2024-2025 Leadership Central Kentucky Madison County Day Recap

By: Chase Rule, The Real Estate Co.

​​Our day began in downtown Richmond at Purdy’s Coffee Co., a flourishing small business with two locations serving Madison County. We were welcomed by Mayor Robert Blythe of Richmond, who spoke passionately about the various projects and ongoing growth in the community. He emphasized the importance of regionalism and how it stands to benefit the surrounding areas in the long run. 

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Next, we visited Baptist Health Richmond, where we met Greg Gerard, their President & CEO. During an interactive session, Greg shared insights on how a positive workplace culture can significantly impact a team’s success. He encouraged us to “be the light,” drawing a memorable analogy to being Vitamin C, rather than a virus, in the workplace. As leaders in our respective fields, this lesson resonated deeply with us, reminding us of the importance of fostering positive environments for growth.
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Our third stop took us to the Department of Criminal Justice Training Center in Richmond. This impressive facility trains more than 120 police departments across the state, offering initial and ongoing education to officers to ensure they stay at the top of their game. In addition to physical training, the center provides several classrooms dedicated to legal education. For many of us, it was eye-opening to learn how comprehensive police training truly is, debunking the common misconception that law enforcement officers receive inadequate preparation.

From there, we headed down I-75 to the Berea Artisan Center, a hub for Appalachian arts and crafts. We admired a diverse array of handmade pieces, from stained glass to paintings showcasing Kentucky’s rich horse culture. The center also features a deli and restaurant for travelers, making it a convenient stop that highlights the unique craftsmanship of Appalachian artists. Facilities like this help share Kentucky’s cultural heritage with visitors from around the country.

Mayor Bruce Fraley of Berea joined us on the bus and gave us a tour of Berea’s massive Industrial Park. The park employs thousands of Madison County residents, providing stability and contributing significantly to the local economy. Mayor Fraley also shared exciting news about upcoming developments in the area, which will create hundreds of additional jobs in the county.

Following that, we took a brief dive into local history with a stop at Boone Tavern and heard captivating tales from the 1700s and 1800s. Then, it was on to one of the most anticipated stops of the day: Buc-ee’s! For over half of our Leadership Central Kentucky class, it was their first visit to the iconic convenience store, creating a mix of curiosity and excitement.

We met with David Stipes from Madison County Economic Development to discuss the substantial impact a business like Buc-ee’s can have on the area. Despite the hustle and bustle of the store, there was a palpable sense of joy and laughter from customers, making the stop a memorable experience.

To close out the day, we made a final stop at Chenault Vineyards, a charming winery tucked away in the countryside of Madison County. Known for hosting live music, weddings, and special events and of course their dining experience, Chenault Vineyards was the perfect setting for us to reflect on the day and bond as a group. Watching the sun set over the hills and vineyards was a wonderful way to cap off the day. Many of us left with the intention of returning soon!