Commerce Lexington was recognized with two awards related to its ongoing Regional Competitiveness Plan, while the City was named an award winner for its Second Chance Academy Workforce Reentry Program. 2025 IEDC EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
“Lexington is strongest when we work together,” said Mayor Linda Gorton. “These awards highlight what’s possible when the City and Commerce Lexington collaborate on behalf of our community. This recognition is a proud moment for our city, and a tribute to the hard work and creativity of so many who are moving Lexington forward.” These national awards are a true reflection of what we can accomplish when we work together both locally and as a region,” said Bob Quick, President & CEO of Commerce Lexington. “They highlight not just one program, but a community-wide commitment to collaboration, innovation, and strengthening Greater Lexington’s position in a highly competitive economy.” “These awards reflect Lexington’s innovative spirit and the strong partnerships that drive growth and opportunity in our region,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to recognize the City of Lexington and Commerce Lexington for their leadership, creativity, and commitment to improving quality of life for residents.” Each year, IEDC honors organizations, governments, initiatives, and programs that demonstrate excellence in the field. Recipients lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development. The awards will be formally presented during IEDC’s Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14-17. ABOUT THE AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS GOLD WINNER: Greater LEX Regional Competitiveness Plan The Greater LEX Regional Competitiveness Plan is a strategy developed in partnership with nine Central Kentucky counties—Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Scott, and Woodford. Led by Commerce Lexington, which serves as a convener of key partners, city leaders, and regional stakeholders, the plan identifies seven strategic action areas focused on building a unified regional brand, elevating economic development marketing, attracting and retaining talent, expanding student work experiences, investing in infrastructure, and advocating for policies that strengthen competitiveness. By aligning local governments, businesses, and institutions around shared priorities, the plan is designed to accelerate growth and ensure long-term prosperity for the Greater Lexington region. To learn more about the plan watch this quick video. SILVER WINNER: Look At Lex Talent Website LookAtLex.com was developed by Commerce Lexington in partnership with Development Counsellors International (DCI) and regional partners as part of a broader talent attraction campaign. The site showcases Lexington’s job opportunities, neighborhoods, and quality of life to help recruit and retain a skilled workforce. By connecting talent with employers and highlighting the region’s unique strengths, LookAtLex.com is advancing the region’s competitiveness and positioning Lexington as a top destination for people to live, work, and thrive. BRONZE WINNER: Lexington Second Chance Academy Workforce Reentry Program The Lexington Second Chance Academy is a two-year pilot reentry initiative launched in July 2023 by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government in partnership with Jubilee Jobs of Lexington. The project was created in response to recidivism rates and a growing need for comprehensive support for incarcerated individuals reentering the community. Recognizing that employment alone is not enough, the program incorporates a wide range of wraparound services to address the barriers individuals face after release. The primary goal is to reduce recidivism and support economic development by equipping participants with the skills and confidence needed for long-term employment and personal stability. The seven-week program, held at the Fayette County Detention Center, includes job readiness training, life skills workshops, parenting education, career exploration using virtual reality, and assistance with securing needed identification documents. Participants also engage in mock interviews and receive help with job placement and transitional planning. About the International Economic Development Council: The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org. About Commerce Lexington: Commerce Lexington Inc. is a non-profit business organization that seeks to foster a vibrant economy, cultivate business growth, and enhance the quality of life in the Bluegrass region. Through collaboration with public and private partners, Commerce Lexington drives initiatives in economic development, regional competitiveness, leadership development, public policy, and member services. Learn more at www.commercelexington.com or www.locateinlex.com. About WORK-Lexington: WORK-Lexington is a comprehensive workforce support initiative operated by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. It helps residents secure employment, develop career skills, and connects employers with qualified candidates to meet their hiring needs. Through the Davis Park Workforce Center, WORK-Lexington provides on-site assistance with job applications, résumé building, skill development, workforce events, employer connections, and referrals to supportive programs and services. Want to Learn More? Join us for the 2025 Regional Summit. Join us for the 2025 Regional Summit presented by Community Trust Bank on Wednesday, November 12 at the Hyatt Regency Lexington (401 W. High Street). The Summit provides the opportunity for the business community and government leaders from across the nine-county Bluegrass Region to come together to connect, collaborate, and learn about action items to support making Greater LEX more competitive for jobs and talent.
During this full-day event, attendees will receive updates on the Regional Competitiveness Plan, hear the latest trends in workforce, public policy and economic development from experts, and gain insights from featured speaker Ted Abernathy with Economic Leadership as he presents his annual “State of the Region” and compares our region’s progress to peer metros and national data. Early bird registration is available until September 1. Comments are closed.
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Copyright © 2025 Commerce Lexington Inc., all rights reserved.
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447