​Commerce Lexington is proud to recognize Tyrone Tyra for his 20 years of leading the organization’s award-winning Community & Minority Business Development (CMBD) Program and 30 years altogether with economic development entities. As senior vice president, Tyrone is responsible for helping companies build connections through public and private sector purchasing assistance, minority business recruitment, business referral assistance, community outreach, advocacy, business certification, technical assistance, and client business plan development.
 
In addition, he also manages the Access Loan small business financing program, which has facilitated more than $25 million in approved loans for small business startups and expansions since 2001, with partnerships extending to 19 counties and including 25-plus participating lenders. In 2013, the CMBD Program launched a Minority Business Accelerator, which aims to accelerate the growth of minority-owned enterprises with revenues between $250,000 and $6 million, as identified in the 2009 Joint Economic Inclusion Study. Accelerator participants have collectively achieved over $60 million in contracts and procurement since the program’s inception.

​Commerce Lexington Inc. is pleased to announce that Hannah Jackson recently joined its team as administrative project coordinator for the organization’s award-winning Economic Development Department. In this role, she will provide administrative and project coordination support across various responsibilities, including office management, event planning, invoicing, procurement, internal reporting, and communications.
 
Commerce Lexington’s Executive Vice President of Economic Development, Gina Greathouse, said, “We are very excited to have Hannah on our team. She has well-rounded experience in communications and administrative support, along with a chamber background with past work at the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce. She will complement our team very well, as we work to recruit and retain business and industry here in the Greater Lexington region.”
 
Hannah previously led marketing and communications efforts for Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL) and Lexington Manufacturing Center, while coordinating several fundraising and community events. She also spent time as a field assistant for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s district office and as the office manager for the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. Hannah has been married to her husband, Heath, for five years, and they have two daughters, Harper (11) and Hayden (3). 

​Commerce Lexington Inc. is pleased to announce that Amanda Turcotte recently joined its team as director of executive administrative services. In this new role, she will provide comprehensive administrative support to a variety of executive team members, including the president and CEO, chief of staff/EVP of membership and engagement, and the vice president of strategic partnerships, as well as the sales team. She will also provide executive-level support, help coordinate our board, stakeholder, and investor engagement, and take on special projects and other key responsibilities as needed.
 
Commerce Lexington’s Chief of Staff, Lynda Bebrowsky, said, “We are excited that Amanda has joined our team. She brings a strong background in board and investor relations, exceptional organizational and administrative skills, and a proven ability to support and collaborate with a range of engaged partners and leaders. She will complement our team very well with her ability to manage board-level meetings and events.”

By Reid Maynard, Public Policy Intern
As I wrap up my summer internship with Commerce Lexington as the Public Policy Intern, I’ve taken time to reflect not only on my individual experience, but also on the broader impact and reach of the organization itself. Over the past two months, I’ve been given an invaluable opportunity to gain first hand exposure to the policymaking process at the local, state, and federal levels. What began as a summer internship quickly became an immersive experience in public service, advocacy, and civic engagement. 

​Coming into this role, I anticipated shadowing staff and observing meetings from the sidelines. Instead, I was able to contribute directly to the chamber’s public policy work. From attending Lexington City Council meetings and Interim Joint Committee meetings in Frankfort, to sitting in on strategic conversations with legislators and community stakeholders, each day presented a new opportunity to learn and grow.  I also played a hands-on role in developing policy materials and content that helps inform our members about legislative developments and policy priorities across Kentucky, an experience that enhanced both my research and communication skills.