By Keller Riede, Commerce Lexington Policy Intern 
​On Wednesday, March 4, nearly 60 business and community leaders from across the nine-county region gathered in Frankfort for Commerce Lexington’s Greater LEX Day at the Capitol in partnership with AT&T. This event provides a vital opportunity for policy experts, elected officials, and regional leaders to further connect during this legislative session and collaborate on key policy issues impacting the Lexington region.  

Several prominent members of the General Assembly addressed attendees including Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, and Representative Josh Bray – sharing insights on the status of legislation and updates on the biennium budget planning that are currently underway. Their input provided valuable insight on policy developments that are affecting Lexington and the broader nine-county Greater LEX region. Priority issues for the region include policy and investments impacting housing affordability, childcare, talent attraction marketing, and job site readiness (KY Product Development Initiative).

​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 has joined more than 60 organizations and businesses across Kentucky in supporting consensus legislation aimed at improving childcare accessibility and affordability. House Bill 6 and House Joint Resolution 50, introduced by House Committee on Families & Children Chair Samara Heavrin (R-Leitchfield), strengthen Kentucky’s childcare system to better support working families, local communities, and employers across the Commonwealth. Both measures have passed the House Committee on Families and Children and now await a vote on the House floor before advancing to the Senate.

UPDATE 2/17/2026:
House Bill 6 passed the House on Tuesday and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

​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 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 6, 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 10 and will present an introduction to topics related to starting and managing a small business.  Food will also be provided during the classes. 

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.