​Many people have dreams of owning their own business, but often they don’t know where to start. It takes research, proper planning, financing and much more to put oneself in a position to realize the dream of owning and operating a business.  Investing the time on the front end to learn about the steps necessary can increase the odds of success when starting a small business.
 
Commerce Lexington is pleased to provide the Money Smart for Small Business program again this fall at no cost for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. This six-week program developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) kicks off Monday, October 5, at 5:30 p.m. in Commerce Lexington’s first floor conference space (330 E. Main Street).  Subsequent classes will continue each Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. through November 9 and will present an introduction to topics related to starting and managing a small business.  Food will also be provided during the classes. 

​Like many communities across the nation, Lexington is facing housing challenges as its population continues to grow. Innovative solutions are needed to maintain a balance between growth in expansion areas and adding more density to existing areas.
 
Woodland Christian Church recently provided an inspiring local example of how a congregation can expand its ministry and address our community housing needs. Through a thoughtful partnership with Winterwood Inc., the church transformed a portion of its property (classroom building) at the corner of East High Street and Kentucky Avenue into affordable housing while continuing to serve as a vibrant place of worship and community.

​The Leadership Central Kentucky program is proud to introduce the newest class of regional leaders, who will begin the program with an orientation retreat August 18-19 at the Historic Boone Tavern in Madison County. Entering its 25th year, Leadership Central Kentucky (LCK) remains dedicated to developing and connecting leaders across the region who are committed to strengthening their communities through collaboration, civic engagement, and regional perspective.
 
Presented by Kentucky Utilities, Leadership Central Kentucky is a regional leadership development program designed for established leaders across Central Kentucky who are ready to expand their impact beyond their own organizations and communities. The program takes participants through monthly sessions across the eight-county region of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford. Each session explores key issues shaping Central Kentucky—including transportation, education, economic development, public advocacy, quality of life, and agri-tourism—through expert speakers, engaging tours, hands-on activities, and peer-to-peer discussions.

On July 22-24, 2026, Commerce Lexington hosted the annual Greater LEX Washington, D.C. Fly-In co-presented by Columbia Gas of Kentucky and BrightSpring Health Services to our nation’s Capital.  This year’s trip was unique.  Approximately 80 business leaders from both Commerce Lexington and One Louisville joined together to meet with policy experts, members of Kentucky’s federal delegation, and key officials in the Trump Administration, especially with ties back to Kentucky, to advocate for policies and investments to improve economic competitiveness for both regions. It was the first joint endeavor for both Chambers and turned out to be a successful trip for networking, policy engagement, and demonstrating we are better together as a region and a Commonwealth. In case you missed the visit, here is brief recap of the meetings and important policy topics discussed by federal policy leaders. 

Commerce Lexington is proud to recognize Andi Johnson, Chief Policy Officer and Director of Regional Engagement, for earning the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant's knowledge of core chamber management areas: management, planning and development, membership, communications and revenue and operations. Chamber professionals who are designated CCEs earned this prestigious recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field, and leadership of their chamber to achieve the organization’s goals.

Johnson is one of 19 chamber professionals from across 12 states, to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation this year. The new group of CCE’s was announced during ACCE’s annual convention in New Orleans. The first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years ago. It is recognized as the highest and most elite professional designation in the chamber profession. It’s the only globally recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.

​On July 22-24, a delegation of about 80 business and community leaders from Lexington and Louisville region’s will travel to the nation’s capital for its first-ever joint Washington, D.C. Fly-In co-presented by BrightSpring Health Services and Columbia Gas of Kentucky and coordinated by Commerce Lexington and One Louisville. With the upcoming midterm elections on the horizon, the summer Congressional session will center tightly on the Republican majority's core priorities—specifically the FY 2027 appropriations cycle, permitting reform, and a potential third reconciliation package. To shape these outcomes, proactive and immediate engagement with our federal representatives is essential.
 
During the visit, leaders from Greater LEX and Louisville groups will meet with members of Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation, administration officials, and their respective staffs about priority issues. In addition, participants will hear from various leaders and policy experts about key issues such as trade, regulatory reform, economic development, transportation infrastructure, housing affordability, energy policies, workforce issues, and appropriations.  

By Jennifer Stolo, President & CEO, Christian Appalachian Project

Less than 72 hours.
 
That's about how much time participants on Commerce Lexington's Annual Leadership Visit spend immersed in another community. Yet somehow, those few whirlwind days often generate ideas, relationships, and insights that shape our own communities for years to come.
 
Last week, I had the opportunity to join nearly 150 other Kentucky business, nonprofit, education, and government leaders in Des Moines, Iowa, as part of Commerce Lexington's 2026 Leadership Visit. The itinerary was packed and the purpose straightforward: to learn from another community's successes, challenges, and vision for the future.
 
At first glance, Lexington and Des Moines appear to have much in common. Both are growing regional hubs with strong healthcare, education, agriculture, and business sectors. Both are communities that take pride in their quality of life, civic engagement, and commitment to economic development. Both are navigating questions around workforce development, housing, infrastructure, and long-term growth.

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.”