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 Built to address outdated perceptions of Kentucky and elevate the region's standing among industry decision makers, the campaign represents a major step forward in how the organization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, along with regional business and local government leaders, continue to advance the Regional Competitiveness Plan, a 5-year strategy launched in 2023 to support job creation and workforce growth across the nine-county region. With the assistance of Economic Leadership, LLC and its managing partner Ted Abernathy, Commerce Lexington and the Greater Lexington Inc. Board have released a progress report.
 
Although there is still much work to be done, the report shows that the collaborative efforts of public and private sector leaders across the region are producing positive trends for the 5-year strategy (2022-2027).  The action items are aimed at increasing jobs and workforce across the region through economic development, talent attraction and public policy initiatives.  Initially, the goal of the Regional Competitiveness Plan is to increase economic growth through additional investment in economic development and talent marketing efforts to key audiences, leadership development through events like the Annual Regional Summit and elevated advocacy for critical infrastructure investments and policy changes to improve the business climate.   

This session, Commerce Lexington worked closely with and led community and regional partners to champion public-private investments with high-impact initiatives before members of the General Assembly. Following final passage of House Bills 500, 502, and 900 before the veto recess, lawmakers approved funding for several priority projects that will deliver significant benefits to the Greater LEX region.

​Overall, the General Assembly invested nearly $30 million to support Blue Grass Airport plan to reimagine and expand its terminal. This includes $19.9 million to launch the new terminal expansion, which will add airline gates and accommodate larger aircraft. The upgrades are expected to boost passenger capacity, attract more direct flights, increase regional traffic, and unlock new opportunities for economic development and tourism.

Leadership Central KY’s Woodford County Day on March 18 began at The Kentucky Castle, where participants were welcomed with a panel led by Emily Downey of the Woodford County Chamber. Setting the tone for the day, local leaders emphasized that strong relationships are the foundation of growth. Mayor Laura Drake shared how Versailles is managing growth by holding firm to its urban service boundary, noting that many projects take years to come to fruition. Mayor Grayson Vandegrift highlighted Midway’s focus on increasing occupational tax revenue while lowering property taxes, while Judge Executive James Kay reinforced a jobs-first approach—prioritizing industrial development while keeping housing growth in check.
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Together, their insights painted a picture of a county thinking strategically about growth and sustainability. Woodford County currently has the lowest unemployment rate in the state, with about seventy-five percent of occupational tax paid by commuters. Like many communities, affordable housing remains complex, but local leaders are focusing on helping residents stay in their homes through targeted support programs. Following the discussion, the group toured The Kentucky Castle, learning more about its evolution into a unique destination that blends dining, events, and agriculture under its current ownership.

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).

​The Leadership Central Kentucky (LCK) class was honored to spend a day in Scott County, exploring how manufacturing, education and innovation come together in one of the fastest growing counties in Kentucky. We were hosted by Jack Conner, Executive Director of Scott County United, Inc., whose focus is economic development and strategic planning for Scott County.
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Our day began at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) as we were greeted by Kim Sweazy, Senior Analyst/Community Relations at TMMK. Our visit started with Kim presenting the history of TMMK in Scott County. Built in 1986, TMMK Georgetown is the largest Toyota plant in the world. The plant is 9 million square feet (roofed) which is the equivalent of 159 football fields. Former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins was instrumental in bringing this giant manufacturing plant to Scott County. Governor Collins’ made several trade missions to Japan which led to Georgetown becoming the home of the first Toyota plant wholly owned by the United States. Since its opening, TMMK has grown to over 9,000 employees and has contributed $11 billion dollars back to the community. Toyota has been instrumental in regional economic growth. TMMK also encourages their employees to volunteer in the community as another way of giving back. 

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:

Written By: Mel Kimmel

​On January 14, 2026, Lexington's most influential voices gathered for Fayette County Day, a powerful showcase of community commitment and vision. From morning conversations at Walker Properties Clubhouse to afternoon panels on healthcare equity at UK HealthCare, the day brought together developers, restaurateurs, healthcare executives, and civic leaders who are actively shaping the region's future. Chad Walker discussed his transformative Warehouse Block project, while Rob Perez of DV8 Kitchen shared how second-chance employment is changing lives and perceptions.
​Melissa Coulston of Kentucky Refugee Ministries highlighted the region's growing diversity, and Betsy Dexter from Commerce Lexington unveiled the
​Regional Competitiveness Plan for 2025-2026, demonstrating that success means investing in people first.

Written By: Lori Matthews, Foundation Executive, Baptist Health Foundation Lexington

This month the 2025 Leadership Central Kentucky group was graciously hosted by the Paris Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Allyson Wellman. She showcased the country’s diverse economic landscape and community initiatives. The day kicked off at an impressively modern headquarters of Hunt Brothers Pizza/Pizza Wholesale of Lexington where their delightful President & CEO Erin Hunt Ferguson, led insightful discussions on the MBTI assessment overview and the nuances of executive presence. Following a lunch sponsored by the company, the group proceeded to the historic and beautiful Claiborne Farm.
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With generous hospitality and a bit of confident swagger, our tour guide Rodeo Cheek highlighted the farm’s robust pedigree and unique regional significance. The farm has been run by the same family for 115 years, boasts 97 miles of fencing, and could be considered part of the greater region’s equine royalty. Rodeo introduced us to a playful stallion Annapolis who stole our hearts by accepting our peppermints and repaying us with a few nibbles to shirt sleeves. While Claiborne Farm is likely best known for its tie to Secretariat and three Triple Crown Winners. It is truly a treasure in our region, drawing national and international tourism.