Commerce Lexington Launches Re-imagined Young Professionals Connect Program

Commerce Lexington introduces Young Professionals Connect (YPC), a reimagined approach to engaging and developing early-career talent across the Greater Lexington region.
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As part of its broader talent and education strategy for Greater Lexington, YPC is designed to better serve the needs of young professionals by offering flexible, accessible programming that helps them build skills, grow their networks, and deepen their connection to the community. The program reflects Commerce Lexington’s ongoing commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent in the region.

Young professionals are critical to the long-term success of our economy,” said Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington. “Across our region, we’ve seen great momentum from young professionals who have located here over the last few years.  With YPC, we’re creating more opportunities for emerging leaders to engage, connect, and build a future for themselves in Greater Lexington.”

This re-imagined programming is now open to all young professionals in the region, removing barriers such as annual fees for participation. There is no cost to join—participants simply sign up to receive event communications and can choose which opportunities to attend throughout the year. While many events are free, select programs may include a nominal fee to cover materials or special experiences.

The program is built around two core pillars: Community and Civic Engagement and Professional Development. Through monthly events and experiences, YPC connects participants to the people, organizations, and issues shaping Greater Lexington—while also helping them build foundational leadership skills. At its core, the program is designed to foster meaningful relationships and create pathways for young professionals to get involved and thrive locally.
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YPC complements Commerce Lexington’s established leadership development programs, including Leadership Lexington and Leadership Central Kentucky, by offering a more flexible entry point for individuals earlier in their careers or with limited time to commit to cohort-based experiences.

​Young Professionals Connect is about meeting people where they are,” said Tyra Harbut, Commerce Lexington Director of Leadership Development. “Whether someone is new to the Greater Lexington region or looking to get more involved, YPC makes it easy to plug in, build relationships, and grow.”

To learn more or sign up for upcoming events, visit the link below!

Learn about ypc