moved its operations to a new facility better suited to meet their manufacturing and warehousing needs. Commerce Lexington Inc. joined LMC and parent company Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL) executives to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s new facility in Lexington.
The Lexington Manufacturing Center (LMC) is a for-profit company owned by OWL that provides a variety of manufacturing services on the local, national, and international level. LMC also serves as a training ground for OWL program participants when appropriate- allowing them to earn income, gain work experience, and receive real world skills training.
“Over the last decade, our capabilities and opportunities increased, requiring us to seek a more suitable space for continued growth,” Tony Higgins, President, and CEO, said of the move.
On September 1, 1961, Opportunity Workshop of Lexington, Inc. (OWL) was established as a workshop for individuals with severe disabilities, operating in a humble 3,500 square foot warehouse in downtown Lexington. By 2003, OWL had successfully met requirements for its Quality Management System for ISO- 9001:2000 Certification and the manufacturing department was renamed Lexington Manufacturing Center. In 2016, LMC became a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of OWL. This allowed for LMC to become a community-based integrated employer.
With 63,000 square feet of space, 30-foot clear height throughout, and multiple docks, this new facility better suits the manufacturing and warehousing services LMC provides. This move increased warehousing capabilities from 1500 pallet locations to 5000, and created new jobs, adding 26 new employees. LMC is currently used by companies such as Schneider Electric, Webasto, SRC Lexington, Cintas, and others.
For more information about OWL and LMC, visit www.owlinc.net.