Message from the Board Chair
"Having worked in the health care industry for most of my career, I have come to realize not only the impact that health care has on individuals and families, but also our overall economy. Studies indicate a direct correlation between health and prosperity for both individuals the community. As a person’s income level rises, their health also typically improves. Likewise, better health for an individual often means better performance at school and work, thus leading to better opportunities.
Plain and simple, economic vitality is directly affected by community vitality. We are extremely fortunate to have so many top hospitals, clinics, health care practitioners and other facilities serving our region. Health care is our area’s largest employment sector and is one of the driving forces of growth and stability in Lexington.
However, it takes a collective effort across all economic sectors to produce the kind of healthy, diverse and productive workforce necessary to keep Lexington strong. No matter where you work, lead, serve, teach, or participate, your role impacts our community’s economic and physical well-being.
You see, everything that we do contributes to economic development in some way and impacts our ability to recruit and retain business and industry, creating good-paying jobs and increased family income, which ultimately is spent throughout our community and supports local businesses. This economic ‘ripple effect’ plays out across our community each day.
By working with our local schools, colleges and universities, and ensuring our students have the tools and resources to be successful, they will become productive, high-performing employees in what is already one of the nation’s most educated workforces. Again, poor health makes it more difficult for students to succeed in school and later secure a good job.
We must continue to support and partner with our city leaders, public safety officers and officials who keep our community safe. Our city and state are facing a drug abuse crisis that continues to negatively impact families and our workforce, as employers struggle to fill available jobs. Personally, it is a crisis for families. Commerce Lexington Inc. will continue to support state legislative efforts to curb this epidemic through a comprehensive approach aimed at prevention, treatment and penalty reforms.
Lexington is extraordinarily blessed by what we have here. We live in a beautiful place and have kind and caring citizens. Many of you are active in charities and other organizations which make Lexington such a special place. Like most cities, we are not without our problems, but the collaborative spirit of our people and the willingness to help others in need has always given us a great advantage in solving our most pressing issues.
I am very proud to represent our many health care professionals here in Lexington and throughout the region, who work tirelessly to put people on a path to good health. I also feel humbled to represent our business community, both big and small. It is an honor and privilege for me to lead the Commerce Lexington Inc. board of directors this year, and I look forward to working with many of you in our efforts to further strengthen the Bluegrass."
Karen Hill
2018 Commerce Lexington Inc. Board Chair
Chief Operating Officer / Chief Nursing Officer
Baptist Health Lexington
Plain and simple, economic vitality is directly affected by community vitality. We are extremely fortunate to have so many top hospitals, clinics, health care practitioners and other facilities serving our region. Health care is our area’s largest employment sector and is one of the driving forces of growth and stability in Lexington.
However, it takes a collective effort across all economic sectors to produce the kind of healthy, diverse and productive workforce necessary to keep Lexington strong. No matter where you work, lead, serve, teach, or participate, your role impacts our community’s economic and physical well-being.
You see, everything that we do contributes to economic development in some way and impacts our ability to recruit and retain business and industry, creating good-paying jobs and increased family income, which ultimately is spent throughout our community and supports local businesses. This economic ‘ripple effect’ plays out across our community each day.
By working with our local schools, colleges and universities, and ensuring our students have the tools and resources to be successful, they will become productive, high-performing employees in what is already one of the nation’s most educated workforces. Again, poor health makes it more difficult for students to succeed in school and later secure a good job.
We must continue to support and partner with our city leaders, public safety officers and officials who keep our community safe. Our city and state are facing a drug abuse crisis that continues to negatively impact families and our workforce, as employers struggle to fill available jobs. Personally, it is a crisis for families. Commerce Lexington Inc. will continue to support state legislative efforts to curb this epidemic through a comprehensive approach aimed at prevention, treatment and penalty reforms.
Lexington is extraordinarily blessed by what we have here. We live in a beautiful place and have kind and caring citizens. Many of you are active in charities and other organizations which make Lexington such a special place. Like most cities, we are not without our problems, but the collaborative spirit of our people and the willingness to help others in need has always given us a great advantage in solving our most pressing issues.
I am very proud to represent our many health care professionals here in Lexington and throughout the region, who work tirelessly to put people on a path to good health. I also feel humbled to represent our business community, both big and small. It is an honor and privilege for me to lead the Commerce Lexington Inc. board of directors this year, and I look forward to working with many of you in our efforts to further strengthen the Bluegrass."
Karen Hill
2018 Commerce Lexington Inc. Board Chair
Chief Operating Officer / Chief Nursing Officer
Baptist Health Lexington
