A Strong Public-Private Partnership
The Regional Competitiveness Plan is funded through a robust public-private partnership, with business investment exceeding government investment by nearly a 2-to-1 ratio. Annually, the plan is supported by approximately $1 million in private-sector investment and more than $600,000 from local governments across the region. 
 
Commerce Lexington is proud to share a snapshot of key deliverables and wins from 2025.

Commerce Lexington is proud to recognize Bob Quick for his 25 years of service to the organization and our region.  Bob became president and CEO of the then Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce in 2001, guided the organization through a merger of three organizations that would become Commerce Lexington, and now leads a nearly 1,900-member investor-driven chamber of commerce and economic development organization that has been recognized with numerous national awards and honors.
 
Bob has 37 years of experience in the chamber profession with previous service as the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Evansville (IN) Chamber of Commerce and as the executive vice president of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce. ​During his tenure at the helm of Commerce Lexington, the organization has received multiple awards, some of which include:

Written by Keller Riede

Hello! My name is Keller Riede, and I am a senior at the University of Kentucky, where I plan to graduate in May with a degree in Political Science and Law & Justice. I’m originally from Louisville and have had the opportunity to engage with policy at the federal, state, and local levels.
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As I begin my spring internship with Commerce Lexington as the Public Policy Intern, I’m excited to contribute to an organization with such a broad reach and meaningful impact on the future of Lexington and the Commonwealth. In the coming months, I’ll have the opportunity to meet with key legislators and gain firsthand exposure to the inner workings of our state’s legislative framework. Stepping into this role feels like the perfect intersection of my interests in public policy and community impact, and I’m eager to learn from the dedicated team working every day to move our region forward.

Written By: Mel Kimmel

​On January 14, 2026, Lexington's most influential voices gathered for Fayette County Day, a powerful showcase of community commitment and vision. From morning conversations at Walker Properties Clubhouse to afternoon panels on healthcare equity at UK HealthCare, the day brought together developers, restaurateurs, healthcare executives, and civic leaders who are actively shaping the region's future. Chad Walker discussed his transformative Warehouse Block project, while Rob Perez of DV8 Kitchen shared how second-chance employment is changing lives and perceptions.
​Melissa Coulston of Kentucky Refugee Ministries highlighted the region's growing diversity, and Betsy Dexter from Commerce Lexington unveiled the
​Regional Competitiveness Plan for 2025-2026, demonstrating that success means investing in people first.

​Commerce Lexington Inc. President & CEO, Bob Quick, said, “For 250 years, Lexington has been shaped by people who believed that progress happens through collaboration. People are our greatest asset here in the region, and those who volunteer their time and talent to help make good things happen should be recognized and celebrated. We appreciate all of our volunteers for stepping up to make Greater Lexington the absolute best it can be. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients.”

Written By: Ashley Holt
Health & Human Services Day is always described as one of the most impactful days of the Leadership Lexington experience, and now I understand why. This day was intentionally designed to move us beyond theory and into the real, lived experiences of health, recovery, access, and care across our community.
​From the very beginning, it was clear this day would challenge us to rethink leadership, systems, and responsibility.

​In November, the Kentucky Housing Task Force, a special legislative interim committee, released its final 2025 report, outlining 14 specific recommendations to address the state's critical housing shortage. Chaired by Senator Robby Mills (R-Henderson) and Representative Susan Witten (R-Jefferson) the task force convened five times since June and heard from a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Kentucky Housing Corporation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and Commerce Lexington. Drawing on insights from neighboring states like Indiana, which has invested over $100 million in housing infrastructure since 2023, the report emphasizes urgent policy action to boost supply, reduce costs, and keep Kentucky economically competitive. Without meaningful intervention, the task force warns that Kentucky risks declining population, workforce shortages, and slower job creation. The recommendations are expected to help shape legislative priorities for the 2026 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly.