​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 was recognized with two awards related to its ongoing Regional Competitiveness Plan, while the City was named an award winner for its Second Chance Academy Workforce Reentry Program.

​Commerce Lexington is pleased to announce that Falon McFarland was recently promoted to director of research, while continuing her project manager role with the Community and Minority Business Development Division. In her new role, McFarland will develop and maintain up-to-date information in a wide variety of areas, such as demographics, economy, labor, taxes, real estate, cost of living, education, etc.  She will also be responsible for preparing in-house publications, reports, and presentations, while responding to inquiries for research information from members, consultants, prospects, and the general public. Falon will continue our relationships with the Kentucky Center for Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, C2ER, and other local, state, and federal agencies.

​Commerce Lexington’s Leadership Visit trip to Madison, Wisconsin (May 14-16) presented by Central Bank & Trust Co. included a delegation of 160-plus regional business, education, government, and nonprofit leaders. The group kicked off the agenda on May 14 at The Pyle Center Alumni Lounge on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. After a brief welcome, the delegation heard from Jason Ilstrup, President of Downtown Madison Inc., Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.  Day one sessions concluded with a higher education discussion featuring University of Kentucky President Dr. Eli Capilouto and Dr. Jennifer Mnookin, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

​Commerce Lexington is proud to announce that it has been named a 2025 Economic Development Organization (EDO) of the Year by Business Facilities, marking its second consecutive year receiving this recognition. The award underscores the organization’s commitment to driving regional growth through innovative programs, strategic collaboration, and a unified vision for the future of the Greater Lexington Region.
 
The Business Facilities EDO Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in fostering economic development, supporting workforce initiatives, and creating impactful projects across the nation. The 2025 award recognizes Commerce Lexington’s efforts leading the Regional Competitiveness Plan, which supports advancing the region’s economic resilience and competitiveness through comprehensive initiatives and regional cooperation strategies.