Commerce Lexington Launches New Event for Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Called Adapt. Compete. Grow. - A Forum for Business

​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’s senior vice president of Community & Minority Business Development, Tyrone Tyra, said, “With a membership comprised of all types and sizes of businesses, we pride ourselves on providing programs to help entrepreneurs and businesses grow and prosper. From financing opportunities, leadership and professional development, as well as support through our peer groups and Business Owners Advisory Boards and recognition during Salute to Small Business, our team is here to ensure that businesses have the resources they need to succeed.”
 
The event will also include a seasoned panel of business owners and entrepreneurs, who will share some of the lessons they’ve learned to help others in business.  Moderated by Marilyn Clark, Economic Engagement Manager for the University of Kentucky, the panel will include award-winning glassmaker Mark Lenn Johnson (ArtHouse Kentucky), Lesme Romero, owner of Pasta Garage, and Quentin Smith, owner of a 3D printing company (Complete3D) and a custom embroidery and printing business (Choose2B).
 
The Adapt. Compete. Grow. – A Forum for Business is sponsored by EHI Consultants, Elaine Allen LLC, Equity Solutions Group, the Fayette County Attorney’s Office, Kinetic, and UK Federal Credit Union.
 
ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Daron K. Roberts is a former NFL coach and award-winning college professor. Named as a “Top 20 Global Speaker” in 2024, Daron’s clients range from professional sports teams to Fortune 100 companies. He is also the author of three books: Microwins, A Kids Book About Empathy, and Call an Audible. His weekly leadership series - “This Is Not About Sports” - prompted LinkedIn to name Roberts as its #1 Top Voice in Sports. He is a graduate of the University of Texas, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Law School.
 
HOW TO REGISTER:
The cost to attend this event is $59 for Commerce Lexington members, $69 for non-members.  The first 50 registered attendees will receive a free copy of Daron K. Roberts’ book, Call An Audible. Register ON-LINE HERE.