Leadership Central Kentucky: Bourbon Co. Recap

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.

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The itinerary then shifted back to downtown Paris, a small town with Hallmark movie appeal, for a panel discussion on revitalization and growth. The panel was held at the new El Patio restaurant which is a second location by new Bourbon County resident, Gustavo Samudio. Local investors and business owners, Jan Moncivaiz (All About Kentucky & Hotel Thoroughbred), Andy Embry (Hotel Thoroughbred), Arthur Newberry (Caffee Marco Coffee), Andrea Pompei (Hopewell Bake Exchange) and Kathy Werking (Hopewell Creative Arts Guild) discussed the ongoing transformation of Main Street. Kathy Werking expressed it well when she said they are grounded and passionate leaders in it for the long haul who are expanding existing cultural assets to revive our community. These impassioned leaders are drawing more residents and growing their tourism business by not duplicating efforts, involving the entire community and spreading the story of Paris to locals and around the world, (Kathy Werking, 2025).

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Next on the agenda was a visit to the new City of Paris Solid Waste and Recycling Convenience Center, where our enthusiastic tour guide and local leaders like City Manager Matt Belcher detailed the site's impactful relocation and development. This is a feature of the city and county’s strong relationship.

​The day concluded with a visit to Mustard Seed Hill, where Victoria Benson, President of Mustard Seed Hill, one of Community Ventures 13 companies, addressed community economic development and regionalism. This was a powerful illustration of a community thriving through strategic leadership, local collaboration, and a strong sense of regional identity, providing an inspirational experience for all involved.
Bourbon County offers a full weekend of exploration for the family. From a unique local coffee roaster to outdoor activities to the arts, the friendly city and county residents are there to welcome you with a special experience.

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