Commerce Lexington Inc. is proud to recognize the latest class of graduates from the 2025-26 Leadership Lexington program presented by Community Trust Bank.  Since 1979, this nationally recognized leadership development program has been cultivating Lexington leaders, producing more than 1,800 graduates from this impactful leadership development program that has enhanced our city in areas such as youth mentoring, public art, healthy living, hunger relief, community engagement, and more.
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Commerce Lexington’s Director of Leadership Development, Tyra Harbut, said, “The Leadership Lexington Class of 2026 is an engaged, collaborative, and community-minded group of leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to personal and professional growth throughout the program year. The class members brought a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents to each session, creating thoughtful conversations, meaningful project ideas, and valuable connections along the way. Their passion for leadership, service, and the future of our kids and the community has been inspiring, and we are excited to see the impact they will continue to make in Lexington!”

​The 2025- 2026 Leadership Lexington class experienced an unforgettable Equine Day on May 14, 2026, highlighting why the horse industry is such a defining part of Central Kentucky’s identity and economy. As was proven throughout the day, and stated by Steering Committee Member Hallie Hardy, “No one does horses like Central Kentucky.”

​The day began at Keeneland just in time for morning works for thoroughbreds on the track.  Class participants were able to watch horses work right from the rail before engaging in roundtable discussions that showcased the many layers of Lexington culture and hospitality. Conversations ranged from the economics of the industry to learning the basics of how to wager at the races, giving participants a broader understanding of the people, traditions, and experiences that shape Kentucky’s equine community.

Commerce Lexington Inc. is proud to recognize the latest class of graduates from the 2025-26 Leadership Central Kentucky program presented by Kentucky Utilities.  Since its inception 26 years ago, this regional leadership program has helped to build a network of informed citizens connected across the eight-county region, including Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford counties. Curriculum provides leadership development, education on issues facing Greater Lexington, relationship-building opportunities, and a chance to gain awareness of the uniqueness of each county within the region.

Director of Leadership Development, Tyra Harbut, said, “It is my honor to congratulate our Leadership Central Kentucky graduates. This class is a strong collection of 29 regional leaders that was very engaged from start to finish. The discussions we had, and ideas shared made it a special group as we learned about each individual county and how they impacted the Greater Lexington region. I am humbled and honored to be surrounded by such encouraging and inspiring leaders every day in this position.”

​For the third consecutive year, Commerce Lexington’s economic development efforts have been recognized among Business Facilities’ Economic Development Organization (EDO) Awards, which celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in fostering economic development, supporting workforce initiatives, and creating impactful projects across the nation. Commerce Lexington received recognition in the Large EDO Category (serving a region of 500,000+ population) for its Greater LEX Economic Development Awareness and Education Campaign.
 
In 2025, Commerce Lexington launched its first-ever fully digital economic development awareness and education campaign—a strategic, data‑driven initiative designed to ensure that Greater Lexington is heard, seen, and respected as a prime business location by the individuals who influence corporate growth decisions. Built to address outdated perceptions of Kentucky and elevate the region's standing among industry decision makers, the campaign represents a major step forward in how the organization communicates competitiveness, business readiness, and innovation.

​Commerce Lexington began honoring the contributions that small businesses have on our economy in 1986, and since that very first Salute to Small Business event, the impact of small businesses has become more important than ever.  This week marks National Small Business Week, so what better way to mark the occasion than with the opening of the application process for the 2026 Salute to Small Business Awards presented by Forcht Bank.  How does your small business or nonprofit stack up against the area’s best?  Apply by June 18, 2026, for one of four award categories and find out who will be crowned the new Small Business of the Year at an awards luncheon on August 14.
 
Commerce Lexington President and CEO, Bob Quick, said, “Small businesses continue to be the backbone of our economy. It takes a great deal of sacrifice and hard work to be a business owner, and our Salute to Small Business Awards are a way for us to say, thank you, and recognize the many exceptional small businesses that are woven into the fabric of every part of our community and region. We are excited to hear the stories of success from this year’s group of award winners.” 

Commerce Lexington, along with regional business and local government leaders, continue to advance the Regional Competitiveness Plan, a 5-year strategy launched in 2023 to support job creation and workforce growth across the nine-county region. With the assistance of Economic Leadership, LLC and its managing partner Ted Abernathy, Commerce Lexington and the Greater Lexington Inc. Board have released a progress report.
 
Although there is still much work to be done, the report shows that the collaborative efforts of public and private sector leaders across the region are producing positive trends for the 5-year strategy (2022-2027).  The action items are aimed at increasing jobs and workforce across the region through economic development, talent attraction and public policy initiatives.  Initially, the goal of the Regional Competitiveness Plan is to increase economic growth through additional investment in economic development and talent marketing efforts to key audiences, leadership development through events like the Annual Regional Summit and elevated advocacy for critical infrastructure investments and policy changes to improve the business climate.