Leadership Central KY Explores Growth and Innovation in Woodford County

Class participants at Life Adventure Center

Leadership Central KY’s Woodford County Day on March 18 began at The Kentucky Castle, where participants were welcomed with a panel led by Emily Downey of the Woodford County Chamber. Setting the tone for the day, local leaders emphasized that strong relationships are the foundation of growth. Mayor Laura Drake shared how Versailles is managing growth by holding firm to its urban service boundary, noting that many projects take years to come to fruition. Mayor Grayson Vandegrift highlighted Midway’s focus on increasing occupational tax revenue while lowering property taxes, while Judge Executive James Kay reinforced a jobs-first approach—prioritizing industrial development while keeping housing growth in check.
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Together, their insights painted a picture of a county thinking strategically about growth and sustainability. Woodford County currently has the lowest unemployment rate in the state, with about seventy-five percent of occupational tax paid by commuters. Like many communities, affordable housing remains complex, but local leaders are focusing on helping residents stay in their homes through targeted support programs. Following the discussion, the group toured The Kentucky Castle, learning more about its evolution into a unique destination that blends dining, events, and agriculture under its current ownership.

Touring The Kentucky Castle

Meeting a thoroughbred at Lane’s End Farm

​From there, participants traveled deeper into the heart of Woodford County’s signature industry with a visit to Lane’s End Farm. Spanning more than two thousand acres, the farm is one of the most respected thoroughbred breeding operations in the world. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the industry that defines so much of the region’s identity, with Lane’s End having produced and stood stallions connected to Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup winners—making its impact felt far beyond Kentucky.

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​Continuing the theme of agriculture and innovation, the group then visited Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm. There, participants heard the story of the company’s growth from a small-scale operation to a major producer. After opening in Lexington in 2012, the move to Elkwood Farm allowed for a dramatic expansion—from 300 to 45,000 barrels per year. With most of the land now dedicated to growing grains, the distillery has become a true grain-to-glass operation, with plans to add a restaurant in the future.

Bourbon tasting at Bluegrass Distillers

The day then shifted to Midway University, where participants gathered for lunch and heard from President Dr. Kathleen Evans Marsden. She shared the institution’s impressive turnaround story. Once facing declining enrollment and financial challenges, the university has grown to more than two thousand students and significantly improved its financial health by paying down debt. This transformation has been driven in part by expanded academic offerings, including online and graduate programs that reach beyond traditional student populations. Continued investment in campus construction and renovations reflects a renewed sense of momentum and long-term stability. Altogether, the story of Midway University served as a powerful example of how leadership, adaptability, and a clear vision can change the trajectory of an institution.

In the afternoon, participants experienced a more hands-on approach to leadership at Life Adventure Center. Through equine activities, the group practiced trust, communication, and teamwork—gaining insight into how these skills translate beyond the arena. Programs at the center serve a wide range of groups, including at-risk youth, schools, and corporate teams. A guided tour of the grounds further highlighted how the organization uses outdoor activities and equine-assisted learning to develop leadership skills in meaningful and lasting ways.

Equine leadership activities focused on trust and teamwork

Hearing from local leaders at The Aldenberg Hotel

The day concluded in downtown Versailles with a conversation featuring local entrepreneurs Eric Carrico of The Woodford Hotel, Alex Riddle of The Amsden Coffee, Aldenberg Hotel, and High Bramble Park, and Reagan Berry of My Darling & Co. Together, they shared their perspectives on investing in and revitalizing the downtown area. Each described recognizing an opportunity to bring new energy to Versailles by creating spaces that draw people in. A coffee shop, for example, was seen as a key anchor—naturally increasing foot traffic and encouraging visitors to spend more time downtown. While each venture carried its own level of risk, all emphasized a shared willingness to invest with a long-term vision, as well as the importance of support systems, including their spouses.

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A common theme throughout the conversation was that competition strengthens, rather than divides, a community. More businesses create more reasons for people to visit—and once they are there, they are likely to support multiple establishments. Tourism plays a major role in this dynamic, as visitors who come for one experience often stay to explore others. Looking ahead, the group also discussed ideas that could further enhance Versailles, including an amphitheater with seating for one to two thousand people, expanded outdoor gathering spaces connected to Main Street, a classic diner, and an anchor business that regularly brings professionals downtown for meetings.

Written By: Megan Martin, VisitLEX
Photos By: Brett Bibb, Commerce Lexington