business focus - commerce lexington · 2 business focus april 2019 business focus is published once...

www.CommerceLexington.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Scholarship Apps Due by April 15for UK/UL Executive MBA Program

Applications for 2019-20 LeadershipLex. Program Available April 15

2019 EMERGE Conference Recap

\\\BUSINESS FOCUS

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. | APRIL 2019 | VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE IV

Expand Your Network at Net90Unique, Fast-Paced Way to Connect {Page 8}

April 18th

2 BUSINESS FOCUS APRIL 2019

Business Focus is published once a month fora total of 12 issues per year by Commerce Lex-ington Inc., 330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lex-ington, KY 40507. Phone: (859) 226-1600.

2019 Chair of the Board:Jeff Koonce, Market PresidentWesBanco Bank

Publisher:Robert L. Quick, CCE, President & CEOCommerce Lexington Inc.

Editor: Mark E. TurnerCommunications Specialist: Liz BennettPrinting: Post PrintingMail Service: SouthEast Printing & MailingService, LLC (2610 Palumbo Drive)

Subscriptions are available for $12 and are in-cluded as a direct benefit of Commerce Lexing-ton Inc. membership. Business Focus (USPS012-337) periodical postage paid at Lexington,Kentucky.

POSTMASTER: Send address corrections toBusiness Focus, Commerce Lexington Inc.,P.O. Box 1968, Lexington, KY 40588-1968.

Display RatesFor DISPLAY RATES in Business Focus, con-tact Dana Zinger at (859) 226-1607 [email protected], and anaccount executive will contact you.

Personnel UpdatesSubmit your company’s awards and mile-stones or personnel changes and additions [email protected]. Person-nel news might include promotions, additions,awards and milestones, recognitions and cer-tifications and/or appointments. Informationis published only as space permits.

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

2016 Chamber of the Year

April 2019: Volume XXVII, Issue IV

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:CLARK Material Handling Announces ExpansionBullard Opens Research & Development CenterLexington #8 for New & Expanding Facilities in 2018SPARK Event Features Women Investors

PUBLIC POLICY:2019 Legislative Session Comes to an End

EVENTS:@330 Series: Simple Hacks to Rescue Your ComputerHilton Lexington Downtown Hosts Business LinkNew Net90 Event Features Fast-Paced Networking2019 EMERGE Conference Recap With PhotosBOAB Enrollment Event Slated for May 15th

CONNECT:Scholarship Apps. for UK/UL Executive MBA ProgramLeadership Development Program Session Recaps2019-20 Leadership Lex. Applications Available April 15Leadership Lex. Projects Impacting our CommunityWelcome New Commerce Lexington Inc. MembersMember Personnel Announcements & Awards

WHAT 2 WATCH 4

May 14th @330 Series: SimpleHacks to Rescue Your Computer

Net90 Provides Unique NetworkingOpportunity on April 18th

Hilton Lexington DowntownHosts Business Link April 30th

UK/UofL Executive MBA Scholarship Apps Due April 15

BUSINESS FOCUS

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APRIL 2019 BUSINESS FOCUS 3

\\\ EVENTS: LEADERSHIP VISIT

Commerce Lexington Inc. is pleased to announcethat the 2019 Leadership Visit presented by CentralBank & Trust Co. will take us to Raleigh, North Car-olina, from May 8 - 10, 2019. As North Carolina’scapital city, Raleigh (Wake County) is consistentlyrated as one of the best places in the nation to raisea family, get a great education, access first-ratehealthcare, enjoy the great outdoors, and muchmore. Thirteen communities call Wake Countyhome, each with its own distinct character.

Wake County is experiencing massive growth,with its population increasing at a rate of about 67people per day. Approximately 50% of the popula-tion over the age of 25 holds a bachelor's degree orhigher, which helps companies like Red Hat,MetLife, SAS, Ipreo, Credit Suisse, Citrix, Quintilesand Biogen find the talent they need to thrive in theregion.

Raleigh’s talent pool helps set it apart as one ofthe top three labor markets in the U.S., thanks to a

plethora of educational opportunities, includingthree tier-one research universities: North CarolinaState, Duke, and the University of North Carolina.Making our first trip to The City of Oaks since 2002,we are excited to see how Raleigh has been trans-formed through its innovative companies, highly-skilled workforce, and private-public partnerships.

During the trip, the delegation will take a look athow Raleigh is dealing with its rapid populationgrowth, how its education system has sustained itssuccess for many years, and its strategies for attract-ing and retaining talent within its region.

TO REGISTER:Registration is available now for the Leadership Visitto Raleigh, North Carolina. For registration optionsand more information, visit www.commercelexing-ton.com/raleigh-2019.html.

Agenda Taking Shape for Leadership Visit to Raleigh, N.C., May 8-10PRESENTED BY

PLATINUM SPONSORS:Alltech

Crown CastleKentucky Utilities Co.

McBrayer PLLCMCM CPAs & AdvisorsStites & Harbison, PLLC

WesBanco Bank

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION SPONSOR:CHI Saint Joseph Health

NAME BADGE SPONSOR:Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP

BRIEFING BOOK SPONSOR:J. J. B. Hilliard, W. L. Lyons LLC

TEXT ALERT/WI-FI SPONSOR:Hanna Resource Group

GOLD SPONSORS: Lexington Legends | Baptist Health Lexington CHARGING STATION SPONSOR: Friends of CoalBANK DINNER SPONSORS: Central Bank & Trust Co. | CHASE / J.P. Morgan | Community Trust Bank |Cumberland Valley National Bank & Trust Co. | Fifth Third Bank | Forcht Bank | Kentucky Bank | PNC Bank | Republic Bank | Traditional Bank | U.S. Bank | WealthSouth | WesBanco Bank

///


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

LEFT TO RIGHT: Ky. Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Terry Gill,CLARK President & CEO Dennis Lawrence, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton,and Commerce Lexington Inc. President & CEO Bob Quick.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Commerce Lexington Inc. President & CEO Bob Quick, LexingtonMayor Linda Gorton, Wells Bullard, CEO, and Peter Lugo, President & COO, at Bullard’snew research and development center.

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF THE BLUEGRASS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP (BBDP)

SUBMITTED BY CLX ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION: GINA GREATHOUSE, HANNAH CRUMRINE, KIMBERLY ROSSETTI & RYAN KAFFENBERGER

CLARK Material Handling Announces Third Expansion of Headquarters

Bullard Celebrates Opening of Research & Development Center in LexingtonIn late February, Bullard, a global leader in manu-

facturing personal protective equipment, opened a re-search and development facility in Lexington, whereMarketing and Product Development teams will col-laborate to develop the next generation of Bullardproducts and services to protect customers. The newcenter will include Bullard’s new product development,marketing and global shared resources departments.Mayor Linda Gorton and Commerce Lexington Inc.President and CEO Bob Quick joined Bullard companyofficials, Wells Bullard, CEO, and Peter Lugo, President& COO, in the ceremonial grand opening of theBullard Center.

“We are proud to welcome Bullard, an innovativeand well-established business, to Lexington,” said BobQuick, President & CEO of Commerce Lexington Inc.“With the opening of the new Bullard Center, thisglobal leader in safety will have access to Lexington’seducated workforce and dynamic quality of life. We’rehappy you chose Lexington.”

In early March, CLARK Material Handling Company announcedits expansion of the Lexington headquarters and manufacturing op-eration investing over $4.6 million and creating 40 new positions. Atthe press conference, attendees heard from Dennis Lawrence, Pres-ident and CEO of CLARK Material Handling Company; Mayor LindaGorton of the City of Lexington; Secretary Terry Gill of the KentuckyCabinet for Economic Development; and Bob Quick, President andCEO of Commerce Lexington Inc.

This expansion is the third in four years at CLARK’s North Amer-ican corporate headquarters in Lexington. Company leaders expectthe investment to triple production at the campus. In conjunctionwith this expansion, CLARK will begin re-shoring to Lexington pro-duction of its mainstay internal combustion products, the “S-Series,”with volume production expected this summer.

“CLARK Material Handling Company has been iconic in Lexing-ton’s community for over 45 years and continues to grow its manu-facturing operation and global headquarters,” Quick said. “Our teamhas enjoyed a strong partnership with CLARK over the years, and weare excited to work with them as they continue to grow.”

The Commerce LexingtonInc. Economic Developmentteam participated inLeadership Lexington’sEconomic Development Dayin March. Our teamorganized a panel of new andexisting companies todiscuss why they choseLexington or decided toexpand here. The paneldiscussed the advantagesand challenges of being inLexington. Then, the classparticipated in an economicdevelopment simulationexercise that put theattendees in a company orcommunity role to experiencesite selection first-hand. Theinteractive simulationengaged the class in theprocess a company andcommunity go through whenchoosing a location. Theclass enjoyed the activity andlearned about what we dodaily.


\\\ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

By The Numbers:In 2019, Commerce Lexington’s Economic Devel-opment Division has responded to calls from:

New Business: 17 new prospects interested infinding a new location or expanding.Existing Clients & Local Entrepreneurial Companies: 4 companies with potential expansions.Client Visits: 6Existing Business Visits: 34

STAT: Lexington AmongTop Metros in 2018 forNew & Expanded Facilities

SPARK Event Features Women Investors

The past few editions of the Stat of the Monthhave celebrated the successes of Lexington’sentrepreneurs and the city’s outstanding ecosystem.While 2018 was an incredible year for localinnovators, it was also a fruitful year for CommerceLexington’s business expansion and recruitmentefforts, two other essential elements required foreconomic development. Commerce Lexington’sEconomic Development team is always workinghard to attract new businesses to the region andhelp existing businesses expand. Whether it’s asmall business adding a handful of jobs or a largeenterprise relocating their headquarters, theeconomic development team labors tirelessly tomeet companies’ needs, solve their problems, andassist clients in creating quality jobs.

In March, Lexington was recognized as the #8Metro for New and Expanding Facilities withPopulation from 200,000 to 1 Million by SiteSelection Magazine. Additionally, Site SelectionMagazine also ranked Kentucky as the #2 Top Stateby Projects Per Capita. These rankings testify to theallure Lexington has on businesses and of theadvantages they receive once located in the city.

MORE INFORMATION:To view this full post and many others from theLocate in Lexington News Blog, scan the QR codebelow with your mobile device.

Top 3 Sectors ByTOTAL JOB CREATION

in 2018#1 Manufacturing#2 Distribution#3 High-Tech

On March 8th, SPARK, in collaboration with the UK Von Allmen Center forEntrepreneurship and Lexington’s Bluegrass Angels investor group, hosted an opencoffee focusing on women investors and entrepreneurs. Our lead speaker MarianneHudson is the Executive Director of the American Capital Association (ACA). ACA isthe North America professional association for active accredited investors. She ledthe conversation and panel of Lexington-based female angel investors. Our panelistsincluded JoEllen Hayden, Jennifer Dossett, and Cynthia Vines of the Bluegrass Angels.Learn more about upcoming events by visiting www.sparklex.org.

Leadership Lex. Economic Development Day

Leadership Lexington class participated in Economic Devel-opment Day at the new Blue Grass Stockyards.

During the final days of the 2019 GeneralAssembly, state legislators passed several billsimportant to the business community. Thoseincluded legislation to: address tax fixes for non-profits and changes to the way banks are taxed(HB 354), allow arbitration in employmentagreements (SB 7), and modernizations to en-ergy polices for solar generators (SB 100).Other Commerce Lexington supported issues,such as increases in investments in transporta-tion infrastructure projects (HB 517), legaliza-tion of sports betting in Kentucky (HB 175), andunemployment insurance reform (HB 317), areunlikely to pass this session.

Legislation grabbing recent attention relatedto medical marijuana, tax credits for privateschool scholarships, changes to the make-up ofthe KTRS board, and changes to local land de-velopment policies for economic developmentpurposes, are also unlikely to move forward.Commerce Lexington did not take a position onthese issues in this session.

With more than $40 billion in unfunded lia-bilities, the state's financially troubled publicemployee pension system continues to be a crit-ical issue for Kentucky's competitiveness. It isunlikely that any legislation with major changesto the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System(KTRS) will pass during the Regular Session.However, the state's regional post secondaryuniversities may get some relief from the pen-sion issue. HB 358 deals with public employeepension issues for the regional post-secondaryinstitutions and other quasi-governmental enti-

ties. The bill allows for these entities to volun-tarily cease participation in the system over timeand provide different plans for new hires. It hasadvanced in the process but the Senate andHouse leaders continue to meet to work out dif-ferences.

Arbitration & Employment Agreements: SB 7,sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers(R-Manchester), clarifies state law to ensure pri-vate employers may include arbitration, media-tion or other forms of alternative disputeresolution as a condition of employment con-tracts. This has been common practice formany employers. However, a recent Supreme

Court decision nullified this ability, creating un-certainty for businesses. The bill provides clarityin the statutes. If the bill had not passed, Ken-tucky would've been the only state in the nationthat did not allow employers this ability.

Tax Reform: HB 354, sponsored by House A&RChairman, Steven Rudy (R-Paducah), addressestax fixes to correct some of the unintended con-sequences from last year’s tax reform bill. AConference Committee worked out a compro-mise proposal between the House and Senateand was delivered to Governor Matt Bevin. Thebill exempts non-profit organizations from col-lecting sales tax for ticket admission and onitems sold (i.e. silent auction). It also addressesan income tax gap by giving a tax credit to low-income Kentuckians, removes the bank fran-chise tax (13 percent rate) and puts banks underthe five percent corporate income tax, and clar-ifies taxation of services when minimal revenueis collected.

Energy Policy: Legislation to modernize Ken-tucky's "net metering" law for private solar gen-erators was delivered to Governor Bevin. SB100, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith (R-Hazard), allows the Kentucky Public ServiceCommission (PSC) to undertake the complexrate setting process and determine the fair valueof excess energy generated by new solar gener-ators in the future. The bill also grandfathers allexisting solar customers under the current netmetering law for a minimum 25 years. Com-merce Lexington Inc. supports SB 100 in orderto ensure affordable energy rates for all cus-tomers.

At the time of print, the General Assemblywas in a recess period, while Governor Bevinconsiders vetoes to more than 150 bills and res-olutions delivered to his desk. At this point,nearly 20 bills of the more than 800 filed havebecome law, including public school safety re-forms (SB 1) - the priority issue for both theHouse and Senate. Lawmakers then returnedon March 28 for the final legislative day in the2019 30-Day Regular Session.

MORE INFORMATION:For more information about legislation thatCommerce Lexington Inc. has been tracking,contact Andi Johnson, Chief Policy Officer &Director of Regional Engagement, at (859) 226-1614 or [email protected].

///


PUBLIC POLICY

Kentucky General Assembly: 2019 Regular Session Comes to An End


\\\

Commerce Lexington Mobile App Keeps You Connected While On The GoMobile technology is here to

stay, and Commerce LexingtonInc. (CLX) has embraced thismethod of communication notonly to add visibility for its mem-bers, but to also provide an easyway to keep up with current CLXevents, community events, localnews, programs, and your fa-vorite businesses while you'reon the go! Commerce LexingtonInc.’s CLX2Go mobile app isavailable FREE for download inthe iTunes App Store andGoogle Play.

EVERY COMMERCE LEX-INGTON MEMBER has theirown basic listing as a benefit ofmembership, which includes a"click to call" and "click to map"link. Mobile users now have one-touch access to your businesscontact information and location. As a member of Commerce

Lexington, you can now attract more customers by offering mo-bile coupons, "near me" deals, and special offers to both CLXmembers and anyone in the Greater Lexington area who down-loads this free mobile app.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:Go to the App Store or Google Play•Text lexington CLX2Go to 80802•Scan this QR code below with your mobile de-•vice.


///EVENTS: @330 SERIES

Not much beats the excitement and sat-isfaction of getting a new computer. Asyou zip through your daily work, surf theweb, and stream your favorite TV showsand movies, you are able to accomplishtasks with ease. Fast forward to one or twoyears later, and all of a sudden even themost basic requests for your computer likebooting up or opening your email arepainstakingly slow, which causes frustra-tion and utlimately keeps you from gettingthings done in a more efficient manner.

Tracy Hardin, owner of Next CenturyTechnologies, says don’t throw your computer awayyet, because there may still be hope. During the nextCommerce Lexington Inc. @330 Series event pre-sented by Distillery Heights on Tuesday, May 14, from3:30 - 5:30 p.m. in Commerce Lexington’s first floorconference room, Hardin will not only share some ofher favorite tips and tricks for getting the most out ofa computer (and some cool door prizes), but she willalso have recommendations of what to look for thenext time you go computer shopping.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:Tracy Hardin is a long-time trusted advisor for IT thatbusinesses have counted on for nearly 20 years. Sheis the founder and President of Next Century Technolo-gies, an IT consulting firm that focuses on buildingand maintaining IT for businesses of all sizes. She has

a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Sciencefrom the University of Kentucky. Her con-tinuing education includes certifications incomputer networking and design fromNovell and Cisco. Her and her team take aproactive approach to cyber security andcomputer maintenance. They work hard tokeep all their clients’ IT networks runningwell so users can get their jobs done.

NEW FORMAT FOR 2019:The @330 events provide a topical pres-

entation that is relevant to the success of entrepre-neurs, business owners and business professionals.They also allow members the opportunity to discussideas, share best practices, and work through chal-lenges. Starting in 2019, @330 events will feature atopical presentation from 3:30-4:30 p.m., as well asa new Power Hour from 4:30-5:30 p.m. DuringPower Hour, attendees can stay for a facilitated net-working activity. This will allow for participants tomake better connections and form better relation-ships with other business professionals in atten-dance, and learn valuable networking tips.

TO REGISTER:The @330 events are open to Commerce Lexington Inc.members at no charge. However, please register for theevents by contacting Liz Bennett by phone at (859) 226-1615 or by e-mail to [email protected].

PRESENTED BY

SPONSORS:Embassy Suites Lexington GreenImpressions Marketing and Events

TravelHost of the Bluegrass

TABLE SPONSORS:Affinity TravelBates Security

BB&TMake A Wish Foundation OH, KY, & INNationwide Insurance: Parsons &

Howard Insurance GroupPeggy's Gifts & Accessories

Scout & Molly’s

@330 Series Presents Simple Hacks to Help Rescue a Sluggish Computer

TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2019 | 3:30 - 5:30 P.M. | COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. (330 E. MAIN ST. - FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM)

Net90 Provides Unique, Fast-Paced Networking for CLX Members’ OnlyTHURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019 | 4:00 - 6:30 P.M. | THE VENUES OF THE GRAND RESERVE (903 MANCHESTER ST.)

HOSTED BY

TRACY HARDIN

///{NEW 2019 EVENT}

As a business professional or business owner, youoften have limited time available for networking andgenerating leads, being pulled in many directions onany given day. You know that when you attend events,you must maximize your networking time to get thebiggest return on your time invesment.

To help with your networking, Commerce Lexing-ton Inc. has launched a new event for 2019 calledNet90. This premier networking event will give mem-bers the opportunity to meet and interact with primebusiness contacts in a fun environment. This fast-paced, intensive event will use a rotation schedule, al-lowing participants to rotate around tables, give a90-second pitch about their company to others, andmake valuable business contacts in a very brief period.

Join us on Thursday, April 18, from 4:00 - 6:30

p.m. at The Venues of the Grand Reserve (903 Man-chester Street) for this MEMBERS’ ONLY event.

TO REGISTER:The cost to attend this exclusive Commerce Lexing-ton Inc. MEMBERS’ ONLY Net90 networking eventis $39 per person. Reserve your spot on-line atwww.CommerceLexington.com. Hurry! Space islimited to the first 54 people who register.

Hurry!Only 54 Spots

Available for Net90

The next Commerce Lexington Inc. Business Linknetworking event is set for Tuesday, April 30, from4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Lexington Downtown(369 West Vine Street). The event will enable par-ticipants to build their client base and connect withother business professionals, browse our exhibitors,and enjoy great food and drink. Located in the heartof beautiful downtown Lexington, the Hilton Lexing-ton Downtown is connected to Rupp Arena, andclose to the University of Kentucky, Blue Grass Air-port and Keeneland Race Course. Don’t miss thisopportunity to experience the great service and hos-pitality from the staff of the Hilton Lexington Down-town, and find out more about the amenities andfeatures of this signature downtown hotel.

TO REGISTER:The cost to attend the Business Link event is $5 forCommerce Lexington members, $10 for non-mem-bers (payable at the door). Members of LexingtonForum can also attend for CLX member rate of $5 perperson. You can also pre-register for Business Linkson-line at www.CommerceLexington.com. If register-ing online, pick up your beverage ticket at the regis-tration table. PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS WILLBE GIVEN FOR ONLINE REGISTRATIONS.

EXHIBIT SPACE:Exhibit space is available at this event. Contact LizBennett at [email protected] or re-serve online at www.commercelexington.com.


\\\ EVENTS: BUSINESS LINK

Hilton Lexington Downtown Hosts Next Business Link Networking EventSPONSORED BY

Next Business LinkSpotlights Leukemia& Lymphoma SocietyThe next Commerce Lexington Inc. BusinessLink event on Tuesday, April 30, from 4:30 -6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Lexington Downtown(369 W. Vine St.) will feature the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society as our Nonprofit Spot-light organization. The Leukemia & Lym-phoma Society is at the forefront of the fightto cure cancer. It is the largest nonprofit ded-icated to creating a world without blood can-cers. Since 1949, the organization hasinvested more than $1.2 billion in research,pioneering many of today’s most innovativeapproaches. Its annual Light the Night Walkfunds treatments and honors those touchedby cancer. Find out more at www.light-thenight.org/kentucky-southern-indiana.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 | 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. | HILTON LEXINGTON DOWNTOWN (369 WEST VINE ST.)


SPEAKER SPONSOR:Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC

AFTER PARTY SPONSOR:Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

GOLD SPONSORS:Beam Suntory

Lexington Clinic FoundationLexington Legends

Toyota Motor Manufacturing,Kentucky, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS:Lexmark InternationalUK Federal Credit Union

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR:UK-UL Executive MBA Program

MEDIA SPONSOR:iHEARTMEDIA

GRAPHIC PRINTING SPONSOR:Lynn Imaging | Monster Color

MUGSHOT SPONSOR:Mahan Multimedia

Commerce Lexington Inc.’s sixth annualEMERGE Conference presented by ForchtBank on March 12th brought together the nextgeneration of Central Kentucky leaders for aday of networking, engaging keynote speakers,informative breakout sessions, and discover-ing ways to better connect to and impact theircommunity. About 420 participants also en-joyed a new venue this year through the com-fortable and engaging atmosphere of theUniversity of Kentucky Gatton Student Center.

Keynote speakers included Ali Rodway, ahigh-energy and high-impact executive coachand leadership trainer, and Peter Kageyama,

an internationally sought-after community de-velopment consultant and grassroots engage-ment strategist. EMERGE also offered a varietyof breakout sessions covering tracks like com-munity engagement, as well as personal andprofessional development.

Thank you to everyone who attended, vol-unteered on the planning committee or theday of the conference, or presented in a break-out session. Your involvement has helpedbuild EMERGE into an award-winning event.We are looking forward to even bigger and bet-ter things in the future.

EMERGE Conference Crowd Enjoys GreatKeynotes, Breakouts and Networking

PRESENTED BY

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

Tucker Ballinger (Forcht Bank)

VitaleBuford

DowellHoskins-Squier Gary Means Carrie Butler

VirgilGrant

Ali Rodway

MichaelKunjoo

Dan WuBillieDollins


Photos by Mahan Multimedia

Ethan Howard

David Durman Brandi Peacher

PeterKageyama

JudgePamela Goodwine

MayorLindaGorton

Angie Evans

Emily Cowles

Sherelle RobertsPierre Adrian

Wallace LizSheehan

CouncilmembersJosh McCurn &

Jennifer Reynolds

AidenConnolly

Marvin King

Nathan Billings

CLX Staff Photo

///EVENTS: SMALL BUSINESS GUIDANCE


If you've ever needed advice or guidance as a business owner anddidn't know where to turn, Commerce Lexington Inc. has a valuable, nocost solution for you. Various groups called the Business Owners’ Advi-sory Boards (BOAB) meet monthly to assist in problem-solving throughdiscussion with other business owners to help in analyzing current or fu-ture direction, and also provide an avenue for personal growth.

If you're interested in the Business Owners’ Advisory Board throughCommerce Lexington Inc., now is your opportunity to learn more aboutthe program and to become active in one of the groups. In this presentbusiness environment, business owners need to know that a supportstructure exists to help them. An "ENROLLMENT EVENT” will be heldon Wednesday, May 15, from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., at Commerce Lexington’sfirst floor conference room.

Group placements are made in May and December only. Enrollmentevents allow potential group members to meet existing participants andask questions, learn more about BOAB and sign up to become part ofthe program. In order to qualify for BOAB, you must have been in busi-ness for at least 2 years, be the owner or co‐owner of a business and cur-rently generate revenue for your business. If qualifications are met,applicants will be placed in a group that best suits their schedule andbusiness type and avoids any conflict with direct competitors.

RSVP FOR THIS ENROLLMENT EVENT:To RSVP, e-mail to Liz Bennett at [email protected] orvisit www.CommerceLexington.com. There is no charge to attend thisCommerce Lexington Inc. MEMBERS’ ONLY informational event.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 | 3:30 - 5:00 P.M. | COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC.’S FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM

Business Owners’ Advisory Boards (BOAB) Now Enrolling for SpringSmall Business Owners Invited to Attend Enrollment Event Wednesday, May 15th

Groups Helping Small BusinessesAlthough interaction with fellow Commerce Lexington Inc. mem-bers is always good for business - BOAB is not designed as a net-working or leads group. Each board is made up of eight businessowners with similar concerns, but who are NOT in direct com-petition with each other. There is NO CHARGE to participate inthis program, which is open only to Commerce Lexington mem-bers. Board members commit to meeting on a monthly basis fortwo to three hours per meeting, and each group sets its ownagenda. The boards offer encouragement and sound businessadvice for tackling the day-to-day challenges faced by businessowners. Meetings are structured to include speakers on variousbusiness topics, guidance on goal setting, marketing planning,as well as assisting with your individual business issues.


\\\ CONNECT

Commerce Lexington Inc. recognizes that business owners and busi-ness professionals live busy lives. That’s why we have so many differentways to keep connected to the events, programs, and services that helpyou succeed. Social media is an effective way to promote your companyor organization and engage your customers. Here are some of theplaces you can keep up with Commerce Lexington Inc. on social media.Commerce Lexington Inc. members are permitted to post items abouttheir business to our social media channels. Review the list on thispage to see where you would like to connect.

www.instagram.com/CommerceLex

www.facebook.com/groups/CommerceLexingtonwww.facebook.com/LocateInLex

www.facebook.com/clmbdCommerce Lexington Inc. has more than 3,600 members on itsFacebook group page. You can also follow www.facebook.com/Lo-cateInLex for news on expansions and relocations, as well as ourMinority Business Development division.

www.twitter.com/CommerceLexwww.twitter.com/LocateInLex

Join the more than 11,500 people who follow Commerce LexingtonInc. on Twitter for the latest news as it happens.

www.youtube.com/commlexingtonkyThere are over 293 video clips and full events posted here.

www.linkedin.com/company/commerce-lexingtonwww.linkedin.com/groups/3937103

If you’re on LinkedIn, you can join the 1,200-plus people in ourLinkedIn group and post your own business-related items.

www.commercelexington.com/clx-bloghttp://news.locateinlexington.com

Stay up-to-date on Commerce Lexington Inc. news, policy deci-sions, and legislative activity on our Blog, and learn more aboutLexington’s demographics and other key economic statistics.

Stay Connected & Interact: Commerce Lexington Inc. Social Media Guide


///CONNECT: LEADERSHIP LEXINGTON

RECAP BY JENNY MINIER, UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS

Leadership Lexington Class Learns About Economic Development Process

PLATINUM SPONSORS

ORIENTATION SPONSOR

PRESENTED BY

BREAKFAST SPONSOR

Mahan MultimediaWhere L ight Meets Stor y™

Economic Development Day began in the salesring at Blue Grass Regional Marketplace. The Leader-ship Lexington class jumped into the competitivespirit of the day with a wage game, with three groupsordering 12 industries in order of average wages. Themorning continued with a panel on workforce devel-opment, featuring representatives from BCTC, Lexing-ton Mayor Linda Gorton’s office, and the KentuckyWorkforce Innovation Board.

A second morning panel on relocation and expan-sion focused on a range of decisions: a homegrownoffshoot of the University of Kentucky (Mosquito-Mate) and their decision to stay in Lexington; the re-cent expansion of Bullard, as well as its move toKentucky from California decades ago; and the expan-sion into Kentucky of Tiffany & Co. and Zelios. It wasfascinating to learn about the factors that went intothese decisions. The panelists also discussed the im-portance of hiring and retaining a diverse workforce,and some of the difficulties faced in trying to do so.After the panels, the class headed out for a tour of theBlue Grass Regional Marketplace’s facility, includingthe cattle pens, the educational facility and its enter-taining mechanically digesting cow, and the museum.For those of you who want to see an auction, JimAkers, Chief Operating Officer of Bluegrass Stock-yards, recommends Tuesday mornings at 10 as thebest time.

Class members then relocated to the headquartersof Junior Achievement, where they heard a briefoverview of Lexington’s economy. Then, GinaGreathouse provided an introduction into the threemain areas of Commerce Lexington’s work in eco-

nomic development: business retention and expan-sion; recruiting businesses to Lexington; and entre-preneur development.

During the afternoon, the group participated in aneconomic development simulation. The class wassplit into six groups. Three cities (University City, Out-lying Metro, and Airport County) competed to attractthree companies (Ingenio, Plastics R Us, and Crafts-man). Our class learned so much from this exercise,and the professional advisors were extremely helpfuland informative about the game and the real-life eco-nomic development process.

Following the simulation, one of the economic de-velopment professionals said that our region is nowin the fortunate position of being able to be pickyabout the businesses we try to attract. A recurringtheme throughout the day was how much Lexingtonhas to offer – a highly educated population, relativelylow cost of living, high quality of life, and the advan-tages of our central location – and the impressivework done by Commerce Lexington and other eco-nomic development professionals showcases theseadvantages so well.

2019-20 LeadershipLexington Applications

Become AvailableStarting on April 15

www.LeadershipLexington.com

Leadership Lexington class members at Junior Achievement (Photo by Mark Mahan, Mahan Multimedia)

NAME BADGE SPONSOR:Child Care Council of KentuckyBOOK SPONSOR: LEX HistoryBRONZE SPONSORS:Kentucky Employers’ Mutual

Insurance (KEMI)Kentucky Utilities Co.Lexington Clinic Foundation Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.


\\\ CONNECT: UK/UofL EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAM

Scholarship Opp. Available for 2019-20 UK/UofL Executive MBA ProgramSCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 15, 2019

The University of Kentucky-University of LouisvilleExecutive MBA is an exceptional program that fo-cuses on how to successfully operate a businessusing innovative techniques and cutting-edge spe-cialties, including data analytics, and emerging dig-ital technologies, all while supporting personal andcareer growth, as well as leadership development.The program gives established professionals theconfidence and knowledge they need to take thenext step in advancing as a leader in their field. Theprogram was recently ranked 28th in the world byCEO Magazine – a ranking that reflects the focus onexcellence in areas of faculty talent, student experi-ence, and inclusiveness in the program.

For many years, Commerce Lexington Inc. hasrecognized the importance of nurturing young lead-ers and providing leadership development opportu-nities to individuals in our community and regionthrough its Leadership Lexington and LeadershipCentral Kentucky programs. Between the two pro-grams, more than 1,700 people have become moreknowledgeable about the region in which they live,while actively contributing to efforts to enhance theBluegrass.

Through a partnership formed between Com-merce Lexington Inc. and UK’s Gatton College ofBusiness & Economics, a scholarship in the amountof $10,000 will be available to a Commerce Lexing-ton Inc. member to help defray the cost of the pro-gram beginning in August 2019. The goal is toprovide an opportunity for an advancing corporateleader to demonstrate their desire to improve theeconomic environment of Central Kentucky, whilefurthering their own personal development.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONAVAILABLE ON-LINE:To qualify for the scholarship, those within the Com-merce Lexington Inc. membership must completean application that includes an essay outlining howtheir participation in the program would benefitboth themselves and Central Kentucky as a whole.Scholarship applications are available online atwww.commercelexington.com/ukul-executive-mba-scholarship.html, with a submission deadline ofApril 15th, 2019. Additionally, the scholarship can-didate must meet all the admission criteria for theUK-UofL Executive MBA program detailed athttp://execmba.biz/admissions/requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Scholarship applications will be reviewed by bothrepresentatives of Commerce Lexington Inc. and theUniversity of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business& Economics, and a recipient will be recommendedto the EMBA Admissions Committee, who will then

make the final determination. For questions aboutthe Commerce Lexington Inc. EMBA Scholarshipopportunity, contact Lynda Bebrowsky at [email protected]. For questionsabout the UK-UofL Executive MBA program in gen-eral, contact Lorna Patches (859) 257-7636.

Leadership Lexington Youth Students ExploreArea Higher Education Opportunities

Leadership Lex-ington Youth classmembers began theirHigher EducationDay Session with thePrichard CommitteeStudent Voice Teamspeaking to the groupabout implementingchange in theirschools and ensuringtheir voices areheard. After a quickbreak, Sean Smith from The College Project gave some quickpointers about applying and choosing the right college. Becausecollege is often a monetary burden, students completed a budg-eting activity with representatives of UK’s financial aid office.

We then had a quick tour of the new University of KentuckyGatton Student Center before an etiquette luncheon where par-ticipants learned proper mannerisms during a job interview ormeeting over a meal. University of Kentucky professor Grace Gor-rell announced that LLYP would be funding a StrengthsFindertest for every student and explained how this would work. Notlong after, class members hopped on a UK bus to the Lewis Hon-ors College for a tour. The students explored classrooms, dorms,and dining areas. To end the day, several UK students answeredquestions about college in general or the University of Kentucky.


///CONNECT: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

RECAP BY CAROLINE YANDELL, SAYRE SCHOOL

Lexington Lexington Youth class membersparticipated in an etiquette luncheon duringHigher Education Day. (CLX Staff Photo)

PRESENTED BY

PLATINUM SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS:Central Bank & Trust Co.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.

Not Happy Withthe Efficiencyof Your HVAC?Contact SynergyHome Lexington'sheating and cooling

experts today!(859) 687-0553

www.MySynergyHome.com

EXCERPTS OF RECAP BY DREW PERRAUT, LANDWORKS OUTDOOR CREATIONS | FULL RECAP AT LeadershipCentralKentucky.com

Leadership Central Kentucky Class Visits Richmond, Madison CountyLeadership Central Kentucky’s

day in Madison County began atthe Richmond Chamber of Com-merce with a presentation byCommerce Lexington Inc.’s ChiefPolicy Officer, Andi Johnson, whotalked about the advantages ofeconomic development market-ing as a region, rather than indi-vidual cities. Next, the class heard from Ken-

tucky State Trooper, Robert Purdy,who outlined new drug and alco-hol trends of our youth. Then, en-trepreneur Kristin Purdy talkedabout her success since launching her first small busi-ness, Purdy’s Coffee, in 2009, and later Purdy’s Em-broidery in 2011.

A presentation by Madison County’s EmergencyManagement was followed by lunch and a tour of theKentucky Artisan Center and then a visit to Berea Col-

lege, which makes a no-tuition promise to every stu-dent.

After hearing from Mae Suramek, founder of Noo-dles Nirvana, the class toured the EKU Center for theArts with Skip Daugherty, and then closed out the dayat Dreaming Creek Brewery, which opened in 2018.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR:Kentucky American Water

SILVER SPONSORS:Ale-8-One | Kentucky Bank

BOOK SPONSOR: CV Sciences

PRESENTED BY

GRADUATION SPONSOR: Columbia Gas of Kentucky | MARKETING SPONSOR: Bluegrass Community & Technical College

Leadership Central Kentucky class members at Noodle Nirvana.

\\\ CONNECT: LEADERSHIP LEXINGTON


Current & Continuing Leadership Lexington Projects Impacting Community

DiverCity FestivalOne of this year's Leadership Lexing-ton class project groups will presentthe first annual DiverCity Festival inLexington. This event is slated to offeran educational experience on ourmulti-cultural, multi-faceted city, while celebrating YOU! Scheduled forSaturday, April 27, from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Robert F. Stephens Court-house Plaza, this festival will be both family-friendly and entertaining, withfood, live performances and opportunities to interact with your fellowcommunity members. Find out more information and RSVP on Facebookat www.facebook.com/events/979806932226114.

Say Yes LexHundreds of Lexington-area youth are on thewaiting lists of many mentoring programs fora consistent, positive adult in their lives. SayYES Lex is aimed to work with existing areaorganizations to increase our city’s aware-ness of the need for more adult mentors serving and supporting Lexingtonyouth. The mission is to change the lives of Lexington youth - one youthand one mentor at a time. Will you Say YES? Visit Say YES Lex on-line atwww.sayyeslex.com, and join us at the Say YES Lex Summit on May 14 atSouthland Christian Church (Richmond Road campus) to connect with amentoring organization. Give Time, Change Lives, Say YES Lex! NOTE:Say YES Lex partners come from Commerce Lexington Leadership Lexington,Fayette County Public Schools Community Partners Leadership Team (CPLT),ONE Lexington and many local mentoring organizations.

LexGetFitLexington has a burger week, pizza week,taco week, and now...#LEXGETFIT Week!This new initiative encourages people inand around Lexington to spend the weekof June 1-8, 2019, learning about and participating in healthy lifestyleactivities and classes. #LEXGETFIT Week will feature an online directoryat lexgetfitweek.com with a variety of promotional offers from fitnessproviders and restaurants, as well as free health and wellness educationclasses that will be available throughout the community.

Pipeline to Success“Our children are our future.” “The key to freedom is education.” “In life, our latitude is a direct reflection of our attitude.”Although cliche, all of these quotes are true. However, when you talk tomost working class adults, they don’t say it was their attitude that stuntedtheir career growth, it was their lack of exposure to opportunities. A 2018-19 Leadership Lexington class project entitled Pipeline to Success is aneight-week rotational internship designed to offer exposure to high schoolstudents in career opportunities in both trades and professional fields.Working with Fayette County Public School’s Success Academy, the initia-tive aims to show our future generation that there are great careers avail-able in Kentucky that may or may not require further schooling, yet stilloffer opportunities for growth and success.

EDITOR’S NOTE:During each Leadership Lexington program, class members self-select a community project in which to participate. The community projectsserve as a crucible where class members will practice and apply leadership skills in a small-group experience, work with community leaders, gain an in-depthunderstanding of a community organization and/or community need, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

#LEXGETFIT

CONTINUING PROJECT FROM 2017-18 CLASS

LexGiveBack 2019 is April 22-28#LexGiveBack 2019 is less than a monthaway! During the week of April 22-28, we’re en-couraging everyone in Lexington to do an actof compassion for someone else, helping usto make compassion a core value for our city.We’re looking for individuals and organiza-tions who are willing to volunteer during thatweek to make a difference in the lives of others. Visit www.lexgive-back.org to learn more and to register. Also, check us out on Face-book and Instagram. Help us make Lexington an even bettercommunity by putting your compassion into action.

Read the Recap of Leadership Lexington’s Economic Development Day Session onPage 14 of This Issue of Business Focus.

2019-20 Leadership LexingtonApplications Available April 15thApplications will be available beginning Monday, April 15, 2019, forthe 2019-20 Leadership Lexington program. This leadership devel-opment program is sponsored by Commerce Lexington Inc. and di-rected toward individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities.Since 1979, this popular program has been giving participants theopportunity to better understand our city and to prepare for the chal-lenges it faces by meeting with and learning from our leaders.

LEADERSHIP LEXINGTON ENABLES PARTICIPANTS TO:l Gain exposure to current issues and developments;l Visit local sites and facilities;lMeet local and state leaders;l Develop and expand network of contacts;l Broaden their perspectives and understanding; l Build friendships and working relationships with class members;l Give back to the community through participation in group projects.

Residents and individuals who work in the Lexington area are eligibleto apply for Leadership Lexington. Applicants must be employed byfirms or organizations that are active members of Commerce Lex-ington Inc.

The deadline to apply for the 2019-20 program is Wednesday, May 15, 2019.The application can be found on-line at

www.leadershiplexington.com

AgTech ScientificResearch & DevelopmentMain Contact: Michael French333 Cleveland Drive, Paris, KY 40361Phone: (778) 836-8709www.agtechscientific.com

Applied Behavioral Advancements, LLCSocial Service OrganizationsMain Contact: Leslie Owens836 Euclid Ave., Ste. 200Lexington, KY 40502Phone: (606) 677-2636www.aba-llc.com

Bluegrass CateringCaterersMain Contact: Shannon Guerrant903 Manchester Street, Ste. 110 Lexington, KY 40508Phone: (859) 231-7676www.bluegrasscatering.com

Cinfab LLCSheet Metal WorkMain Contact: Randy Adams1057 Goodwin Dr., Lexington, KY 40505Phone: (859) 523-2698www.cinfab.com

Club PilatesPilatesMain Contact: Rob McCarter148 Malabu Drive, Ste. 170 Lexington, KY 40502Phone: (859) 552-8055www.clubpilates.com/malabulexington

Crown Services, Inc.Employment ServicesMain Contact: Free Stimely2473 Fortune Drive #190Lexington, KY 40509Phone: (859) 223-4286www.crownservices.com

Dignity Memorial / Bluegrass Memorial GardensCemeteriesMain Contact: Phil Wilburn4915 Harrodsburg RoadNicholasville, KY 40356Phone: (859) 223-1223www.dignitymemorial.com

Fizz Facial BarSkin CareMain Contact: Crystal Booth111 Cynthia Dr., Nicholasville, KY 40356Phone: (818) 522-9932https://fizzfacialbar.com

Floor Coverings International LexingtonFloor CoveringsMain Contact: Ben Walling2549 Regency Road, Ste. 101Lexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 310-6480

FlyWireTechnology DevelopmentMain Contact: Jacob Isaac-LowryPO Box 55048, Lexington, KY 40555Phone: (888) 315-7796www.flywirecameras.com

Gotec LLCManufacturersMain Contact: Debbie McCown107 Industrial Rd.Williamstown, KY 41097Phone: (859) 824-5004www.gotec-gmbh.de

Gott Caulking, Inc.ConstructionMain Contact: Jon Gott125 A Trade St., Lexington, KY 40511Phone: (859) 226-0318www.gottcaulking.com

Grant County Oil Co., Inc.Gas StationsMain Contact: Jeff Dunaway1244 N. Main St., Williamstown, KY 41097Phone: (859) 823-0099www.gofastlanestores.com

Hartland HillsRetirement Communities / Independent LivingMain Contact: Ashlee Stephens1005 Tanbark Rd., Lexington, KY 40515Phone: (859) 447-0290www.hartlandhills.com

Hudson HausBanquet FacilityMain Contact: Jill Bakehorn213 N. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507Phone: (859) 231-7676

Interior SolutionsFloor CoveringsMain Contact: Chris Poulton175 Dennis Dr., Lexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 277-4482www.kyfloors.com

Kelly ServicesEmployment ServicesMain Contact: Takarra Jackson1001 Cherry Blossom WayGeorgetown, KY 40324Phone: (502) 570-0900www.kellyservices.us/tmmk

Key Investment Solutions Inc.Business IncubatorMain Contact: Michael Tetterton3197 Beaumont Centre CircleLexington, KY 40513Phone: (859) 509-3120www.keyinvestusa.com

Leak EliminatorsUtility ConstructionMain Contact: Douglas Mitchell330 Lisle Industrial Ave.Lexington, KY 40511Phone: (859) 388-9422www.leakeliminators.com

Lexington SurgeonsPhysicians & Surgeons, SurgeryMain Contact: Hillary Fugate1760 Nicholasville Rd., Ste. 202 Lexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 277-5711www.lexingtonsurgeons.info

McAllen SolutionsIT Consulting/Technical StaffingMain Contact: Gretchen Vaught682 Teton Trail, Frankfort, KY 40601Phone: (502) 223-3344www.mcalleninc.com

Metals DepotDistributorsMain Contact: Kathie Adams4200 Revilo Rd., Winchester, KY 40391Phone: (859) 745-2650www.metalsdepot.com

Rains Painting Inc.Painting ContractorsMain Contact: John Rains117 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Ste. 3Georgetown, KY 40324Phone: (502) 542-0640

Real Insurance AgencyInsuranceMain Contact: Christian Moore4071 Tates Creek Center Dr., Ste. 308 Lexington, KY 40517Phone: (859) 203-5353www.getrealky.com

Spero HealthAddiction Recovery & TreatmentMain Contact: M.E. Kobes177 Burt Road, Lexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 687-9725https://sperohealth.com

Springs at HamburgApartmentsMain Contact: Katee McGrannahan2151 Meeting St., Lexington, KY 40509Phone: (859) 359-8667www.springsapartments.com/apartments/ky/lexington/springs-at-hamburg/

Steel Mill & Co.Women's ApparelMain Contact: Paige Calvert882 East High St., Lexington, KY 40502Phone: (270) 904-7970www.steelmillandco.com

Steele Dragon Brewery Tours, LLCEntertainmentMain Contact: John Steele3735 Palomar Centre Dr. #150-30Lexington, KY 40513Phone: (859) 559-8171www.steeledragonbrewerytours.com

Sun Lending USAMortgagesMain Contact: Peter Sun1030 Monarch St., Ste. 330 Lexington, KY 40513Phone: (859) 233-0143www.sunlendingusa.com

The Brokerage - Paul ChartierRealtorsMain Contact: Paul Chartier505 Wellington Way, Suite 125Lexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 312-0313www.thebrokerageky.com

TKT-nectir Global Staffing, LLCEmployment ServicesMain Contact: Tierra Kavanaugh Wayne9200 Shelbyville Rd., Ste. 600Louisville, KY 40222Phone: (502) 499-9440www.tktnectir.com

Tri City Auto Mart Inc.Auto Dealers-UsedMain Contact: Steven Speaks617 East New Circle RoadLexington, KY 40505Phone: (859) 294-5858www.mytricityauto.com

Trips to CherishTravel AgenciesMain Contact: Folami Ladipo2392 Woodhill Dr. (By Appointment Only)Lexington, KY 40588Phone: (859) 309-6229www.tripstocherish.com

Weichert Realtors, ABG PropertiesRealtorsMain Contact: Diana Emrich139 Market St., Ste. 300Lexington, KY 40507Phone: (859) 543-8253www.agbrealtors.com

Winner's Circle Painting LLCPainting ContractorsMain Contact: Michael Harness121 Dewey Drive, Unit CNicholasville, KY 40356Phone: (859) 881-4699www.winnerscirclepaint.com


///WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

NEW COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. MEMBERS FOR THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 15 THROUGH MARCH 13, 2019

\\\ MEMBER PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commerce Lexington Inc. members BatesSecurity and Country Boy Brewing were eachrecognized among a list of eight companieschosen as 2018’s Best Bets. In conjunction withThe Lane Report, Dean Dorton annuallyrecognizes distinct and esteemed companiesthat are impacting Kentucky’s economicdevelopment. The Best Bets list is based onseveral factors including the revenue figures forthe last three years, employee investment, re-investment in the company, and otherachievements.

C-Forward has been recognized as one of the Top250 IT Companies in America by CRN. Thismarks the fifth straight year that C-Forward hasmade this prestigious list. CRN’s 2019recognizes North American IT solution providersthat have cutting-edge approaches to managedservices. The MSP Pioneer 250 have largely builttheir business model around providing managedservices to the SMB market.

Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, which offersa variety of equine-assisted activities andtherapies at its base in the Kentucky Horse Park,recently welcomed Pete Hester, M.D. (founder ofthe Charitable Impact Group) and Chris Johnson(Kentucky League of Cities) to its board ofdirectors.

FASTSIGNS of Lexington recently received thePinnacle Club Award given to centers ranked 26to 125 in sales volume between Oct. 1, 2017 andSept. 30, 2018. In addition, FASTSIGNS ofLexington received a Mentor Recognition Awardwhich honors a seasoned franchisee who serves

as a mentor to a new FASTSIGNS franchisee forthe first six months of operation. Owned byConda Marcum and Don Marcum, FASTSIGNSof Lexington has been serving the area over 25years.

Jackson Kelly PLLC has named Clifton B. Clark asits Lexington office managing member,assuming the duties and responsibilities ofRobert F. Duncan, who has served as managingmember since 2009. Clark’s practice focusesprimarily on corporate structuring and finance,commercial lending, mergers and acquisitions,and tax.

The staff and board of directors of JuniorAchievement of the Bluegrass recently receivedthe 2017-18 Peak Performance Team Award fromJunior Achievement USA. The award recognizesoutstanding performance by a local JuniorAchievement office team during the past fiscalyear. Recipients recognized with the award haveachieved the highest combined level of studentgrowth, increased market share and totalrevenue growth.

Keller Williams Greater Lexington announced thefollowing new agents, including DerekBlankenship, Traci Long, Adam Swiney, andYvette Mays.

Key Assets Kentucky recently announced thehiring of two additional members of itsleadership team, including Royce Gilpin asquality assurance manager and Jace Piersol ashuman resources generalist.

Lexington Catholic High School announced theappointment of Sandra R. Young as the school’ssixth president, succeeding Dr. Steve Angelucci.A native of Pennsylvania where she has spenttime leading both Catholic and independentschools, Mrs. Young will begin her role as LCHSpresident on July 1st.

Elise Hinchman has joined Sayre ChristianVillage as director of marketing anddevelopment.

In celebration of its IPO, IMAC Holdings, Inc.,parent company of the Tony Delk IMACRegeneration Center, got to ring the OpeningBell at the Nasdaq MarketSite on February 20.Former professional basketball player and brandambassador, Tony Delk, joined Jeff Ervin, CEO,and other members of the IMAC managementteam in New York to officially launch IMAC’sjourney as a publicly-traded company.

Shrout Tate Wilson Engineers recently welcomedMichael Warren as construction administratorand Asato Tashiro as an electrical engineer. Theywill serve clients in Lexington and Louisville.

SUBMIT PERSONNEL NEWS:Submit your company’s awards, personnel changes,additions, or promotions for Business Focus [email protected]. Informationis published in the order received & as space permits.


Commerce Lexington Inc.330 East Main Street, Suite 100P.O. Box 1968Lexington, KY 40588-1968

PeriodicalPostage PAIDat Lexington,Kentucky

APRIL 2019:Fayette County Public Schools’ SPRING BREAK!

Leadership Lexington Youth Program presented by UKHealthCare: Graduation Day.

Leadership Lexington presented by Lexus of Lexington:Diversity Day Session.

Application period opens for 2019-20 Leadership Lexingtonprogram. Deadline to apply is May 15, 2019. - SEE PAGE 17

Deadline to submit UK/UofL Executive MBA ScholarshipApplications. - SEE PAGE 15

Leadership Central Kentucky presented by LG&E and KUEnergy at Clark County.

Net90 hosted by The Venues of The Grand Reserve (903Manchester St.), 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. - SEE PAGE 8

Business Link sponsored and hosted by Hilton LexingtonDowntown (369 W. Vine St.), 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. - SEE PAGE 9

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MAY 2019:2019 Leadership Visit presented by Central Bank & Trust Co.to Raleigh, North Carolina. - SEE PAGE 3

Leadership Lexington presented by Lexus of Lexington: EquineDay Session.

@330 Series presented by Distillery Heights, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.,at CLX’s first floor conference room. - SEE PAGE 8

Deadline to apply for the 2019-20 Leadership Lexingtonprogram. Apply on-line at www.LeadershipLexington.com.

Leadership Central Kentucky presented by LG&E and KUEnergy: Reflection & Graduation Day.

Business Owners Advisory Boards Enrollment Event, 3:30 - 5p.m., at CLX’s first floor conference room. - SEE PAGE 12

Leadership Lexington presented by Lexus of Lexington: EquineDay Session.

New Member Luncheon presented by Kinetic Business byWindstream, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at Commerce Lexington’sfirst floor conference room.

Commerce Lexington Inc. offices closed in observance ofMemorial Day.

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\\\ COMMERCE LEXINGTON: UPCOMING EVENTS

business focus - commerce lexington · 2 business focus april 2019 business focus is published once...

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