Talent & Workforce Mission
To position Greater Lexington as a top-tier destination for talent by combining leadership development, community connection, and regional storytelling that attracts and retains professionals.
To position Greater Lexington as a top-tier destination for talent by combining leadership development, community connection, and regional storytelling that attracts and retains professionals.
Building the Future Workforce of Greater LexingtonA major component of Greater Lexington’s competitiveness is the ability to attract, develop, and retain talent in the region. Commerce Lexington brings together leadership development, community engagement, and regional marketing efforts into one unified strategy designed to strengthen the region’s workforce and leadership pipeline.
For decades, Commerce Lexington has cultivated leaders through programing that has created measurable impact. With the the scale of today’s workforce challenges Commerce Lexington and partners throughout the region are coming together to build a comprehensive talent ecosystem that connects professionals to opportunity, community, and leadership in Greater Lexington. |
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Addressing Talent Needs
Talent Attraction
Showcasing Greater Lexington as a Place to Live, Work, and Lead
Recruiting talent is essential to the region’s economic future. Commerce Lexington works with partners across the region to tell the story of Greater Lexington and highlight the opportunities available here.
Recruiting talent is essential to the region’s economic future. Commerce Lexington works with partners across the region to tell the story of Greater Lexington and highlight the opportunities available here.
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Look at LEX
The Look at LEX campaign showcases everything the region offers- career opportunities, quality of life, and community connections- helping professionals envision their future in Greater Lexington. Through digital storytelling, marketing campaigns, and partnerships with employers and universities, Look at LEX highlights why the region is an ideal destination for emerging and experienced professionals alike. |
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The platform helps professionals discover:
Look at LEX strengthens the region’s ability to compete nationally for talent and elevate Lexington’s story in a competitive marketplace.
- Career opportunities in Greater Lexington’s key industries
- Neighborhoods and communities across the region
- The region’s arts, culture, and outdoor amenities
- Opportunities to build networks and professional connections
Look at LEX strengthens the region’s ability to compete nationally for talent and elevate Lexington’s story in a competitive marketplace.
Talent Retention
Connecting Professionals to Community and Leadership
Attracting talent is only part of the equation. Retention happens when professionals feel connected to their community, workplace, and leadership opportunities.
Research and experience show that connection drives retention—particularly among working-age professionals and young professionals who are deciding where to build their careers and lives. Commerce Lexington’s programs help professionals build these connections through leadership development, professional networks, and civic engagement opportunities.
Attracting talent is only part of the equation. Retention happens when professionals feel connected to their community, workplace, and leadership opportunities.
Research and experience show that connection drives retention—particularly among working-age professionals and young professionals who are deciding where to build their careers and lives. Commerce Lexington’s programs help professionals build these connections through leadership development, professional networks, and civic engagement opportunities.
A program designed to help early-career professionals connect, grow, and engage in the community.
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A flagship program designed for mid-career and senior leaders to deepen their understanding of the region while preparing them for impactful leadership roles.
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A regional leadership experience that brings together mid-career and senior leaders from across Central Kentucky to strengthen collaboration and regional economic growth.
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These programs serve as the foundation for a growing pipeline of civic and business leadership across Greater Lexington.
Education Partnerships
Commerce Lexington is strengthening the connection between education and industry to build a workforce pipeline that meets the evolving needs of our regional economy. Through strategic partnerships with K–12 systems, colleges, universities, and training providers, we help align career pathways with real-world business demand.
By serving as a convener between educators and employers, we facilitate meaningful engagement opportunities that prepare students for success- while helping businesses cultivate their future workforce. These efforts include expanding work-based learning, increasing student exposure to high-demand industries, and supporting programs that bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.
Our approach ensures that students are not only career-aware, but career-ready- equipped with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to thrive in Greater Lexington. At the same time, employers benefit from a stronger, more sustainable talent pipeline rooted in local partnerships.
Together, we are building a seamless education-to-workforce ecosystem that supports lifelong learning, drives economic growth, and positions Greater Lexington as a leader in talent development.
By serving as a convener between educators and employers, we facilitate meaningful engagement opportunities that prepare students for success- while helping businesses cultivate their future workforce. These efforts include expanding work-based learning, increasing student exposure to high-demand industries, and supporting programs that bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.
Our approach ensures that students are not only career-aware, but career-ready- equipped with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to thrive in Greater Lexington. At the same time, employers benefit from a stronger, more sustainable talent pipeline rooted in local partnerships.
Together, we are building a seamless education-to-workforce ecosystem that supports lifelong learning, drives economic growth, and positions Greater Lexington as a leader in talent development.
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Workforce Synergy Series
The Workforce Synergy Series is a four-part, executive-level roundtable that brings senior leaders from higher education and industry together for focused, forward-looking conversations on the region’s evolving talent needs. Each invitation-only session convenes university leadership and C-suite executives around key sectors of Greater Lexington’s economy, creating space for candid dialogue, shared insight, and strategic alignment. Through these small, discussion-driven gatherings, participants gain a clearer understanding of industry trends, in-demand skills, and opportunities to better align education and workforce strategies. By connecting decision-makers across sectors, Commerce Lexington is helping strengthen the talent pipeline, shape career pathways, and keep Greater Lexington competitive in attracting and retaining top talent. |
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Get InvolvedThe success of Greater Lexington’s workforce depends on collaboration between employers, professionals, and community partners.
You can support this initiative by:
Together, we can ensure Greater Lexington remains a place where the brightest professionals choose to grow their careers, discover new opportunities, and experience why Greater LEX just feels like home. |
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Contact us:
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