Commerce Lexington Wins 2024 Business Facilities Economic Development Organization Award for Regional Competitiveness Plan

​Commerce Lexington is proud to announce its recognition in the Business Facilities 2024 Economic Development Organization (EDO) Awards for its dedication to fostering public and private collaboration in support of Greater Lexington's first-ever Regional Competitiveness Plan. The Business Facilities EDO Awards celebrate economic developers' efforts in fostering community growth, securing record-breaking projects, and creating new economic opportunities. This year, Business Facilities editors evaluated entries from across the nation and selected 24 winners in various categories, acknowledging the tenacity and innovative spirit of these organizations.

​The Regional Competitiveness Plan is a collaborative effort aimed at making the region more competitive for jobs and talent. This plan has been facilitated by Commerce Lexington with the support of local government officials, private partners, regional chambers, tourism partners, EDO professionals and more. By embracing regionalism, Greater Lexington is better equipped to attract a skilled workforce, secure business sites, expand housing inventory, and access education and training resources.

Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington, expressed his pride in the team's achievement, stating, "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our economic development team and the collaborative spirit of our community. The Regional Competitiveness Plan is a significant milestone for us, demonstrating our commitment to creating sustainable economic growth and opportunities for everyone in Central Kentucky."

Gina Greathouse, Executive Vice President of Economic Development at Commerce Lexington, added, "The collaboration highlighted by this project started more than 30 years ago with the Bluegrass Alliance, a group of Economic Development professionals from the nine-county region who realized we are better when we work together. Now, the momentum we started so long ago, has taken shape and is being recognized for the exceptional work being done in our region."
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The success of this project is a direct result of detailed research including the insights received from over 150 regional leaders, 1,700 individuals who participated in a talent perception survey, and 20 stakeholder meetings that Commerce Lexington organized. These efforts, alongside Bluegrass Alliance professionals, resulted in over 100 interactions with businesses, site visits, and industry event participation. Consequently, the region surpassed its 2023 goals with the announcement of 1,700 new jobs and over $1.1 billion in capital investments, positioning Commerce Lexington as a trailblazer shaping Central Kentucky's economic landscape for the future.

​To read the full article on Business Facilities 2024 Economic Development Organization Awards, VISIT HERE.

The 9-county Greater Lexington Bluegrass Region includes Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford counties.

For more information about Greater Lexington and Commerce Lexington's economic development efforts, please visit www.locateinlexington.com.