Pastures, Printers, and Progress: Leadership Lexington’s Economic Development Day

By: Jay L. Phillips

Photos by Mahan Multimedia

Leadership Lexington participants spent a full and dynamic day immersed in the people, institutions, and policy decisions that shape economic growth across the Bluegrass region during this year’s Economic Development Day. The program offered a comprehensive look at how agriculture, innovation, workforce development, infrastructure, and land-use policy intersect to define Central Kentucky’s economic future.

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Tour of Bluegrass Stockyards

The day began at Bluegrass Stockyards, a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural economy. Jim Akers shared valuable insights into agriculture’s continuing role as a major economic driver for both Central Kentucky and the Commonwealth. His remarks reinforced the importance of preserving and modernizing agricultural systems while supporting the producers who sustain them.

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Sheri Evans Depp, Xerox/Lexmark

From there, the class traveled to Lexmark, where Sheri Evans Depp discussed the company’s longstanding presence in Lexington and its impact on the local economy. She highlighted the importance of anchoring global companies in the region while adapting to an evolving business landscape and maintaining company culture through a significant corporate merger.

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Brett Bibb, Commerce Lexington

Participants then heard from regional leaders addressing innovation, construction, infrastructure, and workforce development. Kevin Mansur of Awesome, Inc. highlighted efforts to support innovation, startups, and entrepreneurs across Kentucky, emphasizing the importance of cultivating homegrown companies. Todd Johnson of BIA Central Kentucky discussed challenges facing the construction industry, including regulatory hurdles and rising costs, and shared one of the day’s most striking statistics: Lexington currently faces a housing deficit of approximately 25,000 homes. Gene Barber of RJ Corman addressed transportation infrastructure as a critical component of economic competitiveness, while Erin Tipton of Bluegrass Community and Technical College spoke about workforce retention and training initiatives. Brett Bibb of Commerce Lexington rounded out the discussion with insights into talent attraction and regional workforce strategies.

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The conversation then turned to talent attraction and tourism during a panel moderated by Phil Jun. Leslie Miller, Vice President of Marketing for VisitLEX, shared what makes Lexington unique and how data and analytics drive tourism marketing strategies. Lisa Brin of FilmLEX followed with an overview of Kentucky’s film tax incentives and the organization’s efforts to attract film and entertainment projects to Central Kentucky, including a special appearance—via advertising trailer—by Marvin from Daddy Day Care and Central Kentucky resident (Steve Zahn).

Leslie Miller, VisitLEX

Tari Young, Xerox/Lexmark

Later in the day, Tari Young of Xerox and Lexmark provided a personal and regional perspective on the Xerox–Lexmark merger, emphasizing the significance of Lexmark’s continued presence in Lexington for employees and the broader community.

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Darius McCoy during the Site Simulation

Participants also engaged in an interactive economic development simulation, competing to attract businesses to three fictional regions. While one team landed a biotech startup in a rural county due to strong tax incentives, the exercise underscored the complexities and tradeoffs inherent in real-world economic development decisions.

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Urban Service Boundary Panel

The day concluded with a robust panel discussion on one of Lexington’s most debated topics: the Urban Service Boundary (USB). Panelists Samantha Castro, Price Bell, Nick Nicholson, Councilmember Liz Sheehan, and Chris Woodall explored the history, current challenges, and future direction of the USB, offering thoughtful perspectives on growth, affordability, and sustainability.

​Economic Development Day provided Leadership Lexington participants with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the region—and the difficult conversations that will define its path forward.

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Class in Christmas Sweaters

Jay L. Phillips is a Registered Patent Attorney at Embry, Merrit, Womack and Nance, PLLC whose practice works with startups, founders, and established businesses on intellectual property and business needs.