​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 is proud to announce a new annual event called Adapt. Compete. Grow. - A Forum for Business on Monday, March 30, from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. at The Campbell House (1375 S. Broadway). Our featured speaker will be Daron K. Roberts, a nationally recognized speaker, who will present “Stay in The Deep End: A Playbook for Waging War Against Your Status Quo in 2026.”  When uncertainty hits, most businesses instinctively pull back—but that’s exactly when opportunity appears. During Stay In The Deep End, you’ll learn how to adapt without panic, compete without copying, and grow without waiting for perfect conditions. This talk challenges safe thinking and equips leaders with a mindset built for volatility, not comfort.

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:

State legislators will convene this week in Frankfort for the 60-day Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly, with the primary task of enacting the Commonwealth's biennial budget for fiscal years 2026-2028. Beyond the budget, Republican supermajorities are expected to advance several key priorities, including measures to address Kentucky's housing shortage, ongoing efforts to further reduce the state individual income tax rate, enhanced Medicaid oversight amid potential federal funding changes, and targeted one-time investments in communities statewide. In addition to allocating funds for various state cabinets and services, education funding - which historically accounts for more than half of the biennial budget - will remain a central focus, ensuring thorough legislative review during the Session.

During the long Budget Session, some of the issues Commerce Lexington and regional leaders will be advocating for a variety of policy items to support the Regional Competitiveness Strategy, including: ​

​Commerce Lexington announced its 2026 Executive Board and officers and named eight new individuals to the organization’s Board of Directors. Leading the board in 2026 will be Nick Nicholson, Member in Stoll Keenon Ogden’s Lexington office, where he focuses on real estate development. He has also worked in various aspects of the bourbon industry, helping distillers or aging operations open new locations, or facilitating new tourism ventures that help promote the current Golden Age of Bourbon.
 
Commerce Lexington President and CEO, Bob Quick, said, “I want to thank Carla Blanton for her steady leadership of our organization this year. She is one of only a handful of community leaders to have served two terms as chair of our Board of Directors. I am excited that Stoll Keenon Ogden’s Nick Nicholson will be taking the helm as Board Chair for 2026. He has been very involved with our organization, especially on the policy side, where he served as Chair of the Public Policy Council and has helped guide us on land use, housing, and development issues.”

​Commerce Lexington is proud to announce the members of its 2026 Ambassador Committee, a selected group of volunteers who serve as official representatives and advocates of the Chamber. They are an extension of the Commerce Lexington staff, ensuring that member businesses get the most out of their membership.  Ambassadors help educate members on benefits, programs, and events, as well as represent Commerce Lexington at ribbon cuttings, grand openings, networking functions, and open houses.

Bob Quick, president and CEO of Commerce Lexington, said, “Our Ambassador Committee is vital to our organization and the community. These volunteers are our eyes and ears, relaying important information and concerns about their business and the economy. With the support of Independence Bank, the presenting partner of the 2026 Ambassador Program, this initiative will continue to cultivate engaged leaders who strengthen relationships, enhance member experience, and promote the mission of Commerce Lexington.”

Commerce Lexington is proud to recognize Dawn Flickinger for her 20 years of service to the organization and our community. As our long-time Manager of Accounts Receivable & Member Information, Dawn supports the operational, financial, and administrative functions of the Membership & Engagement Division. She has played a key role in ensuring accurate financial processes, reliable member data management, and smooth execution of division programs, events, and partnership activities.

Commerce Lexington Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Membership & Engagement, Lynda Bebrowsky, said, “Dawn has provided steady leadership to this organization for two decades, guiding the Membership & Engagement Division in its activities and contributing her time to assist in the execution of other events and programs when needed. She has a sharp creative eye and is always willing to step in to help others. Dawn has greatly enhanced Commerce Lexington during her time here.”

​Commerce Lexington is proud to announce that Brett Bibb, director of marketing, was named to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives' (ACCE) 40 Under 40 list, which showcases 40 of the chamber industry's top emerging leaders who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions to the communities they serve. Their creativity, dedication and commitment to identifying innovative solutions will help shape the future of the chamber profession.
 
In his role, Brett is a catalytic leader, driving marketing and communication innovation within the chamber and sharing the organization’s “Impact story” with key stakeholders, elevating the chamber’s brand and value proposition to investors. He has also created more efficiency within the organization, leveraging a variety of resources to maximize marketing efforts, while educating staff members on ways to better promote themselves and the organization using social media and other digital platforms. 

Commerce Lexington is pleased to announce that Kristie Woodrum has been promoted to Senior Manager of Investor Development. In her new role, she will continue to focus on investor and member engagement, new membership acquisition, renewals, advertising, and sponsorship sales. She will also expand her leadership in managing key initiatives, including the Ambassador Program and additional non-dues revenue opportunities that enhance member involvement and return-on-investment (ROI). As of early December, Woodrum will have logged ten years of service with Commerce Lexington.

Commerce Lexington’s Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Membership & Engagement, Lynda Bebrowsky, said, “Kristie has been a valued member of our team for ten years, demonstrating consistent dedication to our mission and our members. Throughout that time, she has played an instrumental role in strengthening investor relationships and has successfully taken on the management of the Ambassador Program, leading its continued growth and impact. Her passion for building relationships and her dedication to our members have made a lasting impact on Commerce Lexington. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence make her the perfect fit for this expanded role.”
 
A native of Maysville and graduate of Morehead State University, Kristie is an active member of Rotary Club of Lexington and is committed to supporting initiatives that make Central Kentucky a thriving place to live and do business.