Message from the Board Chair
Workforce, Land Use, DEI & Regional Collaboration Among 2022 Focus Areas for Commerce Lexington
JOHN GOHMANN, PNC BANK
It’s hard to believe that our community has been facing the ongoing pandemic for nearly two years. It’s been extremely difficult on many families, businesses, organizations, and entire cities, but in true Lexington fashion, people continue to look out for one another and support those who need it most. That’s what makes us different than a lot of communities. Lexington has overcome tough times before and will do so again by working together to find solutions.
I am excited to continue the momentum created in several key areas under the steady leadership of Commerce Lexington Board Chair Ray Daniels. In the middle of a pandemic, it would have been easy for this organization, our community, and our region to focus on the status quo, but that’s not who we are.
Regional leaders and elected officials across our nine-county economic development region have come together to work toward creating a regional action plan to improve our competitiveness. As we travel around the country to study other communities, we’ve seen time and again that the most economically successful regions have strong collaborative relationships. It’s our hope and intent that this initiative will propel Central Kentucky forward for the next generation.
Commerce Lexington has long held that diversity, equity and inclusion are key aspects in our business recruitment and retention efforts. We must continue to look for ways to lift-up those who have been disadvantaged for many years. Our organization is proud to be a part of the Black Faith Leader Collaborative, which advocates for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as increased procurement opportunities for African American-owned businesses.
One big issue that is stifling our city’s ability to create jobs, maintain affordable housing, and generate more equity across our community is the way Lexington uses land. In 2022, Fayette County will begin the important process of developing its next Comprehensive Plan, a document that guides land use policies for our city. It is critical that more diverse voices are at the table so that the goals and objectives of the plan represent the wants and desires of our community and how it will grow for the future. I encourage you to get engaged in this process and find out more about how land use policies impact our economy at www.LexingtonForEveryone.com.
Finally, workforce and having enough skilled workers across our region were already issues for businesses before the pandemic began, and it’s even more of a problem now. We must continue to seek innovative ways to provide the right skills to our residents that will help us fill the jobs of today and tomorrow. The Business & Education Network, an affiliate of Commerce Lexington, continues to work with its partners in education and business to introduce students to potential career opportunities, develop a talent retention strategy, and ensure that we have a globally skilled workforce.
I hope you’ll join me and many of your colleagues and friends as we talk about some of these focus areas at An Evening With Commerce Lexington presented by Fifth Third Bank on April 6th. Be sure to register at www.commercelexington.com. I look forward to serving as your Board Chair this year and working with you to strengthen this wonderful place we call home.
John Gohmann
2022 Commerce Lexington Inc. Board Chair
Regional President
PNC Bank
I am excited to continue the momentum created in several key areas under the steady leadership of Commerce Lexington Board Chair Ray Daniels. In the middle of a pandemic, it would have been easy for this organization, our community, and our region to focus on the status quo, but that’s not who we are.
Regional leaders and elected officials across our nine-county economic development region have come together to work toward creating a regional action plan to improve our competitiveness. As we travel around the country to study other communities, we’ve seen time and again that the most economically successful regions have strong collaborative relationships. It’s our hope and intent that this initiative will propel Central Kentucky forward for the next generation.
Commerce Lexington has long held that diversity, equity and inclusion are key aspects in our business recruitment and retention efforts. We must continue to look for ways to lift-up those who have been disadvantaged for many years. Our organization is proud to be a part of the Black Faith Leader Collaborative, which advocates for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as increased procurement opportunities for African American-owned businesses.
One big issue that is stifling our city’s ability to create jobs, maintain affordable housing, and generate more equity across our community is the way Lexington uses land. In 2022, Fayette County will begin the important process of developing its next Comprehensive Plan, a document that guides land use policies for our city. It is critical that more diverse voices are at the table so that the goals and objectives of the plan represent the wants and desires of our community and how it will grow for the future. I encourage you to get engaged in this process and find out more about how land use policies impact our economy at www.LexingtonForEveryone.com.
Finally, workforce and having enough skilled workers across our region were already issues for businesses before the pandemic began, and it’s even more of a problem now. We must continue to seek innovative ways to provide the right skills to our residents that will help us fill the jobs of today and tomorrow. The Business & Education Network, an affiliate of Commerce Lexington, continues to work with its partners in education and business to introduce students to potential career opportunities, develop a talent retention strategy, and ensure that we have a globally skilled workforce.
I hope you’ll join me and many of your colleagues and friends as we talk about some of these focus areas at An Evening With Commerce Lexington presented by Fifth Third Bank on April 6th. Be sure to register at www.commercelexington.com. I look forward to serving as your Board Chair this year and working with you to strengthen this wonderful place we call home.
John Gohmann
2022 Commerce Lexington Inc. Board Chair
Regional President
PNC Bank
